Compared to standard compressed air cap feeder systems and ventilated-air systems, Sidel claims that its new Aidlin Eco range reduces energy bills by a factor of more than 10 and five respectively.
The company claims this saving is possible thanks to the abandonment of the use of air for cap propulsion and the ejection of off-spec caps.
The redesign
To make this possible, Sidel had to redesign the cleat kinematics of its Aidlin cap feeders. In the new version, the chain has a lateral curvature, so that the properly orientated caps slide along the vertically positioned cleats.
They then enter a corridor that guides them to a wheel for sorting and elevation that takes them to the required height and direction to feed the capper.
At this stage, if the caps are not properly orientated or are missing their tamper-proof ring then a magnetic finger system automatically ejects them.
Additional features
Sidel claims that the benefits of the new design do not just extend to energy use. The company said the absence of air eliminates the possibility of air contamination and simplifies maintenance.
From an ergonomic point of view, Sidel said the design of the Aidlin Eco-e5, -e20 and –e40, which vary by hopper size, puts all the essential components at chest height for ease of maintenance and upkeep.
As for production speed, the new range of cap feeders are designed to be used at all speeds, even the highest, according to Sidel. The company claims it can process caps at a speed of more than 120,000 caps an hour.
Sidel said a sport cap version of the flat cap feeder range will be available in early 2011.