SOP Title: Operation, Cleaning and Calibration of Bulk Density Apparatus
- Objective:
To lay down the procedure for Operation, Cleaning and Calibration of Bulk Density Apparatus.
- Scope:
This SOP is applicable for Operation, Cleaning and Calibration of Bulk Density Apparatus located in Quality Control Laboratory.
- Responsibility:
- Quality Control: To prepare and review the SOP. To follow the procedures laid down for Operation, Cleaning and Calibration of Bulk Density Apparatus as per this SOP.
- Engineering Department: To carry out preventive maintenance as per schedule and procedure defined.
- Quality Assurance Department: To review and approve the SOP and Annexures.
- Accountability:
Head Quality Control Department, Head Quality Assurance Department
- Procedure:
| 5.1 | Safety Precautions/Instructions: | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.1.1 | Ensure all the electrical connections are properly earthed. Ensure the power plug of the bulk density apparatus is fixed in the socket properly. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.1.2 | Wear personal protective equipment’s such as safety glasses, hand gloves during operation of instrument. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.1.3 | Ensure that the ON/OFF switch is working properly by switching “ON” the bulk density apparatus. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.2 | Operation Procedure: | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.2.1 | Check the validity of Calibration before starting any operations | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.2.2 | Introduction to the Keys:
ON/OFF Mains: To ON and OFF the instrument. |
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| 5.2.3 | Switch ON the main switch of instrument. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.2.4 | Weigh the required quantity of sample and transfer it into empty clean and dry measuring cylinder. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.2.5 | Wrap cylinder mouth with aluminium foil or rubber stopper. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.2.6 | Open the rings of the holder provided on the instrument. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.2.7 | Place the measuring cylinder on the round surface of the instrument and slightly screw up the rings. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.2.8 | Set the desired number of strokes by pressing SET key. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.2.9 | Switch ON the ‘ON/OFF Mains’ button on the instrument. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.2.10 | The piston will rise up & down till the set number of strokes are completed. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.2.11 | At the end of the process the burger will indicate for completion of process. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.2.12 | Switch OFF the ‘ON/OFF Mains’ button and open the rings of the holder and remove the measuring cylinder. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.2.13 | Switch OFF the main switch of instrument. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.2.14 | Record the volume and calculate the bulk density of the sample as per standard testing procedure. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.2.15 | Update the “Instrument/Equipment Usage Log Book” as per SOP. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.3 | Cleaning Procedure: | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.3.1 | Switch ON the main switch of instrument. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.3.2 | Clean the surface of the instrument with lint free cloth before and after use. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.4 | Calibration Procedure: | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.4.1 | Frequency: Half Yearly or after carrying out any major maintenance work. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.4.2 | Generate the A. R. No. as per SOP and give requisition to QA department for calibration formats of instruments on the due date of calibration. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.4.3 | For issuance of calibration report refer SOP. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.4.4 | Perform the calibration of instrument as per Annexure and procedure mentioned below. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.4.5 | Switch ON the main switch of instrument. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.4.6 | Switch ON the ‘ON/OFF Mains’ button on the instrument. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.4.7 | Set the strokes to 100 by pressing SET key. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.4.8 | Check the number of strokes on digital display. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.4.9 | At the end of the process the beep sound will indicate for completion of process. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.4.10 | Follow the same procedure for 50 strokes. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.4.11 | Switch OFF the ‘ON/OFF Mains’ button and switch OFF the main switch. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.4.12
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Enter the details in calibration report as per Annexure. Ensure that the results obtained, comply with the acceptance criteria.
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| 5.4.13 | Update the “Instrument/Equipment Usage Log Book. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.4.14 | Affix the “Calibration Status Label” on the Instrument as per SOP. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.4.15 | If calibration activity is outsourced, the values are to be transcribed in the Annexure, and external party certificate to be attached. | |||||||||||||||||
| 5.4.16 | If any breakdown occurs, follow procedure as per SOP. | |||||||||||||||||
- Definitions / Abbreviations:
- Definitions:
- Breakdown: Any activity leading to operation of instrument/equipment other than the set parameters or unusual sound or vibration observed in the instrument/equipment.
- Calibration: Tests performed to ensure that the instrument/equipment is functioning as per set parameters. These tests are performed as per predefined frequency and also after any major repair or replacement of parts.
- Preventive Maintenance: Maintenance activity performed to ensure that the instrument/equipment will function smoothly and to avoid breakdowns. These activities are performed as per predefined frequency.
- Abbreviations:
| Abbreviation | Expansion |
| SOP | Standard Operating Procedure |
| QC | Quality Control |
| QA | Quality Assurance |
| No. | Number |
| A.R.No. | Analytical Reference Number |
*Note – Ready to use SOP available in “DOWNLOAD” Section.