Work out filling line speed instantly with clear inputs, formula shown and shareable results.
Rated line speed must exceed the average rate by the reciprocal of line efficiency, because the line loses time to changeovers, jams and cleaning. Dividing by the number of filling heads gives the cycle time each head must achieve, which is the figure that determines whether the fill valve and product viscosity can keep up.
Required speed
Required rate = target output / (shift hours x 60 x line efficiency)
Per head
Rate per head = required rate / heads; cycle time = 60 / rate per head
Because efficiency is never 100%. A filler rated at exactly the average rate can never recover from a stoppage and will always miss the shift target.
Product flow through the valve, foaming, headspace de-aeration and container indexing. Viscous or foaming products often cap head cycle time well below the mechanical limit.