Energy Saving Kit on shrinking tunnels: the new test

In September 2009, thanks to the kind cooperation of Fonti di Vinadio (well known mineral water bottler in north of Italy), we have tested the benefits achievable using an energy saving kit on an OCME shrinking tunnel installed in 2007. This kit includes:

• Closing/opening doors at the infeed/outfeed of the tunnel
• Thermal power adjustable in real time according to the production capacity
• Mesh conveyor speed adjustable in real time according to the production capacity
• Temperature detector of the mesh conveyor
• Cooling fans with servo motors

The analysis of the data gave surprising results: on the tunnel operating without energy saving kit the machine produced 3.906 bundles in 3 hours with a consumption of 203,3 kWh while with tunnel operating with energy saving kit on (same period of 3 hours) the machine has produced 3.922 bundles with a consumption of 145 kWh, equal to 28,7% less power consumed.

On the basis of these results, by theorizing a 3 shift working for 6.000 hours per year we can achieve savings of 120.000 kWh.

To know more about Energy Saving Kit contact:

• for existing machines: g.bertinelli@ocme.it
• for new machines: your contact in the OCME's sales department or info@ocme.it

N.B. Tests has been made on a Vega S 50 shrink-wrap packer working a bundle of 24 PET bottles (0,5 litres), film only on single track, in continuous production working conditions. In case of machine stops, due to size-change operation or stops in the filling line, the efficiency rises even more. In those cases the tunnel goes automatically at low speed, reduces temperature and closes the infeed and outfeed doors working at the minimum temperature needed to restart.