Residue-free Cleaning: New Exterior Washing Machine RAN 3080 from Bosch


High-pressure cleaning process eliminates contamination and product residue

• Exterior cleaning of up to 400 vials, ampoules or cartridges per minute

• Specially developed transport gripper for comprehensive cleaning of

container surface

• Flexible washing stations enable usage of up to three media



Frankfurt/Main, Germany РAt Achema 2015, Bosch Packaging Technology presents the new exterior washing machine RAN 3080 for vials, ampoules and cartridges. The machine removes product residue and other contamination from filled and closed glass containers via a newly developed, efficient high-pressure cleaning process. The transport system, which has also been developed by Bosch, grips the containers at the closure, ensuring an effective cleaning of virtually the entire container surface. "With the RAN 3080, we are consistently expanding our product portfolio for processing and filling of liquid dosage forms," explains Tobias G̦ttler, product manager at Bosch Packaging Technology. "By combining the new exterior washing machine with our numerous other solutions, we can design a flexible line concept."



Preventing product contamination

The safety of employees and patients comes first for pharmaceutical companies. Consequently, the exterior cleaning of containers after filling and closing plays an important role. "The new RAN 3080 enables the elimination of process-related contamination, which could harm recipients' and patients' health," Göttler says. "By combining the high-pressure process with an efficient transportation system, the new development allows for a residue-free cleaning of up to 400 containers per minute for the first time."



The machine consists of a rotary platform for cleaning and an identical rotary platform for drying. Following the infeed, the transportation system first grips the container by their closure caps. This enables cleaning of virtually the entire container surface, including the neck. The newly developed ring nozzles of the cleaning station, which for the first time operate with high pressure, subsequently wash the containers from top to bottom. Additional bottom nozzles provide for clean container bases. Pressurized air continuously flows across the closure caps. It stops moisture from getting to the closure rim and into the containers, thereby preventing product contamination.



Individual cleaning and thorough drying

The RAN 3080 features three individual washing stations, which enable the cleaning processes to be optimally adapted to different customer demands. Up to three different media can be used per cycle; apart from water, acids and alkaline solutions are applicable for heavy contamination. Drying also takes place at three stations with pressurized air from both ring and bottom nozzles, and ensures that no residual moisture sticks to the containers. Thanks to a strict separation of cleaning and drying area, the machine further prevents a re-contamination of the containers after washing. "Due to its residue-free cleaning and hygienic design, the RAN 3080 also complies with the high requirements for manufacturing highly potent pharmaceuticals, such as cytostatic drugs," Göttler underlines. The identical construction of the two rotary platforms further enables significant savings in spare parts inventory.



Depending on production requirements, the washing machine can be equipped with different containment devices: options range from containment housing for the protection against harmful and toxic substances to macrolon covers for nontoxic applications. An optional circulation system achieves significant savings by consistently re-using slightly contaminated cleaning media.



Bosch's technologies are on display at Achema in Frankfurt/Main, Germany, from June 15 to 19, hall 3.1, booth C71.



Based in Waiblingen near Stuttgart, Germany, and employing 5,600 associates, the Bosch Packaging Technology division is one of the leading suppliers of process and packaging technology. At over 30 locations in more than 15 countries worldwide, a highly-qualified workforce develops and produces complete solutions for the pharmaceuticals, food, and confectionery industries. These solutions are complemented by a comprehensive after-sales service portfolio. A global service and sales network provides customers with local points of contact. Additional information is available online at www.boschpackaging.com



The Bosch Group is a leading global supplier of technology and services. According to preliminary figures, its roughly 290,000 associates generated sales of 48.9 billion euros in 2014. Its operations are divided into four business sectors: Mobility Solutions, Industrial Technology, Consumer Goods, and Energy and Building Technology. The Bosch Group comprises Robert Bosch GmbH and its more than 360 subsidiaries and regional companies in some 50 countries. If its sales and service partners are included, then Bosch is represented in roughly 150 countries. This worldwide development, manufacturing, and sales network is the foundation for further growth. In 2014, Bosch applied for some 4,600 patents worldwide. The Bosch Group's strategic goal is to deliver innovations for connected life. Bosch improves quality of life worldwide with products and services that are innovative and spark enthusiasm. In short, Bosch creates technology that is "Invented for life."



Additional information is available online at www.bosch.com, www.bosch-press.com, http://twitter.com/BoschPresse.



Contact:

Tobias Goettler

phone: +49 7951 402-619 



Contact person for press inquiries:

Christin Poenisch

E-mail Christin.Poenisch@bosch.com

Phone +49 711 811-58502

Fax +49 711 811-58509

Corporate Communications,

Brand Management, and Sustainability



Robert Bosch GmbH

Postfach 10 60 50

D-70049 Stuttgart



Senior Vice President: Dr. Christoph Zemelka

www.bosch-press.com








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