Synopsis

This presentation will show how computational fluid dynamics studies can be applied to determine the cleaning rates of vessels used for pharmaceutical production. During changeover between batches of different products, vessels are often cleaned with solvent sprays. To reduce solvent and energy use and transition to greener solvents, there is a need to understand the rates at which surfaces are cleaned by flows of pure solvents and mixtures. Simulations of film flows will be presented and compared with experimental findings. Computational predictions of solvent distribution and cleaning rates could be used to optimise the selection of cleaning agents and methods.