SOP for Preventive Maintenance of Ampoule Sterilization Depyrogenation Tunnel EN-56

The purpose of this (Standard Operating Procedure) SOP For Preventive Maintenance of  Ampoule Sterilization Depyrogenation Tunnel is to outline the steps and guidelines for performing preventive maintenance on the Ampoule Sterilization & Depyrogenation Tunnel to ensure its optimal performance, compliance with sterilization and depyrogenation requirements, and to minimize the risk of contamination.

SOP For Preventive Maintenance of  Ampoule Sterilization Depyrogenation Tunnel

• OBJECTIVE:
  • This SOP is describing the Preventive Maintenance procedure of Ampoule Sterilization & Depyrogenation Tunnel
• SCOPE:
  • This SOP is applicable for Preventive Maintenance of Ampoule Sterilization & Depyrogenation Tunnel installed in Production department .
• RESPONSIBILITY:
  • Technician/ Operator shall be responsible for proper execution of preventive maintenance as per SOP.
  • Engineering – Head shall be responsible for reviewing the SOP and for ensuring proper execution of preventive maintenance
• ACCOUNTABILITY:
  • Engineering – Head shall be accountable for proper implementation of the SOP.
• DEFINITIONS:
  • Nil
• PROCEDURE:
  • Preventive maintenance shall be executed as per the SOP No.: SOP/EN/XXXYYY – Execution of Preventive Maintenance.
  • Ensure that the spare parts are available at the time of preventive maintenance.
• Preventive Maintenance: – Mechanical
• Maintenance of filters
  • Over time the fiber mesh may get dirty due to the accumulation of dust and other particles.
  • Simple ways to clean a HEPA filter using soft brush.
  • If there are stubborn impurities sticking on to the padding then a gentle knock on the mesh can dislodge the stuck particles.
  • If this does not work then highly compressed air blown through the mesh can help in removing the stuck particles.
  • Dust removal filter shall be done Monthly.
• Check the filter for dry zone pre-filter as follows
  • Loosen the filter fame bolts and remove frame.
  • Loosen the filter clamp.
  • Loosen the bolts and remove the filter and check and clean the filter as per filter cleaning SOP No. SOP/EN/XXXYYY any preventive maintenance
  • After cleaning and drying the filters fix the filter on the frame.
  • Tighten the bolts and adjust the clamps position properly.
  • Ensure that the mounting of the filter is done properly on the frame.
  • Position and mount the pre filter with frame and tighten the bolts.
  • Ensure that the pre-filter is mounted properly and will function as per requirement.
  • Checking and cleaning of dry zone pre-filter shall be done monthly.
• Replacement Procedure for dry zone HEPA filter as follows
  • Loosen the clamps with the help of spanner.
  • With utmost care remove the HEPA Filter and check the condition of HEPA filter
  • Replace the old HEPA filter with New HEPA filter with utmost care, hold the HEPA filters in such a position so that no damage is done to the filters while mounting the HEPA filters.
  • Carefully hold and position the filter at desired place and make sure that the mounting is done in a proper way.
  • After mounting hold the clamp in proper position so that it holds the filter.
  • Tighten the bolts back to the clamp.
  • Replacement frequency of dry zone HEPA filter shall be 2 years or if the integrity fails during revalidation.
• Check the filter for hot zone pre-filter as follows
  • With the help of a nut, loosen the front plate on to the pre-filter.
  • Remove the front plate from the front side.
  • Remove the filter manually with utmost care.
  • Check the filter and clean the filter as per filter cleaning SOP No. SOP/EN/XXXYYY
  • After cleaning the pre-filter mount the pre-filter with utmost care.
  • After proper adjustment, attaché the front plate.
  • With the help of a nut, tighten the front plate on to the pre-filter.
  • Checking and cleaning of hot zone pre-filter shall be done monthly.
• Replacement Procedure of Hot zone HEPA filter as follows
  • Switch off the power supply
  • Loosen the bolts on the heater bank and carefully remove the heaters.
  • Remove the clamping studs from all sides with the help a spanner and also remove the filter mounting bar at the top.
  • Remove the high temperature HEPA filters with gaskets.
  • Replace the old HEPA filter with new HEPA filter; insert the high temperature HEPA filters with gasket on the downstream side.
  • Extreme care should be taken while placing the filters and tighten the stud.
  • After proper mounting attach all the studs with the filter mounting bars again.
  • Attach the heater bank as before.
  • Replacement frequency of hot zone HEPA filter shall be 2 years or if the integrity fails during revalidation.
• Check the filter for cooling zone pre-filter as follows
  • Loosen the bolts over the top plate.
  • Remove the top plate.
  • Carefully remove the pre-filter from the slot provided for the same.
  • Check the filter and clean the filter as per filter cleaning SOP No. SOP/EN/XXXYYY
  • After cleaning of pre-filter refit the filter in slot provided for the same.
  • Slowly press the filter from top so that it moves inside.
  • Ensure that the mounting is done properly.
  • Attach the top plate and tighten the bolts.
  • Checking and cleaning of cooling zone pre-filter shall be done monthly.
• Replacement Procedure for cooling zone HEPA-filter as follows
  • Loosen the clamp with the help of spanner.
  • With utmost care, remove the HEPA filter.
  • Replace the old HEPA filter with new HEPA filter with utmost care, hold the HEPA filters in such a position so that no damage is done to the filters while mounting the HEPA filters.
  • Carefully hold and position the filter at desired place and make sure that he mounting is done in a proper way.
  • After mounting hold the clamp in proper position so that it holds the filter.
  • Tighten the blots back to the clamps.
  • Replacement frequency of cooling zone HEPA filter shall be 2 years or if the integrity fails during revalidation.

