PETpla.net Insider 09 / 2018

PREFORM HANDLING 12 PET planet Insider Vol. 19 No. 09/18 www.petpla.net Quality and efficiency from the start of the process A fresh look at preform handling Preform feeding systems are installed worldwide on every blow- moulding machine used for sorting. Upstream of each feeding system is a tipper which transfers the preforms into the silo of the preform feeding system. Depending on the layout situation, it is also possible that the machines are located in different rooms. The main reason is to have a logistics area and a blowing/filling area. Although the function of the tipper is clear, it is an autonomous machine and is equipped with its own control system and cabinet. Moreover, tippers and their preform feeding sys- tems are built by different manufacturers in most cases. Additionally, equipping the preform silo with a cover (protection against foreign particles) helps to further enhance the signal exchange between the two machines. There is no ques- tion that, in addition to technology, each machine also generates additional costs during the administrative process. That is why, towards the middle of last year, Tanner began to offer their cus- tomers different preform lines depend- ing on performance and layout options - including also the possibility to install a pallet transport in front of the tipper for an efficient loading process. The tipper is no longer a standalone machine, but one component in the preform feeding system. In addition to reaping the techni- cal advantages, costs have also been cut. The customer receives a complete solution from a single source. Tanner has also placed emphasis on optimising the efficiency and quality of preforms before the block. The concept of blocking the blow-moulding machine and filler, and in some cases the labeller too, means that machine downtime has an even greater impact on efficiency than before. What does this mean for preform handling? Efficiency of the preform line Irrespective of the preform design, layout possibilities, ambient conditions and operator experience, the preform line requires 99.8% efficiency. To date, most line stops are due to inadequate preform feeding systems. “The pre- forms are becoming lighter, the threads and support rings are smaller – all this makes handling more difficult. In order to achieve optimum efficiency, every detail of the system requires the right technical solution,” Marco Tanner, CEO M. Tanner AG, explained. Particularly with the block concept that is conventional today, which offers no possibility for regulation between the individual machines, effi- ciency in the first process step is of great importance. Upstream camera inspection To realise the aim of conveying the perfect preform into the blow-moulding machine, the camera inspection for ejecting of oval preforms, preforms with damaged mouths or banana-shaped preforms should take place upstream of the block. “Once a gap in the block has appeared, it can no longer be cor- rected. That is why we offer an exten- sive camera inspection upstream of the blow-moulding machine. The aim is to reduce downtime caused by defective preforms,” said Marco Tanner. This not only includes gaps caused by missing preforms, but also the effects caused by a gap. For this reason, the camera inspection at the inlet of the blow-mould- ing machine is only the second best vari- ant, states the company. A clean preform after the first process step A clean preform is important for many reasons: Before block technology, water rinser was partially used between the blow-moulding machine and the filler. High-quality preform interior cleaning is not just a matter of choice; using ionised air to blow out foreign particles is much more cost-effective, water no longer necessary. “There are many concepts for preform cleaning. We are convinced that only an overhead solution that does not involve submerged nozzles can bring long-term success,” said Marco Tanner, adding, “Everything that can find its way into the preform must be able to get out again. Nozzles or lances are effective for dust removal, but are not suitable for larger particles.” The com- pany is therefore offering an overhead air rinser solution to guarantee efficiency in cleaning out foreign particles as well as dust. Efficient preform cleaning is all the more important when preform/bottle sterilisation takes place in the down- stream process. “The majority of germs are found on the particles themselves. Sterilisation without preform cleaning makes little sense. On the contrary we were able to demonstrably improve the results of sterilisation by efficient preform cleaning upstream of the blow-moulding machine,” said Marco Tanner. An overall concept Camera inspection and preform inte- rior cleaning can be integrated into the preform line as well as final UVC irradia- tion. With or without additional compo- nents, the interface to the downstream process does not change. www.mtannerag.ch Marco Tanner, CEO M. Tanner AG An increase in machine blocking in PET filling lines involving machines such as blow-moulding machines, labellers and fill- ers has meant that quality and efficiency have taken on much greater significance in the first process step – preform handling. The Softhandling solution prevents damages on the preform.