With the use of catalytic aeration, M+P is able to reduce the duration of the aeration phase in isolators by more than 50%. The aeration phase is the most time consuming process in the decontamination of isolators used for pharmaceutical filling and closing equipment. Decontamination with VHP (vaporous hydrogen peroxide) regularly takes place prior to production. Existing M+P isolators can also benefit from this with a simple upgrade.

The system, for which a patent has been applied, will have its public debut at Achema 2012, in hall 3.0, at booth A73.

Isolators are considered to be the safest method for guaranteeing a sterile filling environment in pharmaceutical production. Decontamination of isolators with vaporous H₂O₂; takes place in three process steps, which begins with the conditioning of the temperature and humidity. Next follows the sterilisation phase, in which a vaporized H₂O₂ fog kills off any viable microbes. Even in low concentrations, H₂O₂ can be detrimental to pharmaceutical products, so the final phase, aeration with fresh air, must be complete. Without the use of catalytic aeration, and depending on the allowable residual concentrations (usually <1ppm – 10ppb; largely dependent on the product), the average time required for aeration is between three and 12 hours. Using catalytic aeration, the aeration phase can be shortened by more than 50%.

The unique construction and decontamination process of M+P isolators allows the use of catalytic aeration. The microbial kill-rate of the H₂O₂ during decontamination is not influenced by the catalytic converter. The time advantage of catalytic aeration is of particular benefit; the smaller the residual concentration to be achieved, the better the efficiency. A further advantage is that the catalytic converters are also effective during the production phase. As experience has shown, H₂O₂ diffuses into plastic parts, such as format parts during the VHP phase and adsorbs over time. Even after the aeration phase and during production, an increase in the residual H₂O₂ concentration can occur. This increase in concentration is only slowly flushed out with time. The catalytic aeration employed by M+P is effective during the production phase and prevents increases in residual H₂O₂ concentration because the isolator continuously re-circulates air through the catalytic converter.

A pilot project at a pharmaceutical company is being used to demonstrate catalytic aeration in practice. Further units will be installed shortly, and M+P has also carried out retrofit projects. For over two years, M+P has performed tests with catalytic conversion on a research isolator. The efficiency of the catalytic converters remained at 100%, and degeneration is not expected.

M+P is part of Optima Pharma (Schwäbisch Hall). M+P isolators are used in pharmaceutical turn-key projects on filling, closing equipment as well as loading and unloading of freeze drying units. Furthermore, the entire upstream and downstream process, including weighing isolators and sterility test isolators are part of the product range.