Gpi Pharma supplies a 500-litre mobile holding tank with agitator
Dechra Pharmaceuticals in Bladel is a pharmaceutical company specialising in the development and production of veterinary medicines for pets and livestock. For the production of a new product, the company required a mobile stainless steel tank. Gpi Pharma received a request to design, manufacture and supply a 500-litre mobile stainless steel tank.
Jan Snels is Facility & Engineering Manager at Dechra Pharmaceuticals and explains the reason behind the project: ‘We are launching a new product. For this, we use a new preparation vessel. From this vessel, our product must be transported to the filling machine where it is packaged. To move our product, we needed a mobile tank.’
Why Gpi
‘We approached Gpi for a quotation. We have always worked together very successfully and Gpi’s technical advisor has extensive expertise. I first met him in 2010 and we have maintained a great working relationship ever since. I can always call him with questions. So in this case, we chose Gpi once again,’ says Jan.
The project
The assignment from Dechra Pharmaceuticals to Gpi Pharma consisted of designing and manufacturing a 500-litre mobile stainless steel tank for transporting a suspension, a pharmaceutical product that must remain continuously in motion. Jan explains what was required: ‘The tank had to be fitted with an agitator to keep the suspension moving. Stirring is only interrupted for a few minutes while the tank is being moved, which is acceptable within the process. The tank is operated via a control panel and equipped with wheels to allow easy movement within the production environment.’
Specifications
The tank is manufactured from high-grade stainless steel type 1.4435. This material offers excellent corrosion resistance and is ideally suited for hygienic processes. The interior of the tank has been ground and polished to minimise product adhesion and improve cleanability. The tank is equipped with an agitator and various process connections, including a manway, inlet and outlet connections, and instrumentation for pressure and temperature measurement. Thanks to its mobile design, the tank can be used flexibly throughout the production environment.
The collaboration
Jan looks back positively on the collaboration with the Gpi team: ‘The cooperation went exactly as hoped. Communication was pleasant from the start. Gpi is a great company that does everything possible to keep its commitments. If something comes up, they respond quickly and communicate clearly. Communication is straightforward and we are very satisfied with the end result.’
Result
With the addition of the mobile 500-litre tank, Dechra Pharmaceuticals is ready to launch its new product. Jan reflects on the project: ‘Thanks to the mobile stainless steel tank, we can now produce and fill our new product. At the moment, we are still waiting for approval from the authorities. As soon as that is granted, we can bring the product to market.’
