Environmental characteristics are important for product quality and are therefore managed and monitored across a wide range of businesses. The quality of certain sensitive products is jeopardised when they are subjected to inappropriate temperatures or relative humidity levels. This is why there is a wide demand of medical gas analyzer such as G210 medical analyzer that help to maintain the quality of the product.

Why is Environmental Monitoring so Important in the Pharmaceutical Industry?

This is especially significant in the pharmaceutical, cosmeceutical, and food industries, as environmental effects on products/ingredients such as decomposition, lessened effects/taste, and spoiling can endanger consumers’ lives. Regulations have been put in place in the pharmaceutical sector to protect patients and produce quality-assured, safe, and effective goods. During the product risk assessment, the temperature range, as well as other factors, are determined to assure product quality.

The building management system is an important aspect of the design process while constructing a facility (BMS). With the use of sensors distributed throughout the facility, the BMS manages numerous functions within a facility, including the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) of a building. An environmental monitoring system (EMS) can be built to guarantee that the BMS is correctly operating the HVAC system. All critical control parameters specified during the product risk assessment will be monitored by the EMS at critical locations defined during facility qualification.

The GxP quality rules, issued by regulatory agencies, are intended to cover product quality throughout its entire life cycle.

To comply with GxP criteria, the space used must be qualified, the temperature must be monitored, and monitoring devices must be calibrated.

Qualified –

The process of establishing that an area fits the standards for its intended function is known as area qualification.

Monitored –

The most important control parameters (temperature, for example) are measured and recorded for future use (sometimes for up to 18 years or longer).

Calibrated –

The monitoring gadgets are displaying the right information. The instruments are calibrated on a regular basis to ensure that the measurements are always accurate.

What is a digital sensor?

A digital sensor is a gadget that measures something and gives out a digital signal. The information sent is the main advantage of a digital sensor over an analogue sensor. A digital sensor can convey significantly more data than an analogue sensor, which can only send a mA or voltage value (which is transformed into a measurement value). The important parameters are –

  • Measurement value(s),
  • Device serial number,
  • Device status,
  • Calibration data,
  • Adjustment data

What are the main advantages of using digital sensors within an EMS?

The digital sensors communicate with data loggers (wired or wireless), and all communication to the server and database is done digitally, ensuring that data is transmitted accurately. This means that, unlike analogue sensors, there is no need to do a loop check during device setup and qualification/validation.

One of the biggest benefits of using digital sensors in an EMS is the ability to use the extra data to reduce downtime, which is especially important during calibration and servicing periods.
Calibration of analogue sensors can be done at a calibration laboratory (internal or external) or in situ, depending on the application. If the calibration is performed on-site, the loop check is also performed at the same time. The gadget must be dismounted in order to perform laboratory calibrations (leading to system downtime).

Using smart sensor technology for environmental monitoring

If used correctly, IoT can assist us in resolving some of the world’s most pressing environmental issues and reducing the damage that humanity has caused over time. Environmental monitoring sensors are becoming increasingly common, and we may expect to witness their good benefits on a greater scale as time goes on.

Stop illegal deforestation

Rainforest Connection (RFCx) is a non-profit organisation dedicated to rainforest preservation. To combat illicit logging, they built smart sensors. These clever sensors, made from recycled cell phones, are fitted to specific trees to help identify logging activity. These sensors detect and gather sounds connected with illegal logging, such as chainsaws, huge vehicles, and the environment. If such a sound is detected, a real-time notification is transmitted to the appropriate authorities. Illegal logging can be prevented promptly in this manner, and the possibilities of apprehending illicit loggers are greatly increased.

Endangered species protection

By installing motion-sensing cameras across the forests, regulators have been efficient in conserving endangered species. The sensors in these cameras identify and reveal the existence of illegal hunters and poachers in nature reserves. In addition, audio sensors have been placed in the forests to detect human, rifle, automobile, and trap noises, allowing poaching to be halted in real time.
Furthermore, many park authorities collect authentic information about the location, health, and stress levels of endangered species by attaching IoT-enabled sensors to these creatures. The information gathered by the sensors is critical to conservation efforts. Smart sensors are also used by some wildlife conservation organisations to establish geofencing and avoid mortality due to accidents.

Ocean monitoring

Ocean monitoring is crucial for ensuring the protection of ports and aquatic life, as well as preventing pollution in the waters. For a number of factors, researchers employ IoT devices to generate and gather real-time data.
Embedded sensors will be used by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in both horizontal and vertical water waves. The goal of these sensors is to generate and gather real-time data that can be sent to the cloud for analysis and insight into various aquaculture activities.

Combating air pollution

Air pollution is a major problem that requires immediate attention. Government agencies all across the world use IoT devices to have a better knowledge of the situation. These low-cost sensors are dispersed around cities in various static and movable locations to provide a true picture of air quality. It aids in the identification of major contaminated sites, the measurement of personal exposure, and the development of an air pollution strategy. These sensors can also be used to create transportation routes in order to separate traffic and reduce pollution in the impacted areas. Sensors can also be used to monitor interior air quality in industries, mines, refineries, and other places.