Standard Operating Procedure for Preventive Maintenance of Mixing Vessels in Elixir Manufacturing
| Department | Elixir Department |
|---|---|
| SOP No. | SOP/ELX/105/2025 |
| Supersedes | SOP/ELX/105/2022 |
| Page No. | Page 1 of 8 |
| Issue Date | 11/04/2025 |
| Effective Date | 15/04/2025 |
| Review Date | 11/04/2026 |
1. Purpose
To outline the procedure for scheduled preventive maintenance of mixing vessels used in elixir manufacturing, ensuring continuous and efficient operation in compliance with GMP and safety standards.
2. Scope
This SOP applies to all stainless-steel mixing vessels, with or without agitators, used for manufacturing elixirs in the Elixir Department.
3. Responsibilities
- Maintenance Technician:
- Perform preventive maintenance tasks according to the checklist and schedule.
- Production Supervisor:
- Ensure vessels are made available for maintenance and verify completion of tasks.
- QA Officer:
- Review maintenance records and approve equipment readiness post-maintenance.
4. Accountability
The Engineering Head is accountable for implementation and documentation of preventive maintenance of mixing vessels, and ensuring operational reliability.
5. Procedure
5.1 Maintenance Frequency
- Preventive maintenance shall be performed:
- Monthly
- Quarterly
- Annually (comprehensive check)
- Refer to the Equipment Maintenance Calendar approved by QA and Engineering.
5.2 Preparation Before Maintenance
- Ensure vessel is empty, cleaned, and labeled “UNDER MAINTENANCE.”
- Disconnect utilities like steam, water, compressed air, and power supply.
- Wear appropriate PPE and follow Lockout/Tagout (LOTO) procedures.
5.3 Monthly Maintenance Checklist
- Check vessel body and weld joints for corrosion, leakage, or cracks.
- Inspect agitator shaft, seals, and blade for wear or alignment issues.
- Lubricate moving parts as per manufacturer’s instruction.
- Check and clean vent filters and temperature probes.
5.4 Quarterly Maintenance Checklist
- Check motor alignment and belt tension (if applicable).
- Test motor RPM and compare with standard setting.
- Verify function of pressure gauges, valves, and safety interlocks.
- Calibrate temperature and level sensors.
5.5 Annual Maintenance Checklist
- Conduct complete vessel dismantling and visual inspection.
- Replace worn-out seals, gaskets, and fittings.
- Test and inspect CIP/SIP connections and clean spray balls.
- Perform hydrostatic pressure test (if scheduled).
5.6 Post-Maintenance Procedure
- Reconnect all utilities and perform a dry run of the mixing vessel.
- Verify that all parameters are within standard limits.
- Affix “READY TO USE” label and update status in the Equipment Status Board.
- Complete Maintenance Checklist and get it reviewed by Production and QA.
6. Abbreviations
- SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
- PPE: Personal Protective Equipment
- QA: Quality Assurance
- CIP: Clean-in-Place
- SIP: Steam-in-Place
- LOTO: Lockout Tagout
7. Documents
- Monthly/Quarterly/Annual Maintenance Checklist (Annexure-1)
- Maintenance Logbook (Annexure-2)
- Equipment Maintenance Calendar
8. References
- WHO TRS 1010 – GMP Guidelines
- 21 CFR Part 211.67 – Equipment Cleaning and Maintenance
- OEM Maintenance Manuals
9. SOP Version
Version: 2.0
10. Approval Section
| Prepared By | Checked By | Approved By | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Signature | |||
| Date | |||
| Name | |||
| Designation | |||
| Department |
11. Annexures
Annexure-1: Maintenance Checklist
| Date | Frequency | Checklist Item | Status (OK/Not OK) | Remarks | Technician |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/04/2025 | Monthly | Agitator Seal | OK | – | Rajesh Kumar |
Annexure-2: Maintenance Logbook
| Date | Equipment ID | Batch No. (if applicable) | Work Done | Performed By | Reviewed By |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11/04/2025 | MIX-012 | NA | Seal Replacement & Belt Check | Sunita Reddy | Meena Sharma |
Revision History:
| Revision Date | Revision No. | Revision Details | Reason for Revision | Approved By |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01/01/2024 | 1.0 | Initial SOP Release | New SOP | QA Head |
| 11/04/2025 | 2.0 | Added annual checklist and hydro test step | Preventive Maintenance Standardization | QA Head |