ViscoTec has launched the VHD-Q hygienic dispenser. The dispenser can be joined with others in a modular design, owing to its square shape.
Liquid is supplied via manifolds which are directly connected to the dispenser, without hoses or pipes. In this way, any number of dosing points can be achieved in one ‘block’, the manufacturer says.
The dispensers can also be placed next to the tool carrier and connected to a dosing needle directly above the container via a hose line or pipe. In this way even smaller tolerances are possible. The dosing needle is adapted to format in terms of length and diameter.
A defined string break is achieved by an adjustable suck-back at the end of the dosing process and dripping is prevented. Positive shut-off nozzles or filling valves can also be used to further optimize the dosing time. If required, the dosing components can be temperature controlled via optional heating systems such as heating sleeves or cartridges. This can be particularly suitable for products with stringy liquids.
The company says short cycle times of 0.5 seconds can be achieved for watery to medium-viscosity products, maintaining a dosing accuracy of +/- 99 %. Product or colour changes can be implemented with optional connections for circulation piping or CIP systems.
Circulation may be necessary to prevent sedimentation in solids-laden liquids such as suspensions. The dosing systems can also be used in 24/7 production facilities.
The dispenser for multi-lane filling lines can be used for applications including household products such as detergent pods or cleaning agent tabs, as well as for food products including food supplements or fruit purees. It can also be used for highly viscous medical products such as blood separating gels and is optimally suited for dosing volumes of 0.1 to 20 ml.
The economic benefits of fully automated systems depend not only on cycle rate and precision, but also on the diverse variety. This is because it enables a flexible and quick response even with smaller batch sizes and an increased number of batch changes. Owing to the products’ cleanability and the ViscoTec endless piston principle, the company says its customers can process various products with only one dosing system: From liquids to pasty substances - abrasive, sticky or solids-laden.