• Cleaning of Conveyor in case of breakage of Ampoules
  • The cleaning of the conveyor and the side plates near the conveyor is essential when the breakage of the containers takes place.
  • The guards at front as well as from side should be taken out.
  • The reason for breakage of the ampoule should be found and the necessary action should be taken.
  • The broken ampoules should be cleaned with a piece of cloth.
  • The ampoule must be cleaned from the side plate as well as from the bottom of the conveyor. This should be done so that the Ampoules does not get stuck between the conveyors rollers at the Dry Zone and Cooling Zone side and cause any damage to the machine.
  • The cleaning frequency will be as needed.
• Top side cleaning
  • The cleaning of the tunnel from the top side should be done so that is accumulated at the top of the tunnel.
  • The cleaning frequency shall be monthly.
• Lubrication and maintenance of the hot air fan
  • Remove the hot air fan for the lubrication.
  • Lubrication is necessary every 10000 hrs of operation at the appropriate lubrication nipple.
  • For this lubrication, high temperature bearing grease must be used.
  • The high temperature bearing grease can be obtained from the manufacturer.
  • The amount of grease for each lubrication should be 7 gms.
  • After 35000 hrs of operation the grease compartment must be cleaned.
• Cleaning of heater banks
  • The cleaning of the heater banks is done by cleaning the heater element with a clean brush from both sides.
  • The cleaning frequency shall be after every six month.
• Replacement procedure of  the tubular heater element
  • Switch off the power supply.
  • Take off the paneling on the left-hand tunnel side as in the direction of travel.
  • Unscrew screws; take off perforated metal sheet metal panel E.
  • Unscrew acorn nut and all rounds and take off together with the washers.
  • Move the complete heater assembly B out of the studs and deposit on a surface with sufficient carrying capacity.
  • Unscrew nuts and then take off the sheet metal panel C.
  • Disconnect the electric supply wires from the terminals of the faulty tubular heater element D
  • Release the back-up brackets, then lift the tubular heater element out of the brackets and remove.
  • The installation of a new tubular heater element is carried out in the reverse order.
  • Make sure that all screws, nuts and washers are put back again.
  • Tighten screws and nuts evenly.
• Checking of conveyor belts
  • Check the conveyor belts regularly for wear and have them replaced by qualified technicians if necessary.
  • The drive pulleys must be checked every 6 months for their general condition and particularly for ageing cracks.
  • If damage is found, it is advisable to change the drive pulleys.
  • This works requires special knowledge and should be carried out by a qualified fitter.
  • Check the shear pin, to safeguard against damage to the drive and to the conveyor belts.
  • If the equipment jams, the shear pin breaks off. Knock out the remnants from the sprocket and the shaft, then insert a new shear pin and secure with the serrated lock washers and nuts.
  • The checking frequency shall be done after every six month.
• Checking and Tightening the roller chain
  • Check the tension of the roller chain, if necessary retightening is done after slackening of the roller chain.
  • Checking of roller chain shall be done after every six month.
• Chilling coil and cleaning
  • Chilling coil is one of the critical components of the tunnel.
  • Therefore the mounting of the coil should be done carefully and with utmost care.
  • The cooling coil is mounted from the back side where the coil is mounted on the bracket provided for the same purpose.
  • The cleaning of the chilling coil is also important because due to continuous operation some amount of dust can get accumulated on the fins.
  • Therefore to remove the dust, air should be sprayed gently so that no damage is done to the fins and the coil.
  • Clean the drain pipe regularly.
• Checking of printer
  • Check the printer for paper alignment and printer cartridge ribbon.
  • Checking frequency shall be done after every six month.

• Check the stock recommended of spare parts as per the following list:
  • Check the stock for recommended spare part list after very six month.

• Check the alarm as follows
  • Checking of the alarms after every six month.

