International Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences (IJEAS)

ISSN: 2394-3661, Volume-4, Issue-9, September 2017

Design and Construction of an Automated

Adjustable-can foil Sealing Machine
Adizue U. L, Agbadah S. E, Ibeagha D. C, Falade Y. O

Abstract— Finishing and Packaging has been a major activity Finishing and packaging of products in the production
for every production Industry in recent times, as proper industries has been a very crucial activity which cannot be
finishing and packaging helps keep a business green. In Nigeria over emphasized. The quality and marketability of a
today, there has been an increasing demand for canned products particular product to a large extent depends on the type of
such as engine oils, fruit juice, greases and oil treatments etc.
finishing and packaging it under went. One of the processes in
which require foil seal before capping or without capping as the
case maybe. In some of our small scale and growing industries,
which this could be achieved is through sealing. Thus the
sealing of canned products is being carried out by the use of design of an automated adjustable can sealing machine will
locally fabricated manual type sealing machines whose draw enhance such operation.
backs includes man labor intensive, machine multiplicity and
bottlenecks. While the imported equipment worth millions of A. Literature Review
naira for small and medium scale industries to afford. This work A great number of researchers have been made in the bid to
centered on the design and construction of a portable automated provide proper finishing and packaging for products which
adjustable-can foil sealing machine which is a final unit requires foil seals. Applicable to plastic bottles and
operation for finishing and packaging department of some
containers, foil sealing machinery is used in pharmaceutical,
can-product industries. The equipment works within
temperature range of 0-200oC, it accommodate can weights of
beverages, cosmetics, oils and chemical industries. This
3.3kg to 10kg, heights from 82mm – 314mm, lengths from 54mm ensures reliable sealing, purity retention,
– 233mm and widths from 43mm – 106mm and was found to Hermetic sealing, secure packaging, Easy peel off and leak
have an efficiency of 78%, which compares favorably with 90% proofing [1].
efficiency derivable from the imported type and at a more In the early 90’s, hand sealing was done with the use of gloves
cheaper and affordable cost. to press a heated foil on jars. This method was not reliable to a
great extent and encounters a lot of difficulty in proper
Index Terms— Adjustable-can, automated, bottlenecks, foil sealing. Then there was this local fabricated manual type
sealing, efficiency which utilizes a foot pad to operate the sealing head which
descends to seal the foil on the jar, (it incorporated a heating
element at the sealing head). In the recent past, the emergence
I. INTRODUCTION of production industries with the latest technology have led to
Sealing is a process of closing securely, and hermetically, the design and manufacture of equipment to give an improved
cans’ or jars’ content of the products. More so, the product and excellent finishing and packaging. Some of the leading
could be cap or cap-less finish after sealing is done. Sealing firms that have ventured into such equipment are Pack leader
machine is used in different manufacturing and processing machinery Inc. in Taiwan, Eltech groups United Kingdom
applications such as food and beverages, bottled water and and Crand all international. However, the series as produced
juices, dairy products, pharmaceuticals, chemical industry, by Eltech group includes; Semi-Automatic Induction Cap
edible oils, agricultural products, lubricating oils, oil Sealer (Eltech S-500) which does a semi-automatic can foil
treatments, herbicides / pesticides, cosmetics and personal sealing of 8 to 10bottle per minute for cap diameters between
care. 20-120mm. It is suitable for batch production and ideal for
Induction cap sealing is a non-contact sealing process by laboratory use [2]. Also the automatic induction cap sealing
which a foil disk or “seal” is bonded on a container. machine (Eltech-1000); which is used for high speed-cap
Developed more than thirty five (35) years ago, induction sealing applications. This consists of the high efficiency and
sealing was originally intended to prevent leakage of chemical microprocessor control panel, induction head unit and
from plastic bottle caps [1]. efficient water circulation system. This system requires water
Today, this unique process can be used with almost any styled coiling and is available with or without conveyor. The
container and closure for sealing foods, drugs, beverages, automatic induction cap sealing machine (Eltech-2000) can
solvents and chemicals. seal containers having diameters from 10mm up to 63mm
production speeds up to 120 bottles per minute and has
similar features as the Eltech-1000.
According to research, the cost of these sealing machines
Adizue U. L, Department of Engineering Research Development and
ranges from 3046USD to 10,000USD [2],[3] and importation
Production, Projects Development Institute Enugu, Nigeria. cost which is very expensive and cost of maintenance through
Agbadah S. E, Department of Manufacturing Services, National the expatriate are on a very high side for the small scale
Engineering Design Development Institute Nnewi, Nigeria. industries to manage in Nigeria.
Ibeagha D. C, Department of Engineering Research Development and It is not in the author’s knowledge or anywhere in literature
Production, Projects Development Institute Enugu, Nigeria.
Falade Y.O, Department of Engineering Research Development and where a similar design and fabrication has been made either
Production, Projects Development Institute Enugu, Nigeria.

