CASTLEMAINE PERKINS - C3 CIP / Job No: #5766
After reviewing facilities at the brewery, Castlemaine Perkins identified a need to introduce automated features to the beer delivery and cleaning system on their existing Can Filling Machine.
Previously the system was manually operated and the new features were needed to reduce beer losses by supplying beer to the filler in a more controlled approach. A requirement of the new system was also that it would allow operators to collect statistical information about the production process, such as trends in volume and quantity.
After successfully completing automation projects for Castlemaine Perkins for many years, and having established an ongoing relationship with the brewery, MPA Engineering was contracted to design, program and commission the automated system for the Can Filling Machine. Known as the C3 CIP (clean in place), the new system was designed to provide automatic sequences for beer delivery, product change and cleaning.
MPA worked closely with staff from Castlemaine Perkins, to document, program and commission the C3 CIP system. The ongoing design process was undertaken in a number of stages, as and when the mechanical installations were completed. MPA designed the automated beer delivery and cleaning system for the Can Filling Machine, selecting an S7-300 PLC, an OP270 Operator Panel and a TP170A Touch Panel from the Siemens range of products.
The different types of beer produced by Castlemaine Perkins are stored in a number of cellars. The C3 CIP system is now programmed to select the required product from a specific cellar, where it follows a fixed beer delivery sequence.
Flushing water is first pushed out with beer through the pipe work to drain. The beer water interface is detected and a measured amount of beer is sent through the filler to ullage. This cools down the filler and purges the filler of contaminants i.e. residue water and air. When the ullage step has been completed the filler operator can prepare the filler for production. The new process also incorporates automatic product changes from either cellar tank to tank or cellar to cellar.
