PETpla.net Insider 09 / 2013

ceramic, along with an optimised profile th ceramic wall replacing lamps with a back coating. Savings on compressed air consumption can be up to 35%, compared with previous Sidel genera- tions. The blower’s grease-free compo- nents and fewer mechanical parts are claimed to require less maintenance. Matrix fillers The Matrix fillers have been designed with a particular focus on hygiene for both still and carbon- ated beverages. Their enclosures are designed for better control of the fill- ing environment, which can be oper- ated under a positive overall pressure to avoid contamination from external sources. Integrated electro-pneumatic components, the absence of vertical movement of the bottles, no ring bowl or carousel and no contact between bottle and filling valve for still beverages are intended to eliminate cross-contamina- tion risk. Their testing program included simulations extending far beyond normal working life or conditions. Each is operated by brushless motors. Neck bottle handling by gripper enable fast format changeovers are very fast; the option of fully automatic changeover can help to achieve greater productivity and greater overall equipment efficiency (OEE). Improved cleaning technology reduces water and chemical use and the use of servomotors contributes to savings in electricity consumption of as much as 30%. Matrix Combi Sidel’s Matrix Combi blow-fill-cap solution is intended to bring the compa- ny’s new generation of blowing and fill- ing into a single solution. It has a single, hygienic enclosure with no intermedi- ate equipment. It features improved commonality between the blowing and filling functions and a single operator interface. Its low-maintenance design contributes to increased uptime. Rollfed labelling The company says that Matrix Rollfed allows customers to produce bottles with labels at a reasonable cost and holds out the potential of using labels that are one-third thinner. Its new features enable it to speed up the application of labels and cut costs on other aspects, from materials to main- tenance. It uses direct-drive technology to replace gearboxes and mechanical transmission, which leads to 40% less maintenance and a 30% reduction in energy consumption. Fewer moving parts connected to the motor reduces breakdowns and extends operational life. It can handle bottle diameters from 45 to 160mm, as well as different types of materials and ultra-lightweight bot- tles. All essential areas of are acces- sible and simpler changeovers reduce the risk of injury. All main modules can be replaced without dismantling the unit. www.sidel.com The Matrix approach is a modular system approach from the blower to the filler, labeller and capper... ..., including a Combi version. PET planet insider Vol. 14 No. 09/13 www.petpla.net BOTTLE MAKING 45