Big Buffer by Europool: Efficient Accumulation for Large-Size Containers
In the food and beverage industry, efficient and continuous management of production flows is essential. Europool's Big Buffer accumulation system was initially designed to meet the handling and accumulation needs of large containers, such as bottles from 5 to 10 liters or specially shaped formats.
Over time, thanks to careful development and optimization, the system has been successfully adapted for smaller containers, such as 1-liter and half-liter bottles, demonstrating remarkable versatility and adaptability to various production needs.
Operation of the Big Buffer
The Big Buffer is an accumulation system consisting of a series of straight chain conveyors, connected at the inlet and outlet with two 90° curved conveyors. Container transfer within the system occurs via a fixed dosing belt that directs them toward the accumulation table. Once inside the system, the containers are moved from the loading belt to the accumulation area by a dynamic cart, which guides their movement and ensures greater stability during transfer. Discharge occurs similarly: a second dynamic cart, positioned on the output conveyor, manages the orderly transfer of containers from the accumulation table to the discharge belt. During normal operation, the Big Buffer loads one channel and discharges an adjacent one, continuously covering the entire machine front. During an accumulation phase, when the downstream machine stops, the aim is to allow the upstream machine to continue working. The Big Buffer, placed between the two machines, fills the straight-line channels of which it is composed. This phase is managed by the dynamic loading cart, and the transfers can be repeated for a number of conveyors predetermined according to the accumulation requirement. When the downstream machine restarts, the Big Buffer’s discharge area is emptied at a recovery speed, allowing the accumulation table to return to its normal condition and regain its full capacity. The discharge phase is managed by the dynamic unloading cart, positioned on the active accumulation belt. In this way, since the upstream machine was able to continue production, machine stops and efficiency losses are avoided. The Big Buffer enables a fully FIFO (First In, First Out) accumulation, ensuring a continuous and orderly flow of containers along the production line.
Technical Features
Application Sectors
Advantages of the Big Buffer
Conclusions
The Big Buffer accumulation system by Europool is an advanced solution for managing large or specially shaped containers in production lines. Its modular design and ability to adapt to different production needs make it a valuable tool for improving industrial efficiency and operational continuity.
