Pneumatics for bottling

16 February, 2018

The other air treatment group used in the bottling sector is ONE. While Syntesi is an example of modularity, ONE is, by contrast, an example of integration. It comprises a single body that encases all the typically functions; filter, condensate exhaust, pressure regulator, manual valve, electric valve, pre-start valve, gauge, pressure switch and four air outlets. It can be panel-mounted because all regulation or maintenance functions are on the front side.

Actuators: not only stainless steel

Let’s now look at actuators. In several machines, stainless steel actuators lead the way; both in terms of standard cylinders – for instance, in accordance with the ISO15552 regulation – and special tailor-made cylinders. In this regard, Metal Work can offer the competence of Alfa Meccanica Group, a specialist in the design and manufacture of special actuators made from various materials including AISI 304, AISI 316 and 316L steel.

Where stainless steel use is not compulsory it is possible to exploit specific, less expensive, solutions. In collaboration with Brescia Engineering University, Metal Work recently developed anti-corrosion ISO15552 cylinders. These products use aluminium alloys as their base material, with a set of successive surface treatments that increase their resistance to corrosion. Besides passing saline mist tests, these products have proven to withstand acid environments up to pH=2 and basic environments up to pH=12.

Of course, actuators used in the bottling sector are not only pneumatic. Apart from mechanic cam motions that are ideal for high speeds and granted sequences, several motions are electrically controlled. The following case example is worth mentioning: There is a growing trend for beverages containing whole piece of fruit, not only liquid. This has resulted in some challenges for the ‘filling’ systems because the density and the consistency of the product are not constant. They have then introduced some dispensers, in other words big syringes where the plunger is operated by an electrically controlled cylinder. In this way, it is possible to control the speed and the stroke of the plunger precisely, irrespective of the type of bottled fluid. Metal Work has supplied many of these actuators, electrical cylinders of the Elektro ISO15552 series. Concerning motors, it is possible to choose either stepping or brushless motors. When the cylinder is mounted on a rotary part of the machine, it can be convenient to use a motor equipped with integrated drive controlled by a fieldbus.

Conclusion

As explained, the pneumatics supplier is an important partner for machine manufacturers and must be able to design and supply components both as standard and as custom-made options. Only in this way can the performance and the reliability of plants be optimised. Bottling machines, pneumatic components and electrical actuators are good examples of sectors where Italian mastery stands out.

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