Empty Bottle Inspection with Plenty of Extras
KHS' multitalented Innocheck EBI points the way forward
All-inclusive service concepts and innovative technical systems and solutions: these are the subjects that KHS, international manufacturer of filling and packaging systems for the beverage trade, will be focusing on at the forthcoming Brau Beviale. In the field of technical innovation, attention will be specifically drawn to the new KHS empty bottle inspection system Innocheck EBI. The Innocheck EBI is an inline empty bottle inspector capable of inspecting up to 60,000 glass bottles an hour. Standard inspection is of various bottle styles ranging from 0.2 to 1.5 liters in size. Checks include four outer sidewall inspections, bottle mouth inspection, bottle base inspection, inner sidewall inspection, infrared residual liquid inspection, high-frequency residual liquid inspection, and thread inspection. The key feature of the Innocheck EBI is that at the machine infeed each individual bottle is logged by an infrared sensor and assigned its own ID number, a number that is then scanned by all detection units within the system and in the discharge area. This enables each and every bottle to be precision tracked, providing the utmost security. In addition, each bottle whose ID number is detected on discharge provides a data profile of all inspections it has undergone – a feature as yet unequalled. Inspection data is stored in the system and can be recalled at any time. This permits statistics to be compiled on specific bottle inspection criteria just as quickly as inspection data to be accessed for any particular individual bottle, et cetera, et cetera, et cetera. Another major benefit of the Innocheck EBI system is that it can perform bottle base, inner sidewall, and infrared residual liquid inspection in just one optical block. Among other things, this has enabled the Innocheck EBI to remain extremely compact in design and be integrated into small spaces in existing lines, with its total length running to just 2.40 meters. The optical unit is operated from a single light source for all three checks – with the advantage that there are no disruptions in the inspection process caused by different flashes of light within the system. The fact that the light source for the optical block is encapsulated in a transparent roll is likewise advantageous. This transparent roll is automatically cleaned, thereby eliminating the need for manual system intervention. This results in a considerable increase in production time and thus a higher availability of the machine and system technology. Regarding high availability, another huge benefit is that all optical systems in the Innocheck EBI can be optionally equipped with additional redundant camera systems. The system is also extremely flexible when it comes to integrating other inspection technologies. All KHS inspection technology systems imaginable in a line or machine setup can be easily docked onto the Innocheck CUB control unit integrated in the Innocheck EBI. The necessary software is installed on the Innocheck CUB control unit and once activated can be adapted to suit required individual standards. The hardware platform, which can be easily extended, also quickly adapts to new situations and conditions. Great importance was attached to hygienic design in the development of the Innocheck EBI. The machine construction with its laterally open pipes and smooth surfaces permits easy, reliable, and speedy cleaning. The gabled roof structure enables any condensation that may form to easily run off. The Innocheck EBI is also completely open towards its base. All told, the Innocheck EBI is an empty bottle inspection system that provides much more than just reliable detection of damaged, dirty, and visibly faulty bottles or those containing residual liquid or foreign substances. KHS' empty bottle inspector has at its fingertips a huge variety of data that is beyond compare and that can be retrieved whenever needed. The new Innocheck EBI is also distinguished by its simple and hygienic design, compact construction, flexibility and future viability, and high availability. The bottom line is that with its Innocheck EBI, KHS will be exhibiting a multitalented machine at the Brau Beviale that will point the way forward worldwide.
