Merck, Sharp & Dohme: Liquid Medicines

The Merck, Sharp & Dohme plant in Hoddesdon manufactures and produces liquid medicines for use by the company throughout Europe and the UK. These very from anti-depressives to anti-hypertensives. Liquid analogues exist for many of the tablet/capsule formulations which are manufactured at their Cramlington plant. An important constituent of the liquid medicines is Sorbitol in solution. It is critical that there is no crystallisation of the Sorbitol and heating is therefore required to make a complete solution and also to maintain viscosity at an acceptable level. Previously, heat was supplied by an electric convection oven. Eastern Electricity completed a very detailed project appraisal, including on-site trials, which considered various alternatives including steam ovens or electric and individual heaters. The report resulted in the installation of Thermosafe induction heaters, highlighting the following advantages: Huge energy savings During on-site testing it was found that heating times were reduced from 48 hours to 15 hours! This, combined with the lower electrical rating of the induction heaters themselves, represents an 86% reduction in energy consumption. bullet Minimal surface heat losses, hence comfortable working conditions bullet Space saving bullet Flexible location. bullet Low maintenance bullet Easy identification of barrels being heated bullet Heating of individual barrels bullet Automatic operation, no control required