Page 49 - CIJ May 2023 Digital Edition

Facility ManageMent

Clogged filters 1. Compliance with regulations:
Clogged filters can reduce The plant head should ensure
that the HVAC system must
airflow, causing the HVAC system comply with all relevant
to work harder to maintain the statutory regulations, including
desired temperature and humidity those related to air quality and
levels, which increases energy emissions.
consumption.
2. Performance monitoring:
No performance can be
Increased compressor measured without reliable data.
load Continuous data monitoring
Dirty or clogged coils systems must be implemented
can increase the load on the and these systems should also
provide an in-depth analysis of
compressor, reducing its efficiency the monitored data to highlight
and increasing energy consumption. any inefficiencies in the system
Microbial growth that can help initiate corrective
Microbial growth in the HVAC action. All critical equipment No performance can
system can reduce airflow and should have sensors installed be measured without
efficiency, leading to higher energy on them that can monitor the reliable data. Continuous
consumption. Moreover, it can equipment health and can help
cause health problems for building predict breakdown/failures data monitoring systems
occupants. in advance so as to increase must be implemented
By cleaning the HVAC system the uptime and life of the and these systems should
equipment, as well as reduce
regularly, including air ducts, loss of production.
filters, and coils, the system can also provide an in-depth
operate more efficiently, reducing 3. Emergency response: The plant analysis of the monitored
energy consumption, and operating head should have a plan in place data to highlight any
costs. A well-maintained HVAC to respond to HVAC system
system will also last longer, emergencies, such as equipment inefficiencies in the
reducing the need for replacement, failures or power outages. This system that can help
and decreasing the environmental plan should include protocols initiate corrective action.
impact associated with for quickly addressing and
manufacturing of new equipment. resolving any issues that arise.
4. Staff training: The plant Nitin Naik
A handy checklist head should ensure that
HVAC system operators
The plant head of a pharma and maintenance staff are regular training on equipment
facility should keep the following adequately trained to operate operation, maintenance, and
things in mind while operating and and maintain the system. safety protocols.
maintaining the HVAC system: This includes providing 5. Plan for maintenance downtime:
The plant head should plan
for scheduled maintenance
downtime to avoid unexpected
shutdowns that could disrupt
manufacturing operations.
By keeping these things in mind,
the plant head of a pharma facility
can ensure the efficient, safe,
and compliant operation of the
HVAC system, which is critical to
maintaining the required air quality
standards for pharmaceutical
manufacturing. CIJ

Clean India Journal•MAY 2023 49
www.cleanindiajournal.com