Project Introduction and Partner Sanofi Vietnam
Hoang Tam - Installation of MOBILE HIGH-SHEAR MIXER TANK 650L & LAB DOUBLE HIGH-SHEAR MIXER TANK 70L for SANOFI VIETNAM's PHARMACEUTICAL LAB Project 12/2021 is a milestone that affirms our capacity to design, manufacture, and install sanitary stainless steel pressure vessels. Sanofi Vietnam, a member of the world's leading multinational pharmaceutical group, always applies the strictest quality management standards such as GMP-WHO, EU-GMP, and ASME BPE guidelines to all equipment in their production and research lines. Hoang Tam overcoming rigorous technical capability assessments to become the main contractor for this project demonstrates absolute trust from a major partner.
The objective of the project was to provide a high-precision emulsifying mixing tank system for the Pharmaceutical Lab. The system requires optimal sample homogenization, strict temperature control, absolute sterility, and easy integration into the plant's CIP/SIP processes. The two core pieces of equipment, including a 650L mobile emulsifying mixing tank and a 70L laboratory double emulsifying mixing tank, were handed over and successfully commissioned in December 2021.
Details of the Mobile High-Shear Mixer Tank 650L
Design Features and Mobility
The 650L mobile emulsifying mixing tank is designed for maximum flexibility in pilot-scale production environments or to support raw material preparation for large production batches.
The equipment is mounted on a stainless steel 304 support frame integrated with a heavy-duty caster system specifically designed for cleanrooms, featuring safety brakes for easy movement between functional areas.
All parts in direct contact with the product are manufactured from high-grade 316L stainless steel, offering outstanding chemical corrosion resistance.
The tank body has a 3-layer construction: the innermost layer contains the product, a dimple jacket layer is used for heating or cooling circulation with hot/cold water, and the outermost thermal insulation cladding is made of SUS 304 stainless steel with an elegant hairline polished finish.
High-Speed Emulsifying Mixing Technology
The mixing system is the heart of the equipment, utilizing a bottom-mounted high-shear mixer assembly. This technology operates on the rotor-stator principle with an extremely narrow gap, generating powerful hydraulic shear forces that finely disperse oil-water phases or suspend solid particles evenly into the liquid phase.
- The rotation speed of the high-shear mixer reaches up to 3,000 RPM, controlled by a Variable Frequency Drive (VFD) to adjust the speed range flexibly according to each product formula.
- The auxiliary anchor agitator with heat-resistant Teflon (PTFE) scrapers sweeps the tank wall clean, assisting in uniform blending of the raw materials and enhancing heat transfer efficiency from the jacket.
- The double mechanical seal, lubricated and cooled by sterile condensate water, completely prevents any risk of raw material leakage or microbial cross-contamination from the external environment.
Details of the Lab Double High-Shear Mixer Tank 70L
Optimized Design for Research and Development (R&D)
With a working capacity of 70L, the laboratory double emulsifying mixing tank is ideal for developing new formulations, conducting clinical trials, or producing small batches of high-value products. Due to the sensitive nature of laboratory samples, the 70L tank requires extremely high precision in temperature control and vacuum pressure.
The equipment is designed as a closed mixing vessel, capable of withstanding negative pressure (vacuum) and mild positive pressure. The integrated vacuum system helps eliminate air bubbles generated during the emulsification and mixing process, ensuring the final product has a smooth, homogeneous texture and remains unoxidized.
Superior Double High-Shear Mixing Mechanism
The unique feature of the 70L tank is its independent dual-drive system:
- Top-mounted homogenizing mixing assembly: Performs coarse dispersion mixing and maintains the downward flow of liquid.
2. Bottom-mounted high-speed high-shear emulsifying mixer assembly: Generates ultra-strong shear force at the bottom area, completely resolving sedimentation issues and ensuring that the entire volume of the liquid passes through the high-shear zone.
The combination of these two mixing mechanisms allows for easy processing of medium to highly viscous solutions, significantly shortening emulsification times compared to standard mixing tanks.
