Pulse Packaging Machines: Lentil, Chickpea & Rice Filling Solutions
A pulse packaging machine is an industrial vertical form fill seal (VFFS) system that automatically forms pouches from roll-stock film, weighs granular products such as chickpeas, lentils, rice, and beans using a multi-head weigher, fills them with ±1% weight accuracy, and seals them at speeds up to 70 pouches per minute. Sagbil Packaging Machines delivers the PAKETTO 9000A, 9000S, and 9000SQ series specifically engineered for the high-speed, precision demands of the pulses industry — backed by 1,000+ global projects.
How Does a Pulse Packaging Machine Work?
A VFFS pulse packaging line completes the packaging cycle in four stages:
- Weighing: A multi-head digital weigher measures each batch to ±1% accuracy.
- Pouch forming: Roll-stock film is shaped into pillow, block-bottom (stand-up), or quadro gusset format around a forming tube.
- Filling: The weighed product flows by gravity into the formed pouch.
- Sealing & cutting: A heat-seal jaw closes the pouch; the cycle repeats up to 70 times per minute.
For pulses — irregular, granular products — the multi-head weigher is the critical differentiator. Auger (screw) fillers, which are accurate for fine powders like flour, are not suited to pulse grains because they cannot handle the irregular shape and variable density.
Which Sagbil PAKETTO Model Is Right for Pulse Packaging?
PAKETTO 9000A: Multi-Product Flexibility
Ideal for producers who package both pulses and powder products (flour, spices) on the same line. The 9000A accepts weigher, auger, or volumetric dosing heads and supports pillow or stand-up pouch formats. Panasonic PLC control with Festo pneumatic components ensures reliability and speed.
PAKETTO 9000S: Hybrid Performance
Designed for operations requiring combined powder and granule packaging in one line — the 9000S offers a hybrid auger + volumetric structure, and accepts multi-head weigher (10-head or 14-head) for the pulse filling station. ABB PLC provides industrial-grade control.
PAKETTO 9000SQ: Premium Quadro Packaging
For brands competing on shelf appeal, the 9000SQ produces four-corner gusset (Quadro) pouches that stand upright and command premium positioning at retail. Available with all three dosing technologies including multi-head weigher for pulses, maintaining ±1% accuracy throughout.
Auger Filler vs Multi-Head Weigher for Pulses: Which Is Right?
|
Feature |
Auger (Screw) Filler |
Multi-Head Weigher |
|---|---|---|
|
Best For |
Flour, spices, coffee (powder) |
Chickpeas, lentils, rice, nuts (granular) |
|
Weight Accuracy |
±1% – ±2% |
±0.5% – ±1% |
|
Product Damage Risk |
Low |
Very low (gentle drop) |
|
Speed |
High (powders) |
Very high (granules) |
|
Sagbil Model |
PAKETTO 9000A/S/SQ (VD) |
PAKETTO 9000A/S/SQ (10TD/14TD) |
Why Do Pulse Producers Choose Sagbil?
- ±1% weight accuracy: Eliminates product giveaway and reduces per-ton raw material loss across high-volume lines.
- Stainless steel (AISI 304): All product-contact surfaces comply with international food safety norms and withstand daily CIP cleaning.
- CE certified: Full compliance for EU export markets and Turkish food safety legislation.
- Flexible format changeover: Switch between 250g, 500g, and 1kg pouch formats without extended downtime.
- After-sales support: Unlimited spare parts supply and on-site technical service — production continuity is guaranteed.
|
💬 Industry Experience — Pulse Processing Plant, Central Turkey "Our previous machines had significant giveaway losses on lentils and chickpeas. After switching to Sagbil's 14-head weigher system, our giveaway dropped to near zero. In two shifts, we now produce what used to take three." |
Frequently Asked Questions
What pulse products can a Sagbil PAKETTO machine handle?
The PAKETTO 9000 series handles all major pulse types: red and green lentils, chickpeas, white and red beans, broad beans, green peas, rice, and bulgur wheat. With a dosing head change on the same machine, the line can also package flour, semolina, tea, salt, and spices.
What is the minimum and maximum pack size for pulse packaging?
Sagbil PAKETTO lines are configured for 250g, 500g, and 1 kg consumer pouches as standard. Custom configurations for 2 kg or 5 kg packs are available upon project specification. Format changes between sizes are completed quickly through PLC parameter adjustment and minimal mechanical changeover.
What film materials are compatible with Sagbil VFFS machines?
The PAKETTO series is compatible with standard roll-stock films including OPP, BOPP, PE, and multilayer barrier laminates. Film selection is determined by the product's required shelf life, moisture barrier specification, and brand design requirements — Sagbil's engineering team advises on optimal film structure during project scoping.
How does a pulse packaging machine ensure food safety compliance?
Sagbil's approach to food safety is structural. AISI 304 stainless steel contact surfaces prevent corrosion and bacterial growth. Integrated dust extraction systems keep the environment clean during filling. All PAKETTO machines carry CE certification, and the modular disassembly design enables thorough daily cleaning without tools.
What after-sales support does Sagbil provide for pulse packaging lines?
Sagbil provides comprehensive after-sales support: on-site installation and commissioning (typically 3–7 working days), operator training, remote diagnostics support, and unlimited original spare parts supply. Sagbil's global service network ensures that production downtime — even during peak pulse processing season — is minimized.
People Also Ask (PAA)
What is a VFFS machine and is it suitable for pulses?
VFFS stands for Vertical Form Fill Seal. It is the dominant technology for consumer-sized (250g–1kg) pulse pouches worldwide. The machine forms the pouch from film, fills it, and seals it in a continuous vertical cycle — making it the most efficient and space-saving solution for pulse producers at any scale.
Can lentils and chickpeas be packaged on the same machine?
Yes. Sagbil PAKETTO lines allow product changeover between different pulses within the same production day by adjusting multi-head weigher parameters and film format settings. This flexibility makes the lines ideal for mid-size producers with diverse product portfolios.
What is multi-head weigher accuracy for pulses?
Sagbil's 10-head and 14-head weigher configurations deliver ±1% accuracy as standard, with ±0.5% achievable on the 14-head configuration for high-value products. At 1,000 kg/day production, a ±0.5% improvement in accuracy equates to 5 kg of recovered product — meaningful cost savings at scale.
What is the difference between a stand-up pouch and a pillow pouch for pulse packaging?
A pillow pouch is the standard flat format — economical and fast. A stand-up (block-bottom or quadro) pouch stands upright on the shelf and offers stronger visual branding at retail. Sagbil's PAKETTO 9000SQ produces the quadro gusset format, which is increasingly preferred in premium retail pulse segments.