Choosing a Liquid Packing Machine

A liquid packing machine automates the process and reduces labour costs. Though it may require an initial investment, premium quality models are long-lasting and easy to maintain.

It also allows businesses to keep up with rising production demands by adjusting settings. The type of product you produce will determine which model is right for your business.

Gravity Filling

When choosing a liquid packaging machine, determining what your production needs are will help you determine which type of machinery is liquid packing machine best. For example, do you want your line to be able to handle a variety of bottle sizes and shapes? Do you need a machine that can also accommodate caps and labels? Once you have defined these needs, it’s important to consider the equipment’s flexibility and changeover time.

A gravity filling machine uses the principle of gravity to achieve a precise and consistent level of liquid product in each container. The product bulk supply is pumped into a holding tank above a series of pneumatically operated valves. Each valve is independently timed by a specialized computer so that precise quantities of liquid flow down through each opening. Once a container reaches the end of a vent tube, excess liquid is redirected back into the tank for refilling.

As the containers move down the line, they pause briefly under each filling stem. Then, a ball check linked to a rod within each filling stem rises from its position at the bottom of the bowl’s liquid. A magnetic coil in the form of a pencil then triggers the conveyor to stop and deactivate the electric force that raises the rod. The receptacle then contacts the filling stem, which opens the fluid valve and allows liquid to flow into it.

Piston Filling

Piston filling is a more precise method of liquid packaging, especially for products with higher viscosities. It is a very customizable system that can adapt to varying container sizes and shapes. Piston filling is also a great option for projects with large quantities of product to be filled.

A piston filler works by utilizing a piston in a cylinder that pushes or pulls product into each container through nozzles. The length of the piston stroke determines how much volume can be pulled into the cylinder with each fill cycle. Piston filling machines can be used for a variety of liquids, including water, coffee, beer, soda, and more. They can also be used for foods that lose quality when not packed quickly, such as ketchup and salad dressings.

Most piston filling machines are fully automated and can work at high speeds. They typically use a conveyor system to carry containers into the machine. The containers are then moved to the filling nozzles, where they are dispensed into the desired package size. Some systems are also equipped with capping machines, and others can be configured to add labels or shrink wrap the bottles.

For increased accuracy, some piston fillers use a servo motor to control the movement of the piston. This allows for better precision and smoother operation. The machine is also liquid packing machine capable of detecting empty or damaged containers, and can adjust its operations accordingly.

Pump Filling

For products with a high viscosity that cannot be packaged with gravity or piston filling, pump filling can provide an ideal solution. This method uses a positive displacement pump to force liquid into a container. These machines can easily handle a range of container types and sizes, as well as varying viscosities. This type of machine can pack everything from water-thin products to extremely thick and heavy pastes.

Pumps used in these machines can be centrifugal, diaphragm or gear pumps, depending on the type of liquid and application. They also offer a range of speed settings to suit your production requirements. Some systems use pulse timing to calculate the volume of product filled, while others simply pump for a certain amount of time. Both can be suitable for different projects and products, although pulse timing tends to be more accurate than time based fills.

Some of the key features of this type of machine include a no bottle, no fill function that prevents wasted product by stopping the process when no bottles are present on the conveyor belt. This can help reduce your overall packaging costs. Check weight machines are also available, which monitor the weight of each individual container to ensure it meets set tolerances. This can be particularly useful for expensive and high-value items. These machines can be connected to conveyors, unscrambling tables and automatic container dispensers.

Net Weighing

Net weight is the weight of a product without adding in the weight of its packaging or container. For example, the weight of a can of beans is calculated as the raw product weight minus the weight of the can itself, so each bean will weigh exactly 1.14 kilograms (approximately 2.51 pounds). Net weight machines are ideal for highly accurate fills in products that are sold and labeled by weight such as food and beverage items, fluid dairy products, and even paint and automotive lubricants.

Generally, net weight liquid packaging machines utilize weighing scale platforms in the machine that monitor product weights as they are filled into containers. Once the container reaches its set weight it is closed by a nozzle, so that only the correct amount of product can be dispensed. This system is ideally suited for high volume filling applications, such as 5 gallon pails, where product value can be impacted by inaccurate fills.

The PrimoLinear V and T Series of net weight filling machines are ideal for cases or totes filled with a wide range of liquid products including foods, beverages, and chemicals. Each weighing and dispensing head in the system is capable of being individually set to various modes, ensuring maximum flexibility for your production line. This allows you to easily change between net weight, gross weight, parametric, and time-based filling modes.