Filtration for pharmaceutical water systems
In pharmaceutical production, water is far more than an ingredient; it is the foundation of every clean, compliant, and high-quality process. Each stage of purification serves a distinct purpose, from removing visible particles at the municipal inlet to meeting the ultra-pure standards required for production. Without this level of control, even minor impurities can compromise product safety or process efficiency.
Particulate and carbon filters form the first line of defense, removing coarse matter and chlorine by-products to protect sensitive downstream systems. Reverse osmosis and deionization then refine water further, eliminating dissolved minerals, salts, and organic matter. In later stages, sterilizing-grade filters and vent filters safeguard purified water and WFI systems, maintaining sterility and preventing microbial ingress.
Atlas Copco filtration solutions are built from validated, high-quality materials that meet ISO 9001, FDA CFR Title 21, and EU 1935/2004 standards. Each system is designed for reliable, energy-efficient operation and clean system performance, helping manufacturers maintain consistent water quality, protect critical pharma utilities, and ensure long-term stability.
The process map below illustrates how pharmaceutical water treatment supports every stage, from pretreatment and purification to storage and final use, ensuring a sterile, compliant, and dependable water supply for injection and production.
Filtration solutions for pharmaceutical water systems
Atlas Copco provides reliable prefiltration systems that stabilize water quality and protect downstream pharmaceutical processes. Our solutions include:
- PBP / PFP⁺ / PFP⁺ D PP filters:
Depth filters for particulate removal at the municipal water inlet, eliminating coarse contaminants and lowering the load on downstream systems. - PFP⁺ A and PFP⁺ D PP filters:
Installed downstream of carbon beds and before RO, capturing carbon fines and suspended solids to safeguard membranes and ensure clean feed water. - SMT-G PTFE filters:
Sterilization-grade vent filters for storage tanks, preventing microbial ingress during air exchange and maintaining water sterility. - PFP⁺ A PP filters:
Applied before sterilization-grade filtration, reducing particulates to extend the service life of final filters. - SME⁺ PES filters:
Sterilization-grade liquid filters ensuring microbial-free water for pure and injection-grade applications. - SMV PVDF filters:
Low-binding sterilizing membranes applied at point-of-use for final microbial control, helping preserve water sterility before reaching critical applications.
Together, these filters create a robust multi-stage treatment system that delivers stable, contaminant-free water for pharmaceutical manufacturing, whether for pure water or water for injection.
Key filtration benefits in pharmaceutical water treatment
Benefits for manufacturers
Frequently asked questions
Why is water such a critical raw material in pharmaceutical manufacturing?
Because purified water and WFI (Water for Injection) are used in almost every stage, from formulation to cleaning. Any contamination here can compromise product safety and compliance.
What are the main purification steps in a pharma water system?
Typical systems include pretreatment, reverse osmosis, deionization, and final sterilizing-grade filtration. Each step removes different types of impurities, particles, dissolved salts, organics, and microbes.
How do manufacturers control microbial contamination in water systems?
Through continuous safeguards like sterile vent filters, UV disinfection, and sanitization of tanks and distribution loops, which prevent biofilm growth and microbial ingress.
What standards must pharmaceutical water meet?
Water must comply with global pharmacopoeial standards (USP, EP, JP), including limits for conductivity, TOC (Total Organic Carbon), and endotoxins, ensuring consistent quality.
How does filtration improve system reliability and reduce costs?
By protecting downstream units like RO and ion exchange from fouling, extending equipment life, and lowering the frequency of unplanned interventions, which cuts operating costs.