• Preventive Maintenance – Electrical
• Checking of terminals and wiring
  • Ensure that the power supply to the machine is switched OFF.
  • Visually check all the power and control wiring and terminations in the electrical panel and for control elements mounted on the machine for any loose connection and damage.
  • Check and ensure by using the screwdriver that all the wires are properly tightened at the distribution terminals inside the electrical panel and on the terminals of all the control elements.
  • Checking shall be done six monthly.
• Checking and maintenance of contactors
  • Switch OFF the Electrical supply to the Machine.
  • Remove all the power and control wires from the contactor terminals.
  • Remove dust from control panel with help of air blower.
  • Remove the contactor from the panel and visually check all the contacts for the signs of pitting and deposit of carbon on the contacts.
  • Clean the contacts, terminals and all the moving parts of the contactor by spraying contactor cleaner.
  • Replace the contacts if found damaged / welded.
  • Put back the contactor in the panel and re-terminate all the power and control wires properly to their original locations.
  • Checking of contactors shall be done six monthly.
• Checking of motor
  • Check the insulation resistance of motor winding with the help of meagger.
  • Check the phase continuity and winding continuity of motor with the help of tong tester.
  • Physically check the motor terminal box and terminal connections.
  • Check the voltage drawn by motor with the help of multimeter
  • Check the current drawn by motor with the help of tong tester.
  • Physically check the direction of rotation; it should be as per recommended direction.
  • Checking shall be done after every six month.
• Checking of earth connection
  • Check earthing wire and thimble for any damage. If observed any replace the same.
  • Tighten the earth connection with appropriate tool.
  • Checking shall be done six monthly.
• Checking of PLC
  • Check the PLC for blinking of LED.
  • Check the display
  • Check the wiring contacts, if required tight the same.
  • Checking of PLC shall be done after every six month.
• Checking of RTD Sensors
  • Check all RTD sensors for any breakage/damage. If observed any, replace the respective RTD sensor.
  • Checking shall be done six monthly.
• Post Preventive Maintenance – Check List
  • Record the PM details as per the Format No.: SOP/EN/XXXYYY “Preventive Maintenance Checklist & Record for Ampoule Sterilization & Depyrogenation Tunnel”.
  • Whenever any modifications and major works are carried out to the equipment, the same shall be mentioned in the equipment history card as per the respective SOP.
  • Connect the equipment main power supply and start the equipment.
  • Ensure that the equipment is running smoothly, without any abnormality.
  • If any abnormality is observed in the above, same will be attended in co-ordination with User department Head.
• ABBREVIATIONS:
  • CRF No.   :     Change Request Form number
  • QA            :     Quality Assurance
• REFERENCES:
  • Operational & Maintenance Manual of Sterilizing and Depyrogenation Tunnel. 
• DISTRIBUTION LIST:
  • SOP shall be distributed to following departments Quality Assurance, Engineering as per user    request
  • ANNEXURES:
  • Preventive Maintenance checklist and record for                            :     SOP/EN/XXXYYY Sterilizing and Depyrogenation Tunnel.

PM Checklist & Record in SOP For Preventive Maintenance of  Ampoule Sterilization, Depyrogenation Tunnel

Frequently Asked Questions about the SOP For Preventive Maintenance of  Ampoule Sterilization, Depyrogenation Tunnel

What is the purpose of the SOP for Preventive Maintenance of Ampoule Sterilization & Depyrogenation Tunnel?

Answer: The purpose of this SOP is to outline the steps and guidelines for performing preventive maintenance on the Ampoule Sterilization & Depyrogenation Tunnel to ensure its optimal performance, compliance with sterilization and depyrogenation requirements, and minimize the risk of contamination.

Who is responsible for carrying out the preventive maintenance activities as per the SOP?

Answer: The maintenance team is responsible for carrying out the preventive maintenance activities as per the SOP.

How often should preventive maintenance be performed on the Ampoule Sterilization & Depyrogenation Tunnel?

Answer: Preventive maintenance should be performed at regular intervals:

• Daily: Visual inspection, cleaning, and basic checks.
• Weekly: Lubrication, more thorough checks, and verification of sterilization & depyrogenation parameters.
• Monthly: In-depth inspection and calibration, if required.

What materials and tools are required for the preventive maintenance of the Ampoule Sterilization & Depyrogenation Tunnel?

Answer: The materials and tools required for preventive maintenance include:

• Clean lint-free cloths
• Approved cleaning agents and disinfectants
• Lubricants as specified by the equipment manufacturer
• Calibration equipment (as needed)

What are the tasks involved in daily maintenance of the Ampoule Sterilization & Depyrogenation Tunnel?

Answer: Daily maintenance tasks include:

• Visual inspection and cleaning of the tunnel’s interior and exterior surfaces.
• Checking the conveyor system and sterilization & depyrogenation sensors.
• Verifying the condition of gaskets and seals.

What tasks are involved in monthly maintenance of the Ampoule Sterilization & Depyrogenation Tunnel?

Answer: Monthly maintenance tasks include:

• In-depth inspection of critical components, calibration of sensors, and inspection of the control panel.
• Reviewing maintenance records for recurring issues.
• Performing major maintenance, repairs, or part replacements as needed.

What documentation should be maintained during preventive maintenance?

Answer: Documentation to be maintained includes:

• Maintenance log with date, time, tasks performed, and issues resolved.
• Records of spare parts used and their serial numbers, if applicable.
• Calibration results, if performed.

What safety precautions should be followed during preventive maintenance of the Ampoule Sterilization & Depyrogenation Tunnel?

Answer: Safety precautions include:

• Following proper lockout/tagout procedures before maintenance.
• Using appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) during cleaning and maintenance tasks.
• Adhering to established safety guidelines for handling chemicals and cleaning agents. Complying with all safety procedures specified by the company and the equipment manufacturer

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