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An important benefit of the Pacific filling system is the ability to accommodate a wide range of liquid products, with a high degree of accuracy, and no drip. One of the key components that makes this possible is our filling valves.

Last year we enhanced the design of our liquid filling valves in order to improve the clean-in-place capabilities and tool-less fastener arrangement.

Our patent pending design offers:

1. A new Tri-Clamp fastening system that, combined with a new filling turret design, eliminates product entrapment areas,
2. Special seals reduce the time required for a clean-in-place sanitation process, and
3. Tool-less, quick change fasteners for easy filling valve changeover when higher production capacities are required.

Many filling valves require removal and take-apart to ensure varying levels of sanitation. Given the internal design characteristics and use of clean-in-place seals, the Pacific filling valve is self-cleaning through standard water and caustic wash cycles.

For more information on this new technology or inquiries on how to convert an existing Pacific filling system, please contact Pete Carpino at (949) 369-2425 or information@pacificpak.com.

As a reminder, this month I wanted to mention a couple of our parts kits that offer cost savings. As mentioned in past newsletters, we have a kit that includes our Ball Seals and Journal Bearings for 10% to 15% less compared to purchasing them individually.

Also, we are now offering is a conversion kit for your Filling Turret Tension System. This kit is designed to convert older machines, where you are required to manually adjust the bearing hub nut, to create an automatic and repeatable turret pressure from the hub nut.

For more information on this kit, please click here and read the New Feature section.

If you are interested in purchasing either of these kits, or would like more information, please contact Tina McCarty at (949) 369-2425 or tinam@pacificpak.com.

From time-to-time, Pacific offers "like-new" reconditioned filling machines. These machines are completely stripped down and rebuilt with new components. Currently, we have one filling machine to offer with a short lead-time at roughly 25% less than the cost of a new machine: 9-Station, Light to Semi-Viscous Filling Machine: Ideal for large size containers (32-oz. to gallon) that require positive shut-off nozzles to control drip. Speed range of 30 to 90 C.P.M. based on the volume and container opening. Supports a maximum container diameter of 7.500". Reconditioned Frames: The frames are reconditioned to like-new condition. The top deck is constructed from 304 stainless steel. The lower frame is steel with multiple coats of Steel-It paint. If this arrangement is feasible for your new filling machine configuration, we offer a $7,500.00 discount. For more information and pricing, contact Pete Carpino at (949) 369-2494 or information@pacificpak.com.

In addition to continuous operation, all Pacific filling machines also maintain excellent accuracy during Stop-Start operation. Over the years, as various mechanical components experience wear, you may discover a few under filled containers whenever the machine starts-up after a line stop. If so, you can use the following list of potential causes and solutions to troubleshoot and repair you filler back to its original operating condition:

1. The time-delay for the turret start rotation is too short. This does not allow the fill nozzles to fully open before the filling turret starts to rotate.

Solution: Increase the time in seconds on the relay-timer (non-PLC fillers) or the HMI Configuration Screen (PLC fillers) to ensure the fill nozzles are completely open before the turret starts to rotate.

2. The time-delay for the nozzle close on a machine stop is too short. This will restrict the product flow before the turret comes to a stop.

   Solution: Increase the time in seconds on the zero speed timer (non-PLC fillers) or the HMI Configuration Screen (PLC fillers) to ensure that the filling turret comes to a complete stop before the fill nozzles start to close.

3. For an individual station (or stations) that are always low, the filling nozzle or plunger is not operating properly.

   Solution: Re-gauge the plunger stroke. If this does not solve the problem, replace the plunger and/or filling nozzle. If the problem still persists, rebuild the air cylinder.

4. There is air in the product lines from the product supply to the filling turret.

   Solution: Ensure the product tank is supplied with non-aerated product. Also ensure the piping system and flow dividers are properly configured to purge air. To do so, ensure the pressure gauge reads at least 5-10 PSI.

5. The product tank level is too low.

   Solution: Install a tank level sensor and configure to maintain a tank level of +/- 6".

6. Erratic rotation of the filling turret.

   Solution: Verify the main spindle bearings are in good condition. Inspect the filling turret drive system for worn parts.

7. Erratic rotation of the pump.

   Solution: Verify that the pump and the pump drive system are good working condition.

Also note that many of the above items can be added to your semi-annual preventative maintenance check lists in order to ensure that your filling machine does not produce under fills on stop/start operation.

Next quarter we will provide tips on troubleshooting overfills on stop-start operation.

For additional information or answers to other filling machine questions, contact Tommy Rawson at tomr@pacificpak.com.

Pacific Packaging Machinery, Inc. will be exhibiting at the upcoming PackExpo 2005 trade show held at the Las Vegas Convention Center in Las Vegas, NV. Show dates are September 26-28.

We will be displaying two machines: an 18-Station Liquid Mass-Flow Filling Machine and an 18-Station Personal Care Filling Machine.

For more information, visit the packexpo.com web site.

Don't forget to come visit us at booth number C-4140!

If you are interested in a complimentary invitation, please email Tina at tinam@pacificpak.com. Hope to see you there!

Pacific Packaging Machinery, Inc. was founded over 40 years ago in 1962. Throughout the years, we have designed and installed rotary volumetric filling machines to meet a wide range of application viscosities. Our machines accommodate light to extremely viscous products. The industries we support include food and beverage, personal care, automotive, home care and chemical. We have customers worldwide and we continue to offer new, innovative solutions on a consistent basis. For more information please visit our web site at www.pacificpak.com.

If you know of other employees who would be interested in receiving our quarterly newsletter, please have them email information@pacificpak.com with their name and email address.