Filling Machine Interface: Adjust Fill Times

Continuing on our journey through the operator interface and the multiple screens that allow automatic filling machines to function efficiently and reliably, today we will look at the Adjust Fill Times screens. These screens tend to be simple when compared to Pre-Set screens and the delay and duration times found there, but just like almost all of the control screens, the functions and options found on the Adjust Fill Times screens will vary depending on the type of filler and the individual needs of each project.

First and foremost, the Adjust Fill Times screens will, quite obviously, include fill times for all of the fill heads being used on the bottling machine. These fill times can also vary greatly, however, based on the type of machine. For example, a gravity filler may simply have a setting based on seconds. The nozzles, consisting of ball valves, will open for the set amount of time, with each head having the ability to be set individually. A pump filling machine, however, will include settings for each pump, with each fill head having its' own pump. The pump settings will include a pump duration for each fill head, that is, how long each pump will run, as well as a pump speed. In some cases, settings may also include ramp up and ramp down speeds, to help with issues such as foaming or splashing.

These screens may include other controls, such as a all fill heads setting, which gives the option to set times for all heads at once versus individually. Other controls may include delay times for pump start or head return, again depending on the specific project. Once again, it should be noted that fill times, regardless of the type of liquid filler used, can be factory pre-set if sample bottles and product are supplied to Liquid Packaging Solutions. Once fill times are factory pre-set, they will be saved, along with all other settings, as a recipe in the filling machine PLC. This allows the operator to simply recall a recipe without undertaking the process of fine tuning and finding the ideal fill times. The only time the fine tuning process would be necessary would be when a new bottle and product combination was introduced to production.

Setting precise fill times ensures that the machine performs with maximum efficiency and allows more finished product to be packaged each day. For help setting up any bottle filler, LPS technicians can be reached by phone Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 5 PM Central Time at 1-888-393-3693.