Integrated Process Technology and Filling Systems for the Food Industry

Krones and specialized technology partners such as Ampco Pumps and Perfinox are collaborating to implement integrated processing and packaging lines for food and beverage manufacturers. The technical solution aims to standardize complex production requirements through efficient thermal processes and resource-saving filling procedures.

Operational Challenges and Collaboration
Manufacturers of liquid and highly viscous foods must manage complex production requirements, ranging from hygienic product handling to resource-efficient packaging. To overcome these process engineering hurdles and reduce system complexity, Krones collaborates with its European and US subsidiaries, including Ampco Pumps, Perfinox, Evoguard, HST, and CSW. This technological cooperation bundles specific expertise in pump technology, homogenization, and lid feeding to provide a fully integrated infrastructure across the entire value chain.

Technical Solution and Responsibilities
The system architecture includes the integrated PERFITECH processing system from Perfinox, which utilizes the PERFITHERM scraped-surface heat exchanger for heating and cooling media. Krones and HST are responsible for integrating the HLI series high-pressure homogenizers to ensure a homogeneous product structure for sensitive liquids. For mechanical fluid technology, Ampco Pumps and Evoguard provide ZP3 series rotary lobe pumps and inline mixers. In the area of preservation, Krones implements the LinaFlex eSync tunnel pasteurizer, which enables precise control of pasteurization units, while CSW contributes a lid feeding system for continuous can filling.

Deployment and Implementation
The physical deployment and demonstration of these networked system components will take place at the PACK EXPO International trade fair, held from October 18 to 22, 2026, at the McCormick Place convention center in Chicago, Illinois. During implementation in industrial environments, the individual process steps are mechanically connected using standardized pump and valve solutions. The Modulfill filler series and the Modulseam seaming machines are synchronized with the lid feed, both digitally and physically, to form an operational canning line that integrates into existing production infrastructures.

Applications and Use Cases
These processing and packaging technologies are applied directly in aseptic processes and can processing for the food and beverage industry. Functional use cases include the continuous mixing, emulsifying, and cooking of highly viscous products such as hummus, sauces, and desserts, as well as the precise preservation of liquids. By applying these mechanical systems, plant operators stabilize product handling and ensure compliance with strict hygiene standards across varying viscosities.

Results and Expected Impact
The integration of the system components minimizes interface complexity in the machinery park and reduces resource consumption during thermal processes. The automation of pasteurization and synchronized can processing guarantee consistent product quality and reduce mechanical operating errors in active operation. By bundling plant technology and digital monitoring systems, industrial manufacturers increase the efficiency of their lines and optimize the footprint for the entire filling and packaging infrastructure.

Edited by Maria Brueva, Induportals editor – adapted by AI.

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