Upgrades give time-tested technology a new lease of life
Capacity reserves in Contiform stretch blow moulders can be utilised efficiently with Krones LCS upgrades.
Upgrades update existing machines or assemblies to the latest state of technology. Even if no new investments are planned, new components or extensions can considerably improve the function, output and usability of a machine. The LifeCycle Service (LCS) division of the Neutraubling-based company Krones AG provides this option, for example, for the ovens included in its Contiform S und H series of blow moulders. At the interpack 2014, Krones LCS will be presenting a number of possible upgrades for its ovens and will be explaining their positive impact on the heating process.
High efficiency during preform tempering is immediately reflected in the balance of energy. Improving the heaters therefore opens up direct cost savings in heater operation. The "energy-optimised heater" upgrade allows the reflector radiation to be utilised more effectively which then leads to improved heat penetration in the preforms. The result is a 10 to 15 percent reduction in energy consumption and an amortisation period of only ten months for the upgrade.
Long-life components can also support the efficiency of a line.
An optimally-running heating chain will lead to a clear reduction in maintenance costs. With the "heating chain with ball bearing" upgrade, a heating chain with improved operating characteristics, the maintenance intervals can even be approximately doubled.
The "adjustable pairs of radiator holders for heaters" upgrade brings the preforms nearer to the radiators, thus providing quick and precise preform tempering and improved energy efficiency in the oven. This upgrade allows existing radiators to be easily adjusted to the new oven standard and achieves an energy saving of approximately 10 percent during the heating process.
The oven's flexibility is increased using quickly changeable grippers when handling preforms with different neck-finish geometries. With the "quickly changeable five-jaw gripper" upgrade, the grippers can be replaced much easier and without the need for tools. The gripper change-over time when processing preforms with different neck geometries can be reduced by up to 40 percent. The examples show how Krones LCS upgrades can be used to utilise capacity reserves in Contiform stretch blow moulders, to optimise operating conditions and achieve faster operating sequences.
Photo Krones AG:Capacity reserves in Contiform stretch blow moulders can be utilised efficiently with Krones LCS upgrades.