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 Design and Construction of an Automated Adjustable-can foil Sealing Machine

semi-automated or automated can foil sealing machine in (2)

Nigeria.
Where Es = voltage of secondary coil
B. Justification of this work Ns = number of turns of secondary coil
Ep = voltage of primary coil
The essence of designing and production of the automated Np = number of turns of primary coil.
adjustable-can foil sealing machine are as follows;
 To eliminate the stress involved in the manually 2.2 Methods
operated type. 2.2.1 Design calculation
 To eliminate multiplicity of machines for products of
varying dimensions (cap diameters, width, height Design is a major aspect of every manufacturing process. In
and length) by incorporation of an adjustable knob. designing, a lot of factors were taken into consideration in
order to come up with the best design for the production of the
 To reduce human error and fatigue by incorporation
component, equipment or machine.
of an automated system (control system)
In designing for the production of the automated
 To produce a portable reliable and more efficient
adjustable-can foil sealing machine, the following factors
sealing for our packaging industries.
were taken into consideration;
 To save cost as compared with the imported
 Type of load and stresses caused by load
automated machine.
 Motion of parts
 Selection of materials
II. MATERIALS AND METHODS  Frictional resistance and lubrication
 Form and size of the parts
 Convenient and economical features
2.1 Material selection
 Safety operations
 Workshop facilities available
The entire materials used for this work were locally sourced
for and can be categorized into two groups; mechanical and  Cost of construction etc.
electrical .In the selection of the mechanical components of
the materials {mild steel, angle bar, square pipe and sheet}, However, the best design of a machine is one which is more
considerations were made in its mechanical and physical economical in the overall cost of production and operation.
properties. Mild steel is an alloy of iron and carbon with its
carbon content varying from about 0.1% up to 0.3%. A 2.2.2 Selection of motor for conveyor system
number of factors {whether the material can be manufactured
or processed into the desired shape, could economical
solution to the design problem be achieved?} were
considered. More so, materials should be made to withstand
vibrations and other environmental conditions.
The electrical panel or casing consist of the thermocouple,
ammeter, voltmeter, relay/contactor, photocells, cartage
heater, cables, temperature controlling unit, pressure
switches, power input selector, electric motor, electric gear
motor and on/off switches which were purchased in the
market and assembled.
The external power supply of 220V is supplied into the Fig 1: Conveyor system
system through the power input switch. This starts the electric
motor which drives the compressor and simultaneously, the Where; F = Force required to move conveyor (N), R = Normal
thermo-controller used in this equipment is a digital type, reaction (N), M = Mass of Jar/can + content (Kg), g=
which measures temperature from 0°c to 500°C. It has an acceleration due to gravity (g = 9.81N), a = acceleration of Jar
inbuilt relay, which maintains a pre-selected temperature. on motion and µ = Friction coefficient of conveyor belt
Also, the external relay {contactor} regulates the actual (fabrics)
power of the cartridge heater. It also incorporates a voltmeter Thus, force must overcome the resistance (µR) of the belt;
and ammeter for measuring the voltage and current to the F = ma + µR (3)
cartridge heater respectively. From Motion Law, S = Ut + 1/2at2 (4)
Thus applying the relation; Initial Velocity U = 0, then a = 2S/t2 (5)
P = IV (1) Substituting equation (5) in equation (1), we have the
Where P = power in watts expression in equation (6)
I = current in Amperes F = m (2S/t2) + µR (6)
V = voltage in Volts Where S = distance the Jar covers to sealing point and t =
The power input to the heater is then determined. Time taken to sealing point.
For the transformer unit, From our analysis, m = 4.615 Kg, S = 467 mm = 0.467 m, t =
, [12] 10s, µ = 0.28, R = mg
Therefore, F ~ 12.72 N

