Tag: Veolia

The Benefits of Following the Carbon in your Process Water

It’s well known that around 70% of the Earth’s surface is covered in water. It’s our most precious natural resource and great efforts have been made globally to protect the finite supply of water for the planet’s inhabitants. Growing population, climate change, and industrial contamination are some of the issues that cause water stress and impact water quality. This is why analytical testing to ensure water quality and safety is essential for health and the ecosystem.

There’s no denying that sustainability is a big topic for water management and resource conservation. As industries continue to prioritise eco-friendly practices, carbon monitoring will play a crucial role in achieving these goals, demonstrating a commitment to both innovation and environmental responsibility. But what does it mean to follow the carbon, and how does it benefit your operations?

 

What it means to follow the carbon

Following the carbon throughout your processes allows you to monitor processes or quality and pinpoint issues as they come about. Starting from the source water to the water that is used in the plant as utility and process water, and ultimately wastewater that is purified and discharged back into the environment, carbon monitoring can track the changing levels as the water moves throughout the facility and monitor levels if something goes awry. By monitoring carbon levels at each stage, facilities can gain valuable insights into their processes and quality control, enabling them to pinpoint issues as they arise and take timely corrective actions.

Download the eBook on the Power of Organics Monitoring >

Some of the benefits of following the carbon include:

Process optimisation – Facilities can improve the efficiency of the treatment process, reduce chemical use, and lower energy consumption.

Quality control – Continuous carbon monitoring helps maintain consistent water quality, which is critical for processes that require precise conditions, such as pharmaceutical production and food processing.

Regulatory compliance – Accurate carbon tracking provides the necessary data for regulatory reporting, demonstrating a facility’s commitment to environmental stewardship and compliance.

Let’s talk about TOC

Total Organic Carbon is a common measurement to gauge the amount of carbon-based compounds in water. TOC analysis aims to help corporations and municipalities reduce and optimise water use, comply with permit and regulatory requirements, and demonstrate safety and quality standards while maintaining asset reliability.

It provides reliable data and is written in many regulatory guidelines around the world and across various industries.

TOC and conductivity analysis aids in detecting chemical impurities in pharmaceutical-grade water systems and process equipment. Using TOC to understand the comprehensive cleanliness of water and equipment allows manufacturers to consistently deliver safe, high-quality drug products. Many TOC technologies work by oxidising organic molecules using UV or chemical oxidation and measuring the resulting CO2.

Watch our webinar on TOC and Conductivity Analysis: Back to Basics >

Water soluble compounds can be analysed using TOC analysis with little to no method variation. Compounds that do not readily solubilise in water can still be detected using small adjustments such as: agitation, pH, or temperature. With Sievers TOC Analyzers, consumables, and expertise from Veolia, you can be confident your method development will go smoothly.

The Veolia TOC-R3 Online Total Organic Carbon (TOC) and Total Nitrogen (TN) Analyzer is designed to solve critical industrial and environmental water challenges. From source water contamination and condensate leaks to wastewater optimisation and discharge, the TOC-R3 is a peace of mind analytical tool that provides responsiveness and repeatability.

Veolia TOC-R3 Online TOC Analyzer

Following the carbon in process water is an essential practice for modern industrial facilities. By systematically monitoring carbon levels, companies can protect their assets, optimise processes, maintain high-quality standards, and ensure regulatory compliance. This not only contributes to operational efficiency and cost savings but also supports environmental sustainability. As industries continue to prioritise eco-friendly practices, carbon monitoring will play a crucial role in achieving these goals, demonstrating a commitment to both innovation and environmental responsibility.

 

Bioburden Testing and Rapid Microbiology Methods

In the realm of pharmaceutical, medical device, and biotechnology industries, ensuring product safety and compliance with stringent regulatory standards is paramount. One of the critical quality control processes that aid in achieving this goal is bioburden testing. This essential procedure involves the quantification and identification of microbial load on products, packaging, and raw materials. At Chemetrix, we understand the significance of this process and the need for reliable and efficient instruments. This is where Veolia’s advanced solutions come into play, providing robust support for bioburden testing to enhance quality control measures.

