Uhlmann’s new Integrated Bottle Center 200 (IBC 200) is said to eliminate tedious format change-overs, long cleaning periods, ramp-up phases, micro-stops and operating systems from different manufacturers in a single line.
The company claims the IBC 200 is the world’s first pharmaceutically compliant packaging line for tablets and capsules in bottles. Its ‘integrated, space-saving design’ combines important functions in a single line: from feeding of the desiccant through to closing of the bottles.
Compared to belt conveyors, the linked bottle transport of the new line is said to reduce downtimes significantly. The bottles are guided through from start to finish by two easy-to-clean, spiral conveyors. This prevents micro-stops and product congestion, says Uhlmann, while a ramp-up phase is not necessary.
The system can be adjusted to different bottle formats at the touch of a button, with all functions controlled through a central operating system.
Depending on the version, the line is claimed to fill up to 240 bottles/min. The bottles can be up to 193 mm in height and between 35-76 mm in diameter. The master shift register recognises the position and process status of every bottle in the line. In-process control (IPC) is also said to guarantee that only 100 per cent correctly filled bottles are forwarded for downstream processing. An inspection camera system from Uhlmann VisioTec identifies imperfect tablets.
An available option is Uhlmann's Track & Trace system to protect against counterfeiting.
