Operation of Paste Preparation kettle

Objective: 

The objective of this procedure is to establish guidelines for operating a paste preparation kettle effectively.

Scope: 

This procedure applies to the operation of the paste preparation kettle located in the manufacturing area.

Responsibility: 

The responsibility for following this procedure lies with the Operator, Officer, and Executive of the Production Department, as well as the Manager of the Production Department.

Procedure:

Operation:

Ensure the cleanliness of the equipment and the surrounding area.

After obtaining clearance from Quality Assurance (QA), affix the “UNDER PROCESS” label, duly filled and signed, onto the machine.

Record the start time of the batch in the equipment usage log sheet, following the provided Standard Operating Procedure (SOP).

Verify that the main switch is in the “ON” position.

Ensure that the limit switch is properly pressed.

Take the specified quantity of purified water into the vessel, as mentioned in the Batch Manufacturing Record.

Open the hot water supply and return valve, and start heating the purified water to the temperature specified in the Batch Manufacturing Record.

Gradually add the slurry into the vessel and activate the agitator by switching it to the “ON” position.

The agitator should rotate clockwise.

Close the hot water valve once the desired translucent paste is obtained. Check the temperature of the binder using a temperature probe.

Cool the binder in the paste vessel to the temperature specified in the Batch Manufacturing Record.

Tilt the paste vessel with the help of the handwheel and unload the binder into a relabeled, cleaned Stainless Steel (S.S.) container.

Attach a “TO BE CLEANED” label, duly filled, to the paste preparation kettle.

Record the completion time of the process in the equipment usage log sheet, following the provided SOP.

Related SOP: SOP on Procedure and Operation of Vibratory Sifter

Precautions and Checkpoints:

Avoid overheating the binder.

Ensure that the agitator is rotating in a clockwise direction.

Make sure the blade does not come into contact with the vessel’s surface.

Abbreviations:

Q.A.: Quality Assurance

S.S.: Stainless Steel

SOP: Standard Operating Procedure