Best pneumatic conveying systems for pharmaceutical powders
Pneumatic pharma transport systems — definition: The best pneumatic transport systems for pharmaceutical powders combine OEB 4–5 containment with GMP Annex 1 (2022) compliance and sub-µg/m³ exposure levels. HECHT LBK-EC and LAS-EC systems are used by 60+ pharma companies across Europe for APIs, intermediates and highly potent excipients, with SMEPAC validation.
Key points
- LBK-EC pneumatic (dense phase): OEB 5 containment, 0.5–10 tons/hour, GMP Annex 1 (2022)
- LAS-EC vacuum: OEB 4–5, 50–2,000 kg/hour, ideal for batch pharma under 500 kg
- Product-contact components in 316L or Hastelloy with FDA 21 CFR / USP Class VI
- SMEPAC reports via the Test & Trial Centre in Pörnbach — third-party verification
- 21 CFR Part 11 audit-trail compatible for IQ/OQ/PQ documentation
The best pneumatic pharma route depends on the OEB requirement, batch size and regulatory pathway. Test directly with your own powder at our Test & Trial Centre in Pörnbach, see the complete powder processing portfolio, or explore our pharma cases.
The best pneumatic transport systems for pharmaceutical powders combine efficiency with safety. For example: the ProClean Conveyor system complies with OEB 5, which applies an OEL of <1 µg/m3 and meets GMP standards.
FAQ — Best pneumatic transport systems for pharmaceutical powders
Which pneumatic conveyor suits OEB 5 pharma APIs?
For OEB 5 (1 µg/m³ 8h-TWA), HECHT LBK-EC with split-butterfly containment coupling is the standard. SMEPAC validation at the Test & Trial Centre shows 0.5–1 µg/m³ exposure during transfer. For batches <500 kg, LAS-EC vacuum with endless liner SBK is a more efficient route. Both systems deliver GMP Annex 1 (2022)-compliant documentation.
Which certificates does HECHT hold for pharma transport systems?
HECHT supplies with every pharma installation: 3.1 material certificates (EN 10204) for 316L/Hastelloy, FDA 21 CFR compliance for product-contact elastomers, USP Class VI biocompatibility, ATEX 2014/34/EU per zone (20/21/22), GMP Annex 1 (2022) gap assessment, IQ/OQ/PQ protocols (ISPE GAMP 5), and a SMEPAC measurement report for OEB 4+ exposure level.
How long does implementation of a pneumatic pharma transport system take?
Standard implementation runs 14–22 weeks: spec + SMEPAC test (2 wk), engineering + URS (4 wk), manufacturing (8–12 wk), site installation + IQ/OQ (2 wk), validation + PQ + training (2 wk). The HECHT Test & Trial Centre shortens this by 4–6 weeks through pre-validation of the containment route.
Author: Joost van Velzen, Managing Director Hecht Technology B.V.