Inspection of prefilled syringes - Seidenader SI

The Seidenader SI is a modular inspection machine for a wide range of prefilled syringes. The machine is equipped with camera stations to detect particles, cosmetic and functional defects. The syringes are inspected in hanging position. Optionally an inspection in upright position is possible.

Inspection criteria:
Particles in the liquid, fill level, glass cracks, fingergrip, tip cap and needle shield defects, rubber plunger defects.

Mode of operation:
The syringes are supplied to the machine in hanging position and are picked by a system of starwheels for inspection of the fingergrip area. To avoid downstream breakage, defects can be separated immediately after this inspection. A transfer starwheel transfers the syringes to an inspection carousel equipped with grippers, designed to provide a centered presention of the syringes and allows rotation around their central axis. The grippers hold the syringes close to the flange area. In this starwheel the syringes are inspected for particles. Prior to inspection, the syringes are rotated at high speed to whirl up any particles. As soon as the syringes appear in front of the camera, the rotation is stopped. The liquid continues to rotate and a sequence of images is taken. The images are compared to each other in the image processor. Objects which have shifted their location between the images are detected as particles. This inspection is repeated in a second camera station. Depending on the products, a third inspection station for particles using a different light technique can be provided. After particle inspection the syringes are checked for sidewall cracks, fill level, plunger and needle defects.

After all inspections have been completed, defective products are separated from good product. Separation of up to three categories is possible, one defect channel is standard. Good products are transferred to the next process.