Overflow Filler Can Be Ideal For Many Industries

Anyone familiar with Liquid Packaging Solutions and our equipment is probably aware that the overflow filling machine is one of our most popular pieces of packaging machinery. Unlike volumetric liquid fillers, overflow fillers use a cosmetic filling principle. That is, they fill each bottle to the same level even if there are small variances in the interior volume from bottle to bottle.

Cosmetic fills are ideal for liquid products that come in clear containers. Shelf appeal is heightened when all products are consistent on the shelf, eliminating consumer feelings of being shortchanged if some bottles appear to contain more or less product. Bottled water, distilled spirits and other beverages are big users of overflow filling machinery. However, a number of other products also use this bottle filler even when a clear container is not used. In other words, overflow fillers are popular for more than just their aesthetic benefits.

Though typically best for water-like, thin viscosity products, overflow fillers can handle slightly thicker liquids as well. Salad dressings, in clear containers and otherwise, often take advantage of the overflow principle. In fact, even dressings with small particulates like herbs can be run through this type of liquid filler. Detergents, shampoos and packagers of thinner soaps will often choose to use the overflow filler as well. The principle of returning product to the reservoir in these cases can also lead to less product waste.

Overflow fillers are also an ideal choice for foamy cleaners and chemicals. When products foam, then settle, bottles may not actually be as full as first thought. The unique nozzles of the overflow filler allow the creation of a seal over the container opening. Rather than foam spilling over the edge of the bottle and creating a mess, the foam can be forced out through the return line and cosmetic fills can still be achieved using this machine. In all, the overflow filler spans a number of different industries, from Food and Beverage to Household Items and even Cleaners and Chemicals.

So while overflow fillers are almost always the best choice for thinner liquids in clear bottles or other containers, this type of situation is not the only use for these machines. Of course, some industries may require a different type of fill, whether volumetric, by net weight or some other principle. The product, the containers being used and many other characteristics of each individual packaging project must be analyzed to choose the best filling principle on a case-by-case basis. To learn more about overflow filling machines and the other types of liquid fillers manufactured by Liquid Packaging Solutions, browse the filling machinery section of the website, or call the LPS offices to speak with a Packaging Specialist.