Empty container air conveying

In production lines without an integrated combi solution, air conveyor systems transport empty PET bottles from the blow moulding machine to the filler using controlled air flow. Sidel's empty container air conveying systems are designed for maximum layout and format flexibility, product care through total air purity control, ergonomic cleanability and measurable energy savings. 

What is an air conveyor system for PET bottles? 

An air conveyor system suspends empty PET bottles by their neck ring and transports them through an enclosed neck-rail channel using directed air jets. Because the bottles are suspended and not in contact with a belt or chain surface, the risk of bottle body contamination is minimised. This makes air conveying the preferred method for transporting empty containers between the blower and the filler in beverage production lines where hygiene standards are high. 

Layout and format flexibility 

Sidel's air conveying systems support straight runs, curves, inclines and declines within the same system. They are compatible with a wide range of PET bottle formats, from small single-serve containers to large multi-litre formats. Easy clip-and-slide neck rail replacement simplifies format changeovers and reduces adjustment time. 

Total air purity control for product safety 

The enclosed channel design, combined with controlled air filtration, ensures that no particulate, dust or microbial contamination enters the bottle during transport. A removable convex top cover with integrated cable tray and a removable deck for inside cleaning support regular hygiene maintenance. 

Energy savings and sustainability 

Sidel's air conveying systems deliver a 20% reduction in drive electricity consumption from the ventilation columns compared to earlier generation systems. Dry neck guide lubrication, using a food-processing-approved lubricant, reduces friction and extends guide lifespan. The very low friction coefficient also improves mechanical reliability across the full production cycle. 

Features

  • Bottle specifications
    • Diameter from 45 to 115 mm
    • Under-neck diameter from 24.5 to 46.5 mm
  • Plenums
    • Straight: 300 to 3 000 mm
    • Curves: 15 to 90°, radius 900 mm
    • Slopes: 5 to 15°, radius 5 000 mm
  • Floor, wall or aerial supports
  • Bottle train formation for conveying or switching

  • Automatic regulation of air flow to machine speed and conveyor occupation rate
  • Manual register for fine pressure adjustment to limit turbulence
  • Automatic register for immediate pressure adjustment to defined constraints

  • Distribution: 1>2, 1>3, 2>2
  • Grouping: 2>1, 3>1
  • Up to 80.000 bottles / hour on 3 ways
  • Optimum reliability: short run, low inertia
  • Optimum air-tightness
  • Side rails with possible automatic format changeover
  • Optimized running principle:
    • Reduction of mass inertia in motion
    • One single shear zone
    • Reduction of the dead area increasing speed


We focus on customer satisfaction

Always by your side on every step of the way to build, maintain and improve your line performance