The Rise of Canning in the Beverage Industry
Canning has experienced dramatic growth across craft beer, hard seltzer, RTD cocktails, and even wine. Used canning equipment offers breweries an affordable entry into this format.
Counter-Pressure Filling for Beer
Beer requires counter-pressure (isobaric) filling to maintain carbonation and minimise dissolved oxygen pickup. Key inspection points include CO₂ pre-purge systems, fill tube condition, and counter-pressure regulation accuracy.
Seaming Machine Evaluation
The seamer creates the hermetic seal between can body and lid. Inspect seaming rolls for wear, chuck condition, and seam quality using a seam tear-down analysis. Double-seam dimensions must meet industry specifications.
Line Configuration Options
| Configuration | Speed | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Manual depalletizer + linear filler | Up to 5,000 CPH | Craft breweries |
| Semi-automatic rotary | 5,000–15,000 CPH | Growing breweries |
| Full-automatic rotary | 15,000–60,000+ CPH | Industrial production |
Quality Control Requirements
- Dissolved oxygen (DO) measurement capability
- Seam inspection tools and procedures
- Fill level verification
- Carbonation level monitoring
- Date coding and traceability
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum viable canning line?
A basic canning line includes a depalletizer, rinser, counter-pressure filler, seamer, date coder, and packing table. Entry-level used lines start from €40,000–€100,000.
How critical is dissolved oxygen in canning?
Extremely critical. DO levels above 50 ppb significantly reduce beer shelf life. Verify the filler achieves <30 ppb total package oxygen during trial runs.