Asahi Kasei, a Japan-based ammonia and cellulose fibre company, has launched a hollow-fibre membrane system to produce sterile water for injections.
The membrane system was developed as an alternative to the conventional distillation processes for the production of water for injection (WFI).
The Microza, hollow-fiber membrane, is specifically for water treatment and filtration of liquid products
The new system uses Microza (trademarked), a hollow-fibre membrane, specifically for water treatment and filtration of liquid products.
By reducing the need to generate steam, this system enables lower CO2 emissions and lower costs in the production of WFI, contributing to lower energy consumption and improved water quality.
The membrane system
The WFI membrane system is based on steam-sterilisable ultrafiltration (UF) membranes for water treatment that have been widely used in the pharmaceutical industry.
Being designed by the membrane manufacturer, the system features a compact form and excellent operability.
It offers various advantages compared to the conventional distillation processes, as well as its sustainability advantages, Microza offers a simplified process with no need for cooling and condensing steam and enables higher water quality to be obtained.
The membrane system was developed as an alternative to the conventional distillation processes for the production of WFI
Previously published research with the same membranes (Steam Sterilizable UF Module & System) indicates an endotoxin removal rate of >99.999% compared to 99.9% with distillation.
By facilitating a transition from the traditional distillation processes to the membrane filtration processes, Asahi Kasei expects that the new system will allow its customers to reduce CO2 emissions while producing a stable supply of safer WFI for the pharmaceutical industry.