 

 

What is bioburden testing?

Bioburden testing is the measurement of the microbial load, or the number of viable microorganisms present on a product, surface, or in a solution. This test is crucial in various stages of manufacturing, particularly for sterile products, as it ensures that the bioburden levels are within acceptable limits before sterilisation. By identifying and quantifying the microorganisms present, manufacturers can assess the effectiveness of their cleaning, disinfection, and sterilisation processes.

The results from bioburden tests are used to validate and monitor the manufacturing processes, ensuring that they consistently produce products that meet safety and efficacy standards. Regular bioburden testing helps in detecting contamination issues early, preventing potential product recalls and safeguarding consumer health.

The necessity of bioburden testing in quality control

Bioburden testing is not just a regulatory requirement but a critical aspect of quality control that offers numerous benefits:

  1. Ensures sterility: For products that must be sterile, such as medical devices, pharmaceuticals, and surgical instruments, bioburden testing ensures that the sterilisation processes are effective. Any surviving microorganisms can pose serious health risks to patients.
  2. Regulatory compliance: Regulatory bodies like the FDA and EMA mandate bioburden testing as part of the manufacturing process. Non-compliance can lead to severe penalties, product recalls, and damage to a company’s reputation.
  3. Process validation and control: Bioburden testing helps in validating and controlling manufacturing processes. By understanding the microbial load at various stages, manufacturers can fine-tune their processes to minimise contamination risks.
  4. Risk management: Identifying the types and quantities of microorganisms present allows for better risk management. This proactive approach helps in implementing corrective actions before any significant issues arise.

Watch our webinar on Testing Quality Attributes of Water for Pharmaceutical Production >

 

How Veolia’s instruments facilitate bioburden testing

Veolia offers a range of advanced instruments designed to streamline and enhance the bioburden testing process. Here’s how their technology can assist:

  1. Automated sampling and analysis: Veolia’s automated systems ensure precise and consistent sampling and analysis, reducing human error and improving reliability. These systems can handle high sample volumes efficiently, making them ideal for large-scale operations.
  2. Real-time monitoring: Veolia’s instruments offer real-time monitoring of microbial loads, providing immediate feedback on contamination levels. This capability allows for quicker decision-making and timely corrective actions, ensuring continuous control over the production process.
  3. Advanced filtration systems: Effective filtration is crucial in bioburden testing, and Veolia’s advanced filtration systems ensure that even the smallest microorganisms are captured and analysed accurately. These systems are designed to handle various sample types, from liquids to solids, ensuring versatility in testing.
  4. Comprehensive data management: Data integrity and traceability are critical in bioburden testing. Veolia’s instruments come with integrated data management solutions that ensure all test results are accurately recorded, stored, and easily accessible for audits and regulatory inspections.

 

 

Addressing bioburden effectively has yielded remarkable benefits across various industries, with numerous success stories underscoring its importance. Veolia’s cutting-edge bioburden testing instruments have played a crucial role in these successes. Their precision and efficiency in detecting and quantifying microbial presence have empowered companies to maintain stringent quality standards, ensuring the safety and efficacy of their products.

Download our whitepaper on Rapid Microbial Method Verification Testing for USP >

 

By investing in robust bioburden testing solutions, businesses can visualise a future where product recalls and contamination issues are drastically minimised. This proactive approach not only safeguards public health but also reinforces consumer trust, driving long-term growth and success. Embracing bioburden testing is not just a compliance measure; it is a strategic move towards achieving excellence in quality control and securing a competitive edge in the market.

Veolia’s state-of-the-art instruments offer unparalleled precision and reliability, empowering businesses to tackle microbial contamination with confidence. To learn more about how Veolia’s innovative solutions can enhance your bioburden testing processes and drive success, connect with Chemetrix today. Our team is ready to provide expert guidance and support, helping you achieve excellence in quality control and secure a competitive edge in the market.