A clean affair: High-speed checkweighers for detergent production

How can the highest precision be realised in a small space? Together with its local partner EAST, Minebea Intec has developed a checkweigher for Unilever Egypt that is precisely tailored to the requirements of detergent production.

High cycle rates meet complex packaging processes in industrial detergent production. In addition to product quality, the main focus is on compliance with legal requirements - for example in terms of fill quantity control, traceability and product safety. Checkweighers fulfil a central function in this context: they check whether the weight of each individual package is within defined tolerances, reliably eject products with incorrect weights, document deviations and thus make a significant contribution to process reliability and quality assurance. High speeds and limited space in particular place special demands on the weighing technology used - requirements that were also present at Unilever Egypt.

Precise weighing at high line speeds

As part of a joint project with local partner company EAST, Minebea Intec integrated the Flexus® highspeed checkweigher into an existing production line for packaging detergents at Unilever Egypt. The Scales are specially designed for industrial applications with high throughput and can achieve up to 600 packs per minute - with consistently high measuring accuracy. Thanks to its compact, modular design, the Flexus® could be easily integrated into the existing line. The hygienic design with stainless steel housing (IP54, optional IP65) also fulfils the requirements for cleaning and robustness in daily operation. In addition, the Flexus® checkweigher fulfils key industry standards such as MID and 21 CFR Part 11, which also qualifies it for regulated industrial areas.

Controlled processes for reliable production results

The project at Unilever Egypt illustrates the role that precise checkweighers play in modern detergent production: They ensure compliance with fill quantities, enable traceability and contribute to process stability - even at high line speeds. The successful implementation shows how technological solutions can be precisely integrated into existing production environments together with experienced partners - with tangible benefits for quality, efficiency and safety during ongoing operations.

“Close cooperation with Minebea Intec enabled us to precisely meet the high requirements of Unilever Egypt. Thanks to the compact design of the Flexus® checkweigher, we were able to quickly integrate the system into the existing line while significantly increasing efficiency, quality, and process reliability.”
Engineer Beshoy Kamel, EAST

INFOBOX

Key facts
The project centred on the requirement for a compact high-speed checkweigher for the precise Weighing of detergent in pre-packed cartons. Due to limited space, the compact design was crucial for the precise integration into the existing production line and now enables Unilever Egypt to manufacture efficiently, flexibly and with quality assurance.

Application
The checkweigher reliably and highly accurately checks the weight of the carton packaging at very high line speeds - for consistent product quality and compliance with legal requirements.

Products
Checkweighers Flexus®

Customer benefits

• Efficient: Inspection of up to 600 packs per minute
  
• Flexible: Compact system with MID and 21 CFR Part 11 certification
• Hygienic: Stainless steel housing (IP54/IP65), easy to clean

The customer
Unilever Egypt is based in Cairo and has been part of the global Unilever Group since 1991. The company produces and distributes consumer goods in the nutrition, personal care and household sectors. It is characterised by strong brands, high quality standards and sustainable production processes. Unilever Egypt is a leading supplier on the Egyptian market, particularly in the detergent sector.