Conservas La Costeña, a Mexican food canning company, has expanded the capacity of its vinegar bottling line by introducing two new large-size HDPE formats. The project required a solution capable of handling 3.75-litre square bottles and 7.6-litre rectangular containers, while ensuring dosing accuracy, ease of sanitation and rapid format changeovers.
For the new application, La Costeña turned to Enoberg, which developed the project in cooperation with its Smicentroamericana subsidiary. The investment was driven by growing demand for vinegar in the Mexican market and by the need to increase the output of the existing line, previously dedicated to the 1-litre format.
The selected configuration handles 3.75-litre square HDPE bottles at a speed of 4,800 bottles per hour and 7.6-litre rectangular containers at 2,500 bottles per hour.
Filling and capping monoblock
Following a series of assessments carried out with the customer, Enoberg installed a 15-4-B HC S filling and capping system from the HEVF series. The monoblock was selected to integrate the production of the new large-capacity formats within the available plant space and to meet the hygiene requirements of food-processing applications.
The machine uses a volumetric filling system equipped with electronic flow meters, allowing the quantity of product dispensed to be monitored while limiting overfilling and waste. The filling valves operate at two speeds, a configuration designed to handle large containers efficiently without affecting dosing accuracy.
The filling chamber is fully separated from the transmission components, which never come into contact with the product during operation.
Hygienic design and materials
During bottling, there is no direct contact between the bottle and the filling valve. The simplified valve design also facilitates cleaning and sanitation, reducing the number of areas where product residues could accumulate.
All stainless-steel parts in contact with the vinegar are made of AISI 316L, the low-carbon version of AISI 316. This material is widely used in food applications because of its resistance to corrosion caused by acidic products, as well as its cleanability and long-term durability.
The filler is also equipped with a sloped work surface to facilitate liquid drainage. This design helps prevent stagnation in the processing area, simplifies cleaning operations and contributes to reducing contamination risks.
Format changeover management
Containers are fed into the machine by means of an independently driven infeed screw, electronically synchronised with the rest of the system. This configuration helps coordinate bottle flow and simplifies monoblock adjustment and maintenance.
The transition from one format to another is managed through the operator panel, where the required configuration can be selected. Bottle guide equipment is designed for tool-free replacement, reducing the time needed to prepare the line for the next production run.
The arrangement of the components also gives operators easy access to the different sections of the filling and capping system for inspection, cleaning and maintenance activities.
Compact configuration
The monoblock installed at Conservas La Costeña combines the filling and capping operations for 3.75-litre and 7.6-litre vinegar containers within a compact structure.
Its reduced footprint made it possible to integrate the system into the available space along the existing line and also provides advantages during transport and handling. The ergonomic layout of the operating areas further facilitates access for routine management and maintenance tasks.