Supply station for container decontamination

Abstract

The present invention relates to a supply station (1) for decontamination of containers (2), comprising a tunnel formed by a plurality of treatment chambers (11-13) arranged side by side in succession along the container transport direction (T), in which conveying means (21a, 21b) are provided in the treatment chambers, each treatment chamber being brought to an internal pressure higher than atmospheric pressure by introducing air, gas or steam at the inlet and outlet of the treatment chamber, the treatment chambers being defined by respective partitions which can be moved between a passage position in which the partitions leave open the respective passage openings (161) of the containers (2) and a position for maintaining the internal pressure, the passage openings (161) being reduced in size to allow the suction of said air, gas or steam through the remaining openings (162).

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a supply station for decontamination of substantially identical containers that are successively supplied to a subsequent sterile processing station, for example to a chamber for processing in a controlled atmosphere (also known as an "isolator"), or to a sterile filling line (e.g., for pharmaceuticals), or to a station for aseptically inserting other containers into the container.

[0002] Containers particularly adapted for use with the dispensing station according to the invention are "nests" or "tubs", i.e. trays or tubs that house or are adapted to house, preferably in an organized and consistent manner, smaller containers such as vials, bottles, ampoules, cartridges, Carpules®, test tubes and / or syringes before and / or after filling. Another possible container adapted for use with the dispensing station according to the invention is a sterile bag.

[0003] Currently, it is known to supply containers such as nests or tubs that have already been decontaminated and isolated inside a sealed primary bag and then inserted into a sealed secondary bag. To introduce such containers into an aseptic processing line or station, an operator manually removes the secondary bag and hangs the primary bag (enclosing the container) on a rack. A robot then cuts the primary bag and, using special jaws to keep the opening sealed, carries the primary bag to the entrance of the aseptic isolator where the container will eventually be introduced and slides the container out of the primary bag.

[0004] A problem with this conventional solution is the fact that two bags must be used to isolate the container before it is introduced into the aseptic processing station. This not only increases the cost and complexity of producing these two-bag packages, but also slows the production rate of the aseptic processing line or station into which the container is introduced. Typically, the above-mentioned technology only allows two containers to be delivered to the aseptic processing station per minute, despite the fact that the station is actually capable of operating at a higher production rate.

[0005] Furthermore, the above-mentioned "no-touch" robotic unpacking operation is particularly complex in that it has significant implications for the layout of the plant, especially considering that the dimensions of the plant that needs to be specially provided for unpacking the containers actually exceed the dimensions of downstream sterile processing stations, for example stations that perform filling.

[0006] Furthermore, with the conventional solutions mentioned above, there are still risks associated with the unpacking operation, such as contamination of the clean room in which the process is carried out or contamination of the actual container being transported.

[0007] The aim of the present invention is to provide a supply station for supplying decontaminated containers to a sterile processing station or line, which is able to improve upon the known art in one or more of the above aspects.

[0008] Within this aim, the object of the present invention is to make it possible to increase the production rate of an aseptic processing station or line.

[0009] Another object of the present invention is to avoid the use of at least an outermost (secondary) bag to seal a container prior to its introduction into a sterile processing station or line.

[0010] Furthermore, the present invention aims to overcome the problems of the background art in an alternative manner to any existing solutions.

[0011] Another object of the present invention is to provide a supply station that is reliable, easy to implement, and low cost.

[0012] This aim, as well as these and other objects that will become more apparent hereinafter, are achieved by a supply station according to claim 1, optionally comprising one or more of the features of the dependent claims.

[0013] According to the present invention, a supply station for decontamination of substantially identical containers during their successive supply to a subsequent station or line for aseptic processing comprises a tunnel formed by a plurality of treatment chambers arranged side by side in succession along a container transport direction, transport means are provided in the treatment chambers and configured to transport containers along the transport direction through the treatment chambers, each treatment chamber having an internal pressure higher than atmospheric pressure by introducing air, gas or steam at an inlet and an outlet of the treatment chamber, the treatment chambers being defined by respective partitions which can be moved between a cross position in which the partitions leave the corresponding passage openings of the containers open and a position for maintaining the internal pressure, the passage openings being reduced in size to allow the air, gas or steam to be sucked through the remaining openings in order to maintain the internal pressure.

