Tablet production involves fine, potent powders and strict cross-contamination controls. Effective dust extraction protects people, product integrity and batch yield. The focus is source capture, stable room cascades and validated cleaning.

Capture at source around key machines

Fit LEV to granulators, mills, tablet presses, de-dusters and capsule fillers. Use enclosures or glove ports where open transfer cannot be avoided. Keep hoods close to emission points and tune face velocities so powders are captured without disturbing the process. Slower feed rates and enclosed transfers reduce dust release.

Air control and room cascades

Maintain negative pressure in dusty rooms relative to corridors, with clean areas kept positive to protect them. Use high-efficiency (H14) filtration on recirculating or exhaust units and confirm airflow under load, not free-air. During changeovers or spill recovery, an air scrubber such as the MAXVAC Dustblocker can support rapid particulate reduction in the background.

Housekeeping and changeover

Avoid sweeping. Use H-class, HEPA-filtered industrial vacuums with conductive tools where appropriate. Follow validated cleaning SOPs, including difficult areas like cable trays, frames and under conveyors. Dispose of waste in sealed bags and label by product to support traceability.

Monitoring and verification

Use area PM meters to trend particulate levels and confirm room cascades. For task-based checks, a wearable monitor such as the Trolex XD1+ helps spot short spikes during interventions. Record filter changes, LEV examinations and cleaning sign-off to satisfy GMP and COSHH.

Practical takeaways

• LEV every powder transfer and emission point; keep hoods close.
• Hold correct room pressure cascades with H14 filtration.
• Use validated, vacuum-first cleaning; avoid sweeping.
• Trend PM levels and log LEV and filter maintenance.
• Plan changeovers so cleaning and verification are never rushed.

Well-designed extraction, stable pressure control and disciplined cleaning deliver consistent quality while protecting operators and the environment.