Understanding the Ampoule Washing Machine
An Ampoule Washing Machine is a specialized piece of equipment used in the pharmaceutical industry to clean small glass containers called ampoules. These ampoules are used to hold liquid medicines that are usually injected into the body. Because these medicines go directly into a patient’s system, the glass containers must be incredibly clean. The washing machine is the first step in the production line, ensuring that every single unit is free from any dirt or germs before it is filled with medicine.
As a dedicated Ampoule Washing Machine manufacturer, we design these machines to handle the delicate nature of glass while providing a powerful cleaning action. The machine works by using various washing media, such as water and compressed air, to scrub both the inside and the outside of the ampoules. This process is fully automated, which means it can clean thousands of units quickly without any human contact, reducing the chance of accidental contamination.
Importance of Ampoule Washing in Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
In pharmaceutical production, cleanliness is not just about appearance; it is a legal and safety requirement. Washing ampoules before filling is essential for several reasons
- Removal of Glass Particles: During the manufacturing or transport of empty glass ampoules, tiny glass splinters can sometimes break off inside. The washing machine flushes these out to prevent them from mixing with the medicine.
- Dust and Fiber Control: Even in a clean environment, microscopic dust or fibers can enter the containers. High-pressure washing ensures these are removed.
- Contamination Prevention: Washing removes chemical residues or microorganisms that might be present on the glass surface.
- Sterilization Preparation: A clean ampoule is much easier to sterilize in the next stage of production, as there is no dirt left to block the heat or chemicals used to kill germs.
Selection Guide Based on Production Needs
Choosing the right machine depends on your specific factory goals:
- Small Scale / Labs: If you have limited space and need to wash smaller batches, the Rotary type is often best because of its compact size.
- Medium Production: For steady, continuous production lines where the machine connects directly to a sterilizing tunnel, the Rotary Ampoule Washing Machine is the standard choice.
- Large Scale / Diverse Products: If you need to wash different sizes of ampoules and vials in large quantities, the Multijet type offers great flexibility because you can simply switch the trays.
Technical Specifications
| Feature | Rotary Machine | Multijet Machine |
| Washing Stages | 6 to 8 stages | 6 stages (sequential) |
| Jet Configuration | Moving needles (enters neck) | Stationary needle plate |
| Internal Cleaning | High-pressure needle spray | Multi-needle jetting |
| External Cleaning | Side spray nozzles | Overhead spray nozzles |
| Output Capacity | 6,000 to 14,000 per hour | Up to 10,000 per hour (batch) |
| Water Consumption | 300 to 500 Liters/hr | Variable based on tray size |
| Air Consumption | 15 to 25 CFM | 20 to 30 CFM |
| Ampoule Size Range | 1ml to 20ml | 1ml to 25ml |
| Construction Material | Stainless Steel 316L (Contact) | Stainless Steel 316L (Contact) |
| Automation Level | Fully Automatic | Semi-Automatic / Batch |
Applications
Our washing machines are used across various sectors of the healthcare industry:
- Pharmaceutical Injectables: Cleaning containers for life-saving medicines and vaccines.
- Sterile Liquid Production: Used for any liquid drug that must be 100% free of bacteria.
- Veterinary Medicine: Preparing ampoules for animal health products.
- Biotech Units: Used in high-tech labs for biological and research-based liquids.
Compliance and Operational Standards
We ensure that every machine we build follows strict industry rules:
- GMP Compliance: Our machines are made with smooth surfaces and high-grade stainless steel to prevent any bacterial growth.
- Clean Room Suitability: The design prevents oil or grease from leaking into the washing area, making it safe for sterile rooms.
- Operational Safety: Every machine includes safety sensors, such as “No Ampoule – No Wash” systems and emergency stop buttons to protect the operator and the equipment.