Fahad Ahmed Internship Report
Fahad Ahmed Internship Report
Fahad Ahmed Internship Report
Internship Report
At
Penicillin Plant
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS .......................................................................................................................... 2
ABSTRACT ................................................................................................................................................. 3
CITI PHARMA LIMITED ........................................................................................................................ 4
INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................................... 5
RAW MATERIALS .................................................................................................................................... 6
REACTIONS ............................................................................................................................................... 9
PROCESS OVERVIEW........................................................................................................................... 10
PROCESS DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................... 11
LINE TRACING ....................................................................................................................................... 21
CONCLUSION ......................................................................................................................................... 21
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ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
In the name of ALLAH ALMIGHTY, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
I begin by expressing my profound gratitude to ALLAH ALMIGHTY, the Most
Compassionate and Wise, for granting me the strength, guidance, and blessings to undertake and
successfully complete my internship at CITI PHARMA LIMITED. His mercy has been a
source of unwavering support throughout this journey.
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ABSTRACT
This report provides a comprehensive overview of the production process of
Amoxicillin Trihydrate, an essential active pharmaceutical ingredient, at Citi Pharma Limited.
The acknowledgment extends to the company's commitment to excellence in pharmaceutical
manufacturing. The report begins with an introduction to the significance of penicillin in
medicine and progresses to delineate the raw materials employed in the synthesis. A detailed
process overview unfolds, starting from the addition of raw materials in a reactor vessel, RV-02,
with glycol cooling, temperature, and pressure controls. Subsequent steps involve the enzymatic
reaction in RV-04, pH adjustment in RV-03, and filtration before crystallization in C-01 and C-
02. The journey continues through centrifugation, crystallizer ammonia addition, and
micronization or compaction based on customer demand. The process culminates in the fluidized
bed drying, centrifugation, and smashing of the product. The product then undergoes further
processes in a compactor or jet mill based on customer specifications, followed by drying in a
fluidized bed dryer. Finally, the material is blended in a cone blender, inspected for metal
contaminants, and further packed, stored, and transported. Notably, isopropyl alcohol used in
centrifuges is efficiently recovered in a dedicated area.This report encapsulates the intricate steps
involved in the production of Amoxicillin Trihydrate, highlighting Citi Pharma Limited's
commitment to quality, efficiency, and sustainability in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
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CITI PHARMA LIMITED
Citi Pharma, located at 3km Head Balloki road, Kasur, operates a state-of-the-art
pharmaceutical manufacturing facility spread across 47 acres with over 800,000 sq. feet of
covered area. Founded in 1990, the company initiated its major plant erection in 1993,
concluding in 1996. Production commenced in the same year, with formulation capabilities
established by 2003.
Company Mission:
Citi Pharma is driven by a mission to add exceptional value through the creation of
innovative and cost-effective pharmaceutical products. The company is committed to cultivating
a corporate culture that rewards initiative, enthusiasm, and ethical practices.
Production Focus:
The production of Amoxicillin Trihydrate at Citi Pharma involves a systematic synthesis
process, utilizing key intermediates such as 6-APA, Methyl Ester, and Penicillin G acylase. The
company's commitment to excellence is reflected in its rigorous quality control measures and
adherence to global regulatory standards.
Corporate Values:
Citi Pharma's dedication to ethical practices and its emphasis on rewarding initiative and
enthusiasm underscore its commitment to corporate responsibility and sustainable business
practices.
In summary, Citi Pharma, with a rich history dating back to 1990, stands as a leading
pharmaceutical manufacturer in Kasur. The company's focus on innovation, cost-effectiveness,
and ethical practices positions it as a key player in the industry, contributing to the production of
high-quality pharmaceuticals, including Amoxicillin Trihydrate.
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INTRODUCTION
Penicillin is a group of antibiotics that are derived from fungi in the genus Penicillium.
Sir Alexander Fleming discovered the first true antibiotic, penicillin, in 1928. The discovery
revolutionized medicine and marked the beginning of the antibiotic era.
Penicillin works by inhibiting the growth of bacteria, specifically by preventing the
synthesis of their cell walls. This makes it effective against a wide range of bacterial infections.
There are different types of penicillin, including penicillin G, penicillin V, and various semi-
synthetic derivatives, each with its own spectrum of activity.
