AUTOPACK’S SEMI-AUTOMATIC BUCKET
Autopack has launched a semi-
automatic bucket line to drive
efficiency for customers. The
modular system eliminates the
manual effort of separating and
orientating empty buckets from
a stack. It also lowers the initial
cost compared to a fully automatic
system. Users can construct a bucket line
suited to their specific needs. This
can consist of a bucket de-nester,
bucket sealer, filling system, lid de-
nester and lid pressing roller. Each
item can be added later if required.

The line is usually built around
the filling system of choice, liquid
doser, powder filler or a range of
weighing options. The user-friendly
semi-automatic operation is based
on manual infeed and outfeed of
containers. “There are numerous advantages
to automate but not every business
has the same needs, so the semi-
automatic route is often a good
starting point,” said Autopack
Managing Director Wayne Kedward.

“Our semi-automatic bucket line
is well placed to help businesses
take their first step on the road to
automation; an affordable, bespoke
and modular solution.”
The most popular line-up of
equipment available on the line
includes a Lid Pressure Roller
for round, square, oval and
rectangular buckets up to 400mm
in diameter. The driven pressure
drum for sealing the bucket can
be continuously adjusted in height
ranging from 40mm to 400mm
using a handwheel with a height
indicator. The pressure roller is equipped
with an input guide plate at the
front and rollers at the rear to
prevent the buckets from tipping
over. Other benefits include the
1,000mm conveyor belt, which
is driven by a drum motor and
made from blue plastic
modular links.

In addition, the integrated weigh
cell with advanced software
controls the delivery of the
product into the bucket maximising
speed and accuracy. The filing
operation can be performed
manually via push buttons or
automatically via the autoFill
function with the filling process
starting automatically when the
correct container is detected.

The stand beside the column can
be manually adjusted in height
for optimal alignment with the
dosing valve. The weighing platform
(400x400mm, height approximately
800mm) can include a central
drain hole for spilled liquids or a
recovery tray for powders and
solids. Constructed from stainless
steel 304, it is easy to clean and
resistant to intensive industrial use.

“The modular options for the
semi-automatic bucket line give
customers flexibility, as well as
improved speed and efficiency,”
added Jonathon Stewart, Autopack
UK Sales Director. “At time when
manufacturers from all industries
are feeling the pinch, solutions to
reduce costs and wastage can make
a real difference.”
www.auto-pack.co.uk 08 CHP PACKER INTERNATIONAL update



REVOLUTIONISING TEMPERATURE
CONTROL Insulation is safety critical in pharmaceutical
factories, where hot pipes and equipment pose
a significant burn risk to workers. Yet traditional
approaches often fall short in terms of durability
and longevity and can be expensive to install
and maintain.

Thermal insulation coatings (TIC) have the
potential to replace bulky materials, such as
mineral wool, that are easily damaged and can
pose a hygiene risk. Just a relatively thin layer of
these easy to apply, easy to maintain solutions
can keep exterior surfaces safe to the touch, even in
the tightest of spaces.

What’s more, conventional methods are expensive
to install due to them needing to be welded around
pipework to maintain a hygienic seal. They can be
TICs are emerging as a safer, smarter alternative to fragile, necessitating frequent repairs, and risk-based
conventional insulation systems.

inspections, in which materials are removed to inspect
for signs of SCC, are not only labour-intensive, but
In the world of pharmaceutical manufacturing, where
also tend to require the wholescale shut down of
hot pipes and machinery are ubiquitous, insulation plays production processes.

a critical role in workplace safety. Just a few seconds of
incidental contact with a hot surface, whether that’s a
TICs are an innovative new approach with the potential
pipe, ductwork, or tank, is enough to blister and burn
to replace systems such as mineral wool. They work
skin. Such injuries, which can be severe or even life-
by lowering the skin stimulation temperature, i.e. both
threatening. the surface temperature and the rate of heat transfer,
of surfaces, thereby reducing the risk of burns and all
Effective insulation is key to keeping people safe as they their consequences.

go about their duties. It creates a barrier that reduces
heat transfer from hot surfaces to the skin. In addition, But they also are easy to clean, and resistant to mould,
it helps minimise heat loss or gain, ensuring products
bacteria, and contaminants, which enhances hygiene and
stay within safe temperature ranges, and keeps energy quality standards.

consumption and costs to a minimum.

Applied onsite, by brush, spray or trowel, for fast
Yet traditional approaches, such as mineral wool
seamless coverage on pipework, tanks and associated
cladding, come with challenges. When condensation
equipment, TICs provide long-lasting protection from
penetrates the barrier, the “dry” insulation
heat, corrosion, and abrasion. They are quick and easy
becomes “wet”.

to install, even in small or difficult to reach areas, and
treated installations can be moved from risk-based to
This can create major hygiene problems with
visual only inspection.

traditional insulation harbouring bacteria such as
listeria that can lead to major problems in busy
TICs are redefining how the pharmaceutical industry
pharmaceutical factories. It also poses the threat of
manages their heat-related risk mitigation. By directly
stainless-steel stress corrosion cracking (SCC), that can reducing surface temperatures, they help eliminate
create major failure and extended downtime in very
burn hazards at source, improving equipment safety,
busy environments, as well as reducing the insulation
while also reducing installation and maintenance costs.

material’s thermal resistivity (R-value). And as the
R-value goes down, the risk of burns goes up.

protective.sherwin-williams.com/uk CHP PACKER INTERNATIONAL update 09