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 International Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences (IJEAS)
ISSN: 2394-3661, Volume-4, Issue-9, September 2017
More so, Roller shaft is driven by a motor, but Torque on Where T1 = Tension on tight side, T2 = Tension on slack side,
roller = Torque on Pulley (Law of transmissibility of forces) µ = Coefficient of friction on belt = 0.28
Thus, F x R = f x r (7) Substituting data into equation (12)
F = Force on Roller, f = Force on pulley, R = radius of roller, T1 = 25.77 T2 (13)
r = radius of pulley Also relationship between speed of motor and pulley diameter
f ~ 81.41 N N2/N1 = d1/d2 (14)
Thus to select a motor for the conveyor, then the torque Given; N1 = 195 rpm, d1 = 85mm, d2 = 120mm
generated by motor must be greater than torque on roller in N2 = = = = 138.125 rpm
order to drive it (Torque of roller < Torque from motor) [4],
[8]. And = 138 rpm
Therefore, from equation (7) Also, recall speed of motor in m/s
Torque of roller = F x R V= (15)
= 12.72 X 0.08 v= =
= 1.02 Nm
V = 0.87 m/s
Considering a motor of 1hp = 740w, 1440rpm.
More so, Power transmitted by belt
P = (T1 – T2) V , [4] (16)
Where T = Torque of motor in N-m (T1 –T2) V = 740
P = Power of motor in Watts T1 –T2 = = 850.57 N
N = Speed in rev/min, and π = 3.142
Therefore, T = 4.91 N-m T1 –T2 = 850.57 N (17)
Since T motor > T conveyor (4.91 > 1.02 N-m); then, a motor of Substituting equation (13) in equation (17)
1hp rating is selected to drive the conveyor [4]. 25.77 T2 – T2 = 850.57 N
2.2.3 Selecting the belt length for the motor /compressor T2 = = T2 = 34.34 N
link and motor/conveyor link From equation (13), T1 = 25.77 T2 = 884.94 N
Thus, tensions on V-belt are; T1 = 884.94 N and T2 =
 For V-Belt Drives (Open Belt Drive)s 34.34 N
 Length of open belt drive is as expressed in equation
(18), [4], [8]
L= (18)
L = (120 + 85) + 2(275) +
L = 873.16 mm 873 mm
From the standard pitch length table of V-belts according to
IS: 2493 – 1974, [4], [8]
We selected type-A belt of length 925 mm, since 873 mm is
not in standard table.
Thus the design and selection is safe.
Fig 2: Belt drive system
2.2.4 Design for the roller
From figure 3, Where; WH = Weight of Hollow shaft, W1 =
The Angle of contact; θ
Weight of Solid shaft 1, W2 = Weight of Solid shaft 2
θ = (180 - 2α) (8)
W3 = Weight of Roller = WH + W1 + W2 (19)
Where, Sin α = , [4], [8] (9)
Mass density of steel, PS = 7850 Kg/m3
= radius of roller pulley, = radius of motor pulley, x = V1 = Volume of Shaft 1 = π r2 l1 (20)
centre distance V1 = π X (0.0125)2 0.145 = 7.12 X 10-5 m3
Given that = = = 60mm = 0.06m
D2 = Roller pulley diameter, D1 = Motor pulley diameter, x =
275mm = 0.275m
= = = 42.5mm = 0.0425m
From equation (8) α = Sin-1 [( – )/x]
= Sin-1 ((0.06 – 0.0425)/0.275)
= Sin-1 0.0636 = 3.65o

