Filling equipment
The pneumatically controlled filling head AFC is an independent unit designed for operation with a filling machine or an evacuation unit. The SAC is semi-automatic and is used for safe and accurate filling/evacuation of LPG cylinders with centre valves (click-on type). It is mounted on the machine (e.g. a UFM filling machine) with a retractable spring balancer.
The filling head connection is performed in two steps after it is manually pulled down and pressed onto the cylinder valve. First, a set of lock washers lock the cylinder valve and the filling head, and an internal filling nozzle is seated onto the cylinder valve to create an air-tight seal. Then, an internal pin opens the cylinder valve and the gas flow inside the filling head together.
The filling head disconnection is also performed in two steps. First, the pin is retracted, closing the gas flow and the cylinder valve. Then the filling nozzle is disconnected from the cylinder valve and retracts back. Finally, as the lock washers are released, the filling head retracts back under the spring force of the retractable spring balancer.
Benefits
- The SAC filling head can be used for both filling and evacuation of LPG
- Automatic locking and releasing features ensure a higher operating speed even for a manual operation
- Customised nozzle according to the customer’s cylinder specifications ensures a perfect leak-tight connection with the cylinder valve
- Less puffing during the filling disconnection, as the retraction of the pin stops the LPG flow and closes the cylinder valve before disconnecting the nozzle
- Mechanically activated fail-safe opening of the gas stop valve to avoid opening the gas flow if the cylinder valve is not correctly connected to the filling head
