AC 3500

Automated Modular Tunnel Washer

AC 3500 tunnel washer is designed to clean, sanitize and dry cages and utensils used in animal research laboratories. Steelco tunnel washer assures higher throughput, effective waste separation, and water and energy conservation. Each tunnel chamber is provided with a hinged glass door for visual inspection.

The combination of high pressure and flow rate ensures excellent washing and rinsing performance, with a productivity of up to 750 cages per hour. To support the growing demand for a compact system for the automatized handling of cages, the system can be integrated with robot technology for loading and unloading procedures.

AC 3500 offers an integrated and flexible solution composed of separate modules with dedicated functions – loading, pre-wash, acid/Alkaline wash, rinse and final rinse, drying, and unloading – to wash almost all the cage types available on the market and used in animal research laboratories. Modules can be added or removed for customized solutions. All the modules are available in the 900mm / 36″, 1100mm / 44″, and 1200mm / 48” transport belt width.

Smart Water Filtering System

Clogged filters are one of the main issues facing operators when processing cages. The amount of solid residues can easily clog the nozzles. Steelco has developed a system for fast and easy access to filters for their maintenance. The main filter in the prewash chamber is flushed with flowing water that helps to keep its surface clean. This way, a large amount of residues is collected by a filter which is easily accessible from the outside of the washer.

Water Saving Features

AC 3500 has been developed with water consumption reduction in mind. To that aim, the warm and clean water used in the final rinse is then recovered in the wash or pre-wash phase depending on which configuration and modules have been chosen. AC 3500’s innovative water-saving features enable it to maximize water flow while minimizing water consumption, thereby saving money and helping you reach your environmental goals.

Automatic in Line Cage Inverter and Bedding Dispenser

The Steelco automatic inline bedding dispenser is a unit dedicated to accurate dispensing of any kind of conveyed free flow bedding that can be positioned in line on the unloading side of a cage tunnel washer. Bedding can be fed by a centralized vacuum system or by an on-board loading funnel.

The unit can be equipped with up to 5 bedding delivery points with automatic detection of cage presence. Number of delivery points may vary upon conveyor width.The unit normally receives the cages from an automatic cage inverter that turns the cages upside down directly on the belt conveyor of the bedding dispenser.

Key Features

Hygienic Design

High-quality AISI 316 L chamber and doors combined with AISI 304 external body for long-term reliability and maximum cleanliness.

High Productivity

Outstanding washing and rinsing performance, with a productivity of up to 750 cages per hour.

Customization

All the modules are available in the 900mm / 36″, 1100mm / 44″, and 1200mm / 48” transport belt width.

Cleaning Efficiency

Spray arms and separate rinsing circuit. Dedicated water jets for a high-temperature final rinse.

Even Hot Air Distribution

The design of the air circuits allows a uniform air distribution inside the drying chamber.

Intuitive Control System

Industrial PLC with user-friendly touch screen HMI, allowing for 65 programming options.

Product Video