Recipe protection is an important topic for global drink producers with highly valuable formulas. Red Bull energy drink producer needed a maneagable batching system with both formula protection and excellent data traceability.
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When bringing a new production facility online, T.C. Pharmaceutical, manufacturer of energy-drink phenomenon Red Bull, turned to METTER TOLEDO for help designing an automatic batching system without process logic controllers (PLC). They required an accurate system for protecting their precise formulations and raw materials. In order to adhere to international and local food-handling regulations, the system also needed to be able to record all batch weighing transactions for tracking and tracing purposes.
Problem solved
The solution was outfitting four of T.C. Pharmaceutical’s new specialty ingredient tank scales with METTLER TOLEDO weigh sensors connected to IND780batch terminals. With the ability to store 1,000 different formulas and 999 ingredients, these terminals give T.C. Pharmaceutical exceptional levels of flexibility. Housed in stainless-steel control boxes, the IND780batch terminals connect via pneumatic tubes to specialized tank-control valves. Sensors applied to tank stabilizers use gravity to quickly and accurately determine when the right amount of ingredient has been applied to the current batch, according to the stored formulations.
Increased recipe protection
By working with METTLER TOLEDO, T.C. Pharmaceutical achieved automatic batch control and excellent traceability without needing another PLC. Records are kept both through printed transactions and PC-based software. Password protection via programmed management codes at the terminals ensures that operators remain faithful to patented formulas, increasing recipe and brand protection.
Keep Total Costs Low
METTLER TOLEDO was able to provide turn-key service by wiring the system, as well as providing junction boxes, control boxes, printers and control valves. T.C. Pharmaceuticals is enjoying being able to keep costs low with the self-contained setup and low maintenance necessary for quality components.