Blog Post

Compressed Air Contaminants Associated with Reduced Production Efficacy

Destiny Jolade • Jan 31, 2018


Monitoring and testing compressed air and other gases is crucial to assuring the safety and quality of many pharmaceutical and manufacturing products. Through several contamination events, water vapor, oil vapor, microorganisms and particles have been identified as primary sources of compressed air contamination [3]. The mechanisms by which these compressed air contaminants enter manufacturing and pharmaceutical products is often varied. Through several studies, it has been observed that most compressed air contamination events occur due to human error in application and errors within the compressed air system itself [2,3].
Unfortunately, most pharmaceutical and manufacturing companies often overlook testing the compressed air containers they use. Studies have shown that the air systems these companies utilize can often harbor the required nutrients for microbes to proliferate in the damp and warm environments of many compressed air systems [1,2]. Concurrently, the proliferation of these microbes becomes an additional risk as the compressed air systems are aerosolizing the bacteria that incubates in these systems. Even companies that actively maintain low temperature environments near -40°F are often susceptible to microbial and particulate contamination from compressed air since the lowered temperature doesn’t affect particulate matter, only inhibits microbial growth and does not eliminate the microbial source [2].
Given the consumer risk associated with compressed air contaminants in pharmaceutical and manufacturing products, the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) developed an air test protocol. Within this air testing program called, ISO 8573-7, companies are provided a testing method that enables them to distinguish colony forming microbiological organisms from solid particles in compressed air [4]. Though many companies may not have the appropriate staff and equipment to effectively and efficiently carry out ISO 8573-7 compressed air testing, ISO testing protocols can still be carried out by certified testing laboratories [2, 4].
As a matter of due diligence and industry standards, it is highly recommended that your compressed air monitoring and testing be completed on all existing and planned compressed air canisters by certified testing laboratories like Sure-Biochem Laboratories. Sure-BioChem Laboratories specializes in providing the highest quality compressed air testing and monitoring services year-round. Our experienced team is trained in producing verifiable testing services based on industry standards and our commitment to quick and reliable results can help your company be assured of your compressed air usage.

For additional information regarding our environmental monitoring services contact Sure-BioChem Laboratories at 888-398-7247.

1. Addala, Anirudh, and Srinivasu Gangada. "Fabrication and Testing of Compressed Air Car." Global Journal of Researches In Engineering 13.1 (2013).
2. Kim, Tae Gwan, and Kyung Suk Cho. "Microbial community analysis of a methane-oxidizing biofilm using ribosomal tag pyrosequencing." Journal of microbiology and biotechnology 22.3 (2012): 360-370.
3. Sandle, Tim. "Microbiological assessment of compressed gases in pharmaceutical facilities." Facilities 21.2 (2015).
4. http://www.iso.org/iso/iso_catalogue/catalogue_tc/catalogue_detail.htm?csnumber=31385




02 Apr, 2024
Discover the significance of nutrition analysis in our health-conscious world through our comprehensive guide. We explore its role in aiding informed dietary decisions, assisting food manufacturers, and enforcing labeling laws. Learn about the FDA's pivotal role in shaping nutrition analysis practices. We discuss various analysis methods, including food testing and software-based calculations. Empower yourself to make healthier choices and support the development of nutritious products. Join us in unraveling the secrets of nutrition analysis for a healthier tomorrow.
01 Mar, 2024
Water quality is important for public health, and total coliform testing plays a role in ensuring the safety of our drinking water. We will explore what total coliform testing entails, its significance, interpretation of results, and when it's necessary.
12 Dec, 2023
The significance of Bacillus cereus testing in ensuring food safety! Found in soil, dust, and raw foods, this bacterium poses a significant concern due to its potential to cause foodborne illness. Discover how food and environmental laboratories conduct rigorous testing to assess the safety and quality of food products, crucial for industries involved in food production and healthcare settings. Explore the methods, including microbiological culture and molecular techniques, employed for accurate detection. Join us in understanding how Bacillus cereus testing plays a pivotal role in upholding food safety standards, ensuring that consumers receive safe and high-quality food products.
17 Oct, 2023
From "best before" dates to expiration labels, shelf-life testing ensures the freshness and quality of our food and beverages. Delve into the world of quality control measures like microbiological, real-time, chemical, comparative, and accelerated shelf-life studies conducted in food safety laboratories. Learn how factors such as composition, storage conditions, and packaging influence product durability. Join us in appreciating the meticulous science that guarantees the safety and nutritional value of the products we enjoy every day!
By Zainab Sulaiman 26 Sep, 2023
Discover why this microbiological testing method is crucial for assessing microbial contamination in process water used across industries like pharmaceuticals and food production. Learn about the HPC test process, from sample collection to interpreting results, and its role in ensuring quality assurance, health and safety, and regulatory compliance.
11 Sep, 2023
Food is an essential part of our daily lives, providing sustenance and enjoyment. However, the safety of the food we consume can sometimes be compromised by the presence of pathogenic microorganisms. These unseen threats, invisible to the naked eye, can cause foodborne illnesses with potentially severe consequences. In this blog, we delve into the world of pathogenic microorganisms in food, their sources, impact on human health, and the crucial role of food safety measures in preventing their spread.
14 Aug, 2023
From understanding what air quality entails to exploring the factors contributing to pollutants, we'll unravel the importance of air quality testing and steps you can take to maintain clean air. Discover how pollutants from natural and human activities impact air quality and why frequent testing is crucial for health protection, awareness, and evaluating pollution control efforts. Ensure the air you breathe is clean and safe with Sure BioChem Laboratory's air quality analysis services. Take action to minimize pollutant-emitting products, ensure proper ventilation, and stay updated on-air quality conditions in your area.
01 Aug, 2023
Cleanrooms are a fascinating and critical aspect of modern industries that require precise and contamination free environments. These controlled spaces play a pivotal role in various sectors, ranging from pharmaceutical and biotechnology to electronics and aerospace. In this post, we will delve into the world of cleanrooms in pharmaceutical and biotechnology, exploiting their definition, importance, and the technologies that ensure the highest standards of cleanliness.
Routine environmental monitoring of airborne viable organisms to meet clean room standards
24 Nov, 2022
Air monitoring is an important and routine aspect of maintaining a healthy cleanroom space. Take a close look at what airborne environmental monitoring systems are, how they work, and why they are important.
Learn All About Environmental Monitoring Systems
27 Oct, 2022
Environmental monitoring is a complex concept best left to the pros. In this article, we break it down step by step to explain what environmental monitoring evaluates and how these findings are assessed at a professional level.
Show More
Share by: