Automated Bio-decontamination Service Case Study

This case study details the implementation of Ecolab’s Bioquell Rapid Bio Decontamination Service (RBDS) at a large German pharmaceutical manufacturer facing a contamination event. The contamination, caused by microorganisms, led to significant production downtime and operational challenges. The company struggled to identify the source of contamination, necessitating a thorough disinfection process that was initially estimated to take 10 days using manual methods. Ecolab’s RBDS was chosen for its ability to provide a 6-log sporicidal kill on all exposed surfaces through automated hydrogen peroxide vapour. The service was expedited, allowing for a rapid response and expanded scope of disinfection beyond cleanrooms to include stairs, elevators, and HVAC surfaces. Ultimately, the facility was ready to resume operations after three days, avoiding seven additional days of downtime and saving the client over £1.6M. The study concludes with the implementation of preventative measures to mitigate future contamination risks.