Antibiotics

Continuous system replaces batch technology in production

Production of antibiotics

The pharmaceutical industry has set itself the goal of increasing productivity in the production of antibiotics – while at the same time monitoring the quality of the drugs reliably and comprehensively. What was previously difficult to achieve using batch processes has now become possible by drawing on the wealth of experience and process expertise of BHS: Continuous processes offer great potential for increasing yield and improving quality assurance. Solid-liquid separation based on efficient, continuous filtration solutions is the key to achieving this.

Benefits at a glance:

  • Significantly higher product yield thanks to continuous processes
  • Top process reliability and product quality
  • Processing in closed and inert systems
  • Maximum efficiency when using equipment

Modern production

Modern production

Antibiotics have been saving lives worldwide in bacterially caused infectious diseases such as pneumonia or blood poisoning since the 1940s. The addition of this substance to the medical arsenal represents one of the most significant advances in medicine. And while its discovery was purely accidental, in modern production nothing is left to chance.

Higher yields

Higher yields

Filtration solutions from BHS guarantee excellent product purity, quality and process safety for antibiotics production. Continuous processes are increasingly replacing batch production. This allows manufacturers to achieve significantly higher product yields and greater throughput. Moreover, by combining these advantages with process analytical technology (PAT), measurable efficiency gains are achieved in the use of operating resources.

Use in various production stages

6 APA, 7 ADCA, 7 ACA, amoxicillin, ampicillin, cefalexin, cloxacillin, cephalosporin, cystine, penicillin and tetracycline: Rotary pressure filters (RPF) and indexing belt filters (BF) from BHS are successfully used worldwide for applications such as the production of semi-synthetic antibiotics from various manufacturers at various stages of production.

International standards

When it comes to the use of our products in the pharmaceutical industry, we naturally consider the standards and specifications according to GMP, CIP and ATEX. All systems can be validated and are manufactured in compliance with highly demanding quality guidelines. They address applications such as manufacturing intermediates or producing active substances.

Separation and washing

In antibiotics production, the active ingredient from the upstream reactor stage is usually present in crystalline form. This solid matter is separated and washed in one or more stages. The purified active ingredient is then mechanically dehumidified by blowing gas through it. The ingredient is then conveyed to the next process stage, which is usually thermal drying.

Cake washing
Cake drying

Our machines in use

Rotary pressure filter (RPF)

A single rotation of the drum entails a number of different process steps, demonstrating the many facets of filtration.

Indexing belt filter (BF)

This type of vacuum filter is particularly gentle on sediments.

Tests give certainty

Which technology is the right one for your process? Don’t leave anything to chance. In our test center and filtration laboratory, we test according to your specifications and identify the optimal solution for you.

Success stories

Continuous filtration enables increased efficiency in antibiotics production

October 2017
An international pharmaceutical company in Europe enjoys various benefits after moving from traditional batch production to a continuous antibiotics manufacturing process. These include significant savings despite an increased yield and greater throughput. A key component that made these improvements possible is the rotary pressure filter from BHS-Sonthofen.

Satisfied customers worldwide

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Find your personal contact person on site. We are there for you worldwide.