PERFORMANCE, PACKAGED

Allpax Introduces the “Versatort” Production Scale R&D Retort

May 01, 2014

COVINGTON, LA — Allpax Products, powered by ProMach, introduces the Versatort, a full size, production scale research and development (R&D) retort with the capacity to perform both rotary and reciprocating agitation. The new Versatort retort facilitates production-scale testing in the lab environment. Having this production sized retort readily available in the R&D lab provides much faster throughput from product development to production.

Recognizing that its customers needed a versatile R&D retort solution, Allpax designed the Versatort to provide static processing as well as rotary agitation in a 32-inch cube basket and reciprocating agitation in a 40-inch cube basket. Processing modes include saturated steam, water spray, water immersion, and steam-air.

“The Versatort is another example of Allpax’s ability to provide customization tailored to a customer’s needs,” said Greg Jacob, Vice President and General Manager, Allpax. “Not only does this production scale retort provide the tools to determine the optimum solution, but it also gives customers the assurance that they have a plug-and-play R &D retort to meet their future needs.”

Versatility

The Versatort is ideal for brand owners and co-packers that produce several different types of packages. Rotary agitation works well for vertically oriented packaging, such as cans and glass jars. Reciprocating agitation is more effective for horizontally oriented containers, such as pouches and bowls. With this retort, users have a one-stop shop for all of their commercial R&D production testing as well as producing test market batches.

In addition, the new retort gives large food manufacturers with multiple products in various types of containers the ability to choose the process mode and agitation method best suited for their specific needs. It also gives them the assurance that they will achieve the exact same outcome when the recipe and process are implemented on the plant floor.

The Versatort gives users the unique ability to weigh differences between reciprocating and rotary agitation for their application and select the optimal solution. For example, a rectangular container can be oriented vertically or horizontally. If it is horizontal, reciprocating agitation is the best choice. If it is standing up, rotary agitation is typically the best solution. Users can make direct comparisons to determine which agitation style works best for the product’s overall quality of taste and appearance. Testing also gives an accurate idea of overall throughput based on each process.

Easy changeover

To ensure easy changeover between agitation methods, the rotary and reciprocating modules of the Versatort are mounted on customized carts that can quickly be moved into position so the modules can be bolted in place. This provides an ergonomically friendly method for changeovers and a simple solution that suits the limited space laboratory environment.

For information on the new Versatort solution from Allpax, call 1-888-893-9277 and visit www.Allpax.com.

About ProMach

ProMach is a family of best-in-class packaging and processing solution brands serving manufacturers of all sizes and geographies in the food, beverage, pharmaceutical, personal care, and household and industrial goods industries. ProMach brands operate across the entire production line: processing, filling, bottling and capping, decorative labeling, flexibles and trays, pharma, handling and sterilizing, labeling and coding, and robotics and end of line. ProMach also provides systems and integration including turnkey solutions, design/build, engineering services, and productivity software to optimize production line design and deliver maximum uptime.

ProMach designs, manufactures, integrates, and supports the most sophisticated and advanced packaging and processing solutions in the global marketplace. Its diverse customer base, from Fortune 500 companies to smaller, privately-held businesses worldwide, depends on reliable, flexible, technologically advanced equipment and integrated solutions. ProMach is headquartered near Cincinnati, Ohio, with manufacturing facilities and offices throughout North America, Europe, South America, and Asia. For more information about ProMach, visit www.ProMachBuilt.com and for more information on ProMach Careers, visit www.ProMachCareers.com.