Precision Laser Cleaning (PLC) was engaged by a leading multinational pharmaceutical organisation in Melbourne to perform internal surface preparation on a large vacuum steam autoclave.
Prolonged exposure to high-temperature steam had resulted in significant tea staining and oxidation across the stainless-steel interior.
The objective was to restore surface condition to strict pharmaceutical standards, ensuring full audit and regulatory compliance.
The Challenge: Surface Preparation in Sterile Environments
Maintaining Sterile Conditions
Conventional cleaning methods, whether chemical, abrasive, or moisture-based, were not viable due to the risk of contamination. The process demanded a fully dry, non-contact solution that preserved the sterile environment throughout the operation.
Compliance Without Surface Damage
The selected surface preparation method was required to meet Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) protocols. This included complete removal of staining and oxidation without leaving behind residue (foreign matter, or chemical traces), dust, or causing micro-damage to the stainless-steel substrate.
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The Solution:
Controlled Laser Deployment
PLC deployed two 100W pulsed laser cleaning systems, supported by HEPA-filtered extraction units to capture and contain particulates at the point of generation.
Precision Execution
All cleaning was conducted internally within the autoclave chamber by PLC’s trained technicians. The compact, portable laser units allowed safe and precise treatment across the full internal surface area, without introducing foreign materials or waste streams.
The Outcome:
All tea staining and oxidation were successfully removed from the autoclave’s internal surfaces.
Completely dry, chemical-free, residue-free process suitable for ongoing sterile operations.
No disruption to adjacent operations or production schedules.
Zero safety incidents; the project was executed in full compliance with pharmaceutical safety protocols.
Laser Surface Preparation: The Preferred Solution for Pharmaceutical Environments
Eliminates the need for chemical cleaning agents and secondary waste management.
Preserves substrate integrity with non-abrasive, non-contact cleaning.
Fully aligns with GMP and global pharmaceutical compliance standards.
Enables precision restoration without compromising sterile operations.
The successful restoration of the autoclave without disruption to surrounding operations positions laser cleaning as a preferred option for pharmaceutical asset maintenance
Speak with Precision Laser Cleaning about our fully compliant, chemical-free surface preparation solutions.
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