Gravity Filling Machines - Nozzles

In theory, a gravity filler can use just about any nozzle a person can dream up, as long as there exists a ball valve or other component to cut off the product supply when the time comes.  In practice, however, there exist a few different types of nozzles for gravity filling machines that are more reliable and efficient than others.  The ability to design and manufacture different types of nozzles, however, is definitely a benefit when working with custom packaging.  Below are a few of the nozzles that can be used on a gravity filling machine.  

 

Simple Gravity Style Fill Heads 

 

One of the most common fill heads used on a gravity filling machine simply consists of two ball valves, an actuator and a nozzle tip.  The first ball valve will be air actuated to turn the product supply to the nozzles on and off.  The second ball valve attaches to the first on one end and includes a nozzle tip that releases product into the bottles or other containers.  The nozzle tip used will depend on the product and project and can vary from tiny plastic nozzles to wide mouth stainless steel nozzles.  The ball valve holding the nozzle tip may also include a handle to allow individual fill heads to be turned on and off manually.

 

Sanitary Fill Heads

 

Sanitary fill head assemblies for gravity filling machines are very similar to the simple fill heads described above.  However, the components used in building the fill heads will all be of a sanitary design, to add further protection to the product pathway and ensure that the product running through the gravity filler does not become contaminated or tainted in any way.  In general, the sanitary fill heads will do away with threaded connections, using sanitary clamps and gaskets instead of threaded pipe fittings - the latter of which are more susceptible to product buildup and contamination.

 

Bottom Close Fill Heads 

 

Bottom close fill heads are a great solution for products that tend to string or drip as they move through the product pathway and out the nozzle tip.  Bottom close fill heads will normally consist of a long tube and will utilize a plunger type nozzle tip that will extend to allow product to enter the bottles and containers, but will then plug the nozzle at the end of the fill to avoid spills, drips, splashes and strings.  Filling machines using bottom close fill heads may or may not dive the nozzles into the bottles.

 

Bottom Up Fill Heads

 

Bottom up fill heads are used to dive into a container and then slowly rise during the filling of the container.  Bottom up fill heads may be used on a gravity filler when a product foams or has a slightly higher viscosity.  By lowering the nozzles into the containers, less product agitation occurs and the likelihood of creating air pockets in thicker products is decreased.  Bottom up fill nozzles will almost always use an air over oil system to control the fall and rise of the fill heads.  In general, an air over oil system provides both the power, or thrust (air), and control (oil) to keep the fill heads at a constant, reliable speed.