Accurate volumetric filling from servo control

A servo-controlled volumetric filling solution from Festo has enabled Regal Packaging to introduce a new range of product depositors aimed at reducing waste and saving costs.

A servo-controlled volumetric filling solution from Festo has enabled Regal Packaging Ltd to introduce a new range of product depositors aimed at reducing waste and saving costs.

The Lincolnshire-based manufacturer of container filling and sealing machinery has developed the equipment for applications amongst others in the food and dairy industries.

Regal Packaging offers a range of standard machines, as well as bespoke designs for innovative new products and packaging according to custom specifications.

Its new range of volumetric product depositors, designed using Festo's innovative SPC200 servo controller technology, allow highly accurate volumes of soft foods and liquids to be dispensed into containers without splashing, foaming or aeration.

The system guarantees that at least the stated minimum weight of product is dispensed into the container with less overfill and, therefore, less cost.

It also means that food and dairy manufacturers do not have to adjust filling heads to compensate for changes in volume due to factors such as ambient temperature, ingredient consistency and mixing procedures, that might affect the fill level.

Regal's depositor range is available as a free-standing system on mobile trolleys, or as an integral part of a machine layout.

The Festo system it utilises is a revolutionary approach to volumetric filling combining precision with low cost.

The SPC200 servo controller allows extremely fine multi-positional control of standard pneumatic actuators.

Using a pump-style piston assembly, it draws the product from a hopper or header tank, switches a valve to redirect the flow path and then dispenses the product through nozzles into containers on a process line.

The controller can halt the actuators at any position along their stroke , eliminating the need for manual adjustment.

In addition, with up to 12 heads operating on the line, each one can be independently driven and controlled to ensure the target weight is constantly achieved with variations in the process variables automatically compensated for.

The Regal range can be supplied in both single and multi-fill options and can handle a range of product types including: cream, yoghurt, custard, jelly, soup, pate, margarine, mousse, coleslaw and beverages.

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