With the new GEA SmartFil M1, the system provider is launching a new packaging system for dairy and food powders or granules. It offers manufacturers with lower production volumes a wide range of filling configurations.
Companies in emerging markets, producers of small batches and operators of pilot plants need such a system, which offers a customised solution tailored to their specific requirements. compact and flexible packaging process for very small quantities offers. Raw material producers with their different portfolios must also be able to customise their packaging solution in many different ways.
With more than 100 possible designs, the GEA SmartFil M1 can be configured for almost any application - from dry fine powder to coarse-grained products. The new machine offers a nominal filling capacity of 120 bags per hour or three tonnes per hour with a bag capacity of 25 kg. Depending on the product to be filled, the packaging system has configurable dosing options with a vertical auger and horizontal vibratory conveyor. If required, the machine can be equipped with an optional de-aeration probe to improve product compaction.
Customers can Choose between open-mouth bag, carton and drum filling in different sized containers. The type of closure can be configured depending on the type of packaging. Continuous sealing with adhesive reactivation or sewing is available for open-mouth bags, while impulse sealing is offered for dense plastic packaging. The built-in height-adjustable conveyor system enables quick and easy pack changes, while the operator can work at an ergonomically favourable height. The integrated control panel makes it easy to change the process configuration to activate new functions.
Controlled dosing of powdered products
Powdery food ingredients that require a precisely controlled auger dosing system benefit from this option of the GEA SmartFil M1. The vertical screw design with integrated shut-off has already proven itself in a similar form in other filling systems from GEA. With an optional integrated deaeration probe, the filling system enables food ingredient producers to the safe and reliable packaging of powdered products in sacks, bags, cartons or drums. In the configuration with continuous sealing, the SmartFil M1 can continuously fill the finished products into 25 kg open-mouth bags, which are then glued or sewn together. The alternatively available impulse sealing option is ideal for plastic bags that are usually used with boxes or cartons.
Coffee and freeze-dried products
Coffee and freeze-dried products are usually fragile or brittle and therefore require more gentle filling. A vibratory feeder is available for these applications, which, thanks to its fine dosing for high-precision filling of the product ensures. With this type of product feed, the product flow is free of rotating powder particles with low particle contact, which minimises the risk of damage to the product.
To ensure their integrity, these products are usually filled into flexible plastic bags, which in turn are inserted into cardboard boxes. For this application a dust-free clamp closure system selected. After filling, the plastic insert of the carton can simply be inserted into an impulse sealer to seal it tightly.
Careful filling of pet food
The GEA SmartFil M1 can be configured so that it granulated products, such as dried animal feed, packed in laminated paper/polypropylene bags that need to be sewn. Gentle product feeding is achieved with vibratory conveyors, which can be combined with a sealing/sewing system for reliable closing.
Product safety is of great importance for all food and pet food manufacturers. The GEA SmartFil M1 is certified according to the current hygiene standards. In addition, GEA has integrated technological elements that guarantee product safety, paying particular attention to the relevant process stages.
Source: GEA
