"Economy in production can only be achieved where there is
efficiency", this applies in every aspect of production. Process
efficiency is a key objective among manufacturers. Achieving high
process efficiency enables an organization to save on cost elements such
as power, labor and even quality. Using efficient equipment enhances
efficiency in packaging.
Selection of Best Filling Equipment
In equipment selection, time spent on putting in the right
equipment is equivalent to savings on efficiency of the process. The best filling machine
is determined by first understanding the product characteristics as
well as target marketing system of the product. The target market helps
you determine the containers to use, sealing operations and even the
filling environment.
Types of filling machines
Filling machines are classified as;
- Powder filling machine sthey have agitating systems for continuously agitating material as it flows. They are applied for fine or course powdered substances. They consist of a hopper with an agitator used for dispensing products into bags or plastics.
- Liquid delivery machines; used for filling bottles or containers in a continuous moving system.
- Displacement pumps filling systems for wide variety of applications including gels, lotions, as well as low viscosity products.
Product Features and Liquid Filling Machine Selection
Product characteristics determine the delivery system; a high
viscosity liquid may need a slower release nozzle. Product loss is
another key consideration when selecting machinery to install. In liquid filling machine system,
positioning the bulk-holding container at lower level than the filling
equipment gives adequate air displacement from the conducting lines
hence a purer product.
Vial selection
The volume of the product filled must be considered when selecting a
vial. Low volume of fills may require a conical shaped bottom rather
than normal cylindrical bottle. Light sensitivity of products determines
the color of vials and even the regulations of the market.
Determining Appropriate Stoppers
The stopper material or rubber is also determined by the physical and
chemical characteristics of the product. Products derived from mineral
oils are incompatible with butyl stoppers. The length of time of contact
between stoppers and product also affects the type of stoppers used.
Seals
The primary function of seal is preventing contamination of product.
It is not exposed to product so reaction with product is not a major
concern. Seal used must always pass the microbial or dye access,
integrity test to show their suitability.
Machinery Cleaning Consideration
When purchasing any filling machine, Cleaning and
flushing/backwashing considerations must be made. Surfaces in contact
with product are sources of contamination especially for perishable
consumable liquids. Where contamination is a challenge, use of
disposables is recommended with every change in batch.
Conclusion
Efficiency in production leads to greater profitability of the
organization. In packaging, efficiency is achieved through adequate
planning and installation of filling machines according to
functionality. Product characteristics are a major determinant of the
filling system used. The intended packing containers influence the
configuration of the filling lines. In filling of beverages,
contamination can be a serious problem and using disposable parts can
solve this problem.
This article is written by Mahesh Mevada
