Carbonation problem
Carbonation changes during the packaging run
Early packages behave differently from late ones. As the tank empties, the conditions holding CO2 in solution can change with it.
What you are seeing
The first cans fill differently from the last ones, the operator keeps touching the regulator during the run, and late packages read differently.
Likely causes
- Head pressure is not maintained as product leaves the tank.
- Replacement gas is added by hand, unevenly.
- Pressure at the outlet changes as the liquid level drops, especially in tall vessels.
Checks to run first
- Log tank pressure at the start, middle and end of the run.
- Measure CO2 in early and late packages.
- Count how often the regulator is adjusted during a run.
Packaging mode supplies CO2 or nitrogen through the CIP arm and maintains head pressure as the tank empties. An optional bottom pressure sensor accounts for the difference between top and outlet pressure on taller vessels.
It does not balance lines, set up the filler or change the product's temperature during the run.
When to get help
Send us your vessel height, batch volume and filler details and we will tell you whether bottom pressure sensing is worth adding.