Dehumidifier Operation and Maintenance, Purpose:
Dehumidifier Operation and Maintenance, The purpose of this SOP is to define the operation and maintenance procedure of dehumidifiers of HVAC systems of Sterile and Solid of XX Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Dehumidifier Operation and Maintenance, Scope:
This Standard Operating Procedure applies to the dehumidifiers of HVAC system installed at Sterile and Solid Block of XX Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Definitions / Abbreviation:
[][]AHU: Air Handling Unit.
[][]Dehumidifier: A dehumidifier is an equipment of HVAC system which reduces the level of humidity in the air. This basic dehumidification process uses a special humidity absorbing material called a desiccant, which is exposed to the air to be conditioned.
Responsibilities:
[][]The roles and responsibilities are as follows:
Engineering (Validation) Department
[][]Preparing the SOP and revise it when necessary.
Engineering (Maintenance) Department
[][]To provide necessary support for smooth operation of the system.
[][]To ensure that the operators are responsible to carry out the operation and fill up the logbooks.
Operator
[][]To operate the system according to the SOP.
[][]To fill up the log sheets.
GM, Engineering
[][]To ensure that the system is operated properly.
Procedure:
Precautions:
[][]All operation work must be done safely in accordance with the requirements of the Plant Safety Statement and the safety notices around the plant. Specific attention must be paid to the following:
[][]Do not touch the steam line with bare hands.
[][]Perform any kind of maintenance after switching off electrical power and also after cooling of hot pipe line.
[][]Use personal protective equipment and clothing as necessary at the time of performing maintenance work.
[][]Put the “UNDER MAINTENANCE” tag on an easily visible place of the equipment before performing maintenance.
System Description
[][]In an HVAC system a dehumidifier is used to reduce the humidity of air. There are various ways to dehumidify the air. Desiccant type dehumidifier is commonly used in HVAC system of pharmaceutical industry.
[][]A chemical (normally silica gel) is used as a desiccant which adsorbs the moisture in the air. The air to be conditioned is passed through the bed of silica gel which adsorbs the moisture.
[][]This silica gel is again regenerated using the heated air. The heated air is produced by using steam in the heat exchanger or by electrical heater.
Pre-start check
[][]Check that the related AHU of the dehumidifier is switched on.
[][]The steam pressure in the steam header should be between 2 to 4 bar.
Starting Procedure
[][]Switch on the main circuit breaker.
[][]Check the power indicating light.
[][]Turn the selector switch to “MANUAL” mode to run the dehumidifier using manual mode. “AUTO” position is selected to run the dehumidifier in automatic mode.
During Operation
[][]During operation, the indicating light “OPERATION” becomes on.
[][]Check the rotational direction of motor and bed of silica gel. It should be in clockwise direction.
[][]Check if there is any alarm in the alarm indicator and resolve it.
Stopping Procedure
[][]Turn the selector switch to off (O) position to switch off the dehumidifier.
[][]Switch off the main circuit breaker.
Preventive Maintenance of Dehumidifier
[][]Perform any kind of maintenance after switching off the electrical power and cooling of electrical heater.
[][]Fill up the log book after performing preventive maintenance (according to Annexure – I and Annexure – II).
[][]Perform preventive maintenance according to the following schedule:
Monthly
[][]Check the filters and clean if necessary.
Half yearly
[][]Check the rotor drive and clean with compressed air if it is necessary.
[][]Check that the rotor sealing is in the right position and not damaged.
Yearly
[][]Check the rotor bearing.
[][]Check the rotor surface.
[][]Check the motors for any abnormal sound.
After 3 years
[][]Change the silica gel.
Annexure:
Annexure – I: Log sheet for preventive maintenance of Dehumidifier