Packaging Equipment for Industrial Cleaners and Chemicals

Like most industries, the packaging equipment used for filling, capping, labeling and otherwise preparing industrial cleaners and chemicals for the end user can vary greatly.  The differences in the machines used for each cleaner or chemical project will depend on a number of factors, including the product itself.  As in every other industry, product viscosity will play a part in the type of filling machine used.  Similarly, the available production space and production demands will help to identify the correct automation level for the packaging equipment.  There are a few unique factors affecting equipment, though, that are seen rarely in other industries but that will appear more often in the Cleaners and Chemicals Industry. 

Grit (or Particulates)

A number of industrial cleaners may include a grit or particulates to assist in the cleaning process.  This unique product quality can mean adjustments or additions when manufacturing the filling machine.  Certain filling principles will work better than others when particulates are involved.  In addition to the principle and the nozzles, some holding or supply tanks may also require an agitator to keep particulates from settling in the tank, and therefore not getting into the bottles, jars or other containers that will hold the cleaners or chemicals.

Corrosive Quality

Many industrial cleaners contain acids, bleaches or other corrosive chemicals.  This raises an issue given the fact that most packaging equipment, from power conveyors to rinsing machines, liquid fillers and capping machinery, is manufactured mostly from stainless steel.  Again, the corrosive quality will have more of an affect on the filling machine, as this piece of equipment has more contact with the product than any other.  However, product drips and spills can also cause corrosion on the conveyor system and other machinery.  The solution here involves changing out the stainless steel with plastic for the manufacture of the packaging system.  HDPE conveyors and filling machines will hold up better against corrosive chemicals than their stainless steel counterparts.  At times, when the product fumes alone cause damage or hazardous conditions, additional steps will also be taken.

Hazardous Locations

Hazardous locations can be created by cleaners or chemicals that themselves are flammable or highly corrosive or by product fumes with the same characteristics.  Packaging machinery construction material may once again be swapped out for HDPE, but additional steps will be taken to ensure the safety of the line and the operators.  Flammable products or fumes will require special enclosures, sensors and connections.  LPS manufactures equipment configured to comply with NFPA Standards, Class I, Div II, Groups C & D.  In general, this means the equipment is built to protect against sparks or arcs that may cause flammable materials to ignite.  Remote control panels may also be used as added protection against personnel injury.  

Again, these characteristics of packaging machinery may be seen across all industries, but will be more prevalent in the cleaners and chemicals industry.  These are some general characteristics often found when packaging cleaners and chemicals, but in the end each project will be analyzed to find the best solution for quickly, efficiently and safely preparing the product for the consumer.