Back On The Bottle
December 2007
In January 2006 Zytec was awarded a contract to write PLC software and a SCADA system for 2 Gin bottling lines.
Following the success of the lines in 2006, and the need to increase the output from the lines, Zytec was awarded a contact in 2007 to modify the PLC software and SCADA systems, to carter for additional buffer storage and additional conveyors to further enhance the lines.
The existing system comprised of Allen Bradley SLC PLC's and a RS View ME SCADA system. The SLC PLC's where the central hub for control and communicated to several third party PLC's over DH+ and Ethernet.
Pallets of bottles entered the line via a Depalletiser, the bottles then moved through a combiner which separated the 20 wide bottles to a single line. The bottles then moved through the filling machine, which filled the bottles and placed a cap on the bottle. The bottles then moved through a buffer zone to the labeller, which adhered the appropriate label to the bottle. The bottles then moved through another buffer area before they entered the Laner. The Laner sorts the bottles into 5 wide by 4 long, so that then can be picked up the suction machine and then placed into waiting boxes.
With the new enhancements to the lines, each of the two Gin lines are capable of filling and packing 400 bottles a minute.