Better together
ARC pin oven. Image: Belvac
At Cannex & Fillex 2024, Belvac exhibited for the first time with its newly acquired operating company, ARC Pacific. The team details its expertise in providing can makers with environmentally focused technology
In 2023, two-piece can technology specialist, Belvac, announced its acquisition of ARC Pacific, global supplier of can washers, dry-off, pin, and internal bake ovens for the metal packaging industry.
ARC Pacific’s equipment holds a strong global market share and is utilised by top can makers around the world, including in the Asian region. Belvac says it believes this performance is a testament to the efficiency and reliability of ARC’s equipment.
Due to the team’s extensive experience, ARC Pacific is taking a leading role in providing equipment and solutions that will significantly reduce the CO2 footprint and improve the sustainability of the can making process.
Washer expertise
The ARC Can Washer is engineered to provide thorough cleaning and sanitation of cans. Optimal angles for the blow-offs are carefully calibrated for different can heights, offering greater flexibility in production and energy savings.
Following the pre-wash, wash, and treatment stages, additional water vacuum systems are employed to prevent the carryover of solutions from the washer mat. The system also includes an overflow piping arrangement that controls flow levels and minimises the discharge water volume, further enhancing efficiency. An efficient oil coalescer is integrated to ensure superior removal of oil contaminants, maintaining high sanitation standards.
Customisation options
ARC Pacific’s equipment is optimised with many features that help increase overall machine efficiency and reduce emissions. Features like the preheating of inlet air help reduce overall energy consumption, while an easy lifting nozzle system for quick size adjustments allows for optimised blower angles, further reducing energy consumption. This system also eliminates the need to cool down ovens for manual height adjustments, enhancing operational efficiency.
Maintenance
While Belvac and ARC’s equipment is engineered to be low maintenance, comprehensive training and care packages are offered following the startup of the equipment. These packages ensure that customers are well-informed about the proper operation and maintenance procedures tailored to their specific demands and production conditions. Regular maintenance and adherence to the provided guidelines are crucial for optimal performance and longevity of the washers and ovens.
ARC can washer. Image: Belvac
Safety as standard
ARC ovens are designed in compliance with NFPA guidelines and EN 1539 standards, as well as being CE Certified. They feature a six-inch cool wall and a two-inch safety wall design, providing superior insulation performance to reduce heat loss and enhance operator safety. Interlock guarding is available on pin ovens, offering additional protection for operators and helping prevent accidents. These safety measures ensure a secure working environment while maintaining high operational standards.
Reducing gas consumption
ARC’s ovens are all equipped with premium insulation technology which help to reduce heat loss. The ARC Pin Oven and Internal Bake Oven are equipped with an advanced energy management systems that preheat fresh inlet air, helping reduce overall energy consumption. Additionally, all ovens are fitted with robust monitoring systems helping to track and regulate gas consumption and exhaust levels in real time. All of these technical innovations help ensure efficient operation, while also minimising emissions.
The path towards a more sustainable future for packaging begins with suppliers like Belvac. It is our collective responsibility to support can makers by innovating products that reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency. Achieving this requires collaboration across the entire value chain. Additionally, our industry must unite to promote recycling programmes and educate consumers about aluminium’s infinitely recyclable properties. Highlighting the value and importance of recycling aluminium products is crucial in fostering a sustainable future. Continued innovation within aluminium packaging, particularly for bottles, is essential for aluminium to compete with other packaging types like plastic and glass.
Recent developments in the market have shown promise, but further advancements, especially for Drawn and Ironed (D&I) bottles, are necessary. These innovations will help aluminium products compete more effectively with other packaging options across all beverage types.
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