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Energy-efficient filling line for organic dairy

Andescher Molkerei relies on drive technology from SEW-Eurodrive for its filling systems and transport equipment for returnable jars.

High product quality and the preservation of nature are the focus of Andechser Molkerei Scheitz. And so the entire operation of what is now the largest organic dairy in Europe is also characterised by a sustainable approach. This also applies to energy-efficient drive technology from SEW-Eurodrive, which is used in the filling systems and transport equipment for returnable jars.

Andechser Molkerei is a pioneer in organic milk processing and has always attached great importance to quality. This is greatly appreciated by customers. The The company's main product is natural yoghurt. Fruit yoghurt, yoghurt drinks and the basic products butter, milk, cream, sour cream and sour cream as well as desserts such as pudding and cheese are also produced at the partner company.

350,000 litres of high-quality organic milk are delivered daily by over 660 organic farmers from the region to the Andechser dairy, which in turn supplies them with fair organic milk prices pays. As a modern, owner-managed family business, it is also an attractive employer with high social standards.

Back into the cycle

Up to 160,000 jars can be filled with yoghurt per day on the new system. Reliable and energy-efficient transport is ensured by decentralised Movigear performance drive units.
Up to 160,000 jars can be filled with yoghurt per day on the new system. Reliable and energy-efficient transport is ensured by decentralised Movigear performance drive units. (Image: SEW)

The current Consumer trend is clearly in favour of reusable containers. Therefore, the Andechs dairy bought from VMS-Maschinenbau the Kontifill GlassLine for filling yoghurt jars. The entire process begins when used reusable jars are delivered to the Andechs dairy. The crates are emptied and transported directly to the packer for further use. The lids are automatically unscrewed from the dirty jars, treated in a washing machine and transported clean to the production hall.

Display

Filling machine for glass packaging

VMS-Maschinenbau GmbH in Obersontheim near Schwäbisch Hall builds aseptic filling and capping machines with more than 25 years of experience in the industry. Their Kontifill Lines stand for Hygienic and aseptic product safety and high machine efficiency. This high-performance system enables continuous yoghurt filling in up to 160,000 returnable jars of 500 grams per day. This means that the Throughput of the GlassLine significantly higher compared to the predecessor system. When the jars enter the VMS filler on the belt, they are first separated by a horizontal plastic screw and turned upside down by precisely dimensioned grippers. After subsequent disinfection with hydrogen peroxide, the jars are guided through a drying area and turned back into an upright position before being filled.

Andechser Molkerei's selection of natural and fruit varieties, innovative flavours and different fat levels, portion sizes and packaging options offers the right treat for every yoghurt lover.
Andechser Molkerei's selection of natural and fruit varieties, innovative flavours and different fat levels, portion sizes and packaging options offers the right yoghurt experience for every yoghurt lover. (Image: Andechser Molkerei)

While the old system was clocked, the Jars filled continuously on the new VMS system. For this purpose, a filling bar moves synchronised with the jars and fills them simultaneously. This new VMS filler therefore achieves a significantly higher output than the old system. The lids, which are only used once, are then fed in and sterilised with steam. An X-ray machine inspects the jars for foreign bodies and underfilling. If necessary, faulty jars are ejected.

Drive technology of the filling system

Andechser Molkerei installed the Kontifill GlassLine aseptic filling machine to fill the 500-millilitre returnable yoghurt jars.
Andechser Molkerei installed the Kontifill GlassLine aseptic filling machine to fill the 500-millilitre returnable yoghurt jars. (Image: SEW)

The filling machines in the Kontifill Lines series are based on state-of-the-art technology. The entire Transport process within the yoghurt filling machine for the Andechser dairy is carried out gently in continuous motion via servo drives of the CMP series from SEW-Eurodrive, which guarantee high performance and filling reliability. A multi-axis system from the Movi-C modular automation system was used to supply these motors. These inverters from the Movidrive modular series are housed in a control cabinet outside the machine.

Labelling, packaging and palletising

Movidrive double-axis modules (right) and a Movidrive supply module (grey) from the Movi-C modular automation system are used to supply the motors.
Movidrive double-axis modules (right) and a Movidrive supply module (grey) from the Movi-C modular automation system are used to supply the motors. (Image: SEW)

After the filling process, the yoghurt jars are labelled. They are given a belly label and a sealing label on the lid. They are then transported via conveyor lines to the Multipack-Por bottle packer from Beyer Maschinenbau. In this machine series, motion control technology from SEW-Eurodrive quick and easy commissioning and high machine performance. The Yoghurt jars are packed into the empty six-pack crates fed in parallel to the jars. The full crates are then transferred to a spiral conveyor via conveyor sections with SEW drives. This transports the crates to a higher conveyor belt, which is driven by decentralised Movimot and Movigear drives from SEW-Eurodrive. It forwards the yoghurt trays to the high-bay warehouse for palletising.

Thanks to the many years of cooperation between the partners, communication takes place over short distances.

„Two aspects are particularly important in our business relationship with Andechser Molkerei. The customer has already had good experiences with SEW-Eurodrive's drive technology and reliability in the past. And the commitment to our customers through short communication channels and regular personal contact is highly appreciated. For example, we provide the complete repair service and electronics support from Kirchheim.“

Albert Schenker, Field Service Representative in the Drive Technology Centre South (DTCS) of SEW-Eurodrive in Kirchheim near Munich

http://www.sew-eurodrive.de

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