LCI-400
By building on existing technology, VBS has dramatically simplified the LN2 injection process. With the LCI's rotatable dosing head, flexible dosing arm and extremely compact design, installation and operation are a cinch. A typical installation takes less than 1 hour while adjusting the system for a new bottle size takes only minutes. A unique recirculating design and an internal purging device ensures that a precise, accurate dose of LN2 will be delivered every time a container is detected regardless of the time elapsed between containers. Temporary line stoppages do not affect the performance of the LCI-400. Advanced electronics allow the operator to fine tune dosing parameters with just a touch of a button. The LCI-400 can accommodate line speeds up to 400 containers per minute. Doses can be set anywhere from 0.01g per second to 20 g per second.
The vacuum insulated, warm to the touch LCI-400 is evacuated and sealed at the VBS factory so no on-site vacuum pump is needed. Elimination of the vacuum pump reduces preventive maintenance requirements and associated down time. In fact, the LCI-400 system can deliver 2 million doses before the first scheduled preventive maintenance. The LCI-400 has only minimal utility requirements - a LN2 source such as a dewar or a plant piping system, a standard electrical source, and regulated compressed air.
The LCI's pressurizing capabilities are revolutionizing the packaging industry. Container pressurization has long been used to increase aluminum can rigidity and strength for stacking purposes. By pressurizing thin-walled plastic containers, the LCI-400 opens a new door to cost effective packaging solutions. Today LN2 pressurization is being used to prevent paneling of plastic containers in hot-fill applications. A dose of LN2 will add enough pressure to counteract the vacuum and subsequent paneling effects created when a hot product cools in a sealed container. Hot-filled (185ยบ F) tomato sauce, edible oils, dessert syrups and coffee concentrates have all been successfully packaged in plastic PET containers using the LCI-400.
With today's demanding consumers LN2 injection is more important than ever before. Nitrogen, the major component of the air we breath, is a safe, tasteless, colorless, odorless substance approved for use in the food and beverage industry. Nitrogen inerting of food products and beverages such as wine significantly reduces oxygen levels. Consequently, product shelf life, flavor and freshness are greatly enhanced, creating a win-win situation for the supplier and consumer. In addition to new applications, the LCI-400 is quickly replacing the industry's inefficient gas nitrogen tunnels.
VBS Industries Inc., 808 E McGlincey Lane, Campbell, CA 95008. Tel: 408-371-3303; Fax: 408-371-3320.