Sandoz GmbH - GMP Synthesis Plant
The project encompassed a multi-product synthesis plant according to GMP for the production of antibiotic intermediates and finished products; it included all accompanying supply systems like solvent recovery, tank farm, water purification, heating and cooling systems for different temperature levels, flue gas cleaning, supply systems for chemicals and more.
The plant processes partly corrosive substances, which required special attention during planning and manufacture of apparatus’ and pipes. Moreover this required that special attention had to be given to the processes for chemical handling.
The new units were integrated into an existing plant during full production. Shut down times had to be kept to an absolute minimum.
VTU Engineering took over the following task in the project team:
- Conceptual design of the plant including cost estimation
- Mass and energy balances
- Compiling the engineering parts required for statutory licensing
- Measurement and automation plans ‘as built’
- Conceptual design for cooling systems and flue gas cleaning
- Simulations
- Apparatus’: Specifications and requirements, tender management, negations and drawing checks
- EMSR: Specifications and checking orders
- Checking pipes, design review
- Compiling of the function plans, interlock plan and conducting the function tests (SAT)
- Supervision of construction
- Planning and co-ordination of commissioning
Parallel with planning and commissioning the qualification of the plant was done by VTU to ensure GMP compliance. The project was finished to the full satisfaction of Sandoz management. With only 21 months from start of planning until first production a new record was set.
