Energy efficiency in pure steam generation

Pharmaceutical manufacturers face complex challenges: The production of vital medicines must happen faster, more efficiently, and more sustainably at the same time. Rising energy prices, increasing regulatory requirements, and climate targets intensify the pressure. Resource-efficient processes are thus becoming a decisive competitive factor. The production of pure steam in particular offers untapped potential – at comparatively low efforts.

Pure steam is indispensable in pharmaceutical production. Among other things, it is used to sterilize products and surfaces. The single-column PSG from the Syntegon subsidiary Pharmatec fulfills this task efficiently – thanks in part to the low mechanical stress on the heat exchanger. It also offers new opportunities for optimizing energy and media consumption, which can be realized with little investment.

Depending on the operating conditions, the following savings can be achieved:

up to 39 percent water
up to 30 percent cooling water
up to 13 percent steam
up to 68 percent wastewater

Efficiency analysis as a starting point for savings

A comprehensive evaluation of the operating parameters is key to these savings. Pharmatec's service experts work with customers to analyze the existing system configuration. This provides a basis for recording emission and consumption values in accordance with standards and for identifying potential savings. In many cases, simply introducing a timer for automated blow-down is enough to significantly reduce media losses and achieve cost savings in the five-figure range.

The savings are even greater when the pure steam is sampled physically, for example for continuous conductivity measurements. Adjustments to the sampling configuration can reduce energy losses in heating steam, cooling water, and wastewater. An upstream preheater for the feed water also helps to save energy by reducing the heating steam input for the entire process. A setback for production-free periods can further enhance this effect.

Technology partner with responsibility

Syntegon relies on proactive consulting and close cooperation to identify the right options for efficiency improvements. All changes are designed to maintain or increase existing performance. The entire process is designed for risk-free integration into ongoing operations – including the provision of all necessary documentation for requalification. This way, even selective interventions can lead to significant progress. In addition to lower operating costs, companies benefit from an improved carbon footprint – a clear step towards a more sustainable pharmaceutical industry.

Get in touch and let's work together to take the energy efficiency of your pure steam generators to the next level!