Sensing and instrumentation company Baumer supplied its LBFS Level Sensor and IFRM inductive proximity sensors for the canning machine.
Co-director Tim Hobbs comments: “Microbreweries like ours are not producing the high volumes which justify the expense of sophisticated canning machines, so usually opt for barrels and bottles. Now the big thing for us is we can handle around 300 cans per hour and the performance of the Baumer sensors are essential components in the success of our canning machine”.
Tim explained that its determination to persist in developing an effective canning machine came about because of their concerns of a high carbon footprint associated with the bottling process. He comments: “Cans are much better for the environment, are easier to pack and transport, so we gave ourselves a challenge to design and build a system where we could filter, carbonate and can beer, on a relatively small budget”.
Their first canning machine relied on optical sensors to detect foam in the can. They quickly realised this was not an effective or robust enough option and fill levels could not be relied upon. Also, the sensor counting the cans was a photoelectric optical eye sensor. Due to its shiny, reflective nature the aluminium would give false or multiple readings.
These issues were resolved once the Baumer sensors were installed. The LBFS sensor provided accurate and repeatable fill levels regardless of the presence of foam, meaning that the cans did not need to be manually wiped. Secondly, the IFRM proximity sensor overcame the reflective issues of the aluminium cans, providing the required levels of accuracy and repeatability.
A Baumer 9701 Flex Programmer was added as, when combined with the LBFS sensors, it meant the foam sensing range could be adjusted without having to carry out a sample test, unlike other sensors on the market.
Established in 2015, the TAP Brewery in Rendcomb near Cirencester produces cask, keg and canned beers sold mainly to local pubs and retail outlets.