JetPlate drying system improves label quality on bottles

Kingsland Wines & Spirits Ltd, which is believed to be the UK's largest independent bottler of wines and spirits, is now able to offer its customers a wider range of options for their label designs following an investment in self-adhesive labeller technology. In conjunction with the investment, a new drying system, Air Control Industries' JetPlate, was installed at Kingsland's Irlam premises in April 2006 to maximise the quality of the label application.

Any condensation or water that accumulates on the outside of the bottle prior to labelling can have an adverse effect on the label, as it prevents proper adhesion. Prior to the installation of the ACI system, Kingsland had used a series of air knives to eliminate the water and condensation. However, the effectiveness of the air knives was limited during periods of excessive condensation, which can occur at certain times of the year.

The new ACI JetPlate system, however, was able cope with the most extreme levels. During acceptance trials, test bottles that had been fully immersed in water immediately prior to being passed through the JetPlate were dry upon exit.

Nigel Smith, Company Engineering Manager, states: "The ACI system works very efficiently. It provides significant benefits, enabling us to enhance our services to customers - which include many leading high-street retailers."

ACI's JetPlate delivers twice the volume of air that a conventional airknife would, at higher pressure and from a closer position. Essentially, it comprises facing plenums, each with a faceplate with stepped air delivery slots. This configuration ensures the air delivery pattern effectively pushes liquid down and off the product as it is conveyed between the plenums. The close proximity of the plenums also ensures there is no risk of bottles falling over.

Air delivery is designed to ensure water and spray is driven downwards to prevent possible re-contamination. The JetPlate's plenums are simple to adjust to suit different bottle sizes, with no risk of incorrect positioning and consequent inefficient drying.