Running Multiple Products on Liquid Filling Machines

While several different types of liquid fillers may work with any given product, it is also true that one type of filler will usually be ideal for a specific product based on a number of different factors including, but not limited to, container type and size, product viscosity, production requirements and the space available for the packaging line.  Many companies that package products, however, do not limit themselves to a single product.  Choosing the ideal filling machine for a facility can become a challenge when multiple products, containers and production requirements are introduced.  

The perfect solution to multiple products, containers and production requirements would be a liquid filler for each product.   An overflow filler could be used for the foamy liquid dish soap.  A gravity filler would package those larger bottles of window cleaning products or bleach.  A pump filling machine or even a piston filler could be used for the cosmetic creams packaged by the same company.  While this seems like a great solution, the reality is that either space restraints, budget or both will more often than not eliminate this possibility.  

The good news is that, as mentioned above, a single liquid filling machine can handle a variety of products.  A packaging company must consider each and every product that will be run on a filling machine and choose the machine that will efficiently handle all of the products if space and budget are an issue.  If all products are thin and free-flowing, either an overflow filler or a gravity filler may work across the board.  Of course, changing over from one product to another will require some clean up and modification, but the downtime required for this work can be minimized by adding a clean in place system to the liquid filler or by saving delay and duration times under the recipe screen.  Similarly, a company running multiple products that are all of a thick consistency and/or include particulates can probably find a solution for all of their products through a pump or piston filling machine.  Those companies filling a wide range of container sizes may lean toward the pump filler, while companies with only one or two containers may find the piston filler a better solution.  While these are extremely simplified examples, it shows that product viscosity can have a great affect on the filling machines available to a liquid packager.

Even when packaging products ranging from thin to thick, certain pump filling machines and piston fillers will allow a company to run the gamut on one filling machine.  The pumps used on pump filling machines can be matched to the products being run, and both pump fillers and piston fillers can remain accurate and efficient for low viscosity products all the way to pastes, putties and other thick products. 

Of course, the time may come where demand for your products simply outgrows a single filling machine or even a single packaging line.  If multiple packaging lines do become necessary, the filling schedule used and the liquid fillers in place on the line can allow for even greater flexibility in the packaging process.  An overflow filler could be used on one packaging system for products that require a consistent, level fill to enhance their shelf presence.  A second line may use a corrosion-resistant gravity filler to package products like acids, bleaches and other chemicals that would react poorly with standard stainless steel materials. 

The factors to consider when choosing the ideal liquid filler for multiple products can seem a daunting task to someone not familiar with filling equipment and the nuances of each filling machine.  Liquid Packaging Solutions possesses the expertise necessary to identify the correct liquid filler for any project, any number of products.  Call toll free today to take advantage of that expertise at: