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Andrew W Walker  
#1 Posted : 19 April 2012 12:38:38(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Andrew W Walker

Just a quick one. Does anyone know the operating temperature of a shrink-wrapping aerosol machine? Thanks Andy
Mr.Flibble  
#2 Posted : 19 April 2012 13:50:50(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Mr.Flibble

Hi Motorhead I used to deal with these machines in a previous life, but for the life of me i cannot remember the temperatures etc. I assume you are refering to shrink tunnels. The only reference I know is in BS EN 415-5:2006 Part 5: Wrapping Machines (I have cut and paste the section below). Hope it helps! 5.15.4 Product Overheating of flammable and/or explosive products as defined by Directives 94/55 EC and 67/548/EEC shall be avoided by the following means: a) manufacturer should provide details of the maximum working temperature for the equipment, the maximum thermal output of the heaters, and the minimum conveyor speed. The instructions should include a description of the safe working method for setting up the machine. This should start with setting the belt speed, then running the machine at a low temperature setting, then progressively increasing the temperature until a satisfactory shrink wrap is achieved. This should be done while monitoring the product to ensure that is not overheated such that it may, for example, approach its auto-ignition temperature; b) run out function shall be incorporated to enable all products to be discharged before the conveyor stops; c) in the event of an emergency e.g. loss of mains power the belt shall move by a power reserve (e.g. pneumatic or electric battery) to enable all products to be discharged before the conveyor stops; d) alternatively once power has been isolated the tunnel or tank should be capable of being opened to enable removal of products using protective equipment or to allow the rapid dissipation of heat; e) automatic carbon dioxide sprayers or other suitable fire extinguishing equipment shall be mounted if there is a significant risk of fire; f) to prevent fire hazard a high temperature sensor and associated high temperature cut off shall be installed independently from thermostatic control to minimise the risk of the product catching fire; g) for safety requirements regarding external temperature of the exposed parts of the machine refer to 5.2.3
Andrew W Walker  
#3 Posted : 19 April 2012 14:02:46(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Andrew W Walker

Cheers Mr.Flibble. We have been asked to look into the possibility of using our existing heat wrapping machines- these are hot air, and can take up to 15-20 seconds to wrap some items. They are not tunnels that we use at the moment. Only inert products are wrapped currently!!! The items are loaded onto a tray and the top closed, this activates the hot air and fan. The aerosols are 50ml and will have a small sleeve heat wrapped to them. I know that aerosols wrapped to trays are flash heated for a couple of seconds. I have asked the machine supplier and the manufacturer of the aerosols for their advice- I'm not confident that the type we have will be suitable. Andy
David Bannister  
#4 Posted : 19 April 2012 16:54:00(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
David Bannister

Andy, if the aerosols have flammable propellant (almost all do) then tread very carefully when thinking about shring wrapping. A risk assessment may well conclude that the risk of leaking propellant (and contents too) needs a leak detection system to be in place prior to any heat exposure, linked to shutdown/alarm and maybe auto-suppression too. Are you filling and gassing yourselves or are you receiving the aerosols and splitting the packages down for resale?
Andrew W Walker  
#5 Posted : 19 April 2012 17:01:42(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
Andrew W Walker

Hi David. We receive them in and split them down for re-sale. To make sure that we have the right gear for the job is cost prohibitive. Its put a stop to the query from further up the food chain. Cheers all Andy
bleve  
#6 Posted : 19 April 2012 19:14:56(UTC)
Rank: Super forum user
bleve

Shrink wrapping via tunnel with appropriate safe guards is not a problem, cans are leak tested prior to shipping. IMO, the equipment under consideration is not suitable as there is the potential for human error i.e forgetting to remove the cans from the heater/wrapper.
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