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3B PSPP
  • Completed
  • PSPP-SI-PHARMA-BIOREACTOR-PREFAT-2026

Bioreactor Pre-FAT and Riboflavin Coverage Testing — Slovenia

PSPP provided independent Pre-FAT inspection and expediting support for four stainless-steel bioreactor vessels manufactured for an international pharmaceutical expansion project. The two-day assignment included riboflavin spray-coverage testing, dimensional spot checks, surface-roughness verification and readiness review before Final FAT.

Apr 2026 — Apr 2026SloveniaStainless-Steel Process Equipment Manufacturing Facility — Western Slovenia
Top of a polished stainless-steel hygienic process vessel with sight glass, actuated sanitary valves, pressure gauge and piping
Projects
4
Stainless-steel bioreactor vessels included in the project
2 x 150 L
Small-capacity bioreactor vessels
2 x 1000 L
Large-capacity bioreactor vessels
2 days
Pre-FAT inspection and expediting duration

The Challenge

Bioreactor vessels used in pharmaceutical production require reliable internal spray coverage, hygienic surface condition and dimensional conformity before acceptance. The assignment involved vessels at different stages of readiness, simultaneous test activities and repeated cleaning verification where fluorescent indications showed areas requiring corrective action.

Scope & Approach

PSPP attended the manufacturer facility to monitor Pre-FAT activities for two 150 L and two 1000 L stainless-steel bioreactor vessels. The work included review of vessel drawings, technical specifications, inspection protocols and operating parameters; confirmation of equipment readiness; and observation of riboflavin-based spray-coverage testing using UV inspection. Flow rate, pressure, spray sequence, agitator operation and drainage intervals were monitored against the approved test parameters. Where fluorescent residues indicated inadequate cleaning, localized corrective cleaning was performed and the spray cycle was repeated to confirm effective coverage. PSPP also carried out random dimensional verification, reviewed surface-roughness measurements performed with calibrated equipment, checked pressure-gauge traceability and recorded outstanding requirements for Final FAT.

The Outcome

The observed coverage tests achieved acceptable spray distribution after the required cleaning and re-verification activities. Three vessels were reported ready for Final FAT at the conclusion of the Pre-FAT visits, while the remaining vessel and outstanding detailed checks were clearly identified for comprehensive verification during the final acceptance stage.

Photographic record

Clamped manway lid with swing bolts on the dished head of a polished stainless-steel vessel
Clamped manway lid with swing bolts on the dished head of a polished stainless-steel vessel
Stainless-steel process vessels with polished hygienic piping, sanitary valves and a sight glass
Stainless-steel process vessels with polished hygienic piping, sanitary valves and a sight glass
Head of a glass process reactor with flanged nozzles, sanitary connections and a stainless-steel support frame
Head of a glass process reactor with flanged nozzles, sanitary connections and a stainless-steel support frame