Stainless steel – a reliable material for the pharmaceutical industry
Pharmaceutical plants and the equipment in pharmaceutical facilities require construction materials that preserve their structural integrity and create inert surfaces. The material used must therefore have corrosion resistance and sufficient stability to withstand the environment, as well as being able to protect against the release of pollutants. Stainless steel is widely used in the pharmaceutical industry because it is corrosion resistant and is easy to clean and process.
The stainless steel grade 1.4404 (AISI 316L) is the most widely used grade in the pharmaceutical industry and is considered an industry standard. When choosing a suitable grade of stainless steel, the cleaning system and the detergents used in the system must also be taken into consideration.
Stainless steel is a low-maintenance material and creates an aesthetic effect, which ensures a pleasing appearance in the production process. The hygienic advantages of stainless steel make it a popular material for many applications in the pharmaceutical industry.
In general, stainless steel is very durable, can withstand exposure to chemicals used to clean the pharmaceutical products, and has high temperature compatibility, as a result of which it can withstand heat-based sanitation techniques.