Reducing Energy Consumption in Pharmaceutical Production Processes: Framework and Case Study

Abstract

Purpose This paper aims to present a novel framework for reducing energy consumption in pharmaceutical manufacturing processes, with a primary focus on parenterals production. The framework supports (a) the design of optimal energysaving solutions, (b) the execution and implementation and (c) the comparison of designed and actual performance as a postimplementation control. In selecting promising options, multiobjective criteria are defined for comprehensive decision-making which considers not only energy savings, but also other aspects such as good manufacturing practice (GMP), risk, and workers' safety. Methods and Framework In the framework, five phases were defined in total, with three for design and two for execution and control, respectively. In the three design phases, options are generated, evaluated and selected step by step, with appropriate evaluation criteria covering financial as well as non-financial aspects. The roles of various stakeholders, e.g., Operations, Engineering, or Quality Assurance, are defined for each phase in order to enable smooth and certain decision-making. Case Study and Results A case study was performed in the parenterals production plant at Hoffmann-La Roche in Kaiseraugst. Twelve energy efficiency ideas were generated and, after the screening and selection process, the three most promising options from the multiobjective Pareto optimization were implemented to reduce the total plant's energy consumption by 2.5 %. Conclusions The framework enabled the systematic generation and selection of various options, which helped in the allocation of company resources in a prioritized and thus effective manner.

Life cycle environmental impacts of inhalers

“…Pharmaceutical companies across the globe are adopting different sustainability-related practices in an attempt to minimise their impacts (Chaturvedi et al, 2017). These practices include use of green chemistry principles for the reduction or replacement of hazardous substances (Cue and Zhang, 2009), adoption of energyefficiency measures in manufacturing (Müller et al, 2014) and application of the eco-design concept in product development (Baron, 2012). Moreover, some companies are using life cycle assessment (LCA) to identify, evaluate and implement such measures (De Soete et al, 2017;Jiménez-González et al, 2011).…”

Decision Support Method for the Choice between Batch and Continuous Technologies in Solid Drug Product Manufacturing

“…The parameters C HVAC [$/m 2 /h], A [m 2 ], T HVAC ( i ) [h/yr] represent HVAC cost, manufacturing space, which is covered by HVAC, and HVAC running time, respectively. As HVAC is known as a dominant utility for maintaining a clean manufacturing environment, other utilities such as water or electricity were not included in this equation. The parameter C capacity ( i ) [$/yr] represents capacity cost, i.e., the loss of profits from capacity displaced by the new product as an additional operating cost.…”

Obtención y Validación de Modelos de Presión Diferencial en la Sección de Impulsión de una Unidad Manejadora de Aire

“…sistemas de calentamiento, ventilación y acondicionamiento de aire (HVAC por sus siglas en inglés) han sido objeto de numerosos trabajos de investigación durante los últimos años. Una de las principales razones es que estos sistemas representan hasta un 50%, o más, del consumo total de energía de los edificios donde se encuentran instalados (Afram & Janabi-Sharifi, 2015;Moradi & Vossoughi, 2016;Müller et al, 2014;Shah et al, 2017;Xiong & Wang, 2020;Yan et al, 2020), por lo que su operación eficiente resulta muy *cagarcia@automatica.cujae.edu.cu Recibido: 25/05/2021 Aceptado: 21/06/2022 Publicado en línea: 04/08/2022 10.33333/rp.vol50n2.05 CC 4.0 importante. También, ha sido de interés el mejoramiento del confort térmico en los edificios y el diagnóstico y detección de fallos en el sistema de climatización.…”