Pharmaceutical and fine chemical companies must regularly adapt their production environments to new regulations.
Stricter GMP requirements, the increased use of highly potent active ingredients (HPAPI) and stricter explosion protection requirements pose challenges for existing facilities.
But a complete new build is not always necessary.
With retrofit containment solutions, existing systems can be modernized efficiently and economically – without long downtimes and at significantly lower costs.
What are retrofit containment solutions?
The term refers to customized adaptations of existing process or extraction systems with modern containment components. The aim is to significantly improve the protection of personnel, products and the environment while at the same time having as little impact as possible on ongoing operations.
Typical elements of such solutions are
- Safe-change filter modules
- Insulators and disposable containment systems
- Dust-free product removal and disposal solutions (e.g. double flap systems)
- Optimized explosion protection concepts (e.g. ATEX-compliant pressure relief)
Application scenarios in practice
A retrofit is particularly suitable for:
- Filling stations with open product guidance
- Weighing and dosing areas with high dust exposure
- Tableting lines with outdated suction technology
- Mixing and granulation areas where OEB targets are not achieved
- Systems that are to be converted to HPAPI production
Targeted technical measures can increase the OEB class, reduce the risk of cross-contamination and ensure long-term GMP compliance.
Typical challenges – and how HET Filter solves them
Every existing system is unique. Retrofit projects therefore require precise planning, many years of experience and technical expertise. Frequent challenges such as limited installation space, complex media routing or integration into existing control systems require tailor-made solutions.
HET Filter offers:
- Engineering of individual containment modules
- Compact, modular filter systems
- Support with ATEX and GMP documentation
- Close cooperation with plant manufacturers and QA
Flexible filter solutions: H13 and H14
HET Filter offers retrofit containment solutions with different filter classes.
H13 filters achieve a separation efficiency of at least 99.95 % and are suitable for many pharmaceutical processes.
H14 filters offer an even higher efficiency of 99.995 % and are ideal for handling highly potent active ingredients.
The targeted selection of the filter class improves operational safety and reliably achieves the desired OEB class.
Retrofit filtration: more efficient air pollution control
Modernizing the filtration technology significantly increases the efficiency of existing systems.
Retrofit filtration solutions from HET Filter offer:
- Higher separation efficiency
- Longer service life of the filter elements
- Lower maintenance costs
- Improved energy efficiency
This not only ensures compliance with GMP standards, but also reduces operating costs.
Retrofit explosion protection: More safety for existing systems
When retrofitting existing systems, HET Filter relies on explosion protection that is an integral part of the system design. Thanks to the explosion pressure shock-resistant design of the filter housing, any potential explosion pressure is absorbed within the system in a controlled manner so that external pressure relief is not required. The filter cells also act as a flame arrester and reliably prevent the spread of explosions within the process line. This design protection strategy sustainably increases operational safety and process continuity – without the need to install additional external safety devices.
This means that HET Filter also offers a comprehensive and standard-compliant solution for explosion protection in retrofits, which can be seamlessly integrated into existing production structures.
Advantages of retrofit containment solutions at a glance
- Maximum safety for personnel, product and environment
- Compliance with current standards (GMP, ATEX, OEB)
- Lower investment costs compared to new purchases
- Minimal downtimes thanks to precise integration
- Durable solutions, tailored to your processes
Retrofit as a sustainable solution for modern production standards
Retrofit containment solutions enable the safe, compliant and economical modernization of existing systems. This creates sustainable competitive advantages, particularly in highly regulated industries such as pharmaceuticals and fine chemicals.
Do you want to make your production environment fit for the future? We support you with in-depth analysis, technical expertise and proven solutions.
