Meheen MERLIN N Series User manual

325 N. Oregon Ave., Pasco, WA 99301
[phone] Fax [phone]
Web @ http://www.meheen-mfg.com
Inc.
MERLIN BEER BOTTLE FILLING MACHINE
OPERATING MANUAL
10/17/11
“N”-Series with Temperature display and Tank pressure control
Bottle detection system

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL...................................................................................................3
CONTROL PANEL.....................................................................................3
SAFE OPERATION OF THE BOTTLING MACHINE.............................5
PROCEDURE FOR CLEANING AND SANITIZING...............................5
OPERATING SUMMARY .........................................................................6
SANITIZE........................................................................................7
BOTTLING......................................................................................8
AUTO CLEANING.......................................................................12
CLEANING ...................................................................................14
MANUAL OVERRIDE.............................................................................15
ADJUSTMENTS TO THE MACHINE ....................................................17
BOTTLE INDEXING & FILL HEAD ALIGNMENT..................17
CAP FEED.....................................................................................17
COMPUTER .............................................................................................18
TROUBLESHOOTING.............................................................................19
PRESSURE SENSOR CHECK.................................................................21
LUBRICATION & MAINTENANCE.......................................................21
FILL MANIFOLD & TUBING..................................................................22
BOTTLE DETECTION SYSTEM ………………………………………23
BOTTLE INDEXING SPEED ADJUST………………………………....24
WARNING:
AS WITH ALL MECHANICAL EQUIPMENT, CARE MUST BE TAKEN
TO AVOID INJURY FROM MOVING PARTS WHICH OPERATE WITH
CONSIDERABLE FORCE AND WITHOUT WARNING. MEHEEN
MANUFACTURING SHALL NOT BE HELD LIABLE FOR INJURY OR
DAMAGE RESULTING FROM THE INAPPROPRIATE USE OF THIS
MACHINE OR FROM NORMAL OPERATION WITHOUT REGARD TO
NORMAL SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS. MEHEEN MANUFACTURING
SHALL BE HELD HARMLESS IN THE CASE OF INJURY RELATED TO
THE USE OF THIS MACHINE REGARDLESS OF THE
CIRCUMSTANCES AND OPERATING PROCEDURES USED.

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GENERAL
The Merlin automated bottling machine is designed with quality and portability in mind. An
onboard computer controls all automated functions including bottle fill levels and pressures.
Standard automated features are sanitizing, cleaning, filling and crowning.
The Merlin is specifically designed for bottling carbonated beverages under cold counter pressure
conditions directly from the bottling tank. Generally optimum bottling conditions are cold (30-
350F) and 2.0-3.0 volumes dissolved CO2.
A compressed air source that can provide 95 psi + is required to operate Merlin as well as 110
volt AC electrical power and a regulated CO2source. Meheen Manufacturing suggests the use of
an oil sump, reciprocating type air compressor of at least 4 HP, DO NOT use a home style direct
drive oil-less compressor. Minimum air hose size is 3/8” inside diameter for a 50’ hose or less
and larger for longer runs. Also all devices restricting air flow, such as regulators and moisture
traps should be removed between the air compressor and the bottling machine.
CONTROL PANEL
The control panel of the Merlin bottling machine consists of the operator interface shown above
and a large red mushroom switch which is located near the bottom center of the panel. The
opening screen gives information about the Merlin machine, such as Brewery Name, Serial#,
interface and computer programs versions. This screen appears each time the machine is turned
on. To access the main operating screen, simply touch the wizard and the screen will change to
the main operating screen.

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ON/OFF: Main power to the machine is turned on by pulling the red mushroom button out,
and turned off by pushing it in.
MAIN SCREEN: The main operating screen shown below allows you to choose the function
needed. From any of the operating screens the Reset key can be pressed and the Main button
with the wizard pictured on it and you will be returned to the main operating screen.
Auto Filling, Clean, Sanitize & Manual Override: These operations are entered from
the Main screen show above by pressing the desired button. When any of these buttons are
pressed the screen will change to that operation. Note: The reset key must be pressed before
starting any operational mode except the Manual override functions.
RESET: The RESET button is used any time the machine has been stopped, paused, or about
to be started in a new mode. The RESET always returns the machine to its starting conditions for
each mode. RESET must be used each time the machine enters a new operation before the
machine will start any program functions and before pressing the Main screen button.
CAUTION: If the bottling machine is paused and rapidly RESET during a time when the
machine has pressure in the bottle (i.e., filling), pressure in the bottles will be released
rapidly without warning. Rapid release of pressure can be hazardous due to glass
breakage and liquid spray.

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SAFE OPERATION OF THE BOTTLING MACHINE
During normal operation of Merlin several very powerful moving parts are utilized that could
cause serious injury if proper precautions are not taken. Even though bottles are designed for
much higher pressures than utilized by the bottling machine, manufacturing defects can exist
which can cause bottle failure resulting in breakage and potentially flying glass. Meheen
Manufacturing recommends the following safety precautions be observed while operating
Merlin:
1. Always wear safety glasses or other eye protection.
2. Avoid loose fitting clothing which could become caught in moving parts of the
machine.
3. Keep hands and face away from moving parts of the machine at all times when air
pressure is connected to the machine.
4. Do not exceed 40 psi CO2to the machine at any time, damage to the pressure sensor
will occur.
5. Avoid direct water spray on the control panel and electrical parts.
6. Components located inside the control panel operate on 24VDC, high voltage (100-
220 Volts AC) energy is converted by a power supply located on the cord. DO NOT
open the control panel or power supply when plugged in.
7. Service of electrical components should be referred to qualified personnel only.
PROCEDURE FOR CLEANING AND SANITIZING:
Even though the products mentioned in this procedure are supplied by Birko Corporation any
brand could be used. Birko products can be purchased from:
Birko Corporation
9152 Yosemite St.
Henderson, CO 80640-8027
[phone]
1. Dissolve four ounces (one-half cup or about 125 grams) of Birko CELL-R-MASTER in 5
gallons of 120-1300F water.
2. For light-duty cleaning, circulate the CELL-R-MASTER solution through the machine for a
minimum of 2-4 minutes. For heavily soiled machines, circulate the solution through the
machine until clean. Do this by operating the machine in the Sanitize mode as many times
as needed.
3. Drain CELL-R-MASTER solution, and then rinse the machine with ambient or warm water
until the pH of the rinse water is the same as the pH of the tap water. For final rinse, operate
the machine in the Clean mode to blow out the tubing before storing the machine.