JetPlates and Can Tunnels dry bottles and cans

ACI's DRI-Line range caters for a vast array of applications and includes standard and non-standard configurations. The latest in a long line of new ACI product developments take the form of JetPlates and Can Tunnels.

JetPlate technology

Integrated into ACI's DRI-Line bottle drying systems, the new JetPlate is a development of Airknife technology and is designed to improve the drying efficiency of the company's machines while also simplify installation and maintenance.

Major features of the new JetPlate concept include its ability to deliver twice the volume of high-pressure air over the bottles from a closer position than before, with the entrained air ensuring that all water and spray is directed downwards to prevent possible recontamination. JetPlates are also simple and quick to adjust while their positioning permits single bottles – of varying heights without adjustment - to pass through without falling.

Essentially the JetPlate arrangement comprises facing plenums, each with a face plate 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 new JetPlate arrangement simplifies installation and maintenance because the plenum face plates act as bottle guides, thereby eliminating the need for rails. Also, there is no call for pitch adjustment such as might be required with conventional Airknife systems to achieve optimum drying.

Throughput capacity of ACI's new JetPlate system has been proven on some of the fastest bottling lines.

Can tunnel technology

Based on a tunnel configuration, ACI's can drying system features specially configured slots that direct air to remove water efficiently while driving it downwards and out of the enclosed area. Also, the enclosed environment ensures the water is contained and the drying air performs more effectively than with conventional 'open' alternatives. Noise attenuation is another benefit of the enclosed design.

ACI's Can Tunnels are simple and quick to install; they simply rest on brackets attached to the conveyor. The system also permits height adjustments to cope with different can heights to be performed easily, even by a single operator.

ACI's new tunnel systems, which are suitable for high-speed lines, are compatible with the company's DRI-Line systems, either as part of an open arrangement (EL) or a totally enclosed one (LL).