[0014] The aims and objects of the present invention are also achieved by a sterile processing line comprising a loading line or inlet for loading containers, a supply station arranged downstream of the loading line to receive the containers from the loading line or inlet, and a sterile processing station arranged downstream of the supply station to receive decontaminated containers, wherein the sterile processing station comprises at least one assembly for filling the containers.

[0015] The aims and objects of the present invention are also achieved by a method for decontaminating pharmaceutical containers while they are being conveyed through a supply station towards a sterile processing station or line, said supply station comprising a tunnel defined by a plurality of processing chambers arranged in succession along a conveying direction between an inlet and an outlet, each processing chamber being defined by a respective partition wall upstream and downstream relative to said conveying direction, said method comprising: bringing each processing chamber to an internal pressure above atmospheric pressure by introducing air, gas or vapor; placing a partition in a passage position to hold open a corresponding passage opening as a container advances along a conveying direction through said passage opening; placing a partition wall in a position for maintaining the internal pressure so as to reduce the passage opening to a residual opening when a container is held inside the corresponding chamber, the position preventing the advancement or passage of the container but allowing the air, gas or vapor to be drawn out of the corresponding processing chamber so as to maintain the internal pressure inside the corresponding chamber; drawing said air, gas or vapor out of each processing chamber to maintain said internal pressure within each chamber; Includes.

[0016] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become more apparent from the following detailed description of preferred but non-exclusive embodiments of a supply station according to the invention, shown by way of non-limiting example in the accompanying drawings, in which: [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0017] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a supply station according to the present invention with the side panels removed to show the inside of the tunnel. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a side view of the supply station of the previous figure, with some components removed for clarity; [Figure 3]FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the supply station of the previous figure, seen from the transmission side; [Figure 4] FIG. 2 is a detailed view from below of the transport means used in the supply station of the previous figure; [Figure 5] 2 shows the outlet bulkhead of one of the processing chambers of the supply station of FIG. 1 in a passing position; [Figure 6] 1 shows the bulkhead of the previous figure in position to maintain internal pressure. [Figure 7a] FIG. 10 is a front view of the partition wall in the passing position. [Figure 7b] 1 is a detail view of the previous view, also showing the majority of the container in a plane perpendicular to the conveying direction. [Figure 8] FIG. 7b is a front view of the septum of FIG. 7a in position to maintain pressure. [Figure 9] 2 shows the flow aspirated from the processing chamber of the supply station of FIG. 1; [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a detailed view of the series of annular distribution units of one of the processing chambers in the previous figure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0018] With reference to the figures, a supply station according to the invention, generally designated by the reference numeral 1, is configured to decontaminate substantially mutually identical containers (particularly for pharmaceutical products) 2, which are supplied or conveyed successively and in the same orientation to a subsequent sterile processing station or line 100, for example to a chamber for processing in a controlled atmosphere (also known as an "isolator"). The sterile processing station 100 may comprise an assembly for filling the containers.

[0019] In the example shown, the containers 2 are tubs, i.e., the tubs specific to the pharmaceutical sector mentioned above, which are identical to one another in shape and dimensions. However, the supply station 1 can easily be adapted to decontaminate other containers, as long as these are substantially identical to one another and are supplied in a row with the same orientation relative to the conveying direction T. The containers 2 are supplied and decontaminated individually, in a single, respective sealed bag (which is opened before the containers are introduced into the supply station 1), without the need for a secondary bag containing the latter. The containers 2 can be made, for example, of a polymeric material, glass or metal.

[0020] The supply station 1 comprises a loading entrance or line 10, e.g. a conveyor belt 20 or a motorized roller conveyor, and a tunnel formed by a number of treatment chambers 11, 12, 13 arranged side by side in succession along the conveying direction T of the containers 2 and hermetically closed all around the periphery of the conveying direction T. Inside the treatment chambers 11-13 are conveying means, as will be described below, configured to convey the containers 2 in a continuous movement along the tunnel in the conveying direction T.

[0021] The processing chambers 11, 12, 13 are maintained at an internal pressure greater than atmospheric pressure by introducing air, gas or vapor into each chamber.

[0022] Such internal pressure is preferably lower than the pressure within the sterile processing station 100 downstream of the supply station 1 to prevent the flow of contaminants towards the sterile processing station 100 .

