Nicos Stopper washing machine: Washing, Sterilizing, Siliconizing for Rubber Stoppers, Plungers, Alu Caps, Disk Seals, and Pharma Closures
In the pharmaceutical industry, maintaining the sterility of primary packaging components is non-negotiable. A rubber stopper washing machine (also known as a closure processor) is specialized equipment designed to clean, siliconize, sterilize, and dry the stoppers and seals used in vial and syringe filling lines.
These machines work by utilizing a series of automated cycles, often employing Clean-in-Place (CIP) and Steam-in-Place (SIP) technologies. The process begins with high-purity water rinsing to remove particulates, followed by optional detergent washes and siliconization to ensure the stoppers move smoothly through high-speed filling lines. Finally, the components undergo steam sterilization and hot air drying, ensuring they are ready for immediate use in aseptic environments.
Nicos’ Closure Processor
An outstanding feature of this stopper washer machine is that it can be used for rubber stoppers, aluminum line-seals (combi-caps), syringe plungers, and screw caps for vials with the same proven results.
The highly efficient CIP - SIP system built in the Nicos closure processor, allowed several FDA certified pharmaceutical companies to process both rubber and aluminum components in the same machine.
The individual basket concept of our stopper processor allows for better physical separation of the stoppers and cycle optimization which includes:
Washing: highly effective removal of sub-visible particles, with or without the use of detergents;
WFI Rinsing: final rinsing using Water for Injection (WFI) to ensure zero residue;
Siliconizing: application of silicone oil or emulsion to facilitate component handling and machine feedability;
Steam Sterilization: validated sterilization at 121°C;
(Note: this phase is exclusive to our washer-sterilizer models and not included in "washer-only" systems)
Drying and Cooling: high-efficiency hot air drying followed by controlled cooling to prepare components for unloading;
Sterile Unloading: automatic transfer into stainless steel containers or plastic bags (welded in place) to maintain an aseptic chain.
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