SOP Guide for Pharma

Gel Manufacturing: SOP for Maintaining Temperature Controllers in Production – V 2.0

Gel Manufacturing: SOP for Maintaining Temperature Controllers in Production – V 2.0

Standard Operating Procedure for Maintenance of Temperature Controllers in Gel Manufacturing


Department Gel Manufacturing
SOP No. SOP/GM/049/2025
Supersedes SOP/GM/049/2022
Page No. Page 1 of 13
Issue Date 02/06/2025
Effective Date 04/06/2025
Review Date 02/06/2026

1. Purpose

This SOP defines the procedure for the maintenance and monitoring of temperature controllers used in gel manufacturing processes. Proper maintenance ensures accurate temperature control and process consistency, critical for the quality of gels.

2. Scope

This procedure applies to all temperature controllers installed in gel manufacturing equipment such

as mixing vessels, heating tanks, and storage units.

3. Responsibilities

  • Engineering Team: Responsible for preventive maintenance and calibration.
  • Production Staff: Responsible for daily usage monitoring and reporting anomalies.
  • QA Personnel: Responsible for review and verification of maintenance records.

4. Accountability

The Head of Engineering and Head of Manufacturing shall be accountable for compliance with this SOP.

5. Procedure

5.1 Daily Monitoring

  1. Operators must inspect and record the temperature controller display before starting the batch.
  2. Verify that the set-point and current readings match the batch requirements.
  3. Note any alarms or unusual behavior and escalate to Engineering if needed.

5.2 Weekly Inspection

  1. Engineering personnel shall perform visual checks of connectors, sensors, and wires.
  2. Ensure the digital display and alarm functionality are working properly.
  3. Clean the controller’s exterior with a dry lint-free cloth.

5.3 Preventive Maintenance (Monthly)

  1. Disconnect the power supply before maintenance work.
  2. Open the control panel, inspect internal components for dust, corrosion, or loose terminals.
  3. Check all input/output terminals and wiring integrity.
  4. Tighten any loose screws or connections.
  5. Update maintenance record in the Temperature Controller Maintenance Log (Annexure-1).

5.4 Calibration (Quarterly)

  1. Perform calibration using a certified temperature simulator or master thermometer.
  2. Compare set values with actual output and adjust if deviation exceeds ±1°C.
  3. Document calibration values in Calibration Report (Annexure-2).

5.5 Breakdown Handling

  1. Immediately tag and isolate faulty controllers.
  2. Raise maintenance request through SAP or internal portal.
  3. Use replacement unit if production is ongoing and require real-time control.
  4. Document the breakdown and corrective action in Breakdown Log (Annexure-3).

5.6 Labeling and Status Tag

  1. Ensure each temperature controller has a status tag indicating ‘Calibrated’, ‘Under Maintenance’ or ‘Do Not Use’ as applicable.
  2. Status tags to be maintained and replaced after each maintenance or calibration.

6. Abbreviations

  • SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
  • QA: Quality Assurance
  • PM: Preventive Maintenance
  • CM: Corrective Maintenance

7. Documents

  1. Temperature Controller Maintenance Log – Annexure-1
  2. Calibration Report – Annexure-2
  3. Breakdown Log – Annexure-3
  4. Preventive Maintenance Checklist – Annexure-4

8. References

  • Equipment Manufacturer’s Maintenance Manual
  • WHO GMP Guidelines
  • Schedule M – Temperature Control Systems

9. SOP Version

Version: 2.0

10. Approval Section

Prepared By Checked By Approved By
Signature
Date
Name
Designation Jr. Production Chemist QA Executive Head – Manufacturing
Department Gel Manufacturing Quality Assurance Manufacturing

11. Annexures

Annexure-1: Temperature Controller Maintenance Log

Date Equipment ID Checked By Remarks Signature

Annexure-2: Calibration Report

Date Controller ID Set Temp (°C) Actual Temp (°C) Deviation Adjusted Calibrated By
Yes / No

Annexure-3: Breakdown Log

Date Controller ID Issue Observed Corrective Action Action By Signature

Annexure-4: Preventive Maintenance Checklist

Activity Status (OK/Not OK) Remarks Date Checked By
Visual Inspection
Wiring & Connections
Sensor Function
Display Accuracy

Revision History

Revision Date Revision No. Details Reason Approved By
05/06/2022 1.0 Initial version New SOP QA Head
02/06/2025 2.0 Format updated, annexures added Scheduled Review QA Head
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