Projects / Pharmaceutical water
Ultrafiltration expanded to 245 m³/day at Laboratorios LIFE
We designed, supplied and implemented the upgrade of the ultrafiltration system: a new module with 3 membranes in parallel with the existing one, mechanical and hydraulic modifications, and automation with PLC and touch screen.
- ClientLaboratorios LIFE
- Year2025
- IndustryPharmaceutical
- ScopeTurnkey (DDP)
New 3-membrane moduleUltrafiltration expansion
Project video
The Laboratorios LIFE project on video
Cristian Pinto, Sanitron’s projects director, walks through the installed system and explains how it works. Video in Spanish.
More ultrafiltered water, without stopping the plant
Previous maintenance work had found significant damage to the membranes, which could no longer recover the required flow. LIFE needed to produce more ultrafiltered water and meet the quality requirements of its pharmaceutical processes.
- More flowIncrease the plant’s ultrafiltered water production.
- Grow in modulesAdd capacity safely, without replacing the existing system.
- Operational continuityThe expansion could not stop the pharmaceutical processes.
Two modules in parallelthe new module works alongside the existing system
Capacity grows in modules: the new skid was added to the existing one, without replacing the whole system or stopping production.
- 245 m³/dayultrafiltration
- 45 psioperating pressure
- 36 Nm³/hair for backwashes
- 600 litersstainless steel backwash and CIP tank
Treatment train and upgrade
Five work fronts on the operating plant: membrane protection, more capacity and automatic backwashes.
- Disc filtrationRetains coarse suspended solids and abrasive particles that would damage the membranes.Membrane protection
- New ultrafiltration moduleThree new membranes operating in parallel with the existing system.245 m³/day in total
- Automatic valvesPneumatic valves for service, inlet, drain and backwash flows.Automatic backwash
- Mechanical and hydraulic modificationsNew support frame for the existing membranes, interconnection piping and compressed air line.Backwash air: 36 Nm³/h
- Backwash and CIP tankFeeds downstream treatment and is used for backwashes and chemical cleaning.600 L stainless steel
Automation and control
- New electrical panel with an independent Siemens PLC for each module.
- 7″ HMI touch screen to control processes and alarms from a single point.
- Actuated valve logic for automatic backwashes and online monitoring of product water flow.
- Pneumatic valves
- Air-assisted backwash
- Online product flow
- P&ID diagrams
Turnkey and without stopping production
Sanitron executed the complete project on a DDP basis, from detailed engineering to commissioning and staff training.
What Sanitron did
- Detailed engineeringP&ID diagrams and design of the mechanical and electrical modifications.
- SupplyHigh-efficiency UF membranes, automatic valves, piping and control components.
- ModificationsHydraulic, mechanical and electrical work on the existing system.
- CommissioningPLC programming, hydraulic tests and training of LIFE’s technical staff.
Results
- More flow, no shutdownsUltrafiltered water production increased without affecting process continuity.
- Critical components renewedDownstream equipment is optimally protected.
- Modernized controlElectrical panel and automation in line with pharmaceutical industry requirements.
Need to expand or upgrade your ultrafiltration system?
We design modular expansions with advanced automation and specialized technical support, planned so your operation doesn’t stop.
Contact us
Office in EcuadorDe los Eucaliptos E8-70 y calle E9, Quito 170307
Phone+593 99 871 1330
+593 2 280 8126
Emailinfo@sanitronec.com
Office hoursMonday to Friday
9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00–6:00 p.m.
Office in the United States9995 NW 9th St. Circle, Suite 3, Miami, FL 33172
+1 786 972 2008