Optimal Humidity in the Pharmaceutical Industry

Get advice on pharmaceutical humidity control

Benefits

Humidity control in the pharmaceutical industry is essential in many production and testing processes to maintain quality and reduce waste.

Product stability

Humidity control helps during storage time, ensures drug quality and safety.

Precise manufacturing

Optimal humidity protects the hygroscopic materials and supports the processes.

Prevents contamination

Humidity control prevents degradation and microbial growth.

Humidity control in the pharmaceutical industry
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Prevention of static electricity

Levels of humidity below 40% RH can lead to static build-up. The results of this include materials adhering to each other on the production line and not locating correctly inside of packaging. A humidity level of between 55 - 65% RH will significantly reduce the probability of electro static discharge, which is vital for sensitive electronic equipment or where flammable gases or substances are being used.

Stability testing

Regulations on accelerated or longterm stability testing mostly require humidity to be controlled within a tolerance of ±5% RH. If the condition of the atmosphere falls outside this window, it can result in a test having to be restarted. This is expensive and can even delay the launch of a new product.

Humidification and dehumidification in tablet coating

Successful coating of a tablet largely depends on the composition of the tablet at the time of exposure to its coating. If the tablet’s surface is too dry, due to incorrect humidity levels, the coating will not adhere correctly. Likewise if the humidity post coating is not optimal, the coating may dry too rapidly, detrimentally affecting its properties.

Humidity control in fluid bed drying

Consistent and responsive humidity control in Fluid Bed Drying processes results in the product’s moisture content reaching the target level more rapidly and with less wastage through over or under drying. Close control resistive steam humidifiers running on pure RO water can provide a precision of ±2% RH.

Dehumidification in tablet pressing processes

Production and processing procedures in the pharmaceutical industry have always been associated with special requirements: this also applies to the manufacture of tablets. Even the raw materials require constant environmental parameters in order to maintain their effectiveness. To avoid the risk of the tablets being contaminated by dirt particles, germs, or spores in the air during the manufacturing process, a relative humidity of 35–50 percent at air temperatures of 21–27 degrees Celsius is optimal.

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Projects and references

Centre De Recherche Pierre Fabre

With 13,000 employees and annual revenues of 2.282 billion euros, it is one of the largest companies in the pharmaceutical industry. In addition to a wide range of specialized research and development departments, the Research Center in Toulouse is also home to one of the world's most renowned oncology research centers. At this site, teams have access to the equipment they need to research and create new molecules, and can concentrate on research relating to natural, chemical and biological molecules. The campus is known as a national center of excellence, and provides a site where public and private research institutions, doctors, hospitals and patients can all come together in one place. Condair steam humidifiers are used to meet the many requirements for indoor air in laboratories and common areas.
Pierre Fabre Research Center, Toulouse - France

Beijing Fuyuan Pharmaceutical

In 2024, Fuyuan Pharmaceutical was awarded the title of one of Beijing's first "Green Credit Grade A Enterprises" and was included in the "2024 China Pharmaceutical R&D Comprehensive Strength Top 100."
Air quality is crucial for pharmaceutical production environments. If the air humidity is too low, it can significantly impact production processes, thereby affecting drug quality. The Condair PS humidifiers provide steam humidification for HVAC systems.

GW Pharmaceuticals

GW Pharmaceuticals is a leader in therapies based on its proprietary cannabinoid product platform to treat a number of diseases. The company was the first to receive FDA approval for a CBD-based treatment for severe forms of childhood epilepsy in its Epidiolex lead product.The company has established extensive experience in researching, developing and delivering novel, breakthrough medicines, undertaking pioneering work to unlock the medical benefit of cannabis through rigorous scientific investigation, extensive clinical trials and regulatory approvals. Much of what is known about the medical uses of cannabis was discovered by GW Pharmaceuticals.Condair RS resistive steam humidifiers are maintaining the ideal humidity level in GW's research laboratories and are being supported with Condair's planned preventative maintenance services.

Sanofi

Sanofi engages in the research and development, manufacturing and marketing of pharmaceutical drugs principally in the prescription market, but the firm also develops over-the-counter medication.

