Inline sorting robot

In spring 2003, a total of three inline sorting robots were commissioned for three returnable lines, each for 100,000 bottles/h. In the planning stage, particular attention was given to low space requirements and flexible extension possibilities so as to be qualitatively and quantitatively prepared for further increases in product mix diversity.

hen it became apparent in the second half of 2002 that variety of products had increased considerably, in particular in the 0.33 l returnable category, it could be foreseen that manual sorting using a buffer store would soon run into difficulties in a 100,000 unit line. It could be anticipated that the quantity of incorrect bottles could not be handled any more by simply increasing the number of sorters...

The necessity of going automatic received additional impetus through the introduction of the longneck bottle in Warsteiner Brewery.
Based on the initial situation as described, a specification catalogue with a series of criteria was drawn up for the sorting plant:
- small space requirements;
- possibility of extension - modular construction;
- continued utilisation of sorting equipment in future new plants;
- possibility of utilisation in a new large-scale sorting plant which may possibly be installed in a central location;
- low operator input;
- flexible sorting concept - quick reaction possibilities for new bottles being sorted;
- short change-over times;
- additional manual sorting possibilities in peak periods;
- support for stepwise replacement of Vichy and NRW bottles by longneck bottles .