Tumble Cage Washing System | Standardized Cleaning for GMP Equipment Changeover

Purpose & Application

The Tumble Cage Washing machine is a dedicated parts cleaning machine designed to clean softgel production tumble cages - including drying cages, washing cages, and polishing cages - between production batches and product changeovers.

Manual cleaning of cage components produces variable results and creates challenges for cleaning validation. This system delivers a standardized, repeatable wash cycle with controlled parameters, supporting consistent cleaning outcomes required for GMP compliance and multi-product facility changeover procedures.

Front-loading design with push-through workflow allows operators to load and unload parts from the same side, fitting efficiently into washroom or ancillary production area layouts.

Standardized Cleaning Process

Each cycle follows a fixed six-stage sequence. All parameters - time, temperature, and spray pressure - are controlled by the PLC system for consistent, repeatable results.

Stage	Process	Medium	Function
1	Loading	-	Manual placement of cage onto rotating fixture; door closure and interlock
2	Detergent Spray Wash	Water + cleaning agent	Removes product residue, gelatin buildup, and oil-based contaminants from internal and external cage surfaces
3	Hot Water Rinse	Heated municipal water	Removes detergent and loosened residue from all cage surfaces
4	Purified Water Rinse	Purified / DI water	Final rinse with quality water to prevent water spots and residual mineral deposits
5	Air Blow-Off	Filtered compressed air	Removes standing water from cage surfaces and perforations; reduces post-wash drying time
6	Unloading	-	Door opens; cleaned cage removed for drying or return to production

Cycle duration: 5 minutes, adjustable by recipe based on soil load and part configuration.

How It Supports Cleaning Validation

Consistent, documented cleaning is a prerequisite for effective cleaning validation programs. This Tumble Cage Washing machine provides the process control needed to support validation activities:

Repeatable cycles: Fixed recipe parameters produce the same cleaning action every run - operator technique is removed as a variable
Controlled spray coverage: Multi-angle staggered nozzle arrangement targets both internal and external cage surfaces while the part rotates
Documented parameters: PLC-controlled cycle with recordable timings and conditions - supports batch cleaning records
Defined rinse cascade: Progressive cleaning from detergent through hot water to purified water - structured to carry contaminants away rather than redistributing them
Closed wash chamber: Contained cleaning environment prevents cross-contamination with surrounding areas

Equipment Design & Construction

Rotating Spray System

The cage rotates during all spray stages while fixed nozzles deliver cleaning solution from multiple angles. The staggered nozzle arrangement ensures coverage of perforated mesh surfaces, support ribs, and end flanges - areas that are difficult to reach with manual cleaning.
• 12 bar spray pressure
• SS304 stainless steel nozzles
• Internal and external spray coverage

Chamber & Tank Construction

• Wash chamber and solution tanks constructed from SS304 stainless steel
• Tempered glass observation window for visual process monitoring
• Front-loading door with safety interlock - cycle cannot start unless door is secured
• Integral filtration on return lines to prevent nozzle clogging from particulate

Control System

• PLC-based control with touchscreen HMI
• Multiple wash recipes for different soil levels or part types
• Adjustable cycle times for each process stage
• Pneumatic valve actuation for all process fluid lines

Maximum Part Capacity

• Maximum workpiece diameter: 800 mm
• Maximum workpiece length: 1,100 mm
• Suitable for cylindrical / drum-shaped process parts
• Custom fixture sizes available for non-standard cage dimensions

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Model -TCM
Maximum Part Size	Ø800 mm diameter × 1,100 mm length (cylindrical parts)
Cycle Duration	5 minutes (recipe-dependent)
Spray Pump Power	5.5 kW
Rotation Drive Power	0.37 kW (gear reducer)
Spray Pressure	12 bar
Water Consumption	8 m³ / hour
Compressed Air Consumption	80 m³ / hour
Power Supply	380 VAC / 50 Hz / 3-phase, 4-wire
Maximum Connected Load	< 15 kW
Typical Operating Load	< 6 kW
Chamber & Tank Material	SS304 stainless steel
Chemical Compatibility	Specified at time of order based on cleaning agents used
Overall Dimensions (L × W × H)	1,800 × 1,650 × 1,800 mm
Net Weight	1,000 kg

Standard Configuration

Stainless steel wash chamber with front-loading door and safety interlock
Rotating part fixture with drive system
Multi-angle internal and external spray nozzles (SS304)
5.5 kW centrifugal spray pump
Cleaning solution reservoir tank with filtration
Tempered glass observation window
PLC control with touchscreen HMI
Pneumatic process valves (butterfly and ball type)
Compressed air blow-off system
Drain connections for wash water and rinse water
Adjustable leveling feet

Suitable Parts & Applications

Softgel drying tumble cages
Softgel washing tumble cages
Polishing drum cages
Batch-to-batch cleaning and product changeover cleaning
Installation in wash rooms, equipment cleaning areas, or ancillary production zones

Compliance & Documentation

SS304 stainless steel construction with material traceability
GMP-aligned hygienic design - drainable chamber, smooth internal surfaces
Standard documentation package: operation manual, maintenance manual, electrical schematics, spare parts list
IQ/OQ documentation available on request to support site qualification
CE marking available for European installations