SOP for Operation and Cleaning of Capsule Polishing Machine

OBJECTIVE

To provide a procedure for the operation and cleaning of the capsule polishing machine.

SCOPE

It applies to the operation and cleaning of the capsule polishing machines.

RESPONSIBILITY

Operator: To operate the machine as per this SOP.

Supervisor: To ensure that the procedure is followed.

Production Manager: To enforce the procedure.

PROCEDURE

Procedure for Operation

• Ensure that the machine and the area are clean before initiating the work.
• Ensure that the Empty Capsule Ejection unit and the Air Displacement unit are properly connected to the Capsule Polishing machine.
• Place a clean tub with the poly bag at the outlet of the empty capsule ejection unit from where the empty capsule shells are discharged. Tie the poly bag to the other outlet of the empty capsule ejection unit from where the polished capsules are discharged.
• Switch on the main of the machine.

• Press the Green push button to start the Air displacement unit, and switch on the toggle to start the empty capsule ejection unit.
• The indicator of the empty capsule ejection unit will show the r.p.m. of the blower. Adjust the airflow by the dimmer given on the front cover of the unit.
• Load the filled capsules to the hopper of the capsule polishing machine.
• Press the Green push button of the capsule polishing machine to start the polishing brush drive motor. Use the Red push button to stop the motor.
• The polished-filled capsules will be collected into polybags tied at the outlet of the empty capsule ejection unit.
• When more capsules are gathered in the polishing chambers, increase the speed of the brush drive motor and ensure that all capsules are coming out from the outlet chute of the polishing chamber.
• Shake the filer bag shaking rod of the Air displacement unit in a vertical direction to release the powder that is stuck with the filter bag.

ALSO READ: SOP for Operation of Capsule Inspection cum Polishing Machine

Procedure for Cleaning

Cleaning for product-to-product changeover:

• Switch off all the electrical supplies to the machine.
• Wipe out all the powder deposited on the machine parts.
• Wipe the capsule hopper using a clean damp cloth and allow it to dry.
• Dismantle the nylon polishing brush, stainless steel top and bottom of the brush, and nylon net and wipe it with a clean damp cloth.

• Wash the brush and its outer net with 1% detergent solution and water. Drain the water and allow it to dry.
• Wash the container below the brush with 1% liquid soap solution and allow it to dry.
• Dismantle the connecting hose pipes wash them with 1% soap solution and allow it to dry.
• Unclamp the top lid of the filter tank and take out the lid with the filter bag assembly.
• Wipe the filter tank with a damp cloth and allow it to dry, and wash the filter bag with water and allow it to dry.
• Rearrange all the dismantled parts of the machine ensuring there are no loose connections and update the status label with details.

Cleaning for batch-to-batch changeover:

• Update the status label with details.
• Remove all the previous product materials from the machine area and wipe out all the powder deposited on the machine parts.
• Clean the machine with a clean dry cloth.
• Update the status label with details.

ABBREVIATIONS

SOP: Standard Operating Procedure.

RPM: Rotations per minute.

ANNEXURE

Nil

REVISION HISTORY

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