[0023] In particular, the overpressure applied within process chambers 11, 12, 13 relative to atmospheric pressure may be less than 100 Pascals, e.g., less than 25 Pascals. For example, the internal pressure of each of process chambers 11, 12, 13 may be maintained at an overpressure comprised between 8 and 20 Pascals relative to atmospheric pressure, more preferably at a value between 10 and 15 Pascals above atmospheric pressure. In the illustrated embodiment, the overpressure within process chambers 11 and 12 may be approximately 10 Pascals, while the overpressure within process chamber 13 may be approximately 15 Pascals, and the overpressure within isolator 100 may be 25 Pascals.

[0024] The processing chambers preferably consist of a first, preparation chamber 11, a second, decontamination chamber 12, using for example vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP), and a third, cleaning chamber 13.

[0025] Air is introduced under pressure into the preparation chamber 11, and such air is heated (and filtered) as appropriate to increase the surface temperature of the container 2 and thus prevent condensation of the decontamination agent (e.g., VHP) in the subsequent decontamination chamber 12. The air is introduced through respective inlets 34 connected to the outlets of respective pumps (not shown) and can be distributed into the treatment chamber 11 using a plurality of annular distribution units 31, which are connected to the inlets 34 and arranged side by side along the conveying direction T to surround the conveying means 21a-21b of the container 2. Each distribution unit 31 has holes or nozzles 37 configured to continuously inject hot air around the entire periphery of the conveying direction T, i.e., around the entire periphery of the conveying means, in a direction substantially transverse to the conveying direction T, so as to sweep the entire container 2 as it passes.

[0026] A decontamination agent (gas or vapor) is then introduced under pressure into the decontamination chamber 12 in order to decontaminate the surfaces of the container 2 arriving from the preparation chamber 11. The decontamination agent is preferably VHP (with a concentration comprised between 3000 and 20000 ppm), but alternatively, decontamination gases such as nitrogen dioxide or chlorine dioxide can also be used.

[0027] Also in the chamber 12 there are a number of annular distribution units 32, which are connected to inlets 35 for decontamination gas or vapor and which are arranged side by side along the conveying direction T, i.e. surrounding the conveying means 21a-21b for conveying the containers 2 within the chamber 12. Each distribution unit 32 has holes or nozzles 37 configured to continuously inject decontamination gas or vapor around the entire periphery of the conveying means 21a-21b in a direction substantially transverse to the conveying direction T in order to completely sweep the entire surface of the containers 2 as it passes through.

[0028] In order to remove any residues of the decontamination agent from the surfaces of the containers 2 arriving from the cleaning chamber 13, air under pressure, for example at high temperature, is introduced into the decontamination chamber 12. The chamber 13 also contains a number of annular distribution units 33 connected to an air inlet 36 and arranged side by side along the conveying direction T so as to surround the conveying means 21a-21b which convey the containers 2 in the chamber 13. Each distribution unit 33 has holes or nozzles 37 configured to continuously inject air in a direction substantially transverse to the conveying direction T, in order to completely sweep the entire surface of the containers 2 as it passes over the entire periphery in the conveying direction T, i.e., the entire periphery of the conveying means 21a-21b.

[0029] Upstream and downstream of each treatment chamber 11, 12, 13 are suction vents 41, 42, 43, 44 configured to extract by suction, preferably continuously, the air or steam injected by the distribution units 31, 32, 33, thus maintaining a substantially constant overpressure in each treatment chamber 11, 12, 13. For the washing chamber 13, the suction vent 44 can lead directly to the chamber 13, while the other vents 41-43 lead to areas of the tunnel outside the treatment chambers 11-12. This avoids a situation where the extracted flow could dilute the agent (e.g., VHP as described below) used in one or more treatment chambers.

[0030] Between one processing chamber 11, 12 and the next processing chamber 12, 13, respectively, there is preferably a respective intermediate chamber 15, 16 along the transport direction T, and each intermediate chamber 15, 16 communicates with a respective vent 42 and 43 for sucking air or vapor from the processing chambers upstream and / or downstream of each intermediate chamber 15, 16.

