Skip to content

Whisky Cask Handling Conveyors

Enhancing whisky production: Advanced cask handling conveyors

Whisky cask handling conveyors play a pivotal role in the smooth operation of whisky distilleries and cooperages, ensuring that the precious cargo is moved efficiently and safely through various stages of production. In a whisky distillery, the primary function of these conveyors is to facilitate the movement of casks during the filling and disgorging processes. Filling involves depositing whisky into the casks for ageing, while disgorging refers to the removal of whisky from the casks once the ageing process is complete.

On the other hand, cooperages, which are facilities where casks are made and repaired, utilise conveyor systems to transport casks through different stages of manufacturing or reconditioning. This may involve assembling new casks or restoring old ones to a condition suitable for reuse.

When it comes to distillery operations, whisky cask handling conveyors are available in two main types, each corresponding to a different method of filling the casks. The first is traditional fill, a method steeped in history and craftsmanship, where workers manually position the casks. Here, the filling and disgorging occur through the cask’s bilge, which is the bulging section around its waist. This method is often favoured for its tradition and the precise control it offers.

The second type is palletised fill, a more modern and efficient approach typically adopted by larger distilleries with high production volumes. In this system, casks are placed on pallets and filled or disgorged through their heads, the circular sections at the top and bottom. This method is advantageous for operations that require the handling of a large number of casks, as it streamlines the process and reduces physical labour.

Despite their variety, whisky cask handling conveyors in distilleries tend to be relatively simple in design. However, they must adhere to stringent safety standards, particularly those outlined in the ATEX directives. These directives are a collection of European Union regulations that specify the minimum safety requirements for workplaces and equipment operating in potentially explosive atmospheres, a concern relevant to environments where alcoholic vapours may be present.

Key Features

The conveyor systems in a whisky distillery or cooperage are equipped with a range of key features designed to enhance the efficiency and safety of the cask handling process. Here’s a look at these main features:

  1. Automated Movement of Pallets: This feature streamlines the entire process by automatically transporting pallets through the critical stages of filling and disgorging. It reduces the need for manual handling, thereby increasing efficiency and minimising the risk of injury. The system ensures that casks are moved smoothly and consistently, maintaining a steady flow through the process.
  2. Bung Removal Tool: Typically suspended above the conveyor, this tool assists operators in removing the bung (the stopper) from the head of the cask. It’s designed for precision and ease of use, ensuring that bungs can be quickly and safely removed without damaging the cask or compromising the whisky.
  3. Drilling Head and Extraction System: This feature is used to drill new holes into the head of casks, particularly when converting casks from traditional fill to palletised fill methods. The drilling head is precise and efficient, creating clean, uniform holes. The extraction system then removes any debris or sawdust created during the drilling process, ensuring that the interior of the cask remains uncontaminated and that the surrounding area is kept clean.
  4. Filling Heads: These are crucial for both filling and disgorging the contents of the cask. Designed for accuracy and efficiency, filling heads ensure that whisky can be added or removed from the cask in a controlled manner. This helps in maintaining the quality and consistency of the whisky, as well as in preventing spills and wastage. The design of the filling heads may vary depending on whether the cask is being filled or disgorged through the bilge or the head.

Video

You may also like…

  • Packaging Machines

    Siat OneWrap Plus – Semi-Automatic Pallet Wrapper

  • Conveyor Systems

    Powered Flexi Conveyor

  • Packaging Machines

    Palomat® Inline

Get in touch