Newsletter
September 2005
Volume 3
Issue 3
THIS
ISSUE ...
Flow Meter
Systems
The flow-meter based systems are designed for customers that require an easy-to-clean environment and levels of accuracy within 0.25%.
The cleanability and accuracy features make this an ideal system for food & beverage and pharmaceutical customers. Pacific's rotary orifice filling systems remain an ideal solution for flexible lines, 2-phase applications, or foamy, viscous and chunky products.
The filling system is configured with either a Coriolis mass flow meter (fill by weight) or a magnetic flow meter (fill by volume). Both flow meters are designed and manufactured by Endress+Hauser.
The filling machine can be arranged as a standalone unit or monobloc'd with a rotary capper. We also offer tribloc arrangements with a rotary rinser.
For more information on this technology, please contact Pete Carpino at (949) 369-2425 or information@pacificpak.com.
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Lead-Time
& Cost
Savings
- 20-Station, Light to Semi-Viscous Filling Machine:
Ideal for personal care, home care or foods on retail size containers (4 to 32-ounce) that require positive shut-off nozzles to control drip. Speed range of 150 to 300 C.P.M. based on the volume and container opening. Supports a maximum container diameter of 4.250". - Reconditioned Frames:
The frames are reconditioned to like-new condition. The top deck is constructed from 304 stainless steel. The lower frame is steel with multiple coats of Steel-It paint. If this arrangement is feasible for your new filling machine configuration, we offer a $7,500.00 discount.
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During
Continuous
Operation
In our March issue, we discussed how to address under fills (see the Under Fill Technical Tip) during stop-start operation.
In the June issue, we discussed how to address over fills (see the Over Fill Technical Tip) during stop-start operation.
If this is something you experience, use the following list of potential causes and solutions to troubleshoot and easily adjust the filling machine back to its original operating condition:
- Non-smooth rotation of the filling turret and/or pump.
Solution: Verify the main spindle bearings are in good condition. Inspect the filling turret drive system for worn parts. Verify that the pump and the pump drive system are good working condition. - The pump is slipping.
Solution: Inspect the pump gears and impellers for wear or damage. Rebuild the worn or damaged components as necessary. - The product fed to the filling machine includes entrapped air.
Solution: Arrange the filling machine product tank with a submerged product inlet fitting. If the problem persists, address the product supply back at processing. - The product condiments are larger than specified for the filling system
Solution: Add a mixer to the filling machine product tank. If the problem persists, reduce the size of the condiments. - Varying temperature or specific gravity of the product being fed to the filling machine.
Solution: Improve processing consistency. Integrate check weigher with the filling machine drive system to automatically adjust the fill level. - The filling machine tank cover is sealed on the tank, thereby creating a vacuum.
Solution: The product tank that mounts to the Pacific pump is designed to be open to atmosphere. The cover should not be fastened to the tank. Add a venting hole to the tank lid to allow venting. - The filling machine product tank level is varying more than 6".
Solution: The product level within the tank must be maintained within a 6" window (+/- 3"). Install the appropriate level sensor and integrate with your processing system. - The product is vortexing in the filling machine product tank.
Solution: Install a stainless steel vertical baffle. - An air leak at the filling machine pump results in pump cavitation.
Solution: Replace all damaged or worn seals. - The piping down to the filling turret is too large and not purging air.
Solution: For multiple turret inlet arrangements, reduce the number of pipes/hoses. For single inlet arrangements, reduce the size of the piping. - The air manifold is leaking excessively.
Solution: Increase the tension on the fastener but ensure smooth rotation of the filling turret. If the problem persists, replace the air manifold. - The air manifold is not in the correct timing position.
Solution: Ensure the air manifold is timed with the start of fill and end of fill markings. Set, pin and time the air manifold in the correct position. - The filling turret is leaking excessively.
Solution: Increase the tension on the turret hub nut but ensure smooth rotation of the filling turret. If the problem persists, lap the filling turret. - For an individual station (or stations) that are always high or low, the filling nozzle or plunger
is not operating properly.
Solution: Re-gauge the plunger stroke. If this does not solve the problem, replace the plunger and/or filling nozzle. If the problem still persists, rebuild the air cylinder. - The camming slides and rollers are not operating freely.
Solution: Lubricate the cam roller carriers with a light oil. If the problem persists, rebuild the cam roller tire, bushing and bearing. - The container opening is too small for the filling nozzle, thereby choking off air escapement from the container.
Solution: Reduce the machine speed. If the problem persists, use a smaller set of filling nozzles. - Capacity or volume of the containers varies -- erratic appearance only.
Solution: N/A.
Also note that many of the above items can be added to your semi-annual preventative maintenance check-lists in order to ensure that your filling machine maintains consistent fills.
For additional information or answers to other filling machine questions, contact Tommy Rawson at tomr@pacificpak.com.
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We will be displaying two machines: a 6-Station Viscous Filling Machine and an 18-Station Personal Care Filling Machine. We will also show video footage of an 18-Station Mass Flow Filling/Capping Machine installed at a beverage manufacturer.
For more information, visit the packexpo.com web site.
Don't forget to come visit us at booth number C-4140!
If you have any questions regarding this tradeshow, please email Tina at tinam@pacificpak.com. Hope to see you there!
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About
Pacific
Pacific Packaging Machinery, Inc. was founded over 40 years ago in 1962. Throughout the years, we have designed and installed rotary volumetric and mass flow filling machines to meet a wide range of application viscosities. Our machines accommodate light to extremely viscous products. The industries we support include food and beverage, personal care, automotive, home care and chemical. We have customers worldwide and we continue to offer new, innovative solutions on a consistent basis. For more information please visit our web site at www.pacificpak.com.
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