Ampoule Washing Machine

Ampoules fed from the infeed tray are received by an infeed feed worm and then transferred to the infeed starwheel. Grippers pick up each ampoule from the infeed starwheel, invert it into the neck-down position over the washing needles, and travel together with the needle bar during the washing process. With the ampoules moving neck-down above the washing needles and advancing in tandem with the needle bar, maximum washing time is achieved once the needles enter the ampoule necks. The machine is equipped with six different washing stations, each containing six needles, for optimum washing; the sequence of these stations can be adjusted as required. The washer also includes an external wash for thorough cleaning of the ampoules.

At the end of the cycle, the washed ampoules are inverted back to the neck-up position and transferred to the output starwheel. From the output starwheel, the washed ampoules can be collected on an output tray or pushed into a tunnel. An optional separate pumping station supplies the correct volume of water at the required pressure. If a separate pumping station is not provided, a re-circulation and siliconization system can be supplied on request.

INTERNAL CLEANING: The AVRW is fitted with six internal cleaning stations. Each station has six cleaning needles, giving a total of 36 cleaning needles. Every cleaning station is supplied through a pipe connected to the cleaning-media washing area. This arrangement reduces the risk of particle generation, simplifies maintenance and cleaning, and saves time.

EXTERNAL CLEANING: Three external cleaning stations are mounted in a fixed position above the ampoules and can be easily adjusted for height, angle, and lateral position. Each station receives cleaning media through a pipe connected to the cleaning-media washing area.

CLEANING MEDIA PRINCIPLE: WFI, purified water, and air cleaning stations are synchronized with the ampoules by reciprocating motion. The design ensures that these media are used only when the needles move in the forward direction. WFI consumption is further reduced by collecting the WFI in a re-circulating water tank for subsequent use in the pre-washing station.