Automated Palletizer System for Keg Handling in a Brewery

ETEK's automated palletizer system for 30L KEGs boosts production capacity to 400 KEGs/hour, minimizes manual labor, optimizes the process, and ensures stable, 24/7 operation with flexible settings for operational adjustments.

Customer Requirements

A leading brewery in Vietnam approached ETEK with the goal of fully automating the handling and palletizing process for 30L KEG products. The specific requirements included:

Providing a system for KEG flipping, shrink film wrapping, labeling, and automatic shrink wrapping.
Integrating an automated robotic palletizer system for 30L KEGs.
Ensuring the system operates stably with a capacity of 400 KEGs/hour.
Optimizing the process to reduce labor, increase accuracy, and enhance product consistency.

Solution Provided by ETEK

After conducting a site survey and clarifying technical requirements, ETEK's engineering team advised and implemented a comprehensive automation system for the 30L KEG line, including:

1. Automatic KEG Flipping Unit

After the product passes the weight check, the KEG is moved to a dedicated flipper. Here, the KEG is flipped 180 degrees to ensure proper orientation for the next processing steps.

2. Shrink Film and Labeling System

The shrink film is applied precisely at the correct position, and labels are automatically applied using a servo-controlled positioning mechanism.

3. Shrink Wrap Oven Unit

After labeling, the KEG passes through the shrink wrap station. The heating system shrinks the film, ensuring that the label sticks firmly to the valve, enhancing both aesthetics and durability during transportation.

4. Robotic Palletizer for KEGs

Using an ABB 6-axis robot with a maximum load of 205 kg and a reach of up to 2800 mm, equipped with a custom-designed gripper for 30L KEGs. The industrial robot is programmed to automatically pick each KEG and place it onto the pallet according to a predefined pattern. The system can integrate with an empty pallet feeding machine to optimize the process without manual intervention.

5. Automatic Pallet Wrap Machine

Once the pallet is filled with products, it is moved to an automatic stretch wrap machine with a speed of 30 pallets/hour.

6. Pallet Conveyor and Product Exit

After the pallet is wrapped, it is transferred to the waiting conveyor area, ready for a forklift to move it to the warehouse or shipping area.

Results Achieved

Achieved a production capacity of 400 KEGs/hour.
Full automation of the process minimized manual labor and human error risks.
The system is stable and ready for 24/7 operation.
The system design is open and flexible, allowing for easy adjustments to operational parameters.

Case study

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