1) SOP for Vacuum Conveyor Operation

2) Purpose

The purpose of this Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) is to provide detailed guidelines for the operation of vacuum conveyors, including the procedures for loading and unloading materials, to ensure efficient and safe material handling in the pharmaceutical manufacturing process.

3) Scope

This SOP applies to all personnel involved in the operation of vacuum conveyors within the pharmaceutical manufacturing facility.

4) Responsibilities

• Operators are responsible for setting up, operating, and monitoring the vacuum conveyors as per this SOP.
• Supervisors are responsible for overseeing the material transfer process and ensuring compliance with operational procedures.
• Quality Assurance (QA) personnel are responsible for verifying that the procedures are followed correctly and addressing any deviations.

5) Procedure

1. Preparation
   1. Ensure the area around the vacuum conveyor is clean and free of obstructions.
   2. Verify that all materials to be conveyed are properly labeled and stored.
   3. Check the readiness and cleanliness of the vacuum conveyor system.
2. Equipment Setup
   1. Set up the vacuum conveyor according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
   2. Ensure that all connections and fittings are secure and free of leaks.
   3. Adjust the vacuum settings and flow rates as per the material specifications and batch record.
3. Loading Materials
   1. Place the materials to be conveyed into the designated loading area.
   2. Start the vacuum conveyor system and monitor the loading process to ensure smooth material flow.
   3. Adjust the vacuum and flow settings if necessary to prevent blockages or spillage.
4. Unloading Materials
   1. Direct the vacuum conveyor output to the designated unloading area or container.
   2. Monitor the unloading process to ensure that all materials are transferred correctly.
   3. Stop the conveyor system once the transfer is complete.
5. Troubleshooting
   1. If the vacuum conveyor system malfunctions or if there are deviations from expected performance, stop the operation immediately.
   2. Identify and address the root cause of the issue, referring to the manufacturer’s manual for troubleshooting guidelines.
   3. Document the issue, root cause analysis, and corrective actions taken in the maintenance logbook.
   4. Resume operation only after ensuring that the system is functioning correctly and all parameters are within acceptable limits.
6. Cleaning and Maintenance
   1. Turn off and clean the vacuum conveyor system thoroughly after each use.
   2. Use appropriate cleaning agents and procedures as specified in the cleaning SOP.
   3. Document the cleaning process in the cleaning logbook.
   4. Perform regular maintenance checks, such as inspecting hoses and filters, and document them in the maintenance logbook.

6) Abbreviations, if any

• SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
• QA: Quality Assurance

7) Documents, if any

• Batch Record
• Cleaning Logbook
• Maintenance Logbook

8) Reference, if any

• Current Good Manufacturing Practice (cGMP) guidelines
• Manufacturer’s operation and maintenance manual for the vacuum conveyor system

9) SOP Version

Version 1.0