NDLI Session on HVAC and its application in Pharmaceutical Industry

The Dept. of Mechanical Engineering and the Library, DBCE in association with the National Digital Library of India Club organized a Session on “HVAC AND ITS APPLICATION IN PHARMACEUTICAL INDUSTRY” by Mr. Deepak Rodrigues, Associate Director, Utility Operation Head, Cipla Ltd. on 25^th January 2025. A total of 14 club members registered and attended the event.

The talk session on the “Importance of HVAC in Pharmaceuticals” provided an in-depth understanding of HVAC systems, emphasizing their role in ensuring controlled temperature, humidity, and air quality for sterile production and packaging environments. Mr. Deepak Rodrigues discussed the protection against microbial and cross-contamination, critical for pharmaceutical manufacturing. He also included a detailed explanation of refrigeration cycles, including vapour compression and vapour absorption cycles, along with key topics such as psychrometrics, room cooling load calculations, air handling units, ducting, clean rooms, chillers, piping, and air distribution systems.

The importance of HVAC was highlighted, focusing on system design, validation, and operational challenges. Mr. Rodrigues explained the importance of air filtration, pressure differentials, and proper airflow management in controlled environments. Practical examples of contamination incidents and their resolution strategies were also shared, helping attendees understand real-world applications of HVAC protocols in pharmaceutical settings.

Attendees gained valuable insights into the role of dehumidifiers and AHUs in maintaining optimal environmental conditions, thus emphasizing HVAC’s essential contribution to pharmaceutical quality and regulatory compliance. The talk was successfully organized and coordinated by Mr. Tanay Rege, Assistant Professor and NDLI Coordinator, Department of Mechanical Engineering, ensuring a well-structured and informative session.