Over the years, penicillin has been crucial in treating various bacterial infections, and it
laid the foundation for the development of many other antibiotics. However, it's important to
note that some bacteria have developed resistance to penicillin and other antibiotics, leading to
the need for alternative treatments and the development of new antibiotics.
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RAW MATERIALS
Following are the raw materials used in the production of amoxicillin trihydrate.
6-AMINOPENICILLINIC ACID:
6-Aminopenicillanic acid, also known as 6-APA, is a key intermediate in the synthesis of
various penicillin antibiotics. It is a derivative of penicillin that serves as the core structure from
which other penicillin are derived through chemical modifications.
In the production of penicillin antibiotics, 6-APA is often obtained through the hydrolysis
of penicillin G or penicillin V. Once 6-APA is isolated, it can be chemically modified to produce
different penicillin derivatives, such as ampicillin, amoxicillin, and others. These modifications
often involve adding various side chains to the 6-APA structure, resulting in antibiotics with
different properties, such as increased stability or extended spectrum of activity against bacteria.
Methyl Ester:
A methyl ester is a chemical compound formed by the reaction of a carboxylic acid with
methanol. In this reaction, a hydroxyl group (-OH) from the carboxylic acid reacts with a
hydrogen atom from the methanol, resulting in the formation of a methyl ester and water.
Methyl esters are characterized by the presence of the -COOCH₃ functional group. These
compounds are commonly used in various industrial processes and have several applications. For
example, they are frequently used in the production of biodiesel, where triglycerides (fats and
oils) are converted into fatty acid methyl esters through a process called transesterification.
Methyl esters can also be found in certain pharmaceuticals, fragrances, and other chemical
products.
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RO Water:
RO water stands for Reverse Osmosis water. Reverse osmosis is a water purification
process that uses a partially permeable membrane to remove ions, molecules, and larger particles
from drinking water. The process involves applying pressure to the water on one side of the
membrane, forcing it to pass through the membrane while leaving contaminants behind. The
result is water that is purified and often referred to as RO water.
A semi-permeable membrane, also known as a selectively permeable membrane, is a
type of membrane that allows certain substances to pass through while preventing the passage of
others. The permeability of the membrane is selective, meaning it allows specific molecules or
ions to move through while restricting the movement of others based on factors such as size,
charge, or solubility.
Reverse osmosis can effectively remove a wide range of impurities, including minerals,
bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants, producing water that is typically of high purity. This
makes RO water commonly used for various purposes, including drinking water, industrial
processes, and laboratory applications.
Hydrochloric Acid:
Hydrochloric acid (HCl) is often used in the production of amoxicillin trihydrate as part
of the manufacturing process. The precursor for amoxicillin is penicillin G. Hydrochloric acid is
used in the hydrolysis of penicillin G to form 6-aminopenicillanic acid (6-APA).
The 6-APA obtained from the hydrolysis is then subjected to an acylation reaction.
During this reaction, hydrochloric acid may be used to facilitate the formation of amoxicillin by
reacting 6-APA with the appropriate side chain (which includes an amino group).
Ammonium Hydroxide:
The role of ammonium hydroxide in amoxicillin production involves adjusting the pH
of reaction mixtures, particularly during the formation of intermediates and the final product.
Ammonium hydroxide is used to adjust the pH of the reaction mixture during various stages of
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amoxicillin production. Controlling the pH is crucial for optimizing reaction rates and ensuring
the stability of intermediates and the final product.
After the reaction steps, any excess acids used in the process, such as hydrochloric acid
(HCl), need to be neutralized. Ammonium hydroxide may be employed for this purpose, reacting
with the acidic components to form water and salts.
Ammonium hydroxide can also be involved in the precipitation and crystallization steps.
By adjusting the pH to specific ranges, it helps in promoting the precipitation of certain
components and facilitates the formation of crystals of amoxicillin trihydrate.
Isopropyl Alcohol:
Isopropyl alcohol can be used as a solvent in the extraction or purification of certain
intermediates or products during the synthesis of amoxicillin. It can help dissolve and separate
specific components from reaction mixtures.
Isopropyl alcohol is known for its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances and is
often used for washing and cleaning equipment and surfaces in pharmaceutical manufacturing.
Cleanliness and sterility are crucial in pharmaceutical production to ensure the quality and purity
of the final product.
