New filling head for carbonator filler

The FT104X is an accessory to the FT102X carbonator/filler/capper; the laboratory scale system designed for carbonating and filling beverages such as soft drinks, beer milk and juices.

The company’s European sales manager, Andrew Kay told FoodProductionDaily.com at IFT’s Annual Meeting and Food Expo, at Anaheim, California, that using the FT104X and the FT102X makes the producing product samples faster and more efficient. “Using both models developers can simultaneously test different filling scenarios, use different types of container and increase the system’s output,​” said Kay.

Carbonating variables​

Both filling heads are controlled by a touch-screen control panel. The panel allows individual parameters to be set for each filling head and accurate control of filling and carbonating variables.

No carbon dioxide is lost during the flling process due to double-stage cooling, says the company. Carbon dioxide contents of more than 10g/Litre can be re-used. And the carbonating process can be undertaken at any temperature between 4 deg C and 20 deg C.

The system allows pre-mixing and post-mixing to deliver fast testing produces, claims the company. “In providing the knowledge required to scale-up to pilot or production plant, using the FT104X and the FT102X together can dramatically improve the speed with which new products can be developed​,” said Kay.

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Small batches​

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Another advantage of the FT104/FT102X combination is greater flexibility, he added. It can cope with very small batches or runs of 15 litres or throughout puts of 120 litres/hour depending on packaging.

An FT104X model has already been sold to Pepsi Cola in Eire and the machine is available worldwide.

The cost of the FT104X depends on application and location and the model can be retrofitted to FT102X carbonator/filler/capper.

Armfield, based in the UK, produces research and development equipment for the food, beverage and pharmaceutical industries.