[0031] At the inlet and outlet portions of each of the treatment chambers 11, 12, 13 along the transport direction T, there are respective partitions which can be moved vertically, preferably perpendicular to the transport direction T of the container 2. In particular, the preparation chamber 11 is separated at the inlet and outlet portions by movable partitions 111b and 112b, respectively. The decontamination chamber 12 and the cleaning chamber 13 are also separated by movable partitions 121b-122b and 131b-132b, respectively.

[0032] The partitions 111b-112b, 121b-122b and 131b-132b are movable between a container passage position, in which the corresponding passage opening 161 for the container 2 is open, and a chamber internal pressure maintaining position (i.e., an overpressure created in the chamber), in which said passage opening 161 is small and preferably not completely closed by at least one movable partition of each of the treatment chambers 11-13. In this embodiment, in the pressure maintaining position of the movable partitions, air or steam can be continuously sucked from inside the respective treatment chambers 11, 12, 13 through the residual openings 162, through the vents 41-43 on the outside of the treatment chambers and to the outside of the tunnel, in order to keep the internal pressure of each treatment chamber substantially constant.

[0033] The movement of the bulkheads 111b-112b, 121b-122b and 131b-132b between the two positions mentioned above is commanded through automatic detection of the passage of each container 2, obtained for example using a laser, and through actuation means respectively associated with each of the movable bulkheads.

[0034] The actuation means may be provided by an actuation cylinder 27 fixed to a box on the side of the tunnel and a lever system for raising and lowering each of the movable partitions 111b-112b, 121b-122b, 131b-132b. The piston of the actuation cylinder 27 is hinged to a first lever 28, e.g., a rocker arm, which pivots on a rotation axis A. A second lever 29b, located inside the tunnel, is connected at one of its ends to the first lever 28 via a transmission shaft 29a coaxial with the rotation axis A, so that the rotation of the first lever 28 caused by the linear movement of the piston of the cylinder 27 is reliably transmitted to the second lever 29b. The second end of the second lever 29b is connected to each of the movable partitions 111b-112b, 121b-122b, 131b-132b such that rotation of the second lever 29b is converted into vertical translation of the movable partition between a passage position and a position for maintaining the internal pressure. For example, there may be a slot protruding from the movable partition and into which the second end of the lever 29b engages via a wheel.

[0035] According to a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the passage opening 161, which is alternately opened and partially closed by each of the movable partitions 111b-112b, 121b-122b, 131b-132b, can be defined by an opening provided in each of the fixed walls 111a, 121a, 131a at the inlet portion of each of the processing chambers 11, 12, 13 and in each of the fixed walls 112a, 122a, 132a at the outlet portion, through which each container 2 can pass during transport.

[0036] Each opening of the fixed walls 111a-112a, 121a-122a, 131a-132a has a shape that is substantially complementary to the cross-sectional space occupied by the container 2 in the conveying direction T, so that while the container 2 is passing through the opening, the passage opening 161 becomes smaller depending on the cross-sectional space occupied by the container 2 passing through.

[0037] Preferably, the area of the flat gap 163 between the edge of the passage opening 161 and the container 2 passing through the passage opening 161 is substantially equal to the area of the residual opening 162 of the passage opening when the passage opening 161 is reduced by the respective partitions 111b-112b, 121b-122b, 131b-132b in a position to maintain the internal pressure.

[0038] In this embodiment, at each inlet and outlet of each processing chamber 11-13, the movable partition is returned to its position to maintain pressure immediately before and after the passage of each container 2, while it is the container 2 itself that partially closes the passage opening 161 so as not to substantially depressurize the processing chamber it enters or leaves while the container passes through the passage opening 161. The container 2 that partially closes the passage opening 161 leaves a gap 163 that still allows air or vapor to be drawn through the vents 41-43 to maintain the internal pressure.

[0039] For this reason, the containers 2 are inserted into the tunnel entrance 20 in a line (i.e., one behind the other along the conveying direction T) in the same predetermined orientation, so that the area of the above-mentioned gap 163 around the container remains substantially constant for all containers 2 as they pass through and can be determined so as to also define the area of the remaining opening 162.