L'Oréal - Centre de Recherche & Développement

L'Orital's Research Development Centre in Vitry-sur-Seine is one of the group's main global sites dedicated to innovation in cosmetics. The centre employs over 4,000 researchers of various nationalities, specialising in more than 50 scientific and technical fields. The centre is also involved in green chemistry and eco-design initiatives, contributing to L'Orital's objective of creating beauty that respects the planet Condair is proud to have supplied, installed and commissioned Condair EL and EC electrode steam humidifiers to help maintain the consistent and accurate humidity levels needed for the sensitive testing processes.

Alembic Pharmaceuticals Ltd

Condair RS , for HVAC Condair SETC for FBE

Cipla Ltd, Kurkumbh , Maharashtra

Condair Mk5 , for HVAC

Dr. Reddy's Laboratories Ltd., Hyderabad

Condair RS , for laboratory Fluidized Bed Equipment

Lupin Ltd, Aurangabad

Condair SETC for FBE

Lupin Ltd, Pithampur , M.P.

Condair RS , for HVAC

Lupin Ltd. Nagpur

Condair RS , for HVAC

Lupin Ltd. Research Park, Pune

Condair RS , for HVAC

Serum Institute of India Pvt. Ltd.

Serum Institute is the largest vaccine manufacturing company in the world. Hundreds of air handling systems are installed in multiple buildings within the 42 acre campus of the company in Pune.The company is using Condair steam humidifiers in their manufacturing processes to maintain the highest quality environmental conditions for optimum production efficiency. Condair is proud to be associated with the the Serum Institute and its fight against Covid &ndash 19.

Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd

Humidification required for Tablet Coating machines. The required rH was 25% at 43 Deg. C. Although the rH value is low the temperature at which it is required is not possible to achieve without humidification. The system provided was Condair SE 250 having a humidification capacity of 114 Kg/hr.

Sun Pharmaceuticals Ltd, Dadra Nagar Haveli

Condair RS and Condair SETC humidifcation systems help address any dissolution issues in the coating applications.

Sun Pharmaceuticals, Halol, Gujarat

Condair RS for Tray Dryer

Boston Scientific

The Boston Scientific Corporation is a worldwide developer, manufacturer and marketer of medical devices whose products are used in a range of interventional medical specialties. It is primarily known for the development of the Taxus Stent, a drug-eluting stent, which is used to open clogged arteries.

IPSEN Ltd

Ipsen is a global specialty driven pharmaceutical company in primary care. They sell more than 20 drugs in over 115 countries, with a direct commercial presence in over 30 countries worldwide. The Group has more than 4,600 employees all over the world.

Pfizer Dublin

Pfizer is one of Ireland's largest pharmaceutical sector investor and employer and one of the first pharmaceutical companies to locate in 1969 to Ireland.

Teva Pharmaeuticals

Teva Pharmaeuticals Ireland, formerly known as Ivax Pharmaceuticals, is one of Ireland's longest established and leading pharmaceutical companies and is part of Teva Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd, one of the top 20 pharmaceutical companies worldwide.

Galafarm

Galafarm is a private company, the main activity of which is manufacture of pharmaceutical and cosmetic products.

Ordeg R&D Center in Incheon

Cinnagen Pharmaceutical Company

CinnaGen, whose foundations were laid in 1994, is one of the largest biotechnology drug manufacturers in the MENA Region. By 2016, Cinnagen stepped on the Turkish pharmaceutical industry already having local production facilities in various locations. Cinnagen ownes high-tech and innovation capability in Turkey as well. CinnaGen, a biotech drug producer, adds value to the Turkish economy with its modern factory investment in Çerkezköy Organized Industrial Zone (ÇOSB).

Deva Pharmaceutical Company

Gebze MARTEK Biotechnological Drug Facility

Built in TÜBÄ°TAK Marmara Teknopark, Nobel has established one of the most important and technologically advanced biotechnological drug facilities in Turkey. The facility has 800 meter squares of confined space and a reactor capacity of 2x1000 liters. The facility, which became active in 2019, is the only biotechnological cell process development plant in the area that has the capability to run all functions under its umbrella. With the capacity to annually generate 4 biotechnological products and a production capacity of 2000 liters, this facility can serially manufacture 40 biotechnological drugs per year and will contribute greatly to the development of local production in biotechnology.

GEN Pharmaceuticals

With its fast and steady growth for more than 20 years, GEN became the fastest growing pharmaceutical company in Turkey with its GMP certificated production facility based in Ankara. Since there is no humidification chamber in the AHU of the project, Condair Optisorp is selected because absorption was required especially at very short distance to the plenum at the AHU outlet.

