Automatic filling machine SP3

drumIBCliquids

Overview
The SP3 is an automatic weigh-filling machine for drums and IBCs arriving on pallets. It uses a two-axis Cartesian gantry for rectilinear, repeatable motion; the operator does not enter the filling area during the cycle. Depending on fitted tools the machine can uncaps, fill, cap and seal containers.

Primary data

• Containers: drums and IBCs on a pallet
• Capacity per container: 20–1,500 L
• Typical throughput: up to 65 drums/hour (220 L) · 15–20 IBC/hour (1,200 L), nozzle and configuration dependent

Suitability

• Ideal when unattended, pallet-based filling of drums and IBCs is required with integrated uncapping/capping/sealing.
• Not ideal when many different formats and orientations must be handled without mechanical changeover (a robot-based solution may be preferable).

How it works

• Operator selects filling recipe and cycle parameters at the HMI.
• Pallets of empty containers are loaded onto the infeed conveyor.
• Pallet is positioned on the 2,000 mm chain weighing conveyor (X axis) with electronic position control.
• Container positions are located by joystick teaching (standard) or machine vision (option).
• The gantry head positions over each container, adjusts working height by motor and executes fitted operations: uncapping, filling, capping, sealing.
• Completed pallets are discharged and collected downstream; the cycle repeats automatically.

Filling modes: two assemblies
Two filling assemblies are offered (chosen at order), both stainless steel (AISI 304 body, AISI 316L nozzle standard).

• Under-bunghole filling — nozzle descends just inside the container and fills from that position; suited to non-foaming, non-flammable products including viscous liquids.
• Immersion filling — nozzle reaches the container bottom; recipe selects one of three strategies:
  • Rising with the product — nozzle opens at the bottom and rises with the liquid surface, keeping the nozzle at the product surface.
  • From the bottom — nozzle remains at the lowest position for the full fill (for highly foaming products).
  • Under bunghole — nozzle enters just past the bunghole and fills from there.

Machine architecture
The machine is built around a two-axis Cartesian gantry with motorised working-height adjustment. The tool holder provides four positions (one occupied by the filling unit) so up to three additional tools (uncapping, capping, sealing) can be fitted. Weighing uses four hermetically sealed stainless steel load cells; the indicator is integrated into the control system.

Inert gas filling (optional)
Inerting is available as an accessory: the nozzle includes a gas passage and a solenoid valve in the control cabinet drives gas flow as a recipe parameter (before opening, during fill, after target or combinations). Inerting reduces oxidation and ignition risk for flammable products; gas type is selected per product. Alternative inerting by pressurised capping is supported.

AiCROVFill® software features

• Motorised position control and automatic working-height adjustment per container.
• Recipe-based operation: parameters stored per product and container format.
• Final weight control and automatic top-up after settled weight verification.
• Compensation for submerged lance displacement so net weight is correct after withdrawal.
• Automatic compensation for product afterflow: recipe values or machine learning per product.

Built from standard parts
The machine uses industrial components from global suppliers (controls, pneumatics, sensors, weighing) without proprietary electronics in the control chain, simplifying local sourcing and maintenance.

Safety and compliance
Designed and manufactured in Europe with CE marking. Design and risk assessment follow EN ISO 12100; safety-related controls to EN ISO 13849-1; electrical equipment to EN 60204-1; emergency stop to EN ISO 13850. Perimeter safety enclosure with interlocked doors and photoelectric barriers (muting for entry/exit) is included. Key safety features include:

• Emergency stop: cuts power and pneumatic pressure, stops axes and conveyors; manual reset.
• Access interlocking: opening an enclosure door stops the cycle and prevents restart while open.
• Passive nozzle lock and safe behaviour on failure (no residual axis movement, no conveyor drift, no product flow).
• Explosion-proof / ATEX versions available on request.

Technical specifications

• Type: Automatic, weigh filling, Cartesian gantry
• Series: Advanced
• Containers: Drums and IBCs on pallet, 20–1,500 L
• Throughput: up to 65 drums/hour (220 L) · 15–20 IBC/hour (1,200 L), nozzle dependent
• Weighing: 4 hermetically sealed stainless steel load cells (C3 standard e = 0.5 kg; C6 option e = 0.2 kg)
• X axis: 2,000 mm chain weighing conveyor with electronic position control
• Control: Siemens S7-1200 (Europe) or Rockwell (North America) with 7" or 12" touch panel
• Power: approx. 5 kW (project dependent)
• Compressed air: 6 bar, dry and clean
• Operating temperature: −10 °C to +45 °C
• Product temperature: 0 °C to +60 °C standard; +60 °C to +130 °C on request
• Product connection: 1½" male camlock
• Approx. weight: 1,500 kg (project dependent)
• Included: safety enclosure; options: machine vision, inert gas filling, explosion-proof versions, C6 load cells