FILTEC Introduces Next Generation of Empty Bottle Inspector: Omnivision 4 with Intellect

Bottled beverage producers need to inspect their glass, PET, and refillable bottles for damage, defects, and contaminants before the filler. This significantly reduces the risks of damaged, broken, or dirty bottles making their way to the customer. Ideally, the best EBI solution should detect contaminated and damaged bottles using modern, powerful vision optics, with minimal false rejects. Also, an ideal solution should have lightweight change parts, and a human-machine interface to provide quality assurance analytics.

FILTEC has been a leader in EBI technology since it patented its first empty bottle inspection system in 1959. The OMNIVISION 4 with INTELLECT (OV4) is the latest version of their EBI solution and includes significant improvements. OV4 combines the benefits of FILTEC’s empty bottle inspection technologies with their unique INTELLECT platform, providing best-in-class inspection performance and user-friendly operation. Integration of the system into existing lines is simple, and the machine requires no back pressure or complex line controls.

High-Speed Monitoring and Quality Assurance for Bottle Lines

INTELLECT is Filtec’s unique embedded controls and inspection platform and human-machine interface that tracks, monitors, and reports on container quality through each inspection process step. Below are just a few of the many benefits of the new

• An easy-to-use, 19” touchscreen with a smartphone look and feel
• RFID Login
• Remote Access (Optional)
• Coded Test Bottle Tracking

By adding INTELLECT to the OV4, FILTEC makes it possible for bottlers to take a modular, scalable approach to quality assurance. It provides a common, intuitive user interface for all FILTEC machines. It provides real-time data analytics and factory connectivity.

Reduce Line Downtime with Faster Changeover

FILTEC has simplified the changeover process in OV4 with a lightweight, vacuum-less starwheel. Change parts for the starwheel weigh less than five pounds each and can be replaced by a single operator in minutes. The starwheel provides stable and precise positioning of each bottle for the inspection of the base, inner sidewall, finish, and thread. Change parts are now conveniently located in a local drawer within the OV4 machine.

Detect Damage and Contamination with Superior Image Quality

The OV4 uses the latest optical designs to inspect all parts of a bottle – from the base to the thread. Dark Field (DF) inspection is used to detect polarizing films, and an enhanced IR sensor detects residual liquid in the base of the bottle. High resolution and high bit-depth cameras to detect chipped finish, damaged thread, and wire edge defects, ensuring inspection accuracy and reduction of false rejects. A revolutionary outer sidewall design provides for an overlapping 360° inspection of your outer sidewall. All cameras have increased resolution to ensure accurate and repeatable detection of defects, while reducing false rejects.

To learn more about the Omnivision 4 with Intellect, visit: https://www.filtec.com/products/empty-bottle/empty-bottle-inspection/