Krones has introduced a new system called Checkmat 753 HF that it claims offers simple-to-use fill level inspection for bottles through touch screen technology.

The company says that the unit inspects up to 72,000 bottles per hour with maximised accuracy. It accepts bottles of any size, shape or colour and even paper or plastic labels will not affect the measurements. However, the technology can not be used for cans.

It describes the system as offering "accurate, safe inspection coupled with an outstanding price-performance ratio and simple, user-friendly operator control".

A spokesperson for Krones said the main advantage of the Checkmat 753 HF for producers is the simplicity of its operation through the touch screen. He also said it was relatively inexpensive, but did not confirm the price.

The touch screen on the new Krones xPanel terminal is said to allow user-friendly operator control of the unit, eliminating the need for a specialist.

A teaching mode makes it easy to set up new bottle types and any number of bottle variants can be stored on the internal flash card. Software updates can then be loaded via a USB interface. Statistics are also provided on screen of the number of bottles rejected and those that run through the system.

The Checkmat 753 HF is a stand alone solution that uses high frequency measurements to detect with reliable accuracy - within 4mm - whether a bottle's fill level is too high or low. The high frequency process requires neither special permit nor elaborate safety precautions, unlike X-ray or gamma-ray detection methods.

The unit can be used with all Krone's fillers or labellers as well as with other machine types.

The company also claims that the Checkmat 753 requires minimum maintenance as there is hardly any wear and tear due to the non-contact measuring process.

The spokesperson added that the unit was compact, requiring only 150mm of conveyor length in the direction of bottle travel for measuring the fill level.

He also said that a new label checker is due to be introduced with a sensor which will be able to determine if the label has been correctly applied. This machine will also benefit from touch screen technology.

Checkmat 753's first customer will be brewery in Bavaria, which is due to start operating it in several weeks time.

Krones, which has its headquarters in Neutraubling near Regensburg, Germany, is active in the factor planning, process technology, filling, packaging and intralogistics business areas.