Gas Filling Line – High Performance and Precision for Large Volumes

Gas Filling Line – High Performance and Precision for Large Volumes

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For our client, a leading Polish manufacturer of gas fuels for lighters and gas cartridges, we delivered a complete, fully automated line for filling aerosol cans with high-volume gas. This line not only meets performance requirements but also offers exceptional flexibility, enabling the dosing of different gases into a single can.

Client: Leader in lighter gas and cartridge fuel production from Poland
Project date: Q2/Q3, 2021
Project goal: Delivery of a high-capacity gas filling line with full production flexibility. Performance: Minimum 60 units per minute for volumes over 400 ml.
Challenge:

In conventional aerosols, gas serves only as a propellant component. In this case, however, the entire can volume was filled with gas, which meant significantly larger dosed amounts. Our challenge was to maintain high output – 60 units per minute – while enabling the client to dose different gases into a single can. This required advanced filling technology and precise process control.
This wasn’t new to us – it was already the third line of this type delivered to this client – but the project confirmed our expertise and in-depth knowledge of gas filling technology.

Work progress
Our Approach

We began with a detailed analysis of the client’s specifications and requirements. Our goal was not only to achieve high output, but also to ensure maximum flexibility. A key component of the project was the gas filling machine, which had to be capable of dosing different gases into the same can within a single cycle. We implemented variable stroke drive technology, which allows the filling process to adapt depending on the gas mixture. Unlike standard rotary gas filling modules—commonly used for high-capacity production—this approach provides more flexibility, as rotary modules can typically dose only one type of gas. In this case, we delivered an indexing system that allows for a more flexible configuration.

Research and Testing

Throughout the project, we placed particular emphasis on research and testing to ensure the highest quality and efficiency. We carried out extensive testing of different gas dosing methods and precisely determined the required number of gas filling modules based on empirical data on processing times and the client’s valve specifications.

Our comprehensive R&D approach allows us to continuously improve our solutions, enabling us to deliver production lines that not only meet the client’s expectations but exceed them in terms of performance and reliability.

Testing of L-shaped Valves

One of the key challenges was to develop a solution for sorting and positioning “L”-shaped (pipe-type) valves, which can only be placed in the can at a specific angle. Thanks to advanced 3D prototypes, simulations, and testing, we were able to ensure that our machine would operate with precision and reliability. We implemented a precise valve sorting and positioning system prior to insertion, making us one of the few companies in the world to have successfully built a machine capable of reliably handling and inserting this type of valve.

Gas Dosing Precision

During tests of various gas dosing methods, we confirmed our calculations showing that multi-step dosing is the most effective approach for precise process control. By using different configurations (1/2, 2/2, 2/4, 3/3), we ensured optimal filling speed while maintaining full flexibility. The intuitive control system enables operators to easily adjust the machine’s parameters to meet production requirements.

Key Technological Solutions in This Line

  • Variable Stroke Drive – Enables flexible dosing of different gases within a single production cycle, significantly expanding configuration options and adapting the machine to various gas types.
  • Flexible Gas Dosing – The 1/2, 2/2, 2/4, 3/3 configurations allow the operating mode to be precisely adapted to product requirements, enhancing output without compromising flexibility.
  • Modern Automatic Checkweigher – Designed for large gas volumes, this device ensures high stability and measurement accuracy even at high production speeds. With a wider base and optimized can feed angle, it allows for precise weight control, significantly improving product quality and production safety.
  • Flat Cap Inserter – We developed a dedicated cap inserter to replace standard prism-style cappers. This solution improves capping precision for threaded valves and was necessary due to the specific design of the caps used by the client in the gas industry.
Workplace Safety

Safety was a critical element of the project, especially due to the handling of flammable gases:

  • Safety Systems – The line is equipped with multiple sensors monitoring production parameters. The system automatically stops the line when irregularities are detected, ensuring operator protection.
  • Regulatory Compliance – The line complies with all relevant European safety standards and is CE certified, guaranteeing safe operation even under high production intensity.
Result

Rezultaty:

Dostarczyliśmy klientowi kompletną linię do napełniania puszek gazem, z ulepszonym stołem podawczym, umożliwiającym przyszłą rozbudowę o depaletyzator. Zwiększyliśmy prędkość napełniania gazem o ponad 30%, a nowe sortery zaworów pozwoliły klientowi rozszerzyć ofertę. Cała linia zarządzana jest przez intuicyjnie zaprojektowany panel operatorski, a liczne czujniki monitorują kluczowe produkcji, zapewniając bezpieczeństwo produkcji i pracowników klienta.

Podsumowanie korzyści:

  • Zwiększenie prędkości dozowania gazu o ponad 30% – w porównaniu do wcześniejszych linii, dzięki optymalizacji procesu.
  • Wydajność na poziomie ponad 60 sztuk na minutę – linia działa z pełną efektywnością przy pełnym – trzyzmianowym obciążeniu, obsługując duże pojemności gazu.
  • Zwiększona elastyczność – możliwość dozowania różnych gazów w jednym cyklu produkcyjnym pozwala klientowi na produkcję szerokiej gamy produktów.
  • Oszczędności kosztowe – zoptymalizowana linia pozwoliła klientowi zwiększyć wydajność bez konieczności instalacji kilku maszyn.
  • Możliwość rozbudowy linii – dzięki modułowej konstrukcji, linia może być w przyszłości rozbudowana o dodatkowe urządzenia, takie jak automatyczny depaletyzator.
  • Poprawa bezpieczeństwa i niezawodności – wdrożone systemy zabezpieczeń oraz intuicyjne zarządzanie linią pozwoliły na zwiększenie bezpieczeństwa pracy oraz zmniejszenie ryzyka awarii.
Machines used in the project:
  1. Large side loading table SPZ
  2. AMR inserting and clamping
  3. Valve elevator
  4. Threaded valve sorter
  5. Sorter of "pipe" valves
  6. AMR gassing 9G with variable pitch
  7. Automatic weight
  8. Cap / bottle cap elevator
  9. Cap sorter
  10. Rotary Cap Placer
  11. Vibrating cap sorter
  12. Rotary cap jigging machine
  13. Drive to the printer
  14. Large rotating receiving table
See project video
Need a solution for yourself? Looking for a competent partner?
Contact our engineers! We will certainly tailor the right device for your line. Email us at sales@solmatic.pl or call +48 32 307 07 41
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