SOP Guide for Pharma

Creams: SOP for Operating Tube-Filling Machines – V 2.0

Auditor

Creams: SOP for Operating Tube-Filling Machines – V 2.0

Standard Operating Procedure for Operating Tube-Filling Machines

Department Creams
SOP No. SOP/CRM/096/2025
Supersedes SOP/CRM/096/2022
Page No. Page 1 of 6
Issue Date 21/01/2026
Effective Date 26/01/2026
Review Date 21/01/2027

1. Purpose

The purpose of this SOP is to define the procedure for operating tube-filling machines in the Creams Department. The objective is to ensure that the tube-filling machines are operated effectively and safely, filling tubes with the required cream quantity while minimizing errors and ensuring product quality.

2. Scope

This SOP applies to all tube-filling machines used in the Creams Department for filling cream products into tubes. It includes the procedures for machine setup, operation, troubleshooting, and cleaning.

3. Responsibilities

4. Accountability

The Head of Production is accountable for ensuring that tube-filling machines are operated according to the SOP and that production meets the required standards. The QA Manager is responsible for ensuring that quality checks are performed regularly and that the tube-filling machine is operating within specifications.

5. Procedure

5.1 Pre-Operation Setup

  1. Ensure that the tube-filling machine is clean and properly maintained according to the cleaning SOP.
  2. Verify that the correct filling tubes, caps, and labels are available and free of defects.
  3. Ensure that the cream product to be filled is properly mixed, homogenized, and at the correct temperature for filling.
  4. Check that all necessary materials (e.g., labels, caps, and tubes) are prepared and positioned for easy access during the filling process.
  5. Verify that the tube-filling machine is set to the correct filling parameters, including speed, volume, and temperature settings, as specified for the production run.
  6. Ensure that the machine’s calibration is checked, and it is functioning properly before starting the filling process.
See also  Creams: SOP for Handling and Storage of Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) for Creams - V 2.0

5.2 Operating the Tube-Filling Machine

  1. Start the machine following the manufacturer’s start-up procedure. Ensure that all parts are functioning smoothly and that no unusual sounds or vibrations are present during startup.
  2. Begin the tube-filling process. Ensure that each tube is properly positioned under the filling nozzle and that the correct amount of cream is dispensed into each tube.
  3. Monitor the filling process for consistency and accuracy. If the machine is dispensing more or less than the required volume, stop the machine immediately and adjust the settings.
  4. Check that the tubes are being filled uniformly and that the cream does not spill over or underfill the tubes.
  5. Verify that the tubes are properly capped and sealed after filling. Ensure that the capping mechanism works correctly and that there are no leaks or damage to the caps.

5.3 Monitoring During Operation

  1. Continuously monitor the tube-filling machine during operation for any signs of malfunction or errors, such as tube misalignment or excessive filling.
  2. Inspect a sample of filled tubes periodically to ensure that the filling volumes are within the specified tolerance limits.
  3. If any defects or inconsistencies are detected, stop the machine and address the issue immediately. Record any corrective actions taken in the Production Log (Annexure-1).
  4. Ensure that the filled tubes are correctly labeled, with no misprints or errors in labeling. Verify that the labeling machine is correctly aligned with the filling machine.
See also  Creams: SOP for Blending and Milling in Cream Formulations - V 2.0

5.4 Troubleshooting

  1. If the tube-filling machine malfunctions or there are issues such as inconsistent filling volumes, clogged nozzles, or improper sealing, stop the machine and troubleshoot the issue following the manufacturer’s troubleshooting guide.
  2. Common issues may include air bubbles in the cream, nozzle blockages, or improper machine calibration. Address these issues by cleaning the nozzles, adjusting the machine settings, or refilling the cream reservoir as necessary.
  3. If the problem persists, contact the maintenance team for further inspection and repair.
  4. Document any issues and corrective actions taken in the Equipment Maintenance Log (Annexure-2) or Production Log (Annexure-1).

5.5 Post-Operation Cleaning and Shutdown

  1. Once the production run is complete, stop the machine following the manufacturer’s shutdown procedure. Turn off the power supply and disconnect any utilities as needed.
  2. Clean the filling nozzles, tubes, and all other components that came into contact with the cream. Follow the cleaning SOP for the tube-filling machine.
  3. Ensure that the machine is free from product residues and is properly sanitized before the next production run.
  4. Record the shutdown time, cleaning activities, and any maintenance performed in the Equipment Maintenance Log (Annexure-2).

5.6 Documentation

  1. Record all operational details, including start-up and shutdown times, volume dispensed, and any issues encountered, in the Production Log (Annexure-1).
  2. Document any machine adjustments, calibration checks, and maintenance activities in the Equipment Maintenance Log (Annexure-2).
  3. Ensure that any discrepancies found during production (e.g., underfilling or overfilling) are documented along with the corrective actions taken.
See also  Creams: SOP for Mixing Techniques for Cream Formulations - V 2.0

5.7 Final Approval

  1. The QA team must review all documentation related to the tube-filling process, including the Production Log and Equipment Maintenance Log, to ensure compliance with SOPs and product specifications.
  2. Once approved, the tube-filling machine is cleared for use in the next production run. If any deviations are noted, corrective actions should be taken before continuing production.

6. Abbreviations

7. Documents

  1. Annexure-1: Production Log
  2. Annexure-2: Equipment Maintenance Log

8. References

9. SOP Version

Version: 2.0

10. Approval Section

Prepared By Checked By Approved By
Signature
Date
Name
Designation
Department

11. Annexures

Annexure-1: Production Log

Batch Number Start-Up Time End Time Operator Comments
12345 08:00 AM 05:00 PM John Doe Successfully completed, no issues

Annexure-2: Equipment Maintenance Log

Equipment ID Maintenance Date Maintenance Type Operator Comments
FM-001 21/01/2026 Calibration and adjustment Jane Smith Calibration successful, machine ready for use

Revision History:

Revision Date Revision No. Revision Details Reason for Revision Approved By
01/03/2024 1.0 Initial Version New SOP Creation QA Head
01/03/2025 2.0 Format Revision and Updates Standardization of Document QA Head
Exit mobile version