Pharmaceutical Vacuum Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What are some of the applications your vacuums are used for in pharmaceutical plants?
A. Nilfisk CFM industrial vacuum cleaners are used in hundreds of pharmaceutical processing facilities across North America for cleanrooms, general maintenance, overhead cleaning, packaging lines, process-integration, liquid collection, and the list goes on. For a list of pharmaceutical company references, email
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Q. I am looking for a small portable vacuum cleaner to use in a solid dosage dispensing room. The vacuum would be used to clean up powder that has spilled on the floor, scales, table tops, etc. Can you recommend a product that might fit this application?
A. Nilfisk CFM offer’s a full range of both portable and stationary industrial vacuums, specifically for the pharmaceutical industry. Click here to learn what vacuum is right for your application or to request a site visit from your local rep.
Q. What features should I look for when purchasing a vacuum that will be used in a cleanroom?
A. If your vacuum will be used in a cleanroom environment, a High Efficiency Particulate Air (HEPA) or Ultra Low Particulate Air (ULPA) filter is an obvious must.
The location of the filter is also critical. Because contamination standards in pharmaceutical industries are more stringent than other industries, HEPA/ULPA filters before and after the motor will help achieve optimal efficiency. Placed before the motor, an “upstream” filter protects the motor from the potentially harmful debris you are collecting. It will also help prolong the life of the motor and safeguard employees if maintenance is needed on a motor. A “downstream” filter, positioned after-the-motor, will eliminate the dust created by the motor’s commutator and carbon brushes from being released back into the environment through the exhaust stream.
Aside from superior filtration, simple, smooth construction is also important for a cleanroom vacuum as it prevents contamination by the vacuum itself and is easier to clean. Non-particle-generating material such as non-porous stainless steel is a preferred material in controlled-environments, and hoses and attachments should also be smooth for fast, simple sanitization and validation.
Click here for more information on cleanroom vacuums.
Q. Tell me about your cleanroom filters.
A. Nilfisk CFM’s pharmaceutical and cleanroom vacuums can be equipped with either HEPA or ULPA filters.
- Our HEPA filters retain 99.97% of all particles, down to and including 0.3 microns.
- Our ULPA filter retains 99.999% of all particles down to and including 0.12 microns.
Industrial vacuums being used in critically-controlled environments should also be equipped with both an “upstream” and “downstream” filter, as described above.
Q. What is the Safe-Pak™?
A. Developed by Nilfisk CFM, the Safe-Pak™ is a HEPA-filtered collection container that allows you to easily and safely collect, contain and dispose of hazardous materials, including potent compounds.
The self-contained Safe-Pak unit, offered on the IVT1000CR, Nilfisk CFM 3156 and Nilfisk CFM 3306, safely isolates hazardous materials without contaminating your cleanroom vacuum or personnel. When full, the Safe-Pak unit is removed and discarded. No filters to change. No maintenance hassles. And unlike bag-in/bag-out systems, the rigid Safe-Pak container won’t tear. Simply slide out the unit and replace it with a new one. Nothing is easier or safer for handling potent compounds.