SOP for Conducting Propellant Purity Tests
Department | Aerosol |
---|---|
SOP No. | SOP/Aerosol/066/2025 |
Supersedes | SOP/Aerosol/066/2022 |
Page No. | Page 1 of Y |
Issue Date | 06/02/2025 |
Effective Date | 16/02/2025 |
Review Date | 06/02/2028 |
1. Purpose
This Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) defines the process for conducting propellant purity tests in aerosol products. The purpose of this SOP is to ensure that the propellants used in aerosol formulations are of the required purity and meet regulatory specifications. Propellant purity is critical for the safety, performance, and compliance of aerosol products. The testing verifies that the propellant does not contain impurities or contaminants that could compromise the quality of the product or its safety for consumers.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to the testing of propellants used in all aerosol products produced at [Company Name]. It includes the procedure for testing the purity of propellants before they are used in production to ensure that they meet required specifications for purity and do not contain harmful substances or contaminants.
3. Responsibilities
- Quality Control (QC) Team: Responsible for conducting propellant purity tests and ensuring that the propellant used in aerosol formulations meets the required purity standards. QC is also responsible for reviewing and approving test results.
- Production Team: Responsible for ensuring that the propellant used in the production process is from an
4. Accountability
The Manufacturing Manager is accountable for ensuring that propellant purity tests are conducted as part of the quality control process. The overall compliance with this SOP is overseen by the Quality Assurance (QA) Manager.
5. Procedure
5.1. Pre-Test Preparation
- Ensure that the propellant sample to be tested is representative of the batch to be used in production.
- Prepare the necessary laboratory equipment for testing, including:
- Gas chromatograph (GC) or other suitable analytical instruments
- Sample containers, syringes, and transfer tools
- Standards for calibration
- PPE, including gloves, goggles, and lab coats
- Ensure that the testing area is clean, free of contamination, and that the equipment is calibrated according to the manufacturer’s guidelines.
5.2. Conducting the Propellant Purity Test
- Take a representative sample of the propellant from the storage tank or canister using a sterile, clean sampling tool.
- For testing with a gas chromatograph (GC):
- Inject the propellant sample into the GC system, which will separate the components of the sample based on their chemical properties.
- Monitor the chromatogram to identify the peaks corresponding to various components in the propellant.
- Compare the identified peaks with the known purity standards for the propellant to determine the presence and concentration of any impurities.
- For other testing methods (e.g., infrared spectroscopy, mass spectrometry):
- Follow the specific procedures for each test, ensuring that the sample is analyzed accurately.
- Ensure that all required reagents and standards are used for accurate testing.
- Record all observations, including the type and concentration of any impurities detected, and compare the results with regulatory and internal purity specifications.
5.3. Post-Test Actions
- If the propellant passes the purity test, proceed with its use in the production process.
- If the propellant fails the purity test, remove it from the production process and label it as “non-conforming.” Investigate the source of contamination or impurity and determine the corrective actions required (e.g., return to supplier, further filtration, or treatment).
- Document the test results, including the test date, sample ID, impurities detected, and any corrective actions taken, in the Propellant Purity Test Log (Annexure-1).
5.4. Calibration and Maintenance of Equipment
- Calibrate testing equipment such as gas chromatographs, mass spectrometers, and infrared analyzers according to the manufacturer’s recommendations and the company’s standard operating procedures.
- Ensure that the equipment is maintained regularly, including cleaning and replacing any parts that may degrade or become damaged.
- Document all calibration and maintenance activities in the Equipment Calibration Log (Annexure-2) and the Equipment Maintenance Log (Annexure-3).
5.5. Documentation and Record-Keeping
- Document all propellant purity test results, including the test date, sample details, operator name, impurities detected, and corrective actions taken, in the Propellant Purity Test Log (Annexure-1).
- Ensure that test records are reviewed and approved by the QC team to confirm that the propellant meets the required purity specifications.
- Store all purity testing records in the document management system, ensuring that they are available for future reference and audits.
5.6. Safety and Environmental Considerations
- Ensure that all personnel involved in the testing process wear appropriate PPE, including gloves, goggles, and lab coats, to prevent exposure to propellants and chemicals.
- Conduct all testing in a well-ventilated area, preferably in a fume hood, to minimize the risk of exposure to harmful vapors or gases.
- Ensure proper disposal of any waste materials, such as used propellant samples, contaminated containers, and chemicals, according to the company’s waste disposal procedures and environmental regulations.
6. Abbreviations
- GMP: Good Manufacturing Practice
- QC: Quality Control
- PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
7. Documents
- Propellant Purity Test Log (Annexure-1)
- Equipment Calibration Log (Annexure-2)
- Equipment Maintenance Log (Annexure-3)
8. References
This SOP is based on the following regulatory guidelines and industry standards:
- Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) Guidelines
- FDA Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Title 21, Part 211
- ISO 9001:2015 – Quality Management Systems
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
---|---|---|---|
Signature | |||
Date | |||
Name | |||
Designation | |||
Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Propellant Purity Test Log
Sample ID | Test Date | Impurities Detected | Operator Name | Corrective Action |
---|---|---|---|---|
PROP-12345 | 06/02/2025 | None | Rajesh Patel | Test passed |
Annexure-2: Equipment Calibration Log
Equipment ID | Calibration Date | Calibration Results | Operator Name | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|
GC-001 | 06/02/2025 | Pass | Rajesh Patel | No adjustments required |
Annexure-3: Equipment Maintenance Log
Equipment ID | Maintenance Date | Tasks Performed | Operator Name | Remarks |
---|---|---|---|---|
GC-001 | 06/02/2025 | Cleaned and calibrated | Rajesh Patel | No issues found |
12. Revision History:
Revision Date | Revision No. | Revision Details | Reason for Revision | Approved By | Page No. | Ref. Point No. | Details of Revision |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
01/01/2024 | V 1.0 | Initial Release | First Issue | Anjali Sharma | Page 1 | [Ref Point] | First Release |
01/01/2025 | V 2.0 | Updated propellant purity testing procedure | To comply with updated GMP regulations | Anjali Sharma | Page 1 | [Ref Point] | Updated procedures |