Leak detection and vision inspection combined in one machine

Published: 21-Jun-2013

Seidenader has integrated leak detection using high-voltage technology into an automatic syringe inspection machine

In addition to camera-based inspection of parenterals, Seidenader Maschinenbau, a German supplier of inspection technology for the pharmaceutical industry, has been focusing increasingly on complementary inspection technologies.

These technologies include the use of high-voltage (HV), polarimetric inspection or near-infrared spectroscopy to check for leaks and integrity of containers, to identify the product or to avoid cross contamination.

Seidenader provides these technologies either on their own platform, or integrated as a module into a high-performance inspection machine. For the first time, the company has combined visual inspection with HV leak detection in an automatic syringe inspection machine.

Such integration offers advantages in terms of lower initial costs, easier handling and maintenance, smaller footprint and reduced training requirements for operators.

The MS-S machine has two carousels, which are linked by a turnover starwheel, to ensure optimal conditions for both camera-based inspection and HV inspection.

Visual inspection to detect particles and cosmetic defects

Visual inspection to detect particles and cosmetic defects

For visual inspection, the syringes are transported vertically in the carousel with finger grip down. Doing so, particles hidden in the syringe cone are brought into motion and become detectable for the camera.

In the HV inspection station, presentation of the syringes in needle-down position is preferable, as in this orientation the complete surface of the inner wall of the syringe can be wetted by rotation. This is especially important for the syringe cone, which is the most critical part for leak detection, thereby creating conditions for optimal HV inspection.

To prevent accidental flashovers, discharges, electrical leakage or interference fields at the HV inspection station, the product grippers, which retain the syringe by the finger grip, are electrically nonconductive by using a special, durable plastic. In addition, appropriate insulation paths have been established between the HV electrodes and the electrically conductive parts of the machine.

These structural modifications led to the construction of a syringe inspection machine on a MS-S platform, which combines visual inspection for particles and cosmetic defects with HV inspection for integrity of syringes, with a throughput of up to 24,000 products/hour.

The HV inspection module has a capacity of 36,000 syringes/hour and thus can also be integrated into the Seidenader VI-S high-speed inspection machine.

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