Angle of contact:
θ = (180 - 2 α) x in radian, [4] (10)
= 172.7 (π/180)
Fig 3: Schematic diagram for roller A
= 3.015 radians; ~ 3 radians
Angle of groove 2β = 30, [4] (11)
Mass of solid shaft 1 = density Volume (21)
= 15
M1 = PV1
Thus, tension on belt can be calculated by
M1 = 7850 7.12 10-5 = 0.56 Kg
2.3 log (T1/T2) = µ. θ Cosec β, [4] (12)

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 Design and Construction of an Automated Adjustable-can foil Sealing Machine

W1 = 0.56 9.81 = 5.49 N

V2 = Volume of shaft 2 = π r2 l2 (22)
V2 = π (0.0125)2 0.09
= 4.42 X 10-5 m3
M2 = PV2
M2 = 7850 4.42 10-5 = 0.35 Kg
W2 = 0.35 9.81 = 3.43 N
V = Volume of Hollow shaft = π (R2-r2) l (23)
Where R = radius of external diameter, r = radius of internal
diameter
V = π (0.082 – 0.0762) X 0.220 = 4.31 X 10 - 4 m3
MH = PV Fig 6: Shear force diagram on roller
MH = 7850 X 4.31 X 10-4 = 3.38 Kg
WH = 3.38 X 9.81 = 33.16 N  Bending moment analysis, BM (N-mm)
Thus weight of Roller W = WH + W1 + W2
W = 33.16 + 5.49 + 3.43 = 42.08 N For points between PB1 = - 0.86x (26)
points between PW = - 0.86x +22.04(x – 55) (27)
2.2.5 Shear force and bending moment analysis For points between PB2 = - 0.86x + 22.04(x – 55) – 42.08(x -
 Considering roller A, assuming the combined weight 175) (28)
W = 42.08N acting downward From eqn (26) @ x =55, PB1 = - 47.3 N - mm
From eqn (27) @ x = 175, PW = 2494.30 N - mm
From eqn (28) @ x = 405, PB2 = - 2312.7 N- mm

Fig 4: schematic representation of forces on roller

Where P = Pulley, Wp = weight of pulley = 0.86 N, W =

weight of shaft = 42.08 N, B1 = Bearing 1, B2 = Bearing 2, R1
= Reaction at bearing 1 and R2 = Reaction at bearing 2
At equilibrium, Fig 7: Bending moment diagram
Wp + W = R1 + R2 (24)
0.86 + 42.08 = R1 + R2 Thus, Maximum moment is at the point of greatest weight i.e.
R1 + R2 = 42.94 N (25) weight of Roller = 42.08. Therefore, the design is safe.
Taking moment about B1
0.86 55 + R2 350 = 42.08 175 (clockwise moment =  Considering roller B
anticlockwise moment i.e (ϹM = MϽ)
R2 = 20.90 N
Taking moment about B2
350 R1 = 42.08 175 + 0.86 405
R1 = 22.04 N
Thus, R1 + R2 = 22.04 + 20.90 = 42.94 N
From equations (24) and (25); Wp + W
= R1 + R2 = 42.94 N
Hence the expected Reactions at bearing 1 and 2 are 22.04 N
and 20.94 N respectively
Hence the design is safe
Fig 8: schematic diagram of roller B

At equilibrium,
Total upward force = Total downward force, [5]
:. R1 + R2 = W
R1 + R2 = 42.08 N (29)
Taking moment about B1
Clockwise moment = Anti-clockwise moment
Fig 5: Free force actions W 175 = R2 350

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 International Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences (IJEAS)
ISSN: 2394-3661, Volume-4, Issue-9, September 2017

