A Diametrically Rejected Capsule Sorter (also called Diametrical Capsule Sorter or similar terms like Diametrically Defective Capsule Sorter) is a specialized pharmaceutical machine used in capsule production lines. Its main purpose is to automatically detect and separate/reject filled or empty hard gelatin capsules that are diametrically defective — meaning capsules that are deformed, oval-shaped (instead of perfectly cylindrical/round), oversized in diameter, distorted, or otherwise irregularly shaped across their diameter.
These defects usually occur during the capsule locking/filling process (e.g., improper joining of cap and body, overfilling causing bulging, or manufacturing flaws), and such capsules can cause problems in downstream processes like blistering, packaging, or counting machines.
Key Functions and Features of Rejected Capsule Sorter
-
Primary rejection criterion — Capsules with abnormal diameter (diametrically rejected/oversized/distorted/oval).
-
Often combined with other sorting functions in the same or linked machines, such as:
-
Rejecting loose caps (separated cap from body).
-
Rejecting loose bodies.
-
Rejecting lightweight, empty, cracked, chipped, telescoped, or fragmented capsules.
-
Removing loose powder or debris.
-
-
Commonly integrated in capsule filling lines after the capsule filler and polisher.
-
Helps ensure only perfect, uniform capsules proceed to final packaging, improving GMP compliance and product quality.
How It Typically Works
Most models use mechanical sorting principles (some combine with air/vacuum assistance):
-
Capsules feed into a rotating drum sorter, selection disc, or sorting plates with precisely calibrated holes or slots matched to the standard capsule diameter (e.g., for size 00, 0, 1, 2, etc.).
-
Good (round & correctly sized) capsules pass straight through the holes/slots and continue to the good product outlet.
-
Defective capsules (larger diameter or oval/deformed) get trapped, cannot pass, get stuck in the geometry of the holes, or roll/fall differently → they are diverted to a reject collection tray or chute.
-
In some designs, a tilted rotating disc (often ~20° angle) + gravity guides capsules, and compressed air may blow rejects away.
-
Output: High sorting accuracy (often >95–99%), high throughput (depending on model, up to tens/hundreds of thousands capsules/hour).
This machine is essential in modern automatic capsule production to avoid jamming or quality issues later in the line.
* Power voltage can be adjusted as per customer’s domestic power voltage requirements.
* Rights of technical improvements & modification reserved.
* Illustrations & dimensions are shown for information purpose only.
Send Inquiry