Penicillin G Acylase:
Penicillin G Acylase (PGA) is an enzyme that plays a crucial role in the industrial
production of semi-synthetic penicillin, including amoxicillin. The enzyme catalyzes the
hydrolysis of penicillin G to produce 6-aminopenicillanic acid (6-APA). This 6-APA is a key
intermediate in the synthesis of various penicillin antibiotics.
Penicillin G Acylase initiates the production of amoxicillin by hydrolyzing penicillin G
to 6-aminopenicillanic acid, which serves as a key intermediate for further chemical
modifications in the synthesis of amoxicillin.
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REACTIONS
The production of amoxicillin trihydrate involves a series of chemical reactions.
Amoxicillin is a semisynthetic antibiotic in the penicillin group, and its production typically
starts from 6-aminopenicillanic acid (6-APA), which is a key intermediate.
The process begins with the acylation of 6-APA, where acyl groups are introduced.
This reaction involves the addition of acetic anhydride (or other acylating agents) to 6-APA. This
step forms 6-APA acyl derivatives.
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PROCESS OVERVIEW
➢ Raw materials are introduced into RV-02, where mixing occurs. This vessel is likely
equipped with agitators or other mixing mechanisms to ensure a homogeneous blend of
the raw materials.
➢ The mixture from RV-02 is transferred to RV-04, where a reaction takes place in the
presence of an enzyme. This step is crucial for the desired chemical transformation or
synthesis.
➢ The product from RV-04 is then sent to RV-03, where hydrochloric acid (HCl) is added to
make the solution crystal clear. This step might involve a precipitation or clarification
process.
➢ The clarified product is sent to two crystallizers, C-01 and C-02. Ammonium hydroxide
is added to induce crystallization, forming solid crystals of the desired product.
➢ The crystal product is then processed in four centrifuges (CF-01 to CF-04), where
isopropyl alcohol (IPA) is added to remove contaminants. Centrifugation separates the
solid product from the liquid.
➢ The resulting cake from the centrifuges is sent through a smasher to increase its surface
area. This step may enhance subsequent processing efficiency.
➢ The smashed product is introduced into a fluidized bed reactor, where its moisture
content is reduced from an initial range of 25-30% to a final range of 12.5-14.5%.
➢ Depending on the desired product characteristics, the material is directed either to a
compactor for compaction or to a jet mill for micronization.
➢ The compacted or micronized material is injected in a cone blender to achieve
homogeneous distribution of the product.
➢ The product is passed through a metal detector to ensure there are no metallic
contaminants.
➢ The processed product is sent to the packing area, where it is packaged into containers
suitable for transportation.
➢ The packaged product is dispatched for distribution via transport.
BLOCK DIAGRAM
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PROCESS FLOW DIAGRAM
PROCESS DESCRIPTION
The production of amoxicillin trihydrate involves a complex and multi-step process.
Here is a detailed description of the production process:
UNIT PROCESS
Reaction Vessel (RV-02):
In the initial stage, raw materials are added to the reactor vessel (RV-02). The raw
materials include:
• 6-Aminopenicillinic Acid
• Methyl Ester
• RO Water
The reactor vessel has a capacity of 2 tons, and it is designated as RV-02. RV-02 is
equipped with a jacket around it, and glycol is used as a cooling agent. The glycol maintains a
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temperature of -15 degrees Celsius. This cooling process is crucial to control the reaction
temperature and prevent any undesired side reactions or degradation of the product.
Inside the reactor vessel (RV-02), the temperature is controlled within the range of
10-15 degrees Celsius. This controlled temperature is essential for the specific chemical reactions
involved in the synthesis of Amoxicillin Trihydrate. The temperature control ensures the desired
yield and quality of the final product.
In addition to temperature, the pressure inside the reactor vessel is also controlled.
This is necessary to manage the reaction kinetics and to ensure a safe operating environment.
The precise pressure control contributes to the efficiency and safety of the production process.
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Filtration Assembly:
After this, the crystal-clear product is directed to a filtration assembly. This assembly
is equipped with filters that have a specified particle size range of 0.1 to 0.5 microns. The
purpose of this filtration is to separate any remaining solid particles or impurities that may be
present in the solution.
The filtration assembly allows the product, which is in solution form, to pass through
while blocking particles larger than 0.5 microns. This ensures that the final product is free from
unwanted impurities or particulate matter.
