Innovative WFI Production Process

May 13, 2017
Generation unit provides an efficient alternative to distillation for producing water for injection (WFI).

New system for the production of water for injection (WFI) updates traditional distillation processes with an innovative system that employs the "cold" membrane processing methods of reverse osmosis and electrodeionization with an additional ultrafiltration step.

 

Reverse osmosis is a physical filtration process that removes ions from the water, and the subsequent electrodeionization further reduces the remaining salt content through a combination of ion exchange and electrodialysis.

 

The unit's ultrafiltration module then separates out particles such as microbes and pyrogens on the basis of their weight and molecular size. Until now, in the European Union this method was only approved for the production of highly purified water (HPW), while in the USA and Japan it has already been approved for obtaining WFI. In the future, the process will also be permitted by European authorities – albeit with additional, specific requirements.

 

Essentially, the unit must produce water under conditions that prevent the growth of microorganisms and other impurities. For reverse osmosis systems, the EMA stipulates regular sanitization of the unit using hot water – primarily to prevent the formation of biofilms. Biofilms are caused by microbes, such as bacteria, and are difficult to remove from industrial systems. For additional protection, chemical sanitization must also be an option.

 

Bosch has now reworked the WFI unit, including a more hygienic design and built-in measuring technology to monitor the system. The stainless steel used in the storage and distribution systems does not affect the water quality. Further, the system allows all the components to be thermally sanitized at any time.

 

Process monitoring is essential for water quality

 

Total organic carbon (TOC) is a key indicator of the water's quality, and since it is also a parameter for the risk of microbial contamination in the overall system, it has to be continually monitored. Conductivity is another important parameter, and here the EMA stipulates inline process control.

 

The unit is equipped with an online measuring system to monitor specific conductivity. In order to routinely test the water in real time, Bosch has also installed an online microbe counter, which continuously records and quantifies the level of microbes and inert particles using light-induced fluorescence measurements and algorithms. All parameters are centrally monitored and controlled by means of an intuitive interface.

  • The unit fulfills the requirements for cold WFI production for the European market
  • Chemical sanitization as an optional extra
  • In-process checks for microbes and carbon content