CAPSULE SORTING MACHINE

What is a Capsule Sorting Machine?

It is also known as capsule sorter.

Capsule sorter machine helps in separating and rejecting of empty or unqualified

capsules like loose pieces, lightweight, cracked or chipped ones after capsule filling.

These defects might make them unsuitable for shipment and marketing.Using
compressed air, modern capsule sorting machines automatically sort out those
unsuitable capsules into a different chute.Capsule filling line is not complete without
a capsule sorting machine.It forms an important aspect of quality control (QC).

You don’t have to inspect capsules manually (of course it is never accurate).

TYPES OF CAPSULE SORTING MACHINE

1.Manual Capsule Sorting Machine: Type of capsule sorting machine
in which human inspector analyze the quality of the capsules produced by the
capsule filling machine. The sorting process entails operators examining a conveyor
belt of capsules and getting rid of any defective products. they then collect the
capsule with flaws in a rejects bin, which get disposed of eventually.
with many advantages it also have some main disadvantages like:

 manual capsule sorting machine costs more.

 Manual sorting of capsules is not consistent.
 It is unrealistic to think that all human operators will give similar inspection
output.
So’ we should go for automatic capsule sorting machine that is functionally
efficient with inexpensive hardware system.

2. Automatic Capsule Sorting Machine:

This is a machine for automated sorting of capsules based on weight and diameter.

Automatic capsule sorting machine

The device allow for separation and automatic rejection of capsules. the primary goal of
automatic capsule sorting machine is to segregate and examine capsules at a higher rate
with above 95% accuracy of sensing defects.

Automatic capsule sorter can handle almost any pharmaceutical solid dosage.it is able to
sort capsules from size 5 through to 00.

Parts of a Capsule Sorting Machine

The capsule sorter consists of a sieve in the form of a selection disk having or
lacking a rim. the frame of the capsule sorting machine acts as a rim.
This is important in containing the capsules.

It has an axis inclined by approximately 20 degrees relative to the vertical.

1.calibrated holes:
The circumference of the selected disk has calibrated apertures .
Each hole consists of three main sections including a conical inlet to enable the
introduction and turning over of the capsule.
2. Inlet Chute:
This is the component you use to feed the capsules you want to sort into the
capsule sorting machine.
3. Drive Shaft:
This is the part the sets the selection disk in motion, which in turn pushes the
capsules into the openings.
4. Overflow Container:
This is a container that carries the excess capsules in the event of excessive supply
due to selection disk stoppage .
5. Scraper: A flexible device that aids in the introduction of the capsules into
the holes of the selection disk during the upward movement stage of the capsules.
6. Retaining Plate:
A fixed plate located underneath the sieve obstructs the outlet of the openings,
forcing the capsules to remain superimposed vertically in them.
7.Expulsion Blowing Curtain:
This component is important in separating the lowly dosed, single (separate cap and
body) and empty capsules from the conforming ones.
8. Dosing defects container:
This is the part here capsules with dosing flaws collecting after automatic sorting.
9. Ejection blowing nozzle:
This blower eliminates the capsules with assembly defects.
10. Assembly defects container:
This blower eliminates the capsules with assembly defects.
11. Outlet chute:
The conforming capsules slightly deviate and drop into the outlet chute.
How Capsule Sorting Machines Work
Manual Capsule Sorting Machine
Manual capsule sorting machine enables your workers to examine reliably up to 50
kg of capsules every hour from all sides.
The operators can remove defective capsules using a flexible hand-held vacuum
nozzle.

Manual capsule sorter mode of operation entails the products flowing from the feed
hopper directly into a vibratory chute.
a perforated screen removes chips, dust and coarse, which later collects in a
container.
The capsules then go to the inspection phase in a single layer.
A conveyor belt made of safe and hygienic material transports the capsules to a first
operator who inspects the upper side of the pharmaceuticals.
Then, aspecial turn-over system delivers the capsules to the second operator who
inspect the lower side of the products.
The capsule lie flat on the conveyor belt and are on consistent motion – no vibration
during both inspection stages.
With adjustable mirrors fitted on the manual capsule sorting machine, the operators
are in a position to inspect the far side of the products.
The process enables a reliable analysis of the full circumference of all capsules.
Automatic Capsule Sorting Machine
It enables automatic selection and elimination of capsules with metering and
assembly defects.

Automatic capsule sorter constitutes a rimmed selection disk spinning on a tilted

plane of approximately 20 degrees relative to the horizontal direction.
Normally, circumference of the disk has one or two rows of appropriately sized holes
drilled along it.
The holes are instrumental in holding the defective capsules until the machine
automatically expels them out by a blast nozzle.
While falling, the gelatin capsules individually pass a blast screen which expels the
flawed gelatin capsules.
The correctly filled capsules go freely via the sized holes.
Also, air blast does not deflect the acceptable capsules.
The machine discharges them through the outlet chute.
You can use the capsule sorting machine on empty capsule production equipment
after partial closing.
ROTOSORT
Rotosort is a new filled capsule sorting machine sold by Eli Lilly and company .it is a
mechanical sorting device that removes loose powder, unfilled joined capsules, filled
or unfilled bodies and loose caps. It can handle up to 150,000 capsules per hour,
and it can run directly off a filling machine or be used separately.

References: BOOK

LACHMAN LEON , The theory and practice of industrial pharmacy , 3 rd Edition

pg:394
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