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The viscosity of sauce plays a critical role in determining the appropriate filling head for a filling machine. The filling head refers to the part of the machine that dispenses the sauce into the containers. Here's how viscosity affects the choice of filling head:

Low viscosity sauces (thin sauces)

For sauces with low viscosity, such as thin marinades or salad dressings, a filling head that relies on gravity may be suitable. Gravity fillers allow the sauce to flow freely into the containers without the need for excessive pressure.

Another option for low viscosity sauces is a nozzle or spout-based filling head. These heads can provide precise control over the flow of sauce and minimize drips or spills during filling.

Medium viscosity sauces

Sauces with medium viscosity, such as barbecue sauce or salsa, may require a filling head that provides a combination of gravity and positive displacement. Positive displacement fillers, such as piston fillers, use a piston or cylinder to push sauce into the containers. These fillers are suitable for thicker sauces but may require adjustments to accommodate variations in viscosity.

Pump-based filling heads are also commonly used for medium viscosity sauces. These pumps can handle thicker liquids and provide consistent filling volumes.

High viscosity sauces (thick sauces)

Thick sauces, such as tomato paste or mayonnaise, require filling heads that can handle high viscosity without clogging or causing uneven fills. Auger fillers are often used for extremely thick sauces. These fillers use a rotating auger to dispense the sauce into the containers, allowing for precise control over the flow rate.

Alternatively, positive displacement fillers with larger piston sizes or rotary valve fillers may be suitable for high viscosity sauces. These fillers can exert more force to push thick sauces into the containers.

Sauces with particulates

If the sauce contains particulates, such as herbs, spices, or vegetable chunks, special consideration must be given to the filling head design to prevent clogging and ensure even distribution of the particulates. Filling heads with wide openings or special agitators may be necessary to accommodate particulate-laden sauces.

When choosing the filling head for sauce, it's essential to consider not only the viscosity of the sauce but also factors such as particulate content, fill accuracy, production speed, and compatibility with packaging. Conducting trials and testing with different filling heads and sauce formulations can help determine the most suitable option for your specific application.