Filling Machine Options Ensure Peak Efficiency

Packagers that browse the Liquid Packaging Solutions website will find a selection of packaging machines available to fill product. Different filling machines use different principles to fill liquids by volume, by level, by net weight or in some other manner. But even after finding the best principle for any application, each liquid filler can be modified using a variety of options. These options help to maximize efficiency and ensure that the packager get the best fill for their product and project.

While many different options exist, there are a few common options that will change from project to project. Below we look at a some of these options and how they help maximize the efficiency of the machine.

Nozzle Selection

The type of nozzle used for any filling machine will depend on a number of factors. Small bottles will use nozzles with a smaller opening, while large bottles will use bigger nozzles. But depending on the type of machine, other factors can come in to play as well. Some machines may use diving heads for a bottom up fill, to minimize splashing and dripping and help to avoid air pockets. Finding the ideal nozzle can improve the accuracy and consistency of the fill as well as the overall efficiency.

Tubing Selection

The tubing material through which the product flows must always be compatible with the product or products being filled. Food and beverage products will typically require FDA approved food grade tubing. Harsh chemicals will necessitate a chemical resistant tubing that can withstand the specific chemical being filled. Matching the tubing to the products being run ensures consistent performance of the machine by removing the possibility of tubing breakdown and excessive maintenance and downtime.

Neck Grabbers

The need for modification does not always stem from the product, however. For projects with unique bottles, stability can become an issue. A filling machine may use neck grabbers to hold, for example, tall bottles in place under the fill heads. The neck grabbers extend once bottles are in place to hold the containers steady throughout the fill, thus avoiding spills and splashes from less than steady bottles. Neck grabbers keep fills consistent and reliable by ensuring proper alignment during the filling process.

Indexing Systems

Indexing systems move the bottles in and out of the fill area. This can be achieved by using pins as entry and exit gates, by using a screw to move containers through the machine or by other various methods. Choosing the correct indexing system can also help keep bottle stability during the fill, provide accuracy for bottle placement or add speed when necessary to meet demand.

Pump Type

For pump filling machines, the type of pump chosen for the machine can greatly affect efficiency. Different pumps can be used for different viscosity products as well as sanitary needs. A peristaltic pump, for example, uses rollers to move product through the pump, meaning product does not come into contact with the pump body or components, only the tubing. Other pumps may be ideal for products with particulates, pastes or free-flowing liquids. Choosing the correct pump means product moves efficiently and the process as a whole remains consistent and reliable.

Unique Filler Needs

Less common modifications exist for filling machines as well. Some packagers may prepare liquids that are hazardous, flammable or otherwise present unique characteristics. LPS can provide hazardous location construction for environments that require the same. Machinery can be built to work in an all-pneumatic fashion where electrical set ups cause a risk. Filling machines can also be manufactured to handle hot fills, molten products and more, all to ensure efficient performance even under these unique circumstances.

Automation Level

Finally, all filling machines can be built to run semi-automatically or automatically. While semi-automatic machines will require operator interaction with each cycle run, automatic fillers, once set up, can fill thousands of bottles a day. Both demand and growth can help a packager find the right machine to meet the needs of their customers in an efficient manner.

While not an exhaustive list of all of the options available on every filling machine, the above options are often seen to boost efficiency and reliability. An analysis of each individual project will help to determine which options, if any, are best suited to the packagers needs. To discuss your own project with a Packaging Specialist, call Liquid Packaging Solutions today.