Thermal Welding in the Neck of Vacuum Flexible Container with Self-propelled Welding Module

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the stability of weld seams in the neck of flexible containers made from polyethylene film for silage and storage of fresh ground corn mass as feed during thermal welding using a movable welding module. An analysis of the thermal conductivity of polyethylene film was conducted to determine temperature change pattern in the thin layer over time. The values obtained were used to establish optimal operating limits for the heating device during welding process. Subsequently, the resistance to rupture of the polyethylene film seams welded at different temperatures was evaluated by generating vacuum pressure in a specially designed installation. The results of polyethylene film PE-115 samples showed a pattern of limiting vacuum pressure values corresponding to different welding temperatures. The mathematical function obtained was used to identify the maximum value of the burst pressure of weld seams, which corresponded to 61.8 kPa at a temperature of 177oC. These results allowed for the determination of the optimal welding mode for sealing the container neck.

Keywords

• ensiling
• flexible container
• polyethylene welded seams
• welding module