KHS offers its customers a new solution for washing and filling up to 500 kegs per hour. With its fully automatic system, the Innokeg AF-C Transversal can be adapted to different formats and is a space-saving solution.
The keg solution scores several points in comparison to conventional systems on the market. The big advantage of the concept: with the Innokeg AF-C Transversal no conveyor belt separates the operator from the machine. The stations are therefore unhindered and easier to access for maintenance and repair. In addition, the Space-saving solution for a smaller footprint in the hall. With its inverse ratio of transport to processing stations compared to conventional systems, the KHS-system is also more efficient: it can process up to 500 kegs per hour.
"The biggest and most obvious difference is their innovative transport system. The conventional transversal conveying principle used to date provides for separate conveyors for infeed and discharge, which are arranged in front of and behind the actual machine respectively. In a deliberate departure from this, the KHS system guides the drums on a single conveyor belt in the centre through processing stations arranged in pairs opposite each other. They are pushed into and out of these stations from the side."
Roger DaumProduct Manager Keg at KHS
Another difference is the modular design, which enables lower acquisition costs and at the same time allows the Innokeg AF-C Transversal can grow in line with increasing production volumes. This allows a great deal of flexibility in the configuration of the entire system: for example, twelve cleaning stations can be combined with eight filling stations to compensate for the different cycle times. Individual modules in the block can initially be left free and simply fitted with additional processing stations if required at a later date.
"We combine two modules, each with two processing stations, in one block frame. Thanks to its compact design, the block fits into a standard sea container. A machine can be configured with up to four blocks of two modules each. This corresponds to 16 processing heads, each of which can take on the function of a pre-cleaner, main cleaner, combination cleaner or filler."
Roger Daum
Another distinguishing criterion concerns the formats: The KHS Innokeg AF-C Transversal can be Process almost all commercially available container sizes and formats. Apart from the fact that format parts have been dispensed with in the entire conveyor system and therefore do not need to be changed here, the entire line can be Can be adapted fully automatically to different keg heights and diameters. The optional system also recognises whether the incoming kegs are returnable or non-returnable kegs. The latter run untreated through the deactivated cleaning machines directly to the filler without conversion.
Before the kegs reach the transversal modules in the keg line, they are lifted off the pallet by the KHS Innopal RK palletiser using a six-axis articulated arm robot and placed on the conveyor. A With fitting position detection and cap puller, the demand turner ensures that the containers are correctly aligned for cleaning and filling. are. Before external cleaning, they are separated and centred again. In the cleaning machine, the height guide ensures that the narrow slim kegs in particular do not tip over due to the high water pressure of the cleaning nozzles.
Before the drums are capped and labelled by an inkjet, the system checks them for leaks. If necessary, faulty kegs are ejected. At the end of the line, the kegs are placed on the pallets by another KHS palletising robot. This is equipped with dual grippers whose heads can also be changed fully automatically.
Source: KHS
