A non-invasive, inline pressure measurement system for high-speed inspection of beverages in glass and plastic bottles, PCS700-IoT uses advanced laser spectroscopy to determine if a container headspace has the right pressure levels.
Designed for transparent and semi-transparent bottles, it offers accurate, non-destructive leak detection and to optimize bottling processes.
Through a technique called Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (TDLAS), the PCS700 analyzes specific molecules in their gaseous state—in particular, their ability to absorb light at certain telltale wavelengths. The laser beam passes through the bottles in the product-free headspace. For carbonated beverages like seltzer, soda, and beer, this enables CO2 levels and pressure concentration to be measured quickly and accurately, showing whether a leak or micro-leak is occurring.
Leak-determining pressure inspection also can be performed on nitrogen-dosed products such as water and teas, as well as hot-filled beverages including various juices. For the wine sector, it enables the in-line oxygen measurement to evaluate the efficiency of inertization process after bottle closing.
Crucially, the PCS700-IoT is a smart system: the unit monitors total pressure while providing averages across complete or partial product runs. These real-time metrics appear in a dashboard for fast assessments of products deviating from the norm. The system performs these tasks without changing existing production line setups.
Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy offers several advantages over the acoustic technologies widely used in the beverage market. For starters, detection is more precise, reducing false rejects. It also enables containers to be inspected inline without production slowdown, as well as its consistency regardless of the type of cap used.
The PCS700-IoT works with any glass or plastic containers, so long as they have adequate transparency. Cap and closure agnosticism is inherent since the system is only inspecting the container’s headspace. In addition, its noninvasive design promotes increased hygiene, while its minimalist construction is free of wear-down parts.
An example of the PCS700-IoT’s value is its inline utilization in bottling beer. Laser spectroscopy inspection can be conducted immediately following pasteurization, reliably intercepting leaks due to the heating and subsequent cooling of the container during pasteurization, as well as any micro-cracks in the bottle mouth. Bottles with pressure below a certain level are automatically rejected, with persistent pressure level monitoring allowing operators to adjust for minor deviations before they become major, line-stopping issues.
The PCS 700 IoT is part of Antares' DIAMIND Line suite—the company's most intelligent and integrated ecosystem of solutions that runs at the line, plant, warehouse, company, and supply chain levels, enabling a data-driven, tailored journey to digital innovation.
- Leak and micro leak detection
- Internal pressure measurement
- Laser spectroscopy technology
- Non-destructive testing
- Measure low variability of pressure
- Identify pressure derive
- Wizard software for easy setup
- Production records
- Expandable with other inspections
- User-friendly interface
- Guarantee the shelf life and quality of the product
- Guarantee the correct closure of the bottle
- Prevent claims from the market
- Consumer satisfaction
Antares Vision Group