R2 = r= = , and d = 0.025m
R2 = 21.04 N Therefore Average shear force τ aver
Taking moment about B2
R1 350 = 42.08 175
τ aver = 332.425 KN/m2
R1 = Maximum shear stress τ max
R1 = 21.04 N τ max = Kt τ aver [4], (34)
R1 + R2 = 21.04 + 21.04 = 42.08 N, thus, the design is safe Where Kt = Stress concentration factor
Ratio of maximum diameter to minimum diameter (D/d)
(35)
= = 6.4
Ratio of radius of fillet to minimum diameter
(r/d) (36)
= 0.04
Therefore, theoretical stress concentration factor (Kt) for
stepped shaft with radius (r) i.e. shoulder fillet is given in
Fig 9: free force diagram
Engineering Design text books [4],[8].
For = 6.4, = 0.04;
From Table value for Kt = 1.96 [4]
τ max = 1.96 X 332.425 KN/m2
From equation (34)
τ max = 651.55 KN/ m2 = 651.55 KPa
Shear modulus of rigidity for mild steel G;
G = 79.3 GPa [4]
Since < G i.e. 651.55 KPa < 79.3 GPa
Fig 10: Shear force diagram
The design for the shaft is safe [4], [8].
2.2.7 Shear stress due to bending
 Bending moment analysis BM (N-mm)
For points between B1W = 21.04x (30) τ= (37)
Z= (38)
For points between B1B2 = 21.04 x – 42.08(x-175) 2
Where τ = Shear Stress (N/m ), T = Torque, (Nm), Z=
(31)
Area due to Bending moment (m3)
From eqn (30), @ x = 0, B1W = 0
From eqn (30), @ x = 175, B1W = 3682 N - mm Therefore, τ aver = T (39)
From eqn (31), @ x = 350, B1W = 0 τ aver = 1.02 . 32 ..
π (0.025) 3
τ aver = 664.85 KN/m2
Maximum shear stress τ max
τ max = Kb x τ aver (40)
From Engineering design tables, for Kb; stress concentration
factor due to bending at
= = 6.4, = = 0.04 is given as Kb = 2.75
τ max = 2.75 X 664.85 KN/m2 from equation (40)
τ max = 1828.34 KN/m2 = 1828.34 KPa
Since shear modulus of rigidity for mild steel G = 79.3 GPa
[4],[8]
τ max < G (1828.34 KPa < 79.3 GPa), The design for shaft is
Fig 11: Bending moment diagram safe.

2.2.6 Design for shear stress 2.2.8 Selection of pneumatic cylinder

For the shaft design, consideration is given mostly to the A pneumatic cylinder simply converts air pressure into linear
region of likely failure. This region is at the fillet point. motion. When selecting the pneumatic cylinder, we paid
(Stepped region) attention to:
3.2.1 Shear stress due to torsion  How far the piston extends when activated, known as
τ= [4], (32) “stroke” or “length of travel”, thus; Based on the
height of sample Jar/can we selected a pneumatic
Where τ = Shear stress (N/m2), T = Torque (N-m), r= cylinder with “stroke” = 80 mm
radius of stepped portion (m), Io = Polar moment of Area (m4)  Surface area of the piston face, known as “bore size”,
Io = [4], (33) thus; Based on the lid diameter of the sample Jar
Thus, Given Torque on shaft (roller); T = 1.02 Nm, from (with diameter = 400 mm)
equation (6)

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 Design and Construction of an Automated Adjustable-can foil Sealing Machine

