Matthias Damm, marketing and communications manager at KHS Corpoplast told FoodProductionDaily.com that the InnoPET BloFill unites the InnoPET Blomax stretch blow moulding (SBM) machine and the Innofill filler/capper to produce and fill PET bottles more efficiently.
"The block is one piece of machinery, able to take over production rapidly,” he said.
Energy savings
Damm explained that the monoblock conveys the finished bottles directly to the filler following the stretch blow moulding process without them having to be transported via an air conveyor segment.
“Approximately two grams of material per bottle can be saved solely because the monoblock machine dispenses with this air conveyor segment, and the bottles are therefore always transported stably.
"The elimination of the air segment also results in lower energy consumption for processors", claims Damm.
He explained that the blocked system also includes a chamber with air shower as an interface between the blow molder and the filler to protect the SBM from moisture.
Damm said that as well as the monoblock system reducing material costs, it can further enhance production efficiency in the fact that the rinser, which is normally used for cleaning the bottles after an air conveyor segment, can also be dispensed with.
“This means we are able to achieve additional savings on water and energy at this point,” he continued.
Footprint reduced
The combination of the blow moulding, filler and capper machines in a monoblock takes up less floor space, according to Damm, and, he said that, in additon, the monoblock only requires one operator to run the line.
KHS stressed that its service package, Life Cycle Solutions, further enhances the economic gains of the monoblock system and helps minimize downtime through training for the plant operating crews, maintenance and upgrades as well as trade-ins of used equipment when the time comes for new investment.
Packaging design
According to the company, its Life Cycle Solutions concept also includes a review of location plans for production facilities, assistance with the design of packaging of individual beverage brands, and support in the field of intralogistics.
“If companies wish to continue to exist in the market, they must adjust rapidly to new consumer demands. KHS provides comprehensive support with individually conceived conversion concepts for existing plant equipment accompanied by advice on new bottle and packaging alternatives,” said the manufacturer.