Cambrex Automates Plant Processes

Cambrex Profarmaco has successfully implemented Emerson Process Management's PlantWeb digital plant architecture at its Paullo plant. The resulting gains in product quality and production efficiency have contributed to a four per cent increase in Overall Equipment Effectiveness (OEE).

Cambrex is producing more than 70 active ingredients used mainly for the production of generic drugs. Growing demand for its products meant that Cambrex needed to increase output while maintaining quality.

A key strategy for achieving this objective was to replace manual monitoring and recording practices with fully automated systems. The new systems would provide precise control of process variables and replace manual record-keeping with an automated data historian, speeding process validation and simplifying batch traceability.

The PlantWeb architecture installed includes Emerson's DeltaV digital automation system and AMS Suite: Intelligent Device Manager software. Cambrex's system is 21 CFR Part 11 compliant.

The flexibility and ease of use of the DeltaV system makes it ideal for critical pharmaceutical process. The system meets complex production needs and provides information for use in process development. It also provides a highly reproducible manufacturing process and supporting documentation.

Intelligent field devices in the PlantWeb solution include Rosemount temperature and pressure instruments, Rosemount Analytical pH and conductivity meters, and Micro Motion F-Series Coriolis mass flowmeters. Based on their performance, stability and accuracy, Micro Motion meters have become the Paullo site's de facto standard for all applications regardless of viscosity, density, temperature, process conditions, or corrosiveness.