 we designed the sealing head to have an Area of r = W ≈ 114,000 Nm/Kg

200 mm = 0.2 m. Dividing by acceleration of gravity the head can be calculated
 Action type of pneumatic cylinder. Based on our hair =
design we selected a reciprocating action type for
hair ≈ 11620 in air column
effective “stroke”
 Pressure rating; Based on our design we require at
2.2.10 Selecting a temperature
least a pressure of 2450 N/m2 (2.5 Kg/cm2) for
sealing with the kind of sample Jar. Thus, we
More so, the melting point of this kind of plastic is 130 oC so
selected a pneumatic cylinder that can exert up to 3
the sealing machine temperature should be 50oC higher than
bar (3 X 105 N/m2). Fig 12 and 13 show the pictures
this. Thus, the sealing machine should therefore create up to
of the Pneumatic cylinder and Solenoid valve
200oC temperature.
respectively.
To achieve this, we incorporated a cartridge heater and a
Note: The minimum pressing force required in sealing the
temperature controlling unit to regulate the temperature in
aluminium foil lid coated with polypropylene film is 2450
order to bridge overheating.
N/m2.
Thus the thermal conductivity of the aluminium foil lid can be
calculated with the Fourier’s equation of heat conduction,
which is given as
Q = - KA [6], [7] (44)
Where K = Thermal conductivity of the specimen
(Aluminium Foil) [W/mK], A = Uniform area
perpendicular to the direction of heat flow,
= Temperature gradient [K/m] and Q=
Power generated [watts]
Fig 12: Pneumatic cylinder Hence, making K subject of the relation from equation (44)
the thermal conductivity of the specimen (Aluminium foil)
K=- , [W/mK] [6], (45)
Thus, given Current I = 0.0021A and Voltage V = 220V
Slope of graph => S =
Since plastic with foil melts at 130oC and heater should be set
up to 200oC for effective sealing.
dT = (200 + 273) – (130 + 273) K
dT = 70 K
Since the thickness of the foil is about 2mm; dx = 0 – 2 mm =
- 2 mm = - 2 X10-3 m
Fig 13: Solenoid valve Thus, = = - 35000 K/m
A=πrl
2.2.9 Selection of a compressor Where l = thickness of foil = 2 X 10-3 m, r = radius of foil =
0.2 m, π = 3.142 or 22/7
Based on the force or pressure expected to be exerted by the A = 3.142 X 0.02 X 2 X 10-3
pneumatic cylinder, choice of which compressor to be used A = 1.2568 X 10-4 m2
can be made easily. Thus we selected a compressor that can Q = IV = 0.0021 X 220 = 0.462 W
generate up to 4 bar (4 X 105 N/m2) From Fourier Law, using equation (45)
A compressor works with compressible fluids and the specific K=-
work for an isentropic compressor process can be expressed
with the following. K = 1.05 10-3 W/mK
P1V1k = P2V2 k , [6],[7] (41) Thus, thermal conductivity of the aluminium foil is 1.05 ×
Where V = volume (m3) 10-3 W/mK
K= = ratio of specific heats (42)
2.2.10 Design for the equipment frame
Specific work done by compressor is given by This frame was design in order to reduce cost and weight of
W= k RT [(p2/p1) (K-1/K) – 1] (43) the equipment. Thus, we selected mild steel angular iron (4
(K-1) [6].[11] mm 508 mm). In the design for frame dimensions,
Given Kair = 1.4J/Kgk and Rair= 286.9 J/Kg.K Ergonomics were considered [8],[9] such that we envisaged
For compressor work at 20oC, compressing the air from 1 bar an average height person to work on this equipment. Also
to 3 bars (desired to exert sealing force). considered in the dimensioning are other relevant
Then, from equation (43) measurements taken on the rollers (A and B), gear motor,
W= 286.9 (273 + 20) [((3 X 105)/ (1 X 105)) (1.4 – electric motor, Air tank, pneumatic cylinder, compressor,
1)/1.4
- 1] electrical panel and frame to accommodate them all.
W = 3.5 X 286.9 X 293 [(3)0.2857 – 1] Therefore, the necessary dimensions were taken, angle iron
= 294215.95 (0.3687) cut to size and shapes. They are thus joined together by

