Tablet Deduster Machine – Operation And Cleaning Guide

The following is a brief operating and cleaning guide that can be used for most tablet de-dusting machines. It covers pre-start up, operation and cleaning, and lists some precautions that can be taken to help avoid contamination issues.

1. Check that no remaining materials are present in and around the deduster machine.
2. Check the machine and processing area for cleanliness.
3. Place “cleaned” label on the machine.
4. Check the room temperature and relative humidity of the area.
5. Check that the equipment is connected to the electrical supply and receiving a three-phase alternating current if required.
6. Check that the de-dusting machine is working.
7. Check that the operator is wearing the proper uniform including nose mask and gloves.
8. Check the equipment usage and ensure that the cleaning operation is included in the pre-start up and operating procedure.
9. Request for line clearance from the QA personnel and record usage log.

Operation

1. Replace the “cleaned” label with “under process” or ”operating”.
2. Make sure that the tablet feeding mouth is aligned to the tablet outlet chute of the compression machine.
3. Switch the ON button along the compression machine.
4. Collect the de-dust tablets in the appropriate double polythene bag lined container.
5. Gather the fine powder from the powder collection and treat it as recoverable.
6. Once the operation is completed, switch the machine off.
7. Remove the dust-collecting cup located at the sifter chamber.
8. Gather and weigh the dust.
9. Document the weight.
10. Change the “under process” label to “to be cleaned”.

Cleaning

1. Change the “under process” to “to be cleaned” label.
2. Using a vacuum cleaner and lint free cloth remove any powder stuck in the machine.
3. Disassemble the machine in the following sequence:
• Feed hopper
• Food grade gasket
• Perforated plate
• Dust collecting plate

4. Using a nylon brush, remove any residual powder in the sifting parts.

1. Wash the equipment parts in raw water with 0.1% Teepol solution.
2. Wash the equipment with raw water to remove the Teepol solution.
3. Wash with purified water.
4. Using a lint free cloth, dry the parts and inform QA about the rinse water sample.
5. Use a lint free cloth to clean the vibratory base.
6. Document the cleaning operation in the equipment log and initial it.

Precautions

1. Do not use wet surface as sample.
2. Run the water for five minutes before using it.
3. Do not use or allow stagnant water to be present at any place in the container or machine.
4. All equipment in the same room should be cleaned if there is a product changeover