Carbonated soft drink bottling combines a carbonation system — premix or proportioning with a saturator — with isobaric counter-pressure filling. On PET lines, stretch blow moulding is often integrated upstream of the filler.
A typical PET CSD line runs: preform feeder, stretch blow moulder, premix and saturator, isobaric filler, screw capper, labeller, shrink wrapper and palletizer. Carbonation level, product temperature and filler pressure are application-specific and belong to your own product specification.
Technical Buying Guide — Used Soft Drink & CSD Lines
Look first at the product side: the premix or dosing architecture, the carbonator or saturator, and whether the system was configured for the syrup and carbonation levels you plan to run. Ask for available performance and maintenance records for that specific unit rather than assuming a generic capability.
On the filler, check the rated pressure against your product and process, the condition of counter-pressure valves and seals, fill-level control, and CIP capability across the product circuit.
On PET lines, verify blower and neck-finish compatibility with your preforms and containers, and confirm which mould sets, closure tooling and container change parts are included with the line.
Frequently asked questions
What is a premix saturator?
A premix system blends water and syrup and the saturator carbonates the mixture before it reaches the filler. Blend ratio and carbonation level depend on the product being made.
Why is isobaric filling used for soft drinks?
Counter-pressure filling pressurises the container before filling so the carbonated liquid transfers without foaming or losing dissolved CO2.
What should I verify on a used CSD line?
Premix and carbonator architecture, filler rated pressure and valve or seal condition, CIP capability, container and closure tooling, and blower and neck-finish compatibility if PET blow moulding is included.