We needed to provide a Warehouse Climate Control Solution, to comply with stringent pharmaceutical guidelines.
Client – Pharmaceutical
A leading independent PLC based in the South East is one of the largest pharmacy chains in the UK and Europe. As well as a strong pharmacy base, the Group contains a central distribution division with its warehouses supplying over 4,000 pharmaceutical products to its 300+ retail pharmacies across southern England.
Project Scope & Objectives
To provide a temperature-controlled solution (15-25°C) into the Croydon warehouse facility to meet the MHRA’s regulations, and manufactures stringent product specification. In addition, the system needed future proofing to take into account changing MHRA regulations and higher summer time temperatures.
Not meeting the requirements of the MHRA regulations can mean:
- The suspension of a company’s wholesale distribution licence
- Compulsory variation of licences to exclude certain activities
- Sanctions and legal action against the Responsible Person
- Loss of a company’s distribution licence altogether
Challenges
Air Technology Systems had several challenges to consider and overcome with this project, some of which were:
- Even temperature distribution to ±1°C
- Unevenly populated areas, including packed mezzanine areas
- The need for high energy-efficiency and low running costs
- A tight deadline
- Installing within an operational working environment
Solution
To achieve all the project’s goals, Air Technology Systems installed an air induction heating, cooling & ventilation system.
Main ducting at roof level, as well as unobtrusive small diameter ductwork with self-balancing nozzles, provided even horizontal and vertical total temperature control throughout the warehouse.
The ductwork system was connected to a centralised Air Handling Unit (AHU) at ground level, outside the building. And to further ease and speed up the installation time, the AHU was supplied on a skid to enable it to be slotted straight into position.
To compliment the Industrial Climate Control System, Yanmar Gas Heat Pumps can work in conjunction to provide a highly efficient air conditioning solution. Clients can then benefit from further reductions in both running costs, typically 40%, and electrical power requirements, typically 90% reduction, when compared to conventional air conditioning systems.
Result
Our specialist-designed Air Handling Units enable night-purge ventilation, which gives free summer cooling to significantly lower energy costs and reduce the company’s carbon output.
The company’s designated Responsible Person now have complete peace of mind that their Croydon warehouse facility is storing the company’s pharmaceuticals within the temperature band stipulated by the MHRA regulations at all times.
