Allpax

Pouch Loaders Overview

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Processing Pouches

CONTAINER PERSONALITY

When a food processor moves from processing cans and jars to processing retortable flexible packages, material handling becomes a whole new ballgame. Pouches have a unique "personality." They don't behave like cans or jars. Circular containers, like cans and jars, behave like soldiers - they want to conform to each other and want to create a pattern of rows and columns as they slide on the conveyor belt. Backpressure is normally advantageous with these containers and helps to promote a nesting pattern. Pouches have an independent "personality." They must be put in lanes and controlled from the time that they are filled and sealed. Pouches cannot handle backpressure.

The Allpax Pouch Loader controls the pouches from the filler, then stages the pouches into the most efficient row / column pattern for consolidation.

CONSOLIDATING FOR RETORTING

Moving cans and jars into a retort basket can be easily accomplished by forming a layer, then sweeping the layer into an open retort basket. With pouches, the container must be targeted into the tray pattern, then accurately picked and placed into the receiving tray.

The PLC-controlled Allpax Pouch Loader accomplishes all of these functions automatically, then indexes each filled tray to a stacking area, where the trays are stacked into a basket-sized cube. The product cube is then transported to the Allpax retort for processing.

UNLOADING

After retorting, the Allpax Pouch Unloader destacks the sterilized product cube. The pick and place module removes the pouches from the tray onto a conveyor for further processing. The empty trays are again stacked into a cube for storage and transported to the Pouch Loader for the next batch.

Pouch Loader Features

• Automatically controls, consolidates and loads pouches for retort sterilization
• Severe-Duty Design and Components
• Built in the USA with the All-American Parts and Components
• Can work stand-alone, or integrate with the Allpax Retort Control System PLC
• Allpax PC-based controls or A-B ControlLogix Controls
• Color Touch-Screen Operator Interface
• 304 Stainless Steel construction
• Allpax Pouch Loaders and Unloaders feature designs from LAN Handling Systems, Netherlands

See additional container consolidation equipment:

• Can Loaders
• Fragile Container Loaders

For More Information on the Pouch Loaders