Hoang Tam's Professional Project Execution Process - Installation of MOBILE HIGH-SHEAR MIXER TANK 650L & LAB DOUBLE HIGH-SHEAR MIXER TANK 70L for SANOFI VIETNAM's PHARMACEUTICAL LAB Project 12/2021
Technical Consultation and Detailed Solution Design
Immediately after receiving the requirements from Sanofi Vietnam, Hoang Tam's engineering team conducted an on-site survey of the laboratory layout and thoroughly studied the User Requirement Specification (URS). We performed detailed 3D simulations using specialized software to optimize the placement of process piping, connection nozzles, measurement sensors, and the tank lid opening orientation to ensure maximum convenience for operators.
Detailed design drawings were submitted and approved through multiple rigorous review rounds by Sanofi's technical and QA/QC departments before proceeding to mass production.
Precision Sanitary Mechanical Fabrication
The tank fabrication process was carried out at Hoang Tam's modern workshop under the close supervision of experienced engineers. Every stage strictly complied with ISO quality management processes:
- Welding technique: Utilizing automatic orbital TIG welding for sanitary piping. Purging argon gas continuously on both the inner and outer surfaces of the weld prevents oxidation (weld blackening), ensuring uniform penetration and a smooth, flat surface finish.
- Surface treatment: The internal product-contact surfaces of the tank are mechanically polished to a roughness of Ra < 0.4 µm, followed by electropolishing to create a durable passive layer on the stainless steel. This process eliminates microscopic scratches where bacteria could adhere and form biofilm.
Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) and Site Acceptance Testing (SAT)
Prior to transporting the equipment to Sanofi's factory, Hoang Tam conducted Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) witnessed directly by customer representatives. The inspection items included: measuring surface roughness with specialized instruments, pressure and leak testing the vessel and jacket (hydrostatic testing), and dry and wet test runs of the mixing system to evaluate vibration, noise levels, and motor current draw.
In December 2021, the equipment was carefully packed and transported to Sanofi Vietnam's Pharmaceutical Lab. The Site Acceptance Testing (SAT) and installation process on-site were carried out under strict cleanroom hygiene and industrial safety protocols. Our technical team neatly completed the electrical, pneumatic, water supply, and drainage connections with high aesthetic appeal.
Meeting Stringent International Pharmaceutical Standards
For sanitary mechanical equipment to be operated in the pharmaceutical laboratory of a major corporation like Sanofi, it must comply with a series of strict technical standards:
- Material standards: SUS 316L stainless steel with clear MTRs/CO/CQ originating from reputable manufacturers in Europe or Japan. Sealing gaskets must be certified by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for food and pharmaceutical safety.
- CIP/SIP capabilities (Clean-In-Place / Sterilize-In-Place): The tank design features zero dead legs (dead leg < 2D). The vessel is equipped with 360-degree rotating spray balls, allowing thorough cleaning of every internal nook and cranny without equipment disassembly. The system withstands saturated steam sterilization temperatures up to 121°C at the corresponding pressure.
- Validation Package: Hoang Tam provides a comprehensive validation dossier, including detailed DQ (Design Qualification), IQ (Installation Qualification), and OQ (Operational Qualification) documents, helping Sanofi easily complete acceptance procedures and routine audits by pharmaceutical regulatory authorities.
Hoang Tam - A Trusted Partner for Sanitary Stainless Steel Equipment Solutions
The successful delivery of the emulsifying mixing tanks to Sanofi Vietnam in late 2021 is a clear testament to Hoang Tam's capability and prestige. We take pride in delivering a closed-loop service chain, from design consultation and custom fabrication to installation, commissioning, and long-term after-sales maintenance and service.
We continuously invest in state-of-the-art machinery, enhance the skills of our certified pressure vessel welders, and stay up-to-date with the latest international standards. Consequently, Hoang Tam's industrial storage and sanitary mixing vessels match the quality of imports from developed countries while offering competitive pricing and significantly faster delivery times.
If your business is looking for high-quality sanitary stainless steel vessel fabrication solutions that meet pharmaceutical and food standards, contact us today to receive detailed consultations from our leading technical experts.
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Hoang Tam
Address: Lot L1, Street No. 8, Le Minh Xuan Industrial Park, Tan Nhut Commune, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Hotline: +84933049069
Tel: +84933049069
Email: contact@hoangtamsse.com
Website: hoangtamsse.com
