Buying a filling machine is a complex process, and with the multitude of options available, it can be challenging to determine which one is best suited for your product. Here are the questions you should consider before purchasing a filling machine to help you select the equipment that meets your production needs.
What do I need to fill when buying a filling machine?
While certain bottle filling machines are designed for dry goods like powders or pills, others are suitable for handling liquids. When considering the purchase of a filling machine, the first vital factor to consider is the viscosity or consistency of the product. The product’s viscosity will determine the appropriate filling technique the machine uses to handle its specific properties effectively. If the product has high viscosity (e.g., molasses), it is advisable to buy a filling machine capable of accommodating such physical properties.
The principle of back pressure canning machine
Carbonated beverages, such as beer, soda, champagne, etc., require unique filling technologies and specialized equipment. If you need a filling machine that can accurately fill or bottle carbonated products, you should consider a back pressure filling machine.
Back pressure fillers maintain the carbonation of the liquid during bottling by employing a double pre-evacuation process. This method involves removing air from the bottle and pressurizing it with carbon dioxide. Through repeated cycles of this process, 99.99% of the oxygen in the bottle can be removed (double pre-vacuum). As a result, bottled carbonated products have a longer shelf life.
Standard for the level of automation of filling machines
When purchasing a filling machine, it is crucial to determine the desired level of automation. Manual fillers are ideal for home brewing, entry-level brewing, or small companies with few employees and no plans for expansion. These fillers handle relatively low volumes and are not suitable for small to medium-sized breweries or those with growth plans.
Semi-automatic fillers provide a middle-ground option for most small breweries and are well-suited for breweries with expansion plans. These machines offer higher productivity compared to manual fillers but still require some manual work, which reduces filling efficiency. In terms of price, semi-automatic filling machines fall between manual and automatic filling machines, making them a cost-effective investment.
Automatic filling machines are the best choice for large breweries (i.e., enterprises with higher production volume) due to their significantly faster filling speed compared to manual and semi-automatic fillers. While automatic fillers require more space, they generally minimize the need for manual handling. Automatic filling machines tend to be the most expensive both in terms of purchase and maintenance costs.
How much volume does the filling machine need to fill?
The size and capacity of the container can greatly affect weight changes during filling. Depending on the properties of certain liquids, it may be necessary to set the fill volume to adequately control product waste. This ensures effective and precise control over the filling process.
Maintenance and cleaning of filling machines
Accumulated liquid in components can impair the proper functioning of filling machines and compromise the quality of the end product. It is advisable to choose machines that are easy to clean and maintain in order to prevent contamination and ensure good product quality.
