Steam generators for pharma firm

The two Steam Generators have been installed at Martindale Pharma's principle site of manufacture in Romford, UK, which specialises in the production of sterile ampoules, sterile screw cap bottles, non-sterile liquids, non-sterile suspensions and suppositories.

Steam is produced for a wide variety of uses across the Romford site, including the manufacturing production processes, production of Water for Injection (WFI) and a Pure Steam Generator (PSG), as well as heating for the company's Air Handling Systems.  The new VPX units have replaced four smaller generators that were unable to meet Martindale Pharma's growth and subsequent capacity requirements.

VPX vertical coil steam generators from Babcock Wanson feature three full gas passes plus an in-built combustion air pre heater to give high operating efficiency.  With availability of steam from cold start in as little as three minutes and a low volume of water under pressure the VPX Steam Generator combines efficiency with safety, even at very high working pressure.  They are rugged in construction and very compact.

The pressure containing coil design of the VPX forms the main combustion chamber with the second and third passes for the gases going between the coil windings to ensure high gas velocity with good heat transfer and self cleaning of the smoke side. Accurate flame dimensions are important for any combustion device and the use of a purpose built and matched Babcock Wanson burner ensures long life and simple operation. The feed water system is simple in operation and easy to maintain, consisting of either a multi diaphragm type positive displacement pump driven from an inverter controlled motor for both accurate control and lowest electrical demand.

As there is no discernible water level with a coil type boiler, the need for water level gauge glasses and other devices normally associated with fire tube boilers is eliminated with the associated reduction in boiler house manning demands. This equals simple and safe operation at a low operating cost.

To maintain the steam generators' efficiency and to maximise their working life, Martindale Pharma has signed up to Babcock Wanson's Water Treatment Service operated in conjunction with water treatment specialist Deep Water Blue. Under this service Martindale Pharma benefits from the deployment of professional chemists who ensure the treatment and testing regime is completed to obtain an accurate picture of the site's specific requirements under a variety of conditions. This ensures the most appropriate chemical dosing regime is always employed.  In between scheduled consultancy visits the vSteam web portal allows Martindale Pharma to simply enter daily readings on-line and receive real-time feedback support.

Mark McLean, engineering team leader at Martindale Pharma, is pleased with the service: "The service from Deep Water Blue has so far been really good and the internet based reporting system is a fantastic tool for daily feedback on the water conditions, with instant advice on what to do to rectify any reading starting to drift out of specification."

In addition, the Babcock Wanson Water Treatment Service provides a five year corrosion warranty on the steam generator coil. In the unlikely event of feed water deficiencies causing the coil to corrode within the first five years, Babcock Wanson will replace it under warranty.