Packaging is akey process in the production of beverages. Different filling methods and filling systems correspond to different filling formssuch as glass bottles, plastic containers, metal cans, etc.But regardless of the filling method and filling system, quality of carbonated drinksmust be ensured to meet production requirements. The quality requirements mainly include:
1.Achieve the expected level of carbonation
The carbonation of carbonated beverages should be kept at a reasonable level and the carbon dioxide content must meet the specified requirements. The gas content of the finished product is not only related to the mixer, but also with the main determinant– the filling system.
2.Ensurethe correct ratio of syrup and water
The final sugar content of the finished beverage in the secondary filling method is determined by the amount of grouting, the filling height and the capacity of the container, to ensure the accuracy of the syrup amount and to control the filling height. The modern one-time filling method ensures that the proportioner is operating normally.
3.Maintain a reasonable and consistent filling height
The accuracy of filling height is related to guaranteeing that the contents meet the prescribed standards, commodity value and the proportion of beverage to container expansion. For example, the filling height directly affects the ratio of syrup to water during the second filling. When the filling is too full and the top gap is small, when the beverage expands due to the increase of temperature, it will lead to increased pressure, air leakage and bottle explosion.
4.The top clearance of the container should be kept to a minimum amount of air
The high air content in the headspace portion causes oxidation of the aroma or other components in the beverage,finallyresultsin deterioration of the product.
5.Sealed and effective
Sealing is a key factor in protecting and maintaining the quality of beverages. Bottled beverages should be tightly sealed, whether they are crown caps or screw caps. The caps should not be damaged when the caps are pressed. The quality of the can ends should meet the specified requirements.
6.Maintain product stability
Spills and foam spills can occur after unstable products are opened. The main factors causing instability of carbonated beverage products are: excessive carbonation, presence of impurities, presence of air, excessive filling temperature or large temperature difference. Any carbonated beverage is unstable (supersaturated) at atmospheric pressure, and this instability increases with increasing carbonation and temperature, so cold bottles (containers), cold syrup, cold water (cold drinks)areextremely beneficialfor filling.
