Witt presents pioneering digital gas mixer KM-FLOW

Efficient Packaging with MFC Technology

With the new KM-FLOW, the Germany gas systems specialist Witt is the first to offer a gas mixer with digital mass flow controllers (MFC) for packaging using a protective atmosphere in the food industry.

Depending on the model, the KM-FLOW mixes two or three gases for all types of packaging machines; whether vacuum, thermoforming, pillow bags or manually-sealed compartments. At the same time, the digital mass flow controllers assume the function of the proportional valves and pressure regulators that are so far found in practically all standard mixing systems in the international food industry. The digital mass flow measuring instruments are a major step technologically for the user, but a smaller one for Witt: The manufacturer has already been building MFC systems for many years. "We typically use this technology for supplying burners in the glass industry”, confirms Martin Bender. "No other manufacturer in the food industry can demonstrate such practical experience as WITT. The KM-FLOW is also certified according to ISO 22000 for food safety.“ The Sales Manager consequently takes a relaxed stance towards the expected imitators.

As a particular benefit for the user, Bender cites the easy operation that is now performed by touchscreen instead of the control dial commonly used previously. Freely programmable gas mixtures can now be selected at the touch of a button or by barcode reader, for example. The digital data-bus also makes evaluation of the measuring data easier. When it comes to technical precision and reliability when metering and retaining the selected mixing ratio, the MFC technology is currently state of the art. A high level above the requirements for packaging purposes is also ensured with the conventional WITT measuring technology, states Bender.

MFC devices are especially advantageous for users aiming for a fully-automatic inert gas packaging process with permanent monitoring and fault correction: In combination with an analysis instrument that continually measures the gas concentration in the package during the packacking process, the KM-FLOW can adjust the gas ratio and gas mixture volume to optimize the process. The result: maximization of the packaging quality along with a minimization of the gas consumption. “This efficient packaging workflow can be ideally realized with MFC. The optimized gas consumption helps to reduce costs and minimize the uncontrolled escape of CO2 protecting employees", stresses Bender.

Besides the food industry, the KM-FLOW with MFCs can also be used in further applications. The expertise in installing complete gas systems at the user is an integral element of the Witt service: The company provides a full range of mixing, metering and control systems as well as analyzers and safety fittings for all common gases. Witt has been involved in the field of industrial inert gas packaging for the food industry since the very beginning. Further information at www.wittgas.com.