Nobel Pharmaceutical - Duzce R&D Center

Nobel Pharmaceuticals Pharmaceutical RD Center is experienced in making assessment in conjunction with the patent department to make innovative formulations that do not violate patents belonging to originator products and to file patent applications.

STEMBIO Cell and Tissue Technologies Inc.

Biotechnology company focused on new treatments and highly innovative medicinal products, including medicinal products containing viable cells. These new cell-based medicinal products have a high potential in the treatment of various diseases where there is a previously unmet medical need. - Human cells of allogeneic or autologous origin undergoing a manufacturing process- Cellular components- Genetically modified cells component of the cell based medicinal products containing genetically modified cells.- Cord Blood Banking

Johnson & Johnson Medical Ltd

Johnson Johnson is the world's most comprehensive and broadly based manufacturer of healthcare products, as well as a provider of related services, for the consumer, pharmaceutical and medical devices and diagnostics markets. Johnson Johnson has 101,800 employees and 197 operating companies in 54 countries around the world, selling products in more than 175 countries.A Condair ME evaporative humidification system is providing Johnson Johnson Medical low energy, hygienic humidity control.

Pfizer Research Site

Pfizer has been based in Sandwich since 1954 and is located in at Discovery Park. The operation employs around 700 scientists, technicians, regulatory professionals and business experts all working towards creating life-saving medicines for patients.Condair RS resistive steam humidifiers are maintaining the desired humidity levels in the cleanrooms for the research taking place.

Frequently asked questions

Why is it so important to control humidity in pharmaceutical industries?
What is the ideal humidity for pharmaceutical processes?
What kind of dehumidifier is best for pharmaceutical processes?
Get free expert advice

If you want to explore your options for humidity control, Condair's expert sales engineers will visit your site, review your project and talk you through their recommendations.

Alternatively, if you would prefer a call or online meeting, our team are always happy to discuss possible solutions and offer free technical advice.

Humidifiers and dehumidifiers often used in the pharmaceutical industry
Condair DL hybrid humidifier Main Image

Condair DL

The Condair DL is the next generation of the Condair Dual2—the successful system for adiabatic air humidification. Its hygienic credentials have proven successful in practice and were verified and certified by independent organisations with public responsibility.
read more
Main Image Condair RS steam Humidifier

Condair RS

Innovative scale management removes the separated minerals from the steam cylinder during operation and automatically conveys them into the designated scale collecting tank. Scale deposits are thus continuously removed from the steam cylinder.
read more
Main Image Condair DA Desiccant-Dryer

Condair DA

Condair DA desiccant dryers are designed for applications requiring extremely low humidity, such as in sensitive industrial manufacturing processes, and for environments with very low temperatures or where precise moisture control is essential.

Condair ESCO

The Condair ESCO live steam distribution system efficiently delivers dry, hygienic steam from the central steam network to the air ducts or ventilation units. It features a precise ceramic rotary disc valve (0–100% modulation), patented internal nozzles for condensate-free distribution of saturated steam in the air duct, fast response without preheating, and capacities of up to 1,000 kg/h at pressures of up to 4 bar.
read more
Condair DL hybrid humidifier Main Image

Condair DL

The Condair DL is the next generation of the Condair Dual2—the successful system for adiabatic air humidification. Its hygienic credentials have proven successful in practice and were verified and certified by independent organisations with public responsibility.
read more
Main Image Condair RS steam Humidifier

Condair RS

Innovative scale management removes the separated minerals from the steam cylinder during operation and automatically conveys them into the designated scale collecting tank. Scale deposits are thus continuously removed from the steam cylinder.
read more
Main Image Condair DA Desiccant-Dryer

Condair DA

Condair DA desiccant dryers are designed for applications requiring extremely low humidity, such as in sensitive industrial manufacturing processes, and for environments with very low temperatures or where precise moisture control is essential.

Condair ESCO

The Condair ESCO live steam distribution system efficiently delivers dry, hygienic steam from the central steam network to the air ducts or ventilation units. It features a precise ceramic rotary disc valve (0–100% modulation), patented internal nozzles for condensate-free distribution of saturated steam in the air duct, fast response without preheating, and capacities of up to 1,000 kg/h at pressures of up to 4 bar.
read more

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