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A new feature of our container handling change part system is the infeed timer screw drive. The upper drive system has been improved to support both vertical and horizontal adjustment with memory position indicators. In addition, a new, low maintenance gear box and improved universal joint design has been incorporated.

This new drive system and infeed timer screw mounting arrangement offers the following benefits:

1. Reduced change over time due to memory position indicators for exact and repeatable setup.
2. Tool-less, quick change fasteners to support operator changeover.
3. Flexibility to run numerous container sizes and shapes given vertical and horizontal adjustment.
4. Elimination of center guide notching for new containers that were not part of the original project scope.
5. Reduced maintenance costs resulting from the new drive system technology.

Pacific's filling machinery has always been known for its flexibility. Our new timer screw drive system further increases the ease of use and flexibility with our container handling parts.

For more information on this new technology or inquiries on how to convert an existing Pacific filling system, please contact Jerry 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.

In addition to continuous operation, Pacific filling machines maintain excellent accuracy during stop-start operation. In our last issue, we discussed how to address under fills (see the under fill technical tip). In this months issue, we address over fills during stop-start operation. If this is something you experience, use the following list of potential causes and solutions to troubleshoot and easily adjust the filling machine back to its original operating condition:

1. The time-delay for the turret start rotation is too long. This allows the fill nozzles to drip/drain before the filling turret starts to rotate.

Solution: Decrease the time in seconds on the relay-timer (non-PLC fillers) or the HMI Configuration Screen (PLC fillers) to ensure the turret starts to rotate right after all the fill nozzles are fully open.

2. The time-delay for the nozzle close on a machine stop is too long. This allows the nozzles to drain after the turret comes to a complete stop.

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

3. The turret ramp up and ramp down speed is too gradual.

   Solution: Set the turret drive acceleration and deceleration time to 2 seconds or less. Note that the turret acceleration and deceleration times should also be set to the same value.

4. For an individual station (or stations) that are always high, 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.

5. One or more filling nozzles within the fill zone do not open before the machine starts to rotate or close after the machine stops.

   Solution: Ensure that the fill valve air regulator is set to at least 30 PSI. Also confirm that the air manifold, air cylinder lines, and air cylinder seals are not leaking excessively. Finally, confirm that the 4-way valve and solenoid are in good working order.

6. There is excessive pressure at the inlet of the filling turret.

   Solution: Ensure that the drive system is in good operating condition and that the pump does not continue to run once the filling turret stops and the valves close.

7. The product tank level is too high (Only applies to low viscosity products).

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

8. 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.

9. 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 over fills 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.