Line concept for can filling

Cans play an important role in the export business of Pilsner Urquell, the principal brand of Plzensky Prazdroj A.S. Plzensky Prazdroj AG´s output totals about 9 million hectolitres, of which around 5 million hectolitres are brewed in Pilsen itself. Since 1999, the group has been owned by the SABMiller brewing conglomerate. In the past two years, Plzensky Prazdroj AG has completed a far-reaching structural transformation.
In a new bottling hall, Krones has installed a combined returnable/non-returnable glass line, plus a canning line. The canning line concept comprises a Pressant Universal can sweep-off depalletiser, an existing two-year-old can filler and two Variopac packers from the FS (for 4- and 6-can film shrink packs) and TFS series.
The brewery revamped its technology, taking the significant step of changing over from a tunnel to a VarioFlash pasteuriser to assure the production of the traditional beer in good quality. The new line has increased productivity by upsizing capacity from 20,000 to 36,000 cans an hour. A further increase in output to 60,000 cans per hour is already planned.