Rotating Container Filling Machine Reduces Foam
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container handling plants for filling pourable products, such as carbonated liquids and beverages, are bulky and costly, and they often suffer from significant foam formation during filling operations, leading to product loss.
Innovation Solution
A machine and method that utilize a carousel-based system where containers are rotated about their axis during filling, generating centrifugal force to trap carbon dioxide and reduce foam formation, and also include a decompression step to further minimize foam, all while integrating filling and labeling operations on the same carousel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If containers are filled at high speed, then productivity is improved, but foam formation increases causing product loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by rotating the container about its longitudinal axis during the filling operation. This rotational motion creates centrifugal forces that prevent foam formation while maintaining high filling speeds. The dynamic rotation transforms the static filling process into an active control mechanism that manages liquid flow and foam suppression simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the filling process by introducing rotational motion (angular velocity) as a new control parameter. By adjusting the rotation speed of the container, the system optimizes the balance between filling speed and foam suppression, enabling high productivity without excessive product loss.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional filling machines are used, then filling operation is simple, but plant layout freedom is limited and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the filling operation with the container transport carousel, combining two previously separate functions into a single integrated system. The container rotates on the carousel during filling, eliminating the need for separate filling stations and reducing overall plant complexity while maintaining operational simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The carousel system serves multiple functions: it transports containers, rotates them during filling, and positions them for subsequent operations. This multi-functionality reduces the number of dedicated devices needed, simplifying plant layout while preserving ease of operation.
3Loss of substance
If dwell station is added to let foam settle, then product loss is reduced, but filling cycle time increases reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by rotating the container during the filling process itself to prevent foam formation, rather than adding a subsequent dwell station to allow foam to settle. This proactive approach eliminates the need for additional time after filling, maintaining high productivity while reducing product loss.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach significantly reduces foam formation during filling, enhances filling speed, and simplifies the handling process by integrating filling and labeling, thereby reducing costs and product loss.
Implementation Method 1
the centrifugal force caused by this double rotation generates an additional pressure on the pourable product in the container, which entraps the carbon dioxide into the product
Implementation Method 2
the pourable product comes down into the container along the lateral wall thereof instead of centrally
Data Source
AI summary
A machine for filling containers, each container having a longitudinal axis, the machine comprising: a conveying device; at least one handling unit including a support device configured to receive and retain a container and at least one filling device selectively activated for feeding a pourable product into the container while the at least one handling unit travels along the transfer path; a pressurizing circuit; a decompression circuit; at least one actuating device; and a control unit configured to: control activation and deactivation of the at least one filling device and the at least one actuating device; control connection of the pressurization circuit and the decompression circuit with the container; and simultaneously maintain the at least one actuating device in an active state while the decompression circuit is in communication with the container so as to rotate the container about the longitudinal axis during decompression.