Liquid filling usually means filling bottles, such as those used by both the pharmaceutical and food industries. The machines that do this work by passing bottles and containers along a conveyor belt, filling them from nozzles.
This process uses many different types of machinery, both semi-automatic and fully automatic. The processes can even sometimes be manual. Using advanced technology means that automatic liquid bottle filling machines can deliver maximum productivity, with different filing speeds and the use of adjustable nozzles to accommodate various bottle types.
Let’s take a look at the different types of machinery available for liquid filling:
Liquid bottle filling
A liquid bottle filling machine is a vital component of liquid packaging lines within the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries. It automates the process of filling bottles with liquids, boosting efficiency and accuracy and streamlining operations.
Digital liquid filling
Digital liquid filling offers precise measurement and easy adjustment, making it suitable for products when accurate fill levels are crucial. Digital liquid filling machines are versatile and can handle a wide range of liquid viscosities and bottle sizes, helping to reduce manual labour and increase productivity. More information can be obtained from specialists such as www.wyepak.co.uk/filling-packing-services/liquid-filling/.
Aseptic liquid filling
An aseptic liquid filling machine is designed to store sterilised liquid products. Commonly used in the pharmaceutical and food industries to fill sensitive liquids, such as vaccines, medicines and dairy products, this type of machine prevents cross-contamination.
Servo based linear piston filling machine
A servo based linear piston machine uses servo motors for precise control over the piston’s movement. With a high rate of accuracy, this machine is commonly used in the production of mayonnaise, honey, peanut butter, and other food products. It can fill around 20 bottles per minute, depending on bottle size.
Monoblock bottle filling and capping machine
A monoblock bottle filling and capping machine is a versatile unit that combines both filling and capping functions in a single system. This makes it an ideal choice for the pharmaceutical industry. It reduces both labour costs and the risk of cross-contamination.
Tabletop, semi-automatic and fully automatic fillers
Filling machines deliver a correctly measured volume of liquid into a pouch, bottle or similar container, and they are widely used in food and drink, cosmetics, and chemical and household products. Whatever the type, the equipment needs an up-to-date risk assessment so it can be operated, adjusted and maintained safely and legally.
A tabletop filler suits low volumes where space is tight. The operator places the bottle, starts the fill with a finger or foot switch and removes it, and more fill heads can be added as output grows. Semi-automatic machines are full-frame units that still need an operator but can be upgraded, for example with an indexing system, to reduce handling.
Fully automatic machines suit higher demand. Sensors detect when a fill is complete and move the bottle on to capping and labelling, with operators mainly handling changeovers through a central control panel or touch screen. All three can be customised for different bottle sizes and liquid viscosities.
Filling machines for powders, granules, gels and capsules
Liquid fillers sit alongside several other types of filling machine, each suited to a different product. Liquid machines themselves cover everything from water to fizzy drinks, cooking oils and salad dressings, with manual, automatic, rotary and piston models available.
Powder filling machines handle both free-flowing powders, such as granulated sugar and table salt, and those that do not flow freely, such as brown sugar and powdered milk. They use a spiral feeding method to avoid drips. Granule filling machines fill sachets by weight, adding granules to a vibrating tub that releases them into the container once the set weight is reached, which is why they are common in the chemical industry.
For thicker products that sit between liquids and solids, such as creams, lotions, shampoo, car wax, thick sauces and honey, a gel filling machine dispenses through a nozzle. Capsule filling machines work differently again, counting items rather than weighing them. That makes them ideal for pharmaceuticals, as well as some food, agricultural and chemical applications.
