The selection of a filling technology should always consider the product characteristics, required filling quantity, container format, production capacity, required accuracy and overall packaging-line configuration.
How Does a Mass Flow Filling Machine Work?
A mass flow filling machine measures the amount of liquid passing through the filling system by measuring mass flow.
In a Coriolis flowmeter, the liquid passes through a specially designed tube that is continuously vibrated. When liquid flows through the vibrating tube, Coriolis forces produce a measurable change in the tube's motion.
Sensors detect this change and the electronic system processes the signal to determine the mass flow rate.
A simplified filling process:
Product Supply → Mass Flow Measurement → Controlled Filling → Filling Completion → Container Discharge
The actual sequence can vary according to the machine configuration, product and packaging-line setup.
What Is Coriolis Mass Flow Measurement?
Coriolis flow measurement is a method of measuring the mass flow of a fluid directly.
The principle uses one or more vibrating tubes through which the liquid flows. The movement of the liquid creates Coriolis forces that affect the vibration of the tube. Sensors detect the resulting change, allowing the flowmeter to determine the mass flow rate.
For a filling application, this measurement can then be used by the machine's control system to determine when the required quantity has been delivered.
This is the core technology behind Spheretech's mass flowmeter-based filling system.
Mass Flow Filling vs. Volumetric Filling
Mass flow and volumetric filling are different approaches to measuring liquid during the filling process.
| Filling Method |
Measurement Principle |
Main Consideration |
| Mass Flow Filling |
Measures mass flow directly |
Suitable where mass-based measurement is required |
| Volumetric Filling |
Controls a defined liquid volume |
Suitable where defined volume filling is required |
| Weighmetric Filling |
Controls product weight |
Suitable where filling by weight is required |
| Piston Filling |
Uses controlled piston displacement |
Suitable for compatible liquid characteristics |
| Level Filling |
Controls fill level |
Suitable where a consistent visible level is important |
The choice between technologies should be based on the product, filling requirement, container, production capacity and desired measurement method.
Why Choose Mass Flow Filling?
Mass flow technology can be considered for applications where direct measurement of the mass of liquid is important.
Potential advantages include:
- Direct mass-flow measurement
- Controlled liquid dispensing
- Repeatable filling process
- Suitability for a wide range of compatible liquid applications
- Integration with automated packaging systems
- Reduced dependence on conventional volume-based measurement
- Suitability for applications requiring controlled product quantity
The actual performance of a filling system depends on the selected machine configuration, product properties, operating conditions and process requirements.
Mass Flow Filling Machine for Edible Oil
Edible oil packaging can require consistent measurement across different packaging formats and production requirements.
A mass flow filling machine provides an alternative approach to conventional volumetric filling by measuring the mass flow of the product during filling.
Spheretech's mass flowmeter-based filler can be configured for suitable edible oil applications according to the product, container and required production process.
Mass Flow Filling Machine for Lubricant Oil
Lubricant oils can vary in product characteristics and packaging requirements. A mass flow filling system can provide controlled measurement for suitable lubricant oil applications.
Spheretech's mass flowmeter-based filler is designed to support controlled filling where mass-flow measurement is appropriate for the product and packaging process.
Mass Flow Filling for Pharmaceutical Liquids
Liquid pharmaceutical products can require controlled and repeatable filling processes. For compatible applications, mass flow measurement provides a method of monitoring the quantity of liquid delivered during filling.
The suitability of the machine for a specific pharmaceutical product should be evaluated based on the formulation, container, hygiene requirements and applicable production standards.
Mass Flow Filling for Food and Beverage Products
Juices and Dairy Products
Mass flow filling technology can be considered for compatible liquid food and beverage applications such as juices and dairy products.
The appropriate machine configuration depends on product characteristics, container format, filling quantity, production capacity and the required level of automation.
Mass Flow Filling for Chemicals and Industrial Liquids
Chemicals, Pesticides and Cleaning Solutions
Industrial liquids such as compatible chemicals, pesticides and cleaning solutions can have different handling and packaging requirements.
A mass flow filling machine provides a controlled measurement approach for suitable liquid products, provided the product characteristics and machine construction are compatible with the application.
For chemical applications, the machine should be selected according to factors such as product compatibility, container type, required filling quantity and production environment.
Mass Flow Filling for Personal Care Products
Personal care products can include a variety of liquid formulations with different packaging requirements. For compatible products, mass flow filling can provide controlled measurement during the filling operation.
The machine configuration should be selected according to the product characteristics, container format and required production process.
How to Select a Mass Flow Filling Machine
Selecting the right mass flow filler requires more than looking at the machine's filling technology.
1. Product Characteristics
Evaluate the properties of the liquid, including its flow behaviour and compatibility with the filling system.
2. Required Filling Quantity
Determine the required quantity for each container and the range of packaging formats to be handled.
3. Container Format
Consider bottle or container size, shape, material and handling requirements.
4. Production Capacity
Determine the required production output and whether the machine needs to operate as part of a continuous automated line.
5. Required Measurement Method
Decide whether mass flow, volume, weight, piston displacement or another filling principle is appropriate for the application.
6. Automation Requirement
Determine whether the application requires an automatic filling system or a configuration with greater operator involvement.
7. Downstream Packaging
Consider integration with capping, sealing, labelling, coding and end-of-line packaging equipment.
Automatic Mass Flow Filling for Automated Packaging Lines
A mass flow filling machine can form part of an automated liquid packaging line where filling is connected with other packaging operations.
A typical packaging process:
Container Infeed → Filling → Capping → Sealing → Labelling → Coding → Case Packing
Integration depends on the machine configuration and the requirements of the complete packaging line.
For manufacturers looking to automate multiple stages, Spheretech's wider packaging machinery portfolio provides solutions across filling, capping, sealing, labelling and end-of-line operations.
Liquid Filling Equipment for Industrial Packaging
Mass flow filling is one of several liquid filling technologies used in industrial packaging.
The appropriate liquid filling equipment depends on:
- Product characteristics
- Filling quantity
- Container format
- Production capacity
- Measurement principle
- Required automation
- Packaging-line integration
- Product compatibility
Spheretech provides different filling technologies, allowing manufacturers to evaluate the appropriate solution for their specific packaging requirements.
Why Choose Spheretech for Mass Flow Filling?
Spheretech Packaging develops liquid packaging machinery for industrial applications and provides filling solutions based on product and production requirements. Its mass flowmeter-based filler uses Coriolis flowmeter technology to support direct mass-flow measurement during liquid filling.
Coriolis Mass Flow Technology
Designed around direct mass-flow measurement using Coriolis flowmeter technology.
Multiple Liquid Applications
Suitable applications include edible oils, lubricant oils, pharmaceuticals, juices, dairy, pesticides, chemicals, cleaning solutions and personal care products, subject to compatibility.
Controlled Filling
Designed for controlled and repeatable liquid filling.
Packaging Line Integration
Can be integrated with compatible downstream packaging equipment.
Industrial Packaging Experience
Spheretech has been developing packaging machinery and solutions since 2003.
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