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Bottling Line Control
Regular testing of packages from each bottling line makes certain correct tightness is maintained at all
times. Some bottlers make a check on each line each hour of operation.
Since capping machine chucks operate as independent units, it’s best to test packages from each chuck.
In routing checking, this may be accomplished by simply taking the requisite number of bottles from the
line.
To determine the amount of torque required to loosen the cap, follow the recommendations of your
closure manufacturer. Apply the torque gradually so as to read the maximum force used in loosening the
cap.
While at least five duplicate tests are necessary in order to establish a reliable average for any set of
conditions, adequate control of the line may be possible with fewer tests. For example, if testing of each
line is done once an hour, 1 to 3 tests from each chuck may be adequate to determine if adjustments are
needed. Experience with a specific operation can identify the amount and frequency of testing needed.
Correct Cap Tightness
Removal torque is affected by many factors other than how tightly the cap is applied. Such factors include
the style of caps and bottles used, type of liner, product being packed, and time after tightening and
conditions of storage. In other works, removal torque alone becomes a measure of how tightly the cap
was applied only when other factors are known and controlled.
The following procedure is recommended:
Select 10 bottles at random and apply a cap to each by hand, using an amount of torque estimated to be
correct for the case at hand or as indicated by the table on the following page. (In applying caps, bring the
torque up smoothly to the predetermined value and hold for approximately one second.) Then determine
and record removal torque for each of the 10 bottles. By comparing figures obtained in this method with
removal torque of packages from the line, it is possible to determine whether the capping machine is
applying caps at the required tightness.
Example: 10 duplicate bottles with 20-400 finish capped by hand using plastic closures and 10 inch
pounds torque gave removal torque values varying between 4 and 5 inch pounds. The same bottles
closed with duplicate caps using 15 inch pounds torque gave removal torques varying from 5 to 7 inch
pounds. If you need tightness equivalent to 10 to 15 inch pounds hand application, the capping machines
should be adjusted to give removal torques of 4 to 7 pounds. This procedure can also be measured in
Newton meters since these torque testers are calibrated in both inch pounds and Newton meters.
Since tightness obtained is a function not only of torque applied, but also of other factors such as head
pressure and the time cycle, figures obtained by the above process may not correspond to the exact
amount of torque actually applied by the capping machine.
In some instances (e.g. when packaging substances such as cough syrup), empty bottles should be
tested since some substances on the bottle finish will result in erratic figures which do not accurately
record performance of the capping machine.