[0040] Each of the movable partitions 111b to 112b, 121b to 122b, and 131b to 132b preferably has a U-shaped recess and can move perpendicular to the conveying direction T so that the remaining opening 162 of the passage opening is at least partially bounded by an edge 160 of the U-shaped recess. The movable partitions (111b to 112b, 121b to 122b, and 131b to 132b) having such a U-shaped recess have a substantially "U" shape, and are therefore also referred to as "U-shaped openings." In particular, each movable partition 111b-112b, 121b-122b, 131b-132b can slide in a position parallel to and adjacent to a respective fixed wall 111a-112a, 121a-122a, 131a-132a, so that, as shown in FIG. 8, a residual opening 162 of passage opening 161 is defined in part by an edge 160 of the U-shaped recess and in part by the edges of the openings of fixed walls 111a-112a, 121a-122a, 131a-132a that define passage opening 161.

[0041] To guide the vertical sliding of each movable partition, there may be provided vertical fixed rails 151 associated with the respective fixed walls 111a-112a, 121a-122a, 131a-132a, and guide rollers 152 attached to the movable partitions 111b-112b, 121b-122b, 131b-132b and engaging with the vertical rails 151.

[0042] According to another advantageous aspect of the invention, the conveying means for conveying the containers 2 through the tunnel comprise roller conveyors 21a, 21b, the rollers being arranged in each treatment chamber 11-13 alternating with distribution units 31, 32, 33 along the conveying direction T. Preferably, a respective annular distribution unit 31, 32, 33 is provided between each pair of rollers.

[0043] The rollers 21a, 21b are movable by a sprocket chain system in which a respective sprocket 24 keyed to one end of each roller 21a, 21b is engaged with a transmission chain 25 common to all sprockets 24 and driven by a motor 26. The sprockets 24, chain 25 and motor 26 are mounted in the same box on the side of the tunnel where the means for actuating the movable bulkheads and connecting pipes between the distribution units 31-33 and the inlets 34-36 are mounted.

[0044] Each roller 21a, 21b includes a cylindrical enlargement 22a-23a, 22b-23b that is coaxial with the roller and configured to frictionally engage the bottom surface of each of the containers 2 for advancing the containers 2 along the conveying direction T. For example, the cylindrical enlargements 22a-23a, 22b-23b may be surrounded by respective O-rings or by another material configured to grip the underside of the containers 2. In the illustrated embodiment, each roller includes two cylindrical enlargements that are spaced apart from one another along the axis of the roller.

[0045] Preferably, the cylindrical enlargements 22a-23a, 22b-23b are staggered along the conveying direction T so that the same parts of the underside of the container 2 are not necessarily engaged by the cylindrical enlargements during conveyance. In this manner, no part is always blocked by the conveying means and the entire underside of the container 2 can be effectively decontaminated.

[0046] In the illustrated embodiment, each roller 21a differs from its immediately upstream and downstream counterpart 21b in the mutual distance between its cylindrical enlargements 22a-23a, 22b-23b. Obviously, other staggered arrangements of cylindrical enlargements are also possible, such as when the distance between the cylindrical enlargements of the same roller is the same, but the axial position between one roller 21a and its immediately adjacent roller 21b is different.

[0047] The operation of the supply station according to the invention is clear from the above description.

[0048] After being removed from the respective bags containing them, the containers 2 are placed successively in a line at the loading entrance 20 by an operator or a robot. The orientation of the containers 2 at the entrance 20 is the same and is maintained along the entire tunnel of the supply station 1. Optionally, lateral guide shoulders (e.g., inwardly protruding plates 38 on either side of each of the annular distribution units 31-33) can be provided along the tunnel to keep the containers 2 in the correct orientation, so that the contour of the container (cross-section) is complementary to the contour of the passage opening 161 at the moment the container passes through.

[0049] Overpressure is maintained in all treatment chambers 11-13 by continuous introduction of air (into chambers 11 and 13) and decontamination gas or vapor (into chamber 12) and corresponding continuous outflow through vents 41-44. Continuous rotation of rollers 21a-21b causes container 2 to advance in continuous motion along the entire tunnel in direction T.

[0050] When each container 2 arrives in front of the fixed wall 111a-121a-131a to enter each processing chamber 11-13, and in front of the fixed wall 112a-122a-132a to exit each processing chamber 11-13, the (laser) sensor detects the passage of the container 2 and issues a command to move to the passing position of the corresponding movable partition 111b-121b-131b or 112b-122b-132b. During the passage of the container 2, the shaped openings, i.e., the corresponding passage openings 161, of the passing fixed walls 111a-121a-131a or 112a-122a-132a are substantially filled by the cross-sectional occupied space of the container 2, but leave gaps 163, thus keeping the internal pressure of the corresponding processing chambers into and out of which the container 2 enters and exits substantially constant relative to the previous situation, i.e., the situation with the corresponding partitions 111b-121b-131b or 112b-122b-132b in position to maintain the pressure.

