KHS expands its service portfolio: reliable filling of lightweight cans
In order to meet the growing demands of the beverage industry, KHS is continuously further modernizing its service solutions.
- Cost-efficient retrofit for filling thin-walled cans
- Step-by-step conversion during maintenance ensures flexibility
- Versatile, customized service for the conversion process
Dortmund, November 27, 2024 – In order to meet the growing demands of the beverage industry, KHS is continuously further modernizing its service solutions. The latest option addresses the challenges of filling thin-walled cans and maintains a high level of efficiency in line and machine operation.
In an effort to save on resources, the industry is developing cans with increasingly thinner walls. This makes for a more efficient use of materials and reduces the ecological footprint. With the wall thickness of lightweight containers frequently halved, however, the filling technology needs to be adapted. “Whereas classic formats could withstand a force of up to 800 newtons during filling valve contact pressure and subsequent filling, a maximum of just 675 newtons can be applied to more modern lightweight cans without damaging them,” explains Andreas Krieg from KHS’ Wet Section Technical Support Department. With its new system for the gentle filling of very light cans, the Dortmund systems supplier is meeting the growing demands of the beverage industry.
Conversion optimizes production processes and increases competitiveness
KHS has thus developed a conversion kit that enables many of its can fillers installed on the market to be adjusted to meet changing requirements. By using adapted bell guides with either Teflon expansion joints or elastomer seals (depending on the year of manufacture), the filling valve’s pneumatic pressure range can be easily modified and thus the valve contact pressure finely adjusted. Optimized pneumatic cylinders also permit precise configuration and pressure reduction. This ensures that the machine retains its optimum functionality even when container specifications are altered.
Sustainability, cost efficiency and flexibility combined
The necessary changes to the filling valves for lightweight cans can be performed step by step and during regular maintenance. This gives plant operators maximum flexibility and minimizes any production downtime. What’s more, beverage producers can choose between adaptation or full replacement of the valves. KHS also provides full service from a single source in close cooperation with its Swiss partner Ferrum, as switching over to lightweight also calls for the seamer to be converted. “We’re happy to coordinate this for the customer on request, with the components and relevant engineers supplied by Ferrum,” says Krieg.
Successful market testing
Since the spring KHS has been successfully testing its new conversion kits for lightweight cans with various customers – and the feedback is extremely positive. “Our tests confirm the efficiency and durability generated by this conversion,” Krieg smiles. Based on these results, KHS’ new retrofit is officially available with immediate effect.
Lightweight cans (source: Frank Reinhold)
In order to save on resources, the industry is developing beverage cans with increasingly thinner walls – a move that requires adjustments to the filling technology.
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Filling valve (source: Frank Reinhold)
Specially developed for lightweight cans: the filling valve in the KHS conversion kit permits processing at lower loads. The expansion joint is also smaller compared to the one for the standard filling valve.
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Damaged lightweight can (source: Frank Reinhold)
If a lightweight can is processed using a filling valve that hasn’t been adapted, the contact pressure damages the container and renders it useless. To prevent this, special filling valves need to be used that have been designed to work with thin-walled cans. The containers thus retain their stability and lines and machines continue to operate with great efficiency.
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Andreas Krieg (source: Frank Reinhold)
“Whereas classic formats could withstand a force of up to 800 newtons during filling valve contact pressure and subsequent filling, a maximum of just 675 newtons can be applied to more modern lightweight cans without damaging them,” explains Andreas Krieg from KHS’ Wet Section Technical Support Department.
Download image (JPG, 126 KB)