Ice Pigging Pharmaceutical Sector Case Study

Biofilm remediation in pure water systems

The Nivalis team were contacted to investigate the use of Ice Pigging as part of a biofilm remediation process in pure water distribution loops. The customer, a global leader in the research and development and manufacturing of pharmaceutical drugs, had discovered biofilm in their purse water loop system. They required a full remediation process before production lines, fed from the pure water system, could commence manufacturing of active pharmaceutical ingredients. Much of the pure water generation system was replaced with relative ease and tanks were cleaned with high pressure jetting systems, but the pure water distribution loops presented a serious challenge.

The loops consist of up to 1000m of 38mm and 50mm diameter fully welded stainless steel pipe that weave up and down the factory to feed purified water to multiple processes throughout the plant.

Nivalis used a NIV500 hygienic ice production and delivery system

Summary of Nivalis site operations:

• Tailor Ice Pigging additive to be compatible with customer needs
• Completed system Ice Pigging operations in line with customer process standards
• Clean up to 1000m of pure water loop system in less than 60 minutes
• All operations completed within one week
• All systems passed quality procedures and recommended production requirements
• After one year and system inspections, all fit for purpose and no evidence of biofilm!

In simple terms, without the Ice Pigging technology and the support of the Nivalis team, we would have struggled to remediate all water systems within the time frame required to restart API (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient) production.

- Customer lead engineer