[0051] As soon as the container 2 has completely passed through the opening in each fixed wall, the corresponding movable bulkhead 111b-121b-131b or 112b-122b-132b returns to its position to maintain pressure, again upon detection using a passage sensor (e.g., a laser sensor).

[0052] While passing through each of the processing chambers 11-13, the container 2 undergoes surface heating (chamber 11), decontamination (chamber 12), and cleaning (chamber 13). The length of each processing chamber and the speed of continuous transport are selected appropriately based on the desired time the container is to remain in the corresponding chamber to perform the corresponding function.

[0053] Optionally, to remove plastic or other residues on the containers, at the end of decontamination of multiple containers 2, all chambers can be cleaned with a water jet or other cleaning agent, for example by having a cleaning nozzle at the base of each chamber 11-15 connected to a source of water (or other cleaning liquid) under pressure, thereby spraying it into each chamber when it is inoperable or overpressurized.

[0054] In fact, it has been found that the invention fully achieves its intended aims and objectives: the supply station according to the invention allows continuous production at higher speeds (for example, 6 containers per minute), in particular due to the fact that the tunnel constitutes an open system in which the treatment chambers have variable passage openings but always communicate with one another.

[0055] The invention thus conceived is susceptible to numerous modifications and variations, all of which are within the scope of the appended claims. Moreover, all details may be substituted by other technically equivalent elements.

[0056] In practice, the materials used can be any, depending on the requirements and the state of the art, as long as they are compatible with the specific application and the required dimensions and shapes.

[0057] The disclosure of Italian Patent Application No. 102022000017385, from which this application claims priority, is incorporated herein by reference.

[0058] Where technical features described in any claim are followed by reference signs, those reference signs are included solely for the purpose of enhancing the comprehension of the claim, and therefore such reference signs do not have any limiting effect on the interpretation of the respective elements identified by such reference signs as examples.

Claims

1. A supply station (1) for decontaminating containers (2) for pharmaceuticals during their transport in a sterile processing station or line (100), comprising a tunnel formed by a plurality of processing chambers (11-13) arranged in succession along a transport direction (T) between an inlet and an outlet, and conveying means (21a, 21b) configured to convey the containers along the transport direction (T) through the processing chambers (11-13), each of which is configured to have an internal pressure higher than atmospheric pressure by introducing air, gas or steam, and each of which is separated by a respective partition (111b-112b, 121b-122b) located upstream and downstream, respectively, with respect to the transport direction (T). , 131b-132b), characterized in that the partitions (111b-112b, 121b-122b, 131b-132b) can move between a passage position, in which the partitions (111b-112b, 121b-122b, 131b-132b) leave the corresponding passage openings (161) open and allow the containers (2) to pass through the passage openings (161), and a position for maintaining the internal pressure, in which the passage openings (161) are narrowed to a residual opening (162) that prevents the passage of the containers (2) but allows the air, gas or vapor to be sucked out of the corresponding treatment chamber, in order to maintain the internal pressure in the corresponding chamber.

2. 2. The supply station according to claim 1, wherein the passage openings (161) are provided in each of the fixed walls (111a-112a, 121a-122a, 131a-132a), and wherein the passage openings (161) have a shape substantially complementary to a cross-sectional profile of the container relative to the conveying direction (T), whereby the container (2) almost completely closes the passage openings (161) while passing through them.

3. 3. The supply station according to claim 2, wherein when the partitions (111b-112b, 121b-122b, 131b-132b) are in the passing position, a space (163) having an area substantially equal to an area of the remaining opening (162) remains between the passage opening (161) and the container (2) while passing through the passage opening.

4. 4. A supply station according to claim 1, wherein the movable partitions (111b-112b, 121b-122b, 131b-132b) have a U-shaped opening and are movable perpendicular to the conveying direction (T) such that the remaining opening (162) is at least partially defined by an edge of the U-shaped opening.

