Measurement method
Record the instrument, resolution, tare method, density conversion if used and the person completing the measurement.
Product and pack evidence
A practical volumetric filling trial protocol for machinery selection.
A useful filling trial must test the intended product, dose and container under the conditions that can change the result. One slow demonstration fill is not enough to approve a production process.
Sample trialFill resultsNozzle evidenceAcceptance
Engineering guide
Use the guide to define a testable filling requirement.
The useful decision is not the label on the machine. It is whether the product, dose, pack, utilities and acceptance method can be controlled together under realistic production conditions.
- Start with representative product and container evidence.
- Record conditions that can change viscosity, flow, foam or bulk density.
- Specify the operating range rather than one ideal demonstration point.
- Confirm the final route by sample trial and agreed acceptance checks.
Stage 1
Define the trial before product is sent.
Product boundary
- Normal product and the most difficult approved viscosity or temperature condition.
- Largest representative particles, fibres or inclusions.
- Expected foam, settling, stringing, aeration or separation.
- Safety data and handling restrictions where applicable.
Pack boundary
- Smallest and largest containers with the actual neck opening.
- Container tare variation and stability on the intended support or conveyor.
- Required headspace, fill presentation and closure interface.
- Minimum, normal and maximum target quantity.
Stage 2
Run more than one operating state.
| Trial state | What it can reveal | Evidence to retain |
|---|---|---|
| Prime and first fills | Air removal, incomplete cylinder refill, delayed valve action and initial quantity error. | First fills identified separately rather than hidden in a combined average. |
| Stable running | Repeatability, head-to-head balance, product replenishment and cycle interaction. | Individual fill results by head with settings and product condition. |
| Planned stop and restart | Drip, settling, temperature change, pressure recovery and first-fill behaviour. | Stop duration, restart sequence and any rejected or corrected fills. |
| Lowest and highest dose | Adjustment resolution, refill time, nozzle cut-off and practical cylinder range. | Separate result sets at both operating boundaries. |
| Product or format change | Retained product, cleaning access, change parts and recipe-transfer risks. | Changeover steps, time, verification method and first acceptable fill. |
Stage 3
Record both closeness to target and variation between fills.
Retain every individual result. Calculate signed error from target to show bias, absolute error to show magnitude, the mean to show the centre of the result set, and the range or sample standard deviation to show spread. Do not allow a good combined average to conceal a weak head or unstable restart state.
Machine condition
Record cylinder or cup, stroke or setting, valve, nozzle, speed, pressure, recipe and head identification.
Product condition
Record batch, temperature, mixing, settling time, hopper level and any visible aeration or separation.
Stage 4
Approve a defined process, not a catalogue claim.
The acceptance record should state the product and pack tested, the machine configuration, the target and tolerance, sampling method, operating states, results, exclusions and any actions still open. If packaged quantity law applies to the buyer's operation, the buyer should align the production-control plan with current UK requirements and competent advice rather than treating the machine setting alone as legal compliance.
Use the accuracy and repeatability guide, product-testing page and FAT and SAT guide.
Buyer questions
Volumetric filling trial questions
These answers define the evidence normally needed before Lancing can confirm a machine configuration.
Enough is needed for priming, repeated fills at the required doses, stops and restarts, any product boundary condition, and a realistic cleaning observation. The amount depends on the machine and dose.
Yes. Head-specific results prevent a combined average from hiding a head that requires separate adjustment or maintenance.
Settling, drip, pressure recovery, air and product temperature can make the first fills after a pause different from steady running.
No. A trial supports method and configuration selection. Final throughput depends on the complete machine, container handling, upstream and downstream stages, and agreed acceptance testing.
Plan a trial that produces usable engineering evidence.
Send the product, pack, dose range, tolerance and intended operating conditions so Lancing can define a representative sample and result plan.