Volumetric, gravimetric or flow-meter dosing: which technology should you choose?

Volumetric, gravimetric or flowmeter dosing: which technology should you choose?

The dosing system plays an essential role in filling quality and must be selected according to the product. Volumetric, gravimetric or flowmeter dosing: these different technologies meet specific requirements. There is therefore no universal dosing method suitable for every product.

A free-flowing liquid, an oil, a viscous product or a formulation whose density may vary will not present the same constraints. Likewise, a small production run and an automated packaging line will not necessarily require the same configuration.

How do you choose the right dosing technology for your product? Here are the main criteria to consider.

Why is the choice of dosing system so important?

Dosing determines the quantity of product introduced into each container. Its consistency can therefore have a direct impact on packaging quality. Insufficient or inconsistent dosing can cause discrepancies between containers. Conversely, repeated overdosing can generate product losses that become significant on large production runs. However, accuracy is not the only criterion.

When choosing a filling machine, you also need to consider:

• the product’s viscosity, density and conductivity;
• the possible presence of particles;
• the volume to be dosed;
• the number of formats;
• the required production rate;
• cleaning constraints;
• the characteristics of the containers.

Our Research & Development team has designed a range of filling machines that can be equipped with different dosing systems to handle products with different viscosities:

• Our K-One, ideal for liquid and viscous products, which operates with a peristaltic pump
• Our piston pump on cart, ideal for high-density, thick and pasty products, thanks to its piston dosing system
• Our K-Net, capable of filling free-flowing, viscous and pasty products thanks to its flowmeter dosing technology (electromagnetic or mass, depending on the nature of the product to be packed).

Volumetric dosing: measuring a quantity of product by volume

Volumetric dosing consists of dispensing a quantity of product into the container according to a selected volume. At CDA, this technology can notably be implemented by adding a pump or piston to the selected packaging machine. The pump or piston then draws the required volume, as stored in the machine programme, and transfers it into the container in a controlled and precise manner.

Gravimetric dosing: using mass rather than volume

Gravimetric dosing directly measures the quantity of product according to its weight. This approach is particularly useful when variations in product density need to be taken into account. This technique is often used for high-value products.

Flowmeter dosing: measuring product flow

This type of dosing uses a flowmeter to measure the passage of the product in order to determine the quantity to be dispensed. There are different types of flowmeter, including mass and electromagnetic flowmeters. The choice between these technologies depends on the properties of the product.

The electromagnetic flowmeter

The electromagnetic flowmeter is suitable for conductive liquids. This distinction is important: not all liquids are compatible with an electromagnetic flowmeter. The properties of the product must therefore be known before selecting this technology. Our experts are available to help you choose the most suitable and safest technology for your products.

The mass flowmeter

The mass flowmeter is used for products that are not conductive, broadening the range of possible applications compared with an electromagnetic flowmeter. The choice between an electromagnetic and a mass flowmeter depends on the physical characteristics of the product.

How do you choose between these technologies?

Before selecting a filling machine, you first need to analyse the product.

1. What is its viscosity?

A very free-flowing product does not present the same constraints as a thick product. Viscosity influences the choice of pump and dosing system in particular. For high-viscosity products, piston dosing is often more suitable. Our piston pump on cart is specifically designed for this type of application.

2. Is the product conductive?

This question becomes important if an electromagnetic flowmeter is being considered. This technology requires a conductive product. It is therefore essential to check this characteristic before choosing this solution.

3. What volumes need to be dosed?

The filling volume and the variety of formats also influence the choice of configuration. A company packing many different products, particularly when dealing with small volumes, may find peristaltic filling particularly advantageous.

4. What production rate are you looking for?

Our K-Net, for example, is a semi-automatic filling machine that can be configured with different pump systems.

Conversely, for automated production, the dosing technology must be integrated into an automatic machine and the overall production flow.

The K-Line S can notably be configured according to the nature of the product with a suitable dosing system, including volume measurement or flow measurement.

One dosing technology for an entire product range?

A company developing several product references may have products with different viscosities or behaviours. In this case, it may be necessary to consider several dosing solutions or provide a configuration capable of meeting the requirements of different applications. The K-Net, for example, can be equipped with different types of pump depending on requirements. This flexibility can be useful for a company with an extensive product range.

Why carry out trials before choosing?

The theoretical characteristics of a product do not always make it possible to predict exactly how it will behave on a machine. This is particularly true for viscous, foaming, sensitive products or products with specific properties. Filling trials can therefore be an important step before approving a project.

At CDA, we can carry out tests under real operating conditions to assess the behaviour of the product and thereby determine the dosing technique best suited to the project. The objective is not simply to check whether a product can be filled, but to determine the conditions under which it can be dosed correctly and consistently with the production objectives.

What about a complete packaging line?

When filling is combined with capping and screw-capping and labelling, the choice of dosing system must be incorporated into the overall project. The complete K-Net Auto – VS400 – Ninon Mix line illustrates this approach with these three successive stages. In this configuration, the K-Net Auto dosing system is adapted to the product range and can notably use different technologies.

Are you deciding between several dosing technologies? Contact our experts today to determine which dosing technique is best suited to your requirements.

FAQ: The different dosing technologies

Can an electromagnetic flowmeter be used for all liquids?

No. An electromagnetic flowmeter requires a conductive product. The properties of the product must therefore be checked before selecting this technology.

Which dosing technology should you choose for a viscous product?

It depends on the viscosity and behaviour of the product. A piston system may be suitable for certain high-viscosity products, but a trial may be required to validate the solution.

Can the same filling machine use several dosing technologies?

Yes, depending on the machine and its configuration. Some of our filling machines can be equipped with different dosing systems according to the product and project.

Why carry out a trial before choosing a filling machine?

A trial makes it possible to observe the product’s actual behaviour and check that the proposed dosing technology corresponds to the required production conditions.

Does the choice of dosing system depend on the production rate?

Yes. The required production rate is one of the criteria to consider, together with the product, the volume to be dosed, the container and the required level of automation.

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