Air knife drying solves condensation problem

To ensure square plastic bottles are properly dried prior to labelling, a company has installed an air knife drying system that matches high bottle conveyor speeds.

To ensure its distinctive square plastic bottles are properly dried prior to labelling, Highland Spring has installed a Secomak Powerstrip air knife drying system at its Perthshire bottling plant.

Because the blow-moulded bottles are filled with cold Highland Spring Natural Mineral Water directly from the spring, condensation often forms on the bottles' surface.

This has to be effectively removed prior to labelling.

After looking at a number of options, Highland Spring opted for a Secomak Powerstrip drying system, consisting of two customised air knives within an enclosed acoustic cabinet.

Because the conveyor moves at high speeds it is necessary to expose as much of the bottles' surface to the drying effect in as short a time as possible.

The existing conveyor guide rails obstructed the air flow, so they were removed and replaced with Secomak's special container guidance system.

"We are very happy with the Powerstrip system," said Engineering Manager John Calderhead.

"The bottle guidance system works well and the air knives are efficient even at high line speeds.

The acoustic cabinet also keeps the noise down to an acceptable level." Modular in design, Powerstrip systems are custom-built for each specific application and can be used on bottling lines with speeds ranging from 200 to 1,800 bottles per minute.

Configurations range from simple air knife kits to fully engineered systems incorporating stainless steel cabinets, drip trays, sound attenuation and adjustable guides.

Secomak estimates that the Powerstrip system can reduce drying costs by up to 90% when compared with compressed air or thermal drying.

Expensive maintenance contracts are not required and all spares are backed by the company's 30 year reputation.

Back to top