www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I July 2024 19
Feature
DESIGNING PHARMACEUTICAL FACTORIES
Compiled by Eamonn Ryan
HVAC systems for pharmaceutical premises are designed to maintain a safe and hygienic environment .
The building of new pharmaceutical premises is not a common project in South Africa , but Ryan Rennie : Spada-Rennie Group , a specialist with over two decades of experience in the design of pharmaceutical factories , notes that there is much retrofitting and upgrading occurring .
He shares some insights into the intricacies of designing HVAC systems for pharmaceutical factories , shedding light on the unique challenges and meticulous planning involved .
Ryan Rennie , from the Spada- Rennie Group .
Rennie emphasises the specialised nature of pharmaceutical HVAC engineering . " We ' ve been in this industry for about 20 years ," he notes , explaining that the complexity and strict regulatory requirements of pharmaceutical manufacturing deter many from entering the field . The need for highly controlled environments means that HVAC systems must meet rigorous standards to ensure product safety and efficacy .
The key component of pharmaceutical HVAC design is the creation and maintenance of clean rooms . These environments are essential for preventing contamination during the production of pharmaceutical products . Rennie ' s company focuses heavily on this aspect . " We refer to them as clean rooms because of their stringent requirements ," Rennie explains .
Clean rooms are classified based on their adherence to specific conditions such as temperature , relative humidity , and air cleanliness . For instance , in a Biological Safety Level 3 ( BSL-3 ) laboratory , which might handle dangerous pathogens like tuberculosis , the air must be meticulously controlled . " We want the air to leave the room without re-entering , and it must pass through specific filters ," Rennie details . This process ensures that any contaminated air does not pose a risk to the environment or personnel .
BEYOND PHARMACEUTICAL CLEAN ROOMS Rennie highlights the importance of collaboration , and within the Spada-Rennie Group there exists a range of services from consulting
Supplied by Ryan Rennie Stockgiu | Freepik . com and project management to construction . An integrated approach allows for seamless execution of complex projects . " We handle everything from design to construction . This holistic method ensures that every aspect of the HVAC system is tailored to the specific needs of the facility .”
" Clean rooms are our primary business focus . Clients come to us because they want one entity responsible for the entire project ." This comprehensive approach contrasts with traditional methods , where different consultants are hired piecemeal , often leading to miscommunication and suboptimal results . " I ' ve seen it time and again . When consultants who aren ' t familiar with the complexities of clean rooms are brought in , the project often fails to meet the client ' s needs , and everyone ends up blaming each other ."
Rennie warns about the importance of appointing experienced consulting engineers in these projects . " If clients go for the cheapest option , it usually backfires . The intricacies of clean room design requires a deep understanding of various engineering disciplines , and the risk of failure is too high to cut corners .
" We assess the consulting team members we need . This includes HVAC specialists , architects , electrical engineers , and fire services experts . We have a solid team , but we also partner with other specialists to provide the full range of services ."
“ Since bacteria and viruses travel on dust particles , controlling particle levels in the air is crucial for maintaining a sterile environment .”
www . refrigerationandaircon . co . za RACA Journal I July 2024 19