Page 20 - CIJ April 2025- Digital Edition

COVER STORY

Technological Transformation in

Industrial Duct Management

Decades ago, in the dark alleys of industrial history, small-built boys were sent into narrow chimneys
and ducts — armed with little more than rags and brushes — to clean the accumulated grime. It was
hazardous, inhumane and shockingly common. While the world has moved on, the importance of duct
cleaning has only grown — with far more serious implications today for industries like pharmaceuticals,
food processing and electronics.

In an exclusive interaction with Clean India Journal, Keshab Chopra, Co-Founder and CEO of
Consergy Systems and Technologies LLP, takes us through the evolution of duct cleaning, its growing
significance, and the technological advances that are changing the game.

uct cleaning has seen or ointments are produced, air poor duct cleanliness has resulted
a significant rise movement within HVAC systems in approvals being revoked. It’s no
post-pandemic,” says could lead to fine particles being longer optional.”
Keshab. “The realisation deposited within ducts. Despite
“Dthat contaminants in the filters, contaminants can find their He emphasizes that cross-
air can bring entire operations to a way into the system, and over contamination is now a major
standstill — let alone the threat to time, this could result in air and concern — even in automated
human health — has changed the product contamination. production environments with
way organisations look at HVAC “Food and Drug Administration minimal human presence.
maintenance.” authorities — both in India and A contaminated duct can
Particularly in industries like globally — have sharpened their compromise batches in pharma
pharmaceuticals and cosmetics, focus on duct hygiene,” adds or food manufacturing facilities,
where powdered substances Chopra. “We’ve seen audits where leading to recalls or shutdowns.

20 APRIL 2025•Clean India Journal•www.cleanindiajournal.com