Consumption of real ale is showing a steady increase in the UK. However, the handling of real ale casks requires different techniques to that for pasteurised beer in kegs. Microdat have developed a cask handling line which uses inverter and servo drive technology from Lenze, typically increasing output by +100%. The advanced design means a lighter workload for operators and reduced noise levels, making for a better working environment, whilst at the same time saving energy in the processing.
A recently completed cask line contract was part of a £5m investment at the Black Sheep brewery in Masham, Yorkshire, which included handling, washing and filling machinery.
Three axes of Lenze 9300 drives are used to position the casks and remove the plugs, known as the keystone and the shive. Irregular cask shapes and variable keystone dimensions require a laser vision system and precise positioning. Transport of the casks and subsequent positioning for washing and filling is also done using Lenze 9300 servos for smooth and quiet handling.
At the filling stations, Microdat use peristaltic pumps driven by a Lenze geared motors and motec IP65 inverters. This is a major financial benefit as they give an exact metered fill, reducing wastage and consequently the duty to be paid by the brewery. Filling is done with a backpressure of sterile air to prevent fobbing, at the same time recycling the sterile air into a buffer tank.
The conveyors taking the casks to the pick and place unit prior to palletising are all powered by Lenze geared motors with motec terminal box inverters to ensure the motors run efficiently at reduced speeds.
Steve Midgley, the managing director of Microdat, is proud of the green credentials of his cask line. “The variable speed drives themselves are energy efficient and can make major savings compared to fixed speed or mechanical variator drives. The drives also qualify for tax rebates under the Governments ECA (Enhanced Capital Allowance) scheme. All the Lenze inverters and servos are listed”.