SOP Guide for Pharma

Sterile Injectable Manufacturing: SOP for Calibration of Temperature Control Systems in Filling Machines – V 2.0

Sterile Injectable Manufacturing: SOP for Calibration of Temperature Control Systems in Filling Machines – V 2.0

Standard Operating Procedure for Calibration of Temperature Control Systems in Filling Machines


Department Sterile Injectable Manufacturing
SOP No. SOP/SIM/049/2025
Supersedes SOP/SIM/049/2022
Page No. Page 1 of 14
Issue Date 18/06/2025
Effective Date 20/06/2025
Review Date 18/06/2026

1. Purpose

To define the procedure for calibration of temperature control systems used in vial and syringe filling machines in sterile injectable manufacturing areas, ensuring accuracy, reliability, and compliance with

regulatory standards.

2. Scope

This SOP applies to all filling equipment with integrated temperature control systems used in cleanroom environments within sterile injectable production. It covers both scheduled calibration and post-maintenance validation.

3. Responsibilities

  • Maintenance Technician: Performs calibration using certified reference equipment.
  • Engineering Supervisor: Reviews calibration reports and ensures schedule adherence.
  • QA Officer: Verifies and approves calibration certificates and log entries.
  • Production Operator: Initiates calibration requests and halts operation during calibration.

4. Accountability

The Head of Engineering is accountable for compliance with the calibration schedule, procedure adherence, and closure of deviations related to temperature calibration.

5. Procedure

5.1 Calibration Frequency

  1. Perform calibration:
    • Before first use after installation or major maintenance
    • Every 6 months (or as per equipment-specific validation protocol)
    • Following any temperature-related deviation or malfunction

5.2 Preparation for Calibration

  1. Switch the machine to maintenance mode and display temperature set points.
  2. Ensure all temperature probes and heating zones are accessible.
  3. Clean sensor surfaces with sterile alcohol wipes.
  4. Verify availability of certified temperature calibrator with current calibration traceability (Annexure-1).

5.3 Calibration Procedure

  1. Connect the reference temperature probe to each sensor location (e.g., jacket heaters, product path, reservoir areas).
  2. Apply known reference temperatures (typically 60°C, 80°C, 100°C).
  3. Record displayed values from machine HMI and reference standard simultaneously (±0.5°C tolerance).
  4. If deviation exceeds limits, recalibrate via adjustment or replace the sensor and re-validate.

5.4 Post-Calibration Verification

  1. Switch machine to production mode and run dummy cycles for 15 minutes.
  2. Check system response and log stability of temperature readings.
  3. Attach the calibration certificate to Annexure-2 and update the logbook (Annexure-3).

5.5 Handling Out-of-Tolerance Results

  1. Quarantine all batches filled since the last successful calibration.
  2. Initiate deviation as per QA procedure and investigate impact assessment.
  3. Notify QA for further decision regarding reprocessing, hold, or rejection.

6. Abbreviations

  • SOP: Standard Operating Procedure
  • HMI: Human Machine Interface
  • QA: Quality Assurance
  • OOS: Out of Specification

7. Documents

  1. Certified Reference Equipment List – Annexure-1
  2. Temperature Calibration Certificate – Annexure-2
  3. Calibration Logbook Entry – Annexure-3

8. References

  • ICH Q9 – Quality Risk Management
  • WHO TRS 1010 Annex 7 – Equipment Qualification
  • 21 CFR Part 211 – Subpart D: Equipment

9. SOP Version

Version: 2.0

10. Approval Section

Prepared By Checked By Approved By
Signature
Date
Name
Designation Maintenance Executive QA Executive Head QA
Department Engineering Quality Assurance Quality Assurance

11. Annexures

Annexure-1: Certified Reference Equipment List

Instrument ID Make Model Calibration Due Date Status
CR-302 Fluke 724 12/12/2025 Valid

Annexure-2: Temperature Calibration Certificate

Date Machine ID Sensor Location Set Temp (°C) Observed Temp (°C) Deviation Calibrated By
18/06/2025 VIAL-FM02 Reservoir Zone 80 79.6 0.4 Rajesh Kumar

Annexure-3: Calibration Logbook Entry

Date Machine ID Calibrated By QA Verified By Remarks
18/06/2025 VIAL-FM02 Sunita Reddy Vinay Pawar Within limits

Revision History

Revision Date Revision No. Details Reason Approved By
01/01/2022 1.0 Initial Issue New SOP QA Head
18/06/2025 2.0 Updated calibration ranges and annexures Periodic Review QA Head
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