INFANT FORMULA POWDER FILLING & PACKAGING LINES

AN INTEGRATED PROCESS FOR QUALITY AND SAFETY

The process of filling infant formula powder is a sensitive operation that requires high precision and strict procedures to ensure product safety and quality. This process includes several stages, from selecting containers to preparing the final product for shipment. Here's a detailed explanation of each stage:

1-Selecting Appropriate Containers Selecting suitable containers is the first and fundamental step in the packaging process. Containers must be:

-Made from safe, non-toxic materials approved for food use

-Resistant to moisture and light to protect contents from damage

-Capable of being hermetically seamed to prevent air and moisture leakage

-Designed for easy opening and use by consumers

-Compliant with global safety and quality standards

2-Container Sterilization Phase Before Filling Before starting the filling process, containers must be completely sterilized to ensure they are free from any contaminants that could affect milk quality and safety. This phase includes:

-Drying containers using ionized hot air

-Exposing containers to ultraviolet (UV) radiation to eliminate any remaining bacteria

3-Filling Phase and Auger Filling Mechanism Modern filling machines use auger filling mechanisms to ensure weight accuracy and prevent powder clumping. This mechanism works as follows:

-The machine is fed with powder milk through a large hopper

-The powder passes through an auger screw rotating at a specified speed

-The auger screw's rotation speed controls the amount of powder flowing into the container

T-his mechanism is characterized by its ability to handle fine powders efficiently, ensuring homogeneous filling without clumps.

4-Weight Adjustment Phase Weight accuracy is crucial in infant formula filling. To achieve this:

-Machines use highly precise, typically digital weighing systems

-The machine is set to fill a specific weight with minimal error margin (usually less than 0.5%)

-Sensors continuously monitor weight and adjust filling speed if necessary

5-Maintaining Sterility During Filling To maintain product sterility during filling:

-Filling occurs in a sterile environment with special ventilation systems preventing contaminant entry

-Automated systems are used to minimize human intervention

-All surfaces and equipment undergo regular sterilization

6-Container Seaming and Plastic Cap Addition After filling, containers move to the seaming machine which:

-Removes excess gases to reduce product oxidation

-Adjusts internal pressure to maintain product quality

-Adds inert gas (like nitrogen) to extend shelf life if needed

-Hermetically seams the container

-Automatically adds the plastic cap

7-Post-Filling Container Cleaning After seaming, containers undergo additional cleaning:

-Passing through a brush device to remove powder traces

-Using high-pressure air blowers to remove any remaining particles

-Visual inspection to ensure cleanliness and integrity

8-Container Collection for Cartoning After cleaning, containers are collected for carton packaging:

-Containers are arranged in regular rows using automated conveyor systems

-Containers are reinspected for integrity and label accuracy

-Containers are grouped according to required units per carton

9-Carton Assembly and Palletization The final phase includes:

-Packing containers in appropriately sized cartons

-Sealing and numbering cartons

-Arranging cartons systematically on pallets

-Wrapping pallets in transparent plastic for transport protection

-Applying shipping and tracking labels to pallets

This integrated process ensures the production of high-quality infant formula powder while maintaining the highest standards of safety and hygiene throughout all production and packaging stages.