KHS, an international manufacturer of filling and packaging equipment, has improved its modular Innofill PET DRV filler for faster and even more effective filling of still and carbonated beverages into PET bottles even under extreme conditions. With the enhancement, the Innofill PET DRV now boasts three new features.

KHS has improved its modular Innofill PET DRV filler with higher capacity, speed and more reliable quality.

High capacity for large containers

Firstly, the new Innofill PET DRV HC (high capacity) filler option provides precisely the extra flexibility for filling large containers holding 1.5 liters or more. Two technical optimizations boost the machine output by up to 15% for these sizes of container.

On the one hand, the product bowl has been raised, increasing the static height between the tubular ring vessel and filling valve, which results in a higher filling speed. On the other hand, the pneumatic switching valve between the tank and filling valve now has three switching steps instead of two, providing full flexibility.

KHS explains that this gives beverage producers the choice between three different filling speeds on the Innofill PET DRV HC, allowing them to now fill both small and large container formats in optimum quality and time. CO2 consumption is not affected by the different filling speeds.

Illustration of the Innofill PET DRV HC filler option (right).

Higher speed for growing demand

Secondly, with an output of up to 90,000 PET bottles per hour, KHS has upped the already high speed on its DRV fillers to service the growing demands of customers, particularly in the Asian market.

At these high speeds the key trick is to convey the beverage containers as gently and safely as possible to prevent damage and not spill any of the content. Simulation technology is applied to compute the impact of centrifugal force on beverage sloshing in the bottle. Machine geometries are adjusted on the container conveyor and stars accordingly.

Cool base instead of cold feet

When filling carbonated soda pop or mineral water, the PET bottles need to be able to withstand the required filling pressure. The container leaving the stretch blow molder at a temperature of about 80°C has to be cooled down as quickly as possible so that it becomes completely solid.

Bottle base full jet cooling is very effective and gentle, ensuring stability and improving hygiene.

In order to eliminate the risk of stability or leak tightness, KHS has introduced its effective and gentle bottle base full jet cooling procedure where the containers achieve adequate stability prior to pressurized filling. Water consumption is regulated by a filtered cooling water circuit and therefore greatly reduced.