Discover your next big idea at PACK EXPO Las Vegas this September
Experience a breakthrough in packaging & processing and transform your business with solutions from 2,300 suppliers spanning all industries.
REGISTER NOW & SAVE

ESS: High Speed Filling System for COVID-19 Test Kit Vials

Available in both automated and semiautomatic configurations, the system is made to fill up to 120 vials per minute.

The Flexible Filler/Capper is designed to use a circular puck conveyor system to transport vials or small bottles to the inline filling system.
The Flexible Filler/Capper is designed to use a circular puck conveyor system to transport vials or small bottles to the inline filling system.

As cases of COVID-19 began to intensify across the U.S.A. in early spring, a diagnostics manufacturer reached out to ESS Technologies—a provider of complete packaging line design, manufacture, and integration—to build two identical filling systems with automated cap torque for diagnostics vials to be used in manufacturing COVID-19 test kits. The system needed to be fast and capable of filling up to 120 vials per minute. ESS introduces its FC Series Flexible Filler/Capper for vials and small bottles.

Available in semiautomatic and fully automated configurations, the Flexible Filler/Capper is designed to use a circular puck conveyor system to transport vials or small bottles to the inline filling system. A timing screw drive is meant to position six vials beneath the six-up diving nozzle assembly where a precise amount of diagnostic reagent is dispensed. The cap placement is automated using Fanuc Scara robots and a cap feeder. A three-up final torque station is then supposed to apply the amount of torque to the caps. Model FC60 is designed to handle up to 60 vials per minute while Model FC120 is made to fill 120 vials per minute. The Flexible Filler/Capper for vials and small bottles uses Allen Bradley PLC controls and a 6” color touchscreen HMI for ease of operation. An optional 10” HMI is available.

The system is designed to provide changeover under 10 minutes, and fast delivery. ESS, working closely with their suppliers, delivered the first two systems within weeks of the order and ahead of schedule. The two systems will allow the diagnostics manufacturer to significantly increase the production of COVID-19 testing vials, says the company.

Fill out the form below to request more information about ESS: High Speed Filling System for COVID-19 Test Kit Vials
2024 PACK EXPO Innovations Reports
Exclusive access: Packaging World editor-curated reports revealing PACK EXPO's most groundbreaking technologies across food, healthcare, and machinery sectors. Each report features truly innovative solutions selected from hundreds of exhibitors by our expert team. Transform your operations with just one click.
Access Now
2024 PACK EXPO Innovations Reports
List: Digitalization Companies From PACK EXPO
Looking for CPG-focused digital transformation solutions? Download our editor-curated list from PACK EXPO featuring top companies offering warehouse management, ERP, digital twin, and MES software with supply chain visibility and analytics capabilities—all tailored specifically for CPG operations.
Download Now
List: Digitalization Companies From PACK EXPO