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welding process after necessary machining operations on the turned and machined to produce the rollers on a lathe
various machine tools (such as lathe, grinding and milling machine. The rollers were subsequently mounted on the frame
machines). supported by the bearings at their required positions. The
required seating openings and positions where the various
2.2.11 Efficiency of the machine components and sub-assemblies were calculated and hence
The efficiency of the automated adjustable-can sealing installed. These include the conveyor belt {tensioned}, gear
machine can be calculated using motor, electric motor, compressor, air tank, electrical panel
Efficiency = 100% (46) and motors and measuring gauges. It must be noted that
before the conveyor belt was finally mounted and tensioned,
Power Input = Power of Compressor motor
the plywood of specified dimension was screwed on the top of
Compressor motor of 1.1 KW rating can supply a current, I =
the frame to support the weight of cans {jars}. Also, a mixture
0.063 Amps and Voltage, V = 220 Volts
of glue and saw dust was used to cover up minor gaps and was
P=IV (47)
smoothened with abrasive paper to obtain high surface finish.
P = 0.063 220 = 13.36 W
The pneumatic system and fabricated mountings were
Pressing force required; F = PA (48)
coupled with adjustable knobs on the side of the equipment
P = pressure required to exert force P = 3 bar = 3 X 10 5 N/m2
and well position for sealing action. The photocells were fixed
A = surface area of sealing head
in their required position to sense the presence of jars,
A = π r2 (49)
regulate the conveyor system and also alert the pressure
Given r = 0.02 m
control of unit respectively. A connection was made to the
A = π (0.02) 2 = 1.257 10-3 m2
thermocouple that will be used to plug into an external socket
Thus, from equation (48) to generate power. Connections were made with heat resistant
F = 3 105 1.257 10-3 wire to the cartridge heater, which is seated in the machined
F = 377.10 N sealing head. More so, air hose were connected from the air
Work done by can (Jar + oil content) on conveyor = weight of tank linked with the compressor via the solenoid air valve to
can Distance covered to sealing point the pneumatic cylinder to their inlet and exit ports
Wk = W D [5] (50) respectively. Its sealing unit can be adjusted and sealing head
Where Wk = Work done replaced to accommodate cans of varying height and lip
W = weight of can + content = 4.615Kg X (9.81) diameter respectively. The features of the equipment includes
D = Distance covered by can = 0.468 m (from design) ; (1) pneumatic cylinder (2) air hose for out stroke (3) air hose
Wk = 0.468 X 4.615 X 9.81 = 21.19 J for in stroke (4) adjustable frame (5) cylinder push road (6)
Power Output = sealing head (7) rail guide (8) adjustable knob (plastic) (9)
Pout = (51) conveyor belt (10) plywood (11) roller (12) pneumatic valve
(13) air hose to pneumatic valve (14) air compressor (15)
Pout = Ws/Ts frame {angle iron} (16)electric panel (17) compressor tank
Given that the sealing time = Ts = 2.8s link (18) air tank (19) motor stand (20) pressure switch (21)
Where, Ws = work done by sealing head temperature control unit (22) gear motor (23) belt drive (24)
Ws = pressing force distance between sealing head and pulley and (25) photocells. See fig 14 and 15 for the isomeric
Jar view and photograph of equipment respectively.
Ws = F D1 (52) 3.2 Principle of operation
Given F = 377.10 N, D1 = 0.08m (from design) The principle of operation of this equipment is automated and
Ws = 377.10 X 0.08 = 30.168 J very simple. Once the power supply is connected to the mains;
Recall equation (51), the switch is on which immediately triggers the motor
Pout = 30.168/2.8 = Pout = 10.77 Watts connected to the compressor. The compressor builds up
Hence efficiency of the machine (η) enough air to about 3 bar (3 X 105 N/m2) in the air tank,
η= which is being regulated by the pressure switches and sensed
by the photocells. Simultaneously, heat is been generated by
the heating element (cartridge heater) and is controlled by the
= (53) temperature controlling unit (TCU) to about 200 oC which is
Recall Pin = 13.86 W and Pout = 10.77 W enough to melt the foil on the lid of the plastic jar.
η = 10.77 / 13.86 = 0.777 X 100% When sufficient air is stored in the air tank, the photocells
η = 77.74 % alerts the air valve (solenoid valve) which allows air intake
η 78 % into the pneumatic cylinder via the exit port of the air tank.
Hence efficiency of the machine is 0.78 or 78 %. This Immediately, the compressor, builds sufficient air in the tank,
indicates that the machine is efficient. (78 %) the photocells trip off (de-activate) the compressor motor and
actuates the conveyor motor. The conveyor speed is regulated
by the gear motor (as designed), as the Jar content moves to
III. EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION AND OPERATIONS sealing point. As the lid of Jar gets closed under sealing head
(pneumatic cylinder), the photocells sense the presence of the
Jar and stop the conveyor system via the gear motor
3.1 Description of Equipment and Sequence of
(aluminum foil is dropped on jar mouth) and actuates the
production
sealing head to exert the pressing force required for sealing
The metals {angular irons} were welded to construct the
(downward stroke), simultaneously.
structural frame, then the steel hollow pipe and bars were

