ABSTRACT
INTRODUCTION Numerous water purification unit operations are employed as pretreatments to an ion removal technique. The selection of a pretreatment scheme is a function of several variables, including the nature of the feed water supply, the ion removal technique, the overall system design criteria, and other factors, including individual preferences of the water purification system designer or owner. These factors influence the design of pharmaceutical water purification feed water systems such that numerous unit operations may be used in various sequences. Within the scope of this chapter, it is impossible to discuss every pretreatment technique that may be used in a pharmaceutical water purification system. Twelve different pretreatment techniques have been selected for discussion. The theory and application associated with each technique, design considerations, and operating and maintenance considerations are presented. The importance of proper pretreatment to the long-term successful operation of any pharmaceutical water purification system cannot be overemphasized. While there is a tremendous tendency to focus sampling and analytical monitoring on storage and distribution systems and, to a lesser extent, primary (and where applicable secondary) ion exchange unit operations, the ultimate factor that determines a system’s ability to meet chemical, microbial, and, where applicable, bacterial endotoxin levels must begin with a technically sound pretreatment system and associated sampling, analytical monitoring, data trending, and preventative maintenance program.
