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Vial & Ampoule Washing Machines

In-Line Washers

    These washers are designed to process vials with an output up to 24,000vph (400vpm). The vials are handled gently and with low speed motion.  DelrinTM  materials help avoid shocks.  HostaformTM Acetylic Resin baskets hold the vials during processing and keep them centered.

    Stainless steel cones center the needles into the vials. Nylon chutes and channels guide the vials at the discharge.  The washing cycles can include ultrasound, fresh water, recycled water, compressed air, silicone, hot air drying, or others as required.

    Any style or size of vial can be processed, each with its own cycle (up to ten washing cycles are available).   All of the following process parameters are controlled via the PLC: temperature, pressure, spraying time of each media and cycle speed.  All the process parameters are adjustable (password protected) and all cycles (washing and drying) are automatic.   The screen displays all alarms automatically.

Materials of Construction
    The parts in contact with process fluids are 316L stainless steel;  304 is utilized for parts that are not in contact with interior of the vials or the process fluids.  The finishes range from mill finish to mirror polished.  All welding points are mechanically polished and passivated.  The valves are sanitary diaphragm type and pneumatically actuated; the fittings are sanitary style and all piping is fully drainable.  As with all Steriline equipment, these washing machines are manufactured in accordance to cGMP standards.

Download PDF Brochures:

     Washing Machine - VW Series

     Washing Machine - AW Series

     Washing Machine - SW Series

 

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VW Series In-Line Washing Machine

The VW Series In-Line Washers are designed to handle larger vials and bottles at speeds up to 24,000 pph.

Rotary Washers

    The RC series rotating washing machines are designed to process vials, ampoules and syringes with an output up to 18,000 p/h (300p/m). The glassware is loaded into holders which rotate the vials upside-down. The washer rotates with continuous motion. Needles penetrate the vials during the cycle to spray the various required fluids both on the inside and on the outside of the vials.

Process

    Available process cycle choices include: recycled water, new water, compressed air, silicone, or others as required. Pressure of the various fluids is constantly monitored to ensure that the glassware is properly washed. Each vial, syringe, or ampoule is guided through a series of process steps which can include a combination of air, recycled water, WFI, siliconization, etc.
Glassware is automatically discharged at the end of the production cycle either in trays or directly on the tunnel in-feed conveyor belt.

 

Process Control

    The integrated control system includes a PLC and touch screen HMI display. Individual washing cycles are programmed for various glassware types. Controlled process variables include temperature, pressure, fluid spraying time, and cycle speed. Each process parameter is defined within the software; parameters are password protected and accessible only to supervisors and validation staff. Alarms are automatically displayed on the screen.

 

Materials

    All parts that come into contact with the interior of the glassware or process fluids are constructed of AISI 316L stainless steel. Other (non-contact) parts, such as the frame, shafts, and bearings are made of AISI 304 stainless steel. Finishes range from mill finished to mirror polished. All welded points are argon atmosphere treated and then mechanically polished and passivated. The valves are high purity diaphragm type and pneumatically actuated; the pipe fittings are tri-clamp type and all piping is fully drainable. All Steriline washing machines are built in compliance with cGMP and CFR21 Part11 requirements.

 

Washer
Model
Number of stations
Holders per Station
Max. Output
(pieces/ hour)
RC-1
10
1
3000
RC-2
2
6000
RC-3
3
9000
RC-4
4
12000
RC-5
5
15000
RC-6
6
18000

Pictures coming soon!

 

 

Exterior Vial Washers

(also known as Exterior Decontamination Machine)

 

Steriline's decontaminating machines are designed to clean the external surface of ampoules and vials. Purified water, W.F.I., detergent and detergent mixtures are media options used for the surface decontamination. Compressed air dries the decontaminated ampoules and vials. Starwheels drive the ampoules/vials through the various washing and drying stations. Spraying nozzles are specifically designed and contoured to avoid the process fluids from being introduced at the seal level. The compressed air blowing nozzles remove the residual washing fluids from the outer glass Surfaces, a vacuum pump dries completely the bottom of the vials. Changeover parts consist only of three starwheels. Guides and nozzles are adjustable. The advantages are:

  • high washing efficiency
  • highly effective drying
  • protection of the seals
  • flexible transport system
  • short and reliable changeover time
  • longer processing time

Working Description

 

  • Loading

    • The decontaminating machine has a conveyor belt that is loaded by trays or by the upstream machine's conveyor.
       

  • Washing

    • A conveyor belt feeds vials to the washing starwheel that has hollows suitable for the diameter of the vials. The starwheel transports the vials through the washing stations. There can be up to three various types of fluids used to wash the ampoules/vials. The transfer starwheel transports the vials to the drying starwheel.
       

  • Drying

    • Thorough drying is achieved by special nozzles that blow compressed air on the vials. At the end of the drying starwheel the vials are unloaded on a belt that loads them on trays. The machine can also be connected in-line to a downstream machine (e.g. labelling machine or trayloader).
       

  • Hood

    • Accident prevention hood and underpressurized hood with gloves ports is available.

     

  • Automation

    • The decontaminating machine is controlled by a PLC connected to a touch-screen operator interface terminal. In order to avoid unauthorized access to machine functions the following password levels are implemented:

      • Production Operator, Maintenance, Production Supervisor, System Administrator.

    • All the process parameters are monitored and controlled: e.g. temperature, pressure, speed.

    • Every ampoule/vial size processed has its own recipe that contains its process parameter set points.

    • All alarms and process data are automatically displayed on the operator interface terminal.

Download PDF Brochure

    Exterior Vial Washers Brochure

 

Watch a Video of the EDM in operation!

 

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Last modified: 10/12/06