Chrysos Jar Cleaning

The HF-ACJC Auto Chrysos Jar Cleaning System represents a major advancement in the application of industrial automation and robotics to laboratory and sample processing environments. Specifically engineered for mining and resources facilities that work with Chrysos PhotonAssay sample jars, this innovative system delivers a fully automated process for sorting, decapping, emptying, cleaning, drying, and recycling jars and lids. By automating what has traditionally been a manual, repetitive, and potentially hazardous task, the HF-ACJC significantly improves workplace safety, efficiency, and throughput while ensuring consistent, high-quality results.

At the core of the HF-ACJC system is a purpose-built design that allows operators to load Chrysos jars into the unit quickly and easily. Once jars are placed into the sorter, the system detects the presence of the first jar and begins operation automatically. From this point forward, the operator’s involvement is minimal, as the machine undertakes all necessary steps to prepare both the jars and their lids for reuse. This end-to-end automation not only reduces reliance on manual labour but also ensures that the cleaning and recycling process operates with greater precision and reliability than human intervention can typically achieve.

The operating sequence begins with the system’s automated jar sorter, which orients jars into the correct position before proceeding to the decapping stage. Each jar lid is removed, cleaned thoroughly using compressed air and suction to eliminate residual sample particles, and then transferred to a dedicated trolley for collection and reuse. Meanwhile, the sample jar itself is inverted to pour out its contents. Depending on the site’s configuration, the extracted sample material may be vacuumed away through a lean phase extraction system, deposited into a Bulka Bag, or moved via an optional waste belt to a nearby skip bin. This flexibility ensures that the HF-ACJC can be tailored to meet the waste management practices of a wide range of facilities.

Once emptied, each jar undergoes a multi-stage cleaning process. Compressed air and suction remove any residual particles, while the external surface of the jar is washed with water to dissolve labels and remove contaminants. A drying stage using compressed air follows, leaving the jar completely clean, dry, and ready for reuse. Clean jars are automatically transferred to a collection trolley, ensuring that the process remains efficient, hygienic, and free of manual handling risks. As an alternative to trolleys, operators can also choose to use 200-litre drums for collection, or opt to have the lid re-screwed onto its jar so that both components are recycled together.

This seamless integration of robotics, precision engineering, and automated controls highlights the system’s suitability for facilities that demand reliability under continuous operation. With a throughput of up to 90 samples per hour in a single-lane configuration—or double that with a dual-lane system—the HF-ACJC is designed to support both small and large-scale operations. Importantly, the dual-lane design provides full redundancy, meaning each lane can continue operating independently in the event of a disruption, ensuring uninterrupted workflow.

The benefits of adopting the HF-ACJC extend well beyond productivity. By eliminating manual jar cleaning and decapping, the system reduces operator exposure to dust, dangerous substances, excessive noise, and repetitive strain. These improvements align with modern workplace health and safety requirements, making the HF-ACJC not only an investment in efficiency but also in employee wellbeing. Furthermore, by freeing operators from routine handling tasks, facilities can redirect their workforce towards more complex and value-adding responsibilities.

As part of AUTONOMA’s broader portfolio of modular industrial automation solutions, the HF-ACJC has been designed with future scalability in mind. The system can integrate seamlessly with other automation modules, enabling facilities to expand their level of automation as operational needs grow, without costly redesigns or modifications. Built with industrial-grade robotics and componentry, the HF-ACJC offers the durability and reliability necessary for round-the-clock operation, while also meeting the strict safety standards set out under Australian Standard AS4024 – Safety of Machinery.

With local servicing and support available through AUTONOMA in Australia, and backed by HF Engineering in Germany, operators are assured of reliable technical assistance and ongoing system optimisation. This combination of local expertise and international engineering excellence ensures that the HF-ACJC remains a trusted, long-term solution for facilities seeking to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and maintain a safe working environment.

In summary, the HF-ACJC Auto Chrysos Jar Cleaning System provides a robust, automated, and highly efficient solution to the challenges of jar handling in laboratory and industrial contexts. By combining industrial automation, robotics, and precision engineering, it delivers consistent, safe, and scalable performance that transforms the way laboratories and processing facilities manage their sample jars.

• Automated Jar Handling – Sorts and orients jars, removes lids, cleans, and prepares both jars and lids for reuse.

• Comprehensive Cleaning Process – Cleans lids and jars with compressed air, suction, and water rinsing, dissolves labels, and completes drying before reuse.

• Flexible Waste Management – Supports lean phase extraction, Bulka Bag collection (no-cost upgrade), or optional waste belt to a skip bin.

• Throughput Options – Available in single-lane (~90 samples/hour) or dual-lane systems to double capacity with full redundancy.

• Safety and Reliability – Equipped with safety guarding and interlocks compliant with Australian Standard AS4024 – Safety of Machinery.

• Industrial-Grade Robotics – Built with durable automation components engineered for continuous 24/7 operation.

• Modular Integration – Seamlessly integrates with other AUTONOMA industrial automation modules for future expansion.

The HF-ACJC Auto Chrysos Jar Cleaning System is ideally suited for:

• Mining laboratories handling large volumes of Chrysos sample jars.

• Facilities requiring consistent, safe, and precise jar cleaning and recycling.

• Operations seeking to minimise manual handling, operator exposure to hazardous substances, and repetitive strain injuries.

• Workplaces needing continuous, unattended operation including after-hours processing.

By automating repetitive workflows, the system allows operators to focus on higher-value tasks, enhancing overall productivity.

The HF-ACJC system is supported by an intuitive control interface designed for ease of use and operational efficiency. Key software capabilities include:

• Automated start-up triggered by jar detection.

• Real-time monitoring of jar orientation, decapping, and cleaning cycles.

• Customisable settings for waste management (lean phase extraction, Bulka Bag, skip bin).

• Safety interlock management aligned to Australian Standards.

• Future-ready compatibility with AUTONOMA’s modular automation platform, ensuring smooth integration without costly re-engineering.