Crystallizers (C-01&C-02):
The crystal-clear product from RV-03 is then transferred to the crystallizers, C-01 and
C-02. In these crystallizers, the product undergoes crystallization. Crystallization is the process
by which molecules in a solution come together to form ordered, solid crystals. This step is
crucial for obtaining the desired physical form and purity of the product.
Ammonia is added to the crystallizers to adjust the pH of the solution. The addition
of ammonia increases the pH from 1 to above 3. This change in pH is a key factor in initiating
the crystallization process. Crystals begin to form as the pH is raised.
Crystallizers C-01 and C-02 have a capacity of 4.4 tons each, allowing for a
substantial amount of product to undergo crystallization simultaneously. The temperature in the
crystallizers is carefully controlled, maintaining it below 10 degrees Celsius. This low
temperature is conducive to the formation of well-defined crystals.
Pressure within the crystallizers is also controlled to create the ideal conditions for
crystallization and to ensure the safety of the equipment. Throughout the crystallization process,
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parameters such as temperature, pH, and crystal size are continuously monitored and controlled
to achieve the desired product characteristics.
UNIT OPERATION
Centrifuges (CF-01,CF-02,CF-03,CF-04):
The product, now in the form of crystals from the crystallizers, is transferred to
centrifuges CF-01, CF-02, CF-03, and CF-04. Centrifuges are high-speed rotating devices that
use centrifugal force to separate components of a mixture based on their density. The centrifuges
in this process operate at 3000 revolutions per minute (rpm). Centrifugation is employed to
separate the crystals from the liquid phase, facilitating the removal of excess water and
impurities.
Isopropyl alcohol is introduced during the centrifugation process. This solvent is
utilized to remove impurities and contaminants from the crystal cake. Isopropyl alcohol aids in
washing and purifying the crystals, ensuring a high level of cleanliness and product purity.
As a result of the centrifugation and isopropyl alcohol treatment, the product
takes the form of a cake. The cake is composed of the purified crystals, and any remaining
moisture is substantially reduced during this phase.
The final product, in cake form, typically has a
moisture content ranging from 25% to 30%. This moisture
content is controlled to meet specific product specifications
and is an important factor in ensuring the stability and shelf-
life of the pharmaceutical product.
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Smasher:
The cake is transferred to a smasher for further processing. The smasher is a
mechanical device designed to break down larger solid masses into smaller, finer particles. In
this case, its purpose is to reduce the cake into fine particles. The smashing process increases the
surface area of the product, which is beneficial for various reasons, including improved heat
transfer.
Breaking the cake into fine particles significantly increases the total surface area of the
material. This increased surface area enhances the efficiency of subsequent processes, such as
drying or further reactions. Additionally, it aids in promoting better heat transfer during
subsequent stages of the manufacturing process.
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Throughout the drying process, parameters such as temperature, moisture content, and
the fluidization state are continuously monitored to maintain the quality and consistency of the
dried product.
Compactor:
A compactor is designed to efficiently compress materials, commonly powders or
granules, and enhance their density and cohesiveness. The design typically includes a feeding
mechanism for introducing the material, a compression zone where pressure is applied through
the use of rollers or a mechanical system, and a system for forming compacted structures, such as
tablets or granules.
The design parameters, such as the shape and size of the compression elements, as
well as the speed and dwell time of the compaction process, are carefully considered to achieve
optimal results. Quality control measures are integrated into
the design to ensure uniformity and consistency of the
compacted structures. The resulting design of the compactor
plays a crucial role in shaping the final product's physical
characteristics, making it a fundamental component in
pharmaceutical manufacturing and other industries requiring
controlled material compaction.
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Jet Mill:
A jet mill is a specialized mechanical device designed to achieve micronization by
reducing the particle size of materials to the micrometer or nanometer range. The working
principle of a jet mill involves high-velocity air streams and a grinding chamber. As the material
is introduced into the mill, it is subjected to the force of the high-velocity air, creating collisions
and impacts within the grinding chamber.
The process begins with the feeding of the material into the mill, and as it enters the
grinding chamber, it encounters the high-velocity air streams. These air streams impart sufficient
energy to the particles, causing them to collide and break down into smaller sizes. The collision
forces result in size reduction, transforming the material into fine particles.
