As a key equipment of the automated production line, the beverage filling machine has become the core of beverage production due to its wide range of technology and applications. So do you know what are the categories of beverage filling machines?
This article will explore the professional knowledge of beverage filling machines in depth from the aspects of classification, principle, applicable materials, diversified bottle adaptability and bottle cap types.
Classification of beverage filling machines
Beverage filling machines are mainly divided into the following three categories according to the filling principle:
• Normal pressure filling machine
• Pressure filling machine
• Vacuum filling machine
Normal pressure filling machine
Working principle
Normal pressure filling machines fill liquid into bottles under atmospheric pressure by utilizing the gravity of the liquid itself. This type of equipment is divided into two types: timed filling and fixed volume filling:
• Timed filling machine: Control the inflow speed of the liquid by setting the filling time to ensure that the filling amount of each bottle is uniform and consistent.
• Fixed volume filling machine: Control the exact capacity of each bottle of liquid by setting the filling amount.
Applicable materials
Normal pressure beverage filling equipment is mainly suitable for various types of non-gasified, low-viscosity, room-temperature liquid beverages, such as juice, tea beverages, functional beverages, coffee beverages, milk beverages and purified water. The working principle of these devices is simple and effective, suitable for handling situations with low liquid viscosity, ensuring the smooth filling process and uniform filling of each bottle of liquid.
Pressure filling machine
Working principle
Pressure filling machines perform filling in an environment higher than atmospheric pressure and can be divided into two types:
• Isobaric filling: The pressure in the liquid storage cylinder is equal to the pressure in the bottle, and the liquid flows into the bottle by its own weight.
• Pressure differential filling: The pressure in the liquid storage cylinder is higher than the pressure in the bottle, and the liquid flows into the bottle by pressure difference. This method is mostly used in high-speed production lines.
Pressure filling equipment ensures that the appropriate gas content is maintained during the filling process by controlling the flow and pressure of the beverage. The equipment is usually equipped with a precise gas control system that can adjust the pressure and flow rate during the filling process to meet the specific requirements of the product.
Here is a video of a carbonated beverage filling machine
Applicable materials
Pressure beverage filling equipment is specially used to fill carbonated beverages, such as beer, champagne, carbonated beverages, soda, sparkling water, etc. These beverages need to maintain a certain pressure during the packaging process to prevent the loss of carbon dioxide. Therefore, the pressure filling equipment must be able to effectively control and maintain the gas content in the beverage to ensure the taste and quality of the product.
Vacuum filling machine
Working principle
Vacuum filling machines extend the shelf life and maintain freshness of products by creating a negative pressure environment during the filling process to reduce the oxygen content in the product. These devices use vacuum pump systems and precise gas control technology to ensure that each bottle can be filled and closed under ideal conditions to avoid oxidation and deterioration.
Here is a video of a beer filling machine
Applicable materials
Vacuum filling equipment has a wide range of material viscosity, such as oils, syrups, alcohol, milk beverages, juices, etc. This equipment can improve the quality and stability of products, especially for materials that are sensitive to oxidation.
Diverse bottle adaptability
Normal pressure filling equipment, pressure filling equipment and vacuum filling equipment are all highly adaptable and can meet the needs of various types of bottles:
• Glass bottles: With excellent physical properties and chemical stability, they are suitable for packaging high-end juices, wines, high-end carbonated beverages and other products. They can preserve the original flavor and texture of beverages for a long time, making them an ideal choice for long-term storage of liquids.
• PET bottles: Because of their lightness, durability, low cost, easy processing and transportation, they are widely used in the packaging of mineral water, juice, tea beverages, carbonated beverages and other conventional beverages, and are suitable for large-scale production.
• Metal cans: With excellent sealing and protective properties, they are often used in the packaging of carbonated beverages, coffee beverages and certain functional beverages. They can maintain the gas pressure and quality of the product for a long time, and are suitable for long-term storage of carbonated beverages.
• Other special bottles: According to the special needs of the product, such as customized bottles of specific shapes, capacities or materials, the filling equipment can also be adapted through custom designs.
The flexibility of these equipment enables them to handle a variety of unique packaging needs, ensuring that each product receives the best packaging treatment.
Compatible bottle cap types
The integrated cleaning, filling and capping equipment has a variety of applicable bottle cap types in different beverage filling processes:
• Capping: Suitable for plastic bottles and glass bottles. The capping can be plastic or metal, usually used for the packaging of juice, tea drinks, functional drinks and carbonated drinks. The capping has good sealing and easy opening, and can effectively maintain product quality and gas pressure.
• Pressure capping: Mainly used for the closure of metal cans to ensure the sealing and safety of the liquid in the can, suitable for the packaging of carbonated drinks, coffee drinks and other products.
• Crown cap: Mostly used for carbonated drinks, beer and high-end alcoholic beverages in glass bottles. The crown cap has good sealing and anti-leakage performance, which is very suitable for long-term storage of carbonated drinks.
• Pump cap: Suitable for products that require precise control of the amount of liquid output, such as high-end cosmetics or liquid products such as medicines. The pump cap can ensure the amount and hygiene requirements of each use.
• Valve bottle stopper: Suitable for products that need to exhaust during the filling process, such as specific functional drinks. The valve bottle stopper can control the gas content in the product and ensure the taste and stability of the product.
Conclusion
The three main beverage filling methods are as described above. When choosing a filling machine, enterprises should choose the most suitable equipment based on factors such as filling principle, material characteristics, bottle type and bottle cap requirements. Understanding the characteristics and applicability of various filling machines such as juice filling machines and bottled water filling machines will help enterprises improve production efficiency and product quality and achieve the best production results.
