How do you package everyday products like water, milk, or juice? Whatever product you have, chances are you’ll need an industrial filling machine.
Before you start using these handy machines, you’ll need to know just how this filling process works. Here’s what you need to know for your own water filling process.
Table of Contents
How Do Water Filling Machines Work?
A water filling machine can help mass produce water containers in bulk. There are three basic steps to the filling process:
- Sanitization
- Filling
- Packaging and labeling
Some automatic water filling machines can fill a dozen containers at a time. However, a bottled water production line may need to fill dozens at a time to meet large quotes in less time. The size and filling capacity vary depending on the machine model. Also, some machines may require manual packaging and labeling.
Sanitization is a standard feature on many machines because it’s an essential part of the filling process.
There are multiple methods of sterilization for filling. Ozone injection is the most conventional method for water filling machines.
However, other products sometimes require alternative methods of sterilization. These include moist and dry sterilization.
Moist sterilization uses high-pressure steam to kill bacteria. Dry sterilization is an alternative method that involves high-temperature air instead of water.
Cold Filling
The cooling process condenses the product and pressurizes it. To maintain this cooled temperature, products are filled in cold containers.
The cold filling process sterilizes products through extreme cold. This method applies extreme temperature to the packaging rather than the product. The package is blasted with extreme cold and then filled.
Hot Filling
Hot filling requires liquid products to heat up to at least 194 degrees. Instead of extreme cold, the hot fill process uses extreme heat to kill bacteria and sterilize products.
Before the filling process begins, the product must cool. While heating the product promotes cleanliness, cooling improves taste and preservation. After cooling, products can fill their containers and be prepared for packing and distribution.
Aseptic Filling
Aseptic filling is a less common filling method. Products heat to a minimum of 180 degrees and a maximum of 220.
Similar to cold filling, there is a chilling process but the products are chilled rather than the package. When the product reaches room temperature, it can be packaged.
Comparing Filling Methods and Products
Each filling product may require different sanitization and cooling methods. Manufacturers must consider the level of freshness and preservation with each filling method.
For instance, hot filling and aseptic filling are known to preserve products for extended periods of time.
With a versatile product like water, hot filling uses a superior method of sanitization. The water can easily boil and then settle at room temperature without warping taste or freshness.
On the other hand, cold filling and aseptic filling are better methods for products like milk.
Get Started with Water Filling
The product you use is just as important as the filling method. For water filling, all you need is a good machine that can help you properly sterilize. Keeping your products fresh and producing them efficiently is key to the process.
Need more manufacturing and production tips? Check out some more guides on the site to help you keep your business on track.