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 Design and Construction of an Automated Adjustable-can foil Sealing Machine

Once the sealing is completed in few seconds, the photocells This equipment has been tested after its design and
consequently alert the solenoid valve to open the exit port of construction, and it efficiency is 78 %, which can be favorably
pneumatic cylinder to withdraw the sealing head and at the compared with the imported types, which is about 90 %. It’s
same time reactivate the gear motor to move the conveyor far productive with respect to the locally fabricated type
system, thus, the jar moves and are subsequently packaged as (Manually operated).
cap-less Jar or caped before packaging. Hence, for effective and reliable sealing, purity retention,
3.3 Testing secure packaging, easy peel off, hermetic sealing and leak
 1 litre Jar of dimensions (54×43×82mm) minimum proofing, this equipment will help local manufacturers
size; achieve foil sealing of their cans {jars}.
The cans were arranged on the conveyor belt of the guided by
the railing, with the can having dimensions of 54×43×82mm,
the machine can accommodate three cans on an operation to
sealing point. The adjustable sealing frame (about 609mm
height) is lowered such that the stroke of the pneumatic
cylinder to the lid of the container is about 800mm. as one can
passes the sealing point, another can is replaced subsequently.
 5litres can of dimensions (233×106×314mm)
maximum size;
The Jars were arranged on the conveyor belt system of the
equipment guided by the railings. Owing to its dimensions,
two cans can be accommodated to the sealing point. The
adjustable sealing frame (about 609mm height) was increase
such that the pneumatic cylinder stroke to the lid of can is
about 800mm. thus, as one can passes the sealing point,
another can is added subsequently.
3.4 Observations
1. Irrespective of the dimensions of the cans, the process
is regulated by the photocells.
2. The pneumatic cylinder stroke is also constant;
800mm
3. The force required is also constant; about 377N
4. The minimum pressure developed by compressor is Fig 14: Isometric view of sealing machine
5
also constant; about 2.5bar or 2.5 N/m2
5. The time of sealing 2.8s and aluminium foil melts at
about 130o C
6. The Efficiency on each operation varies in can.
However, for weight of can from 3.3kg to 10kg and
can dimensions not exceeding
233 , the equipment will be 78
efficient.
7.
3.5 Cost evaluation
From market survey carried out, the automatic can sealing
machine imported into this country is sold at the rate of
#2,400,000 [6490USD] including customs charges. But from
the Bill of Engineering Measurement and Evaluation
[BEME], the amount was calculated to be approximately
#950,000; meaning that there is a saving of #1,450,000 or
60.42% cost saving of the imported one. If this equipment is
produced with mass production technique Fig 15: Photograph of sealing machine
(commercialization), we could be rest assured that the amount
will drastically reduce further.
ACKNOWLEDGMENT

IV. CONCLUSIONS
The authors would like to thank Dr. S.O Osueke and Engr.
Nwaiwu C.F of Department of Mechanical Engineering
The automated adjustable-can foil sealing machine is Federal University of Technology Owerri, Engr. Nwokwu
indispensable in the production industries with applications E.U and Engr Anorue K.C for their technical contributions
such as food and beverages, bottled water and juice, dairy and the Management of Projects Development Institute
products, pharmaceuticals, chemical industries, edible oils, Enugu, Federal Ministry of Science and Technology, Nigeria,
lubricating oils, oil treatments etcetera. for making their workshop available for equipment design
and technical expertise; especially the MD/CEO, Engr. Dr. C.

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 International Journal of Engineering and Applied Sciences (IJEAS)
ISSN: 2394-3661, Volume-4, Issue-9, September 2017
N Agulanna and Director of Engineering Research
Development and Production, Engr. Dr. E. C Oriaku.

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