Keeping a close eye on capsules

Symetix, the pharmaceutical business unit of US-based Key Technology, has introduced an optical inspection system for softgels. Optyx SG automatically inspects each capsule at high production speeds and identifies and removes defective and foreign capsules from the product stream.

Optyx SG uses Key's proprietary colour cameras to view product: two cameras are located above the product stream or four cameras are located both above and below the product stream, depending on the application. As product passes through the system, it is launched off the end of the Optyx belt for in-air viewing by the cameras. Using proprietary image processing technolog, the system analyses the images, comparing each object to previously defined standards.

When defective product or foreign capsules are identified, the system activates the close-coupled high-speed ejector system, which is made up of a series of air jets spaced 6mm apart that span the width of the system. While the defective object is still airborne, the air jets pinpoint the object to remove it from the stream. The Optyx SG can inspect up to 900,000 softgel capsules per hour.