August 2023 - VHP Integration with Cleanroom HVAC Systems

This is the initial input in an ongoing discussion of the value of integrating the decontamination and the HVAC system using vaporized hydrogen peroxide. The questions are

·         What should be integrated?

o   VHP system, HVAC, isolators, air locks, multiple rooms?

·         What are the options on how to do it?

o   How is the VHP piping, and equipment integrated including considerations of humidity and residual H202 removal?

·         What are the advantages over portable systems?

o   Portable systems are lower in initial cost but higher in operating costs.

·         Who should do the integration?

o   Should it be the A/E or the room supplier or can the VHP system supplier act independently?

The Hub already has some brief Value propositions.

Steris and Ecolab supply VHP systems.  Ecolab has also developed an isolator with the decontamination system.

Ortner is a cleanroom supplier who provides integrated systems.

On August 3 Bob Mcilvaine interviewed John Klostermyer PHD and Steris expert on VHP systems.

The discussion was based on his paper analyzing integrated systems.  We have posted it at: http://www.mcilvainecompany.com/AWE_Productivity_Hub/subscriber/discussion_of_facts_and_factors/Final_Integrated_VPHP_Systems.pdf

There is a detailed analysis comparing integrated to portable systems.  Steris has extensive experience with both.  They are presently implementing a system with 17 cleanrooms in the U.S.  They have a number of integrated systems in Europe.

The page has comparison charts as well as flow diagrams and is a good starting point for the ongoing discussion.

One of subjects discussed was use of catalyst or activated carbon to remove residual H202. John pointed out that with dampers and bypass duct the HVAC system can remove the residual H202 quickly. Further discussion of this option is warranted. It would seem in cell and gene therapy where the batch run times are short this feature would be particularly attractive. Where fan-filter units are employed, some can be equipped with catalytic or activated carbon pre filters. They would be the only FFUs operating in the recovery phase.

We will be adding to this blog type discussion.  So, if you have comments, you can send them to Bob Mcilvaine at rmcilvaine@mcilvainecompanny.com