5. 5. A supply station according to claim 2, wherein the partitions (111b-112b, 121b-122b, 131b-132b) are slidable in a position parallel to and adjacent to the corresponding fixed walls (111a-112a, 121a-122a, 131a-132a) such that the remaining opening (162) is defined in part by the edge of the U-shaped opening and in part by the edge of the passage opening (161) on the respective fixed wall.

6. 6. The supply station according to claim 1, wherein an intermediate chamber (14, 15) is provided between each of the treatment chambers (11, 12, 13) and an adjacent treatment chamber (11, 12, 13) along the transport direction (T), the intermediate chambers (14, 15) comprising outlets (41-43) for sucking the air, gas or vapor from the treatment chambers upstream and / or downstream of the respective intermediate chamber with respect to the transport direction (T).

7. 7. The supply station according to claim 1, wherein each of the treatment chambers (11-13) comprises a plurality of annular distribution units (31) arranged side by side along the conveying direction (T) and configured to completely surround the container (2), each of the annular distribution units (31) being provided with holes or nozzles configured to inject the air, gas or steam into the container (2).

8. 8. A supply station according to any one or more of the preceding claims, wherein the conveying means comprises a roller conveyor, the rollers (21a-21b) comprising cylindrical enlargements (22a-22b, 23a-23b) coaxial with the rollers, the cylindrical enlargements configured to frictionally engage a bottom surface of each of the containers (2) to advance the containers (2) along the conveying direction (T), the cylindrical enlargements being offset from one another on adjacent rollers along the conveying direction (T).

9. 10. A supply station according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the distribution units (31) are arranged in each of the treatment chambers alternating with the rollers (21a, 21b) along the transport direction (T).

10. A sterile processing line (100), comprising:

10. A sterile processing line comprising: a loading line or inlet (10) for loading a container (2); a supply station (1) according to any one of claims 1 to 9, arranged downstream of the loading line to receive the container (2) from the loading line or inlet (10); and a sterile processing station (100) arranged downstream of the supply station (1) to receive the decontaminated container (2), the sterile processing station (100) comprising at least one assembly for filling the container (2).

11. 1. A method for decontaminating pharmaceutical containers (2) while they are being transported through a supply station (1) towards a sterile processing station or line (100), comprising: The supply station (1) comprises a tunnel defined by a plurality of treatment chambers (11-13) arranged in series along a conveying direction (T) between an inlet and an outlet, each of the treatment chambers being defined by a respective partition wall (111b-112b, 121b-122b, 131b-132b) upstream and downstream with respect to the conveying direction (T), and the decontamination method includes: bringing each of said processing chambers to an internal pressure greater than atmospheric pressure by introducing air, gas or vapor; placing the partitions in a passing position so as to keep the corresponding passage openings (161) open when the containers (2) advance along the conveying direction (T) and pass through the passage openings (161); placing the partition in a position for maintaining the internal pressure so as to reduce the passage opening (161) to a residual opening (162) when the container (2) is held inside the corresponding chamber, the position for maintaining the internal pressure preventing the advancement or passage of the container (2) but allowing the suction of the air, gas or vapor from the corresponding processing chamber to the outside so as to maintain the internal pressure inside the corresponding chamber; drawing the air, gas, or vapor out of each of the processing chambers so as to maintain the internal pressure of each of the chambers; A decontamination method comprising:

12. 12. The decontamination method according to claim 11, wherein the treatment chambers comprise, along the transport direction (T), a first preparation chamber (11) into which hot air is introduced under pressure to heat the container (2), a second decontamination chamber (12) into which decontamination gas or vapor is introduced under pressure to decontaminate the surfaces of the container (2), and a third cleaning chamber (13) into which air is introduced under pressure to remove decontamination agent residues from the surfaces of the container (2).

13. 13. A decontamination method according to claim 12, wherein an overpressure is maintained in the first preparation chamber (11) and in the second decontamination chamber (12) which is lower than the pressure maintained in the third cleaning chamber (13).

14. 14. A decontamination method according to any one or more of claims 11 to 13, wherein the decontamination gas or vapor is vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP), or nitrogen dioxide or chlorine dioxide.

15. 15. The decontamination method according to claim 14, wherein the hydrogen peroxide has a concentration comprised between 3000 and 20000 ppm.

Images