Lab Scale Ampoule Washing Machine

A Lab Scale Ampoule Washing Machine is a specialized pharmaceutical device designed to clean and sterilize glass ampoules (and sometimes vials) with minimal contact with machine parts, ensuring compliance with cGMP (current Good Manufacturing Practices) standards. These machines are typically used in small to medium-scale injectable production or R&D settings to prepare ampoules for filling by removing impurities, dust, or contaminants to ensure sterility and formulation integrity.

Lab Scale Ampoule Washing Machine Video

Key Features:

• Capacity and Compatibility: Suitable for washing ampoules ranging from 1 ml to 20 ml and vials from 2 ml to 100 ml, with the use of interchangeable change parts to accommodate different sizes.

• Operation: Most models are semi-automatic or fully automatic, with manual loading and unloading of ampoules/vials. Some feature a dump loading procedure for trays with pre-arranged ampoules, while others require individual placement.

• Washing Mechanism:

  • Utilizes positive and pressurized jets through washing needles for both internal and external cleaning, ensuring thorough sterilization with minimal washing media usage.

  • Typically includes multiple washing cycles (e.g., 6 water and air washes) using purified water, Water for Injection (WFI), and compressed air, with independent circuits to avoid cross-contamination.

  • Some models feature a gripper system that holds ampoules by the neck, inverts them for washing, and releases them in a vertical position via an outfeed feed worm system.

• Construction:

  • Equipped with a pressure tank for continuous and reverse supply of washing media.

• Control and Safety:

  • Features timer-operated solenoid valve systems or PLC/HMI-based touch screen control for precise washing cycle management.

  • Includes safety features like an acrylic top cover for visibility and an automatic stop if the cover is lifted during operation, resuming when closed.

  • Some models have replaceable filter cartridges (5 or 10 microns) for water purification.

• Additional Features:

  • Compact design for lab-scale use, with some models offering high-speed rotary washing for up to 120-200 ampoules per minute.

  • Options for pre-heated drying cycles with adjustable temperatures and vacuum insulation to protect machine components.

  • Flexible washing sequences that can be customized to user requirements.

Applications:

• Widely used in pharmaceutical, veterinary, and biotech industries for cleaning ampoules before filling with injectables, ensuring sterility and compliance with regulatory standards.

Operational Process:

1. Loading: Ampoules are loaded manually or via a combi tray (if pre-arranged in boxes matching the tray’s pitch).

2. Washing: The machine centers washing needles into the ampoule necks, performing sequential internal and external washes with water and air jets.

3. Drying: Some models include drying cycles with adjustable temperatures.

4. Unloading: After washing, ampoules are released in a vertical position via an outfeed system, ready for filling. The machine stops automatically after a cycle, often with a buzzer or indicator.

Salient Features of Lab Scale Ampoule Washing Machine

• Compact GMP model.

• Solenoid valve system with timer operated mechanism controlled from HMI.

• PLC HMI based touch screen control panel.

• Suitable to wash 1ml to 20ml ampoules and 2ml to 100ml vials.

• Positive & pressurized jets through washing needle for pressure cleaning at minimum usages for washing media. Sound design concept of pressure tank for reverse & continuous supply of wash medias.

• Both internal & external washing ensuring absolutely & continuous ampoule after sequential washing.

• Acrylic top cover provided for clear view of washing during running of the machine.

• On-line poly carbonates housing with P.P. replaceable filter cartridge of 5 or 10 micron of water for best possible washing.

• All contact parts of washing media & Compressed Air are made from Stainless Steel316 or Polycarbonate HDPE or P.P. or any other FDA approved material.

• Machine automatically stop in case of acrylic top cover lifted during cycle operation and machine re-start from the point when cover is pushed down.

• Easy to operate machine can be operated by even semi-skilled operator.

• IQ/OQ documentation can be provided.

Process Operation of Lab Scale Ampoule Washing Machine

Ampoules are loaded in bulk onto combi tray if received in ready to dump boxes, which will have exactly same number of Ampoules and the pitch, as loading tray. Alternatively, each Ampoule/Vial has to be arranged into the tray individually. The loading tray is placed directly into the machine & the handlebar is lowered for automatic centering of washing needles into the Ampoules neck. The top cover is lowered & switch is operated for automatic sequential washing. Washing is performed from inside and outside of each individual Ampoule. Machine automatically stops after one complete washing cycle with buzzer sound and red-light indication. For removal of tray, reverse procedure is to be observed. Depending on loading & operator’s efficiency one can achieve 30 loading trays in an hour.

Production Performance of Ampoule Washing Machine

Washing Cycle of Lab Scale Ampoule Washing Machine

Technical Specification of Lab Scale Ampoule Washing Machine

* Power voltage can be adjusted as per customer’s domestic power voltage requirements.
* Rights of technical improvements & modification reserved.
* Illustrations & dimensions are shown for information purpose only.