The jet mill is equipped with nozzles or classifiers that control the particle size
distribution, ensuring uniformity in the micronized product. The efficiency of the jet mill lies in
its ability to generate precisely controlled air flows and velocities to achieve the desired particle
size reduction.
Cone Blender:
After compaction or micronization, the material is transferred to a cone blender for
further processing. The cone blender, with a capacity of 600 kg, is designed to homogenize the
material by providing gentle yet effective blending. This equipment is characterized by its
conical shape, which facilitates efficient mixing without causing excessive stress on the particles.
The primary purpose of using the cone blender is to achieve a uniform concentration
of moisture content throughout the blended material.
The cone blender's gentle blending action involves the rotation of the conical vessel,
causing the material to move in a tumbling motion. This promotes thorough mixing, allowing the
compacted or micronized particles to be evenly distributed.
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Metal Detector:
Following the blending process, the material undergoes inspection for potential
metal contaminants using a metal detector equipped with one inlet and two outlets. This metal
detector serves as a crucial quality control checkpoint, ensuring the integrity of the final product.
The system allows the material to pass through the detector, which is sensitive enough to detect
particles as small as 0.25mm.
The metal detector utilizes magnetic flux, creating a magnetic field within its
detection zone. As the material passes through this zone, any metal contaminants disrupt the
magnetic flux, triggering the detection mechanism. The metal detector has two outlets – one for
the material that successfully passes the inspection (the "pass" outlet), and the other for material
identified as containing metal contaminants (the "rejected" outlet).
This dual outlet system ensures that only pristine material proceeds further in the
manufacturing process, while any detected contaminants are efficiently separated and flagged for
appropriate remediation or disposal. The application of a metal detector with magnetic flux
technology adds an extra layer of precision and reliability to the quality control measures,
contributing to the overall safety and quality assurance of the pharmaceutical product.
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Packaging, Storage and Transport:
Following the metal detection process, the material, now verified for quality and free
of metal contaminants, proceeds to the final stages of the pharmaceutical manufacturing process.
The next steps involve packaging, storage, and transportation. The material is carefully packed
using appropriate packaging materials and methods, ensuring that it maintains its integrity and
meets regulatory requirements.
Once securely packaged, the pharmaceutical product is transferred to storage facilities
designed to maintain optimal conditions such as temperature, humidity, and light exposure.
Proper storage is essential to preserve the stability and efficacy of the product throughout its
shelf life.
Finally, the packaged and stored pharmaceuticals are prepared for transportation to
distribution centers, wholesalers, or directly to end-users. Transportation methods are chosen to
meet the specific needs of the product, ensuring it reaches its destination in a timely manner and
under conditions that uphold product quality.
Recovery:
The recovery of isopropyl alcohol (IPA) used in centrifuges is a common practice in
pharmaceutical manufacturing processes. After the centrifugation step, where IPA is utilized for
washing and purification purposes, the spent IPA often contains valuable components and needs
to be reclaimed. This recovery typically takes place in a dedicated area known as the recovery
area.
Distillation is a commonly used technique in IPA recovery. Through distillation, the IPA
can be separated from impurities and contaminants, allowing for its reuse in subsequent
manufacturing steps. The recovered IPA, once purified, is returned to the IPA storage system for
reuse in the centrifuge or other parts of the manufacturing process.
This recovery practice not only helps in reducing costs associated with the purchase of new
IPA but also aligns with sustainability efforts, minimizing waste generation and promoting the
efficient use of resources within the pharmaceutical production cycle. Overall, the recovery of
IPA in a dedicated area contributes to the economic and environmentally conscious operation of
pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.
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LINE TRACING
CONCLUSION
In conclusion, this report provides a detailed and insightful exploration of the production process
of Amoxicillin Trihydrate at Citi Pharma Limited. Acknowledging the dedication and
commitment of the company to pharmaceutical excellence sets the stage for an in-depth
examination of the manufacturing journey. The report begins with an elucidation of the historical
significance and introduction to penicillin, followed by an overview of the raw materials
employed in the synthesis.
In essence, this report not only serves as a comprehensive guide to the intricate production
processes but also offers valuable insights for potential enhancements. Citi Pharma Limited's
commitment to quality, innovation, and sustainability positions it as a key player in the
pharmaceutical industry, continuously striving for excellence in every facet of its manufacturing
operations.
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THANK YOU
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