Comprehensive Guide to Air Locks and Their Uses in the Pharmaceutical Industry
Air locks play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and cleanliness of controlled environments within the pharmaceutical industry . They are essential elements in the design of cleanrooms and other classified areas, ensuring contamination control and adherence to Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) . Air locks act as buffer zones that prevent direct airflow and the transfer of particulates, microorganisms, or personnel-borne contaminants between areas of different cleanliness levels. 1. Introduction to Air Locks An air lock is a closed space with two or more doors arranged in such a way that one door must be closed before the other is opened. This design minimizes contamination risks by maintaining pressure differentials between adjoining rooms. In pharmaceutical cleanrooms, air locks are strategically positioned at entry and exit points for both personnel and materials. They serve as a controlled transition area between classified and non-classified zones or between area...