The brief: meeting pharmaceutical storage regulations on temperature
When Healthcare Logistics specified the HVAC solution for its new 11,200 m² warehouse in Bedford, the need to meet EU directive 91/356/EEC — which contains guidance for pharmaceutical manufacturers and distributors on the storage of pharmaceuticals — was the prime consideration.
- Pharmaceutical products must be stored between 15°C and 25°C, so the system had to deliver a specified temperature within this band and maintain it throughout the operating space
- Stringent product storage rules and the mandatory requirement for continuous environmental monitoring demanded strict performance parameters
- A comfortable environment for warehouse operatives mattered, but cooling and constant temperature to protect product quality were of paramount importance
- Ductwork had to be co-ordinated around sprinklers, lighting and other specialist contractors, as well as dense racking up to 13 m high
The solution: an air-based Balanced JET system, with plant outside the warehouse
An air-based system was the only viable solution. As a specialist in this field, JET was commissioned to develop a cost-effective, energy-efficient system to meet these specific requirements, using its unique Balanced JET technology.
- No dampers in the distribution system or at the outlets, so no post-installation adjustment is required
- Some of the ductwork installed within the dense 13 m high-bay racking to ensure optimum airflow
- AHUs contained in a single location in a separate plant and equipment room, outside the operational space
- Installation fast-tracked and co-ordinated with other specialist contractors at soffit level, keeping the ducting in position on schedule
What the system delivered
Precision temperature control
A specified temperature is delivered within the 15–25°C band and maintained throughout the operating space.
No access for maintenance
With the AHUs outside the operational space, there is no need to enter the warehouse for routine servicing, saving the costs of facility downtime.
No post-install adjustment
Because there are no dampers in the distribution system or at the outlets, nothing needs adjusting after installation.
Fast-tracked installation
Fast-tracking aided co-ordination of contractor services and resulted in important cost savings for the main contractor.
Why it matters: a major impact on business performance
For Healthcare Logistics, precision control over the environment is more than a welcome benefit of the HVAC solution. While the whole-life approach to running costs and maintenance were key factors in its choice of system, temperature consistency is essential to business performance.
In buildings like the new Healthcare Logistics depot, any deviation from prescribed temperature parameters can result in drugs worth millions of pounds having to be destroyed because they are no longer viable.
What the project team said
"We were impressed with JET's ability to work alongside other specialist contractors, co-ordinating what was a complex puzzle at soffit level and ensuring the ducting was in position on schedule."
Director, Bennett Williams (consultant on the project)
"In order to comply with stringent product storage rules and the mandatory requirement for continuous monitoring of the environment to ensure they are maintained at optimum temperature, the HVAC solution had to meet strict performance parameters."
Director, Bennett Williams (consultant on the project)
"A comfortable environment for the warehouse operatives working in the space was part of the equation, but appropriate cooling and the maintenance of a constant temperature to ensure product quality were of paramount importance."
Director, Bennett Williams (consultant on the project)
About Healthcare Logistics
Market leader in healthcare logistics
Founded in 1976, Healthcare Logistics was the market leader in logistical solutions for the pharmaceutical, medical and animal healthcare industries. It provided three principal services: distribution, warehousing and sales order processing.
Delivering around 40% of the UK's medicines
The UK partner of Euro Pharmaceutical Logistics (EPL) — a European consortium of independent pharmaceutical logistics companies — Healthcare Logistics made timed deliveries to wholesalers, hospitals, GPs and high street pharmacists from its network of seven depots.
The Bedford depot
Show technical specifications
| Length | 108 m |
|---|---|
| Width | 104 m |
| Average height | 18 m |
| Floor area | 11,232 m² |
| Volume | 202,176 m³ |
| Racking height | 13 m |
| Number of units / systems | 2 |
|---|---|
| Heater type | Direct gas |
| Storage temperature band | 15°C – 25°C |
| Regulation | EU Directive 91/356/EEC |
| Distribution | Balanced JET, no dampers |
| Plant location | Separate plant room |
| Location | Bedford |
|---|---|
| Client | Healthcare Logistics |
| Consultant | Bennett Williams |
| Main contractor | Anglo Holt |
| HVAC design & installation | Jet Environmental |
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