Semi-automatic filling machine SP1

drumIBCpail

Overview
The operator positions a pallet on the integrated weighing platform, aligns the nozzle with each container and starts the cycle. The SP1 performs semi-automatic gravimetric filling of whole pallets without unloading, requiring no conveyors or plant modification.

Containers and capacity
The SP1 handles drums, kegs, pails, canisters and IBCs on a pallet. Nominal container range: 20 to 1,500 litres (5 to 400 gal). With an additional scale it can handle containers down to 0.2 L.

Is this the machine you need?

• Yes, if you fill containers that arrive and depart on pallets, you fill a pallet at a time, and an operator is present at the filling point.
• No, if you fill single containers off-pallet or require fully automatic pallet handling or unattended operation (other models provide those functions).

How it works

• Select filling recipe and net weight on the operator panel.
• Adjust filling height to the container format without tools.
• Place the pallet of empty containers on the weighing platform.
• Operator releases the head, aligns the nozzle over a container opening and the head locks on release.
• On start the system tares automatically and fills to the programmed net weight.
• Repeat alignment and filling for each container on the pallet.
• Remove the full pallet and begin the next cycle.

Filling modes — two assemblies
Two physical filling assemblies are offered: under-bunghole and immersion. Both are stainless steel (AISI 304) with standard nozzle AISI 316L; alternative wetted materials available for aggressive products.

• Under-bunghole filling — nozzle descends just inside the bunghole and fills from that position; typically used for non-foaming, non-flammable or viscous products. This assembly fills under the bunghole only.
• Immersion filling — nozzle descends to container bottom; recipe selects one of three methods:
  • Rising with the product: nozzle opens at the bottom and rises as the container fills; control follows product level.
  • From the bottom: nozzle remains at the lowest position for the entire fill (for highly foaming products).
  • Under bunghole: nozzle enters just past the bunghole and fills from that position (immersion assembly can also perform under-bunghole fills).

Machine architecture
Self-supporting frame with a vertical column carrying the filling head and dosing group. The weighing platform supports the whole pallet and the weighing terminal is integrated into the control so weight directly governs the cycle. Control cabinet and pneumatic group complete the assembly.

Two versions
Standard SP1 (one axis pivots, the other linear) and SP1 two-axis (independent X and Y axes). The two-axis version is recommended for pallets with many small containers in a grid to increase operator efficiency.

Inert gas filling (optional)
Machines can be supplied for inert-atmosphere filling. The nozzle includes a small gas passage and a solenoid valve in the control cabinet times the gas flow as part of the recipe. Recipes define inerting before opening, during filling, after target weight or combinations. Nitrogen is commonly used. Overpressure inerting for capping is also available.

AiCROVFill® (filling control)
AiCROVFill® manages accurate, fast fills and handles product behaviours such as foam, settling and cling. Key functions include:

• Misalignment control — nozzle returns if it meets resistance and waits for operator realignment.
• Final weight control and top-up — after nominal weight is reached the system checks settled weight and tops up if needed.
• Compensation for submerged lance — control compensates for displaced volume when the lance is submerged.
• Automatic compensation for product fall after valve closure — fixed per recipe or learned automatically to maintain nominal weight.
• Recipe-based operation — product and format parameters stored per recipe; changeover via panel selection.

Built from standard industrial parts
The SP1 uses globally available industrial components (controls, pneumatics, sensors, weighing elements) with no proprietary electronics in the control chain, simplifying spare parts sourcing and local maintenance.

Safety and compliance
Designed and manufactured to European machinery safety legislation and supplied with CE marking. Design follows harmonised standards (risk assessment EN ISO 12100, safety-related parts EN ISO 13849-1, electrical EN 60204-1, emergency stop EN ISO 13850). Explosion-proof versions available per project (ATEX, IECEx, NEC equivalents) for Zone 1/2 or Class I Division 1/2 installations.

• Emergency stop cuts power and pneumatic pressure simultaneously; manual reset.
• Head braked by default — filling head locked except while operator holds release.
• Passive nozzle lock — without pneumatic pressure the nozzle cannot open.
• Safe behaviour on failure — no residual head movement, no product flow.

Technical specifications
Type: Semi-automatic gravimetric filler (Plug & Fill series).
Series: Plug & Fill.
Containers: Drums, kegs, pails, canisters and IBCs on a pallet — 20 to 1,500 L (from 0.2 L with additional scale).
Throughput: 80–130 canisters/hour (20 L), 65 drums/hour (220 L), 15 IBC/hour (1,200 L) depending on configuration.
Filling accuracy: ±0.1% of nominal (case-specific confirmation required).
Scale resolution: ±50 g (weighing whole pallet).
Height adjustment: 550 mm, servo-controlled.
Pump control: 3 potential-free contacts for on-site pump or coarse/fine pilot valve.
Power: 240 V, 50–60 Hz, <1 kW.
Air pressure: 6 bar (other pressures on request).
Working temperature: −10 °C to +45 °C. Product temperature: 0 °C to +130 °C.
Product connection: 1½” male camlock.
Weight: ~700 kg.
Options: Inert gas filling, explosion-proof execution, dual-scale configurations.