FIELD

This disclosure relates to transfer plate lubricants and to a method for transporting unclosed containers filled with liquid product on a stationary member from a filler to a device which applies a closure to the container.

BACKGROUND

During most transport steps in commercial container filling or packaging operations, the container is closed and rests upon a moving conveyor belt or chain. One exception is the transfer plate where open containers are moved from where they are filled to where they are closed over a stationary plate. This transfer plate is challenging because the containers are open and prone to spilling their contents. If they spill too much, they will be rejected upon inspection. Further, if the package is not aligned properly going into the closer, the closure could be poor or the entire machine could jam. These concerns are complicated by the fact that the open containers move very quickly. It is against this background that the present disclosure has been made.

SUMMARY

Surprisingly, it has been discovered that transfer plates can be lubricated using a substantially aqueous lubricant composition that comprises an oil or an oil in water emulsion. In particular, it has been found that the presence of dispersed water-insoluble compounds greatly reduces the amount of surfactant normally required for adequate lubrication of transfer plates. It is further surprising that the total concentration of oil plus emulsifying surfactant taken together can be substantially less than the concentration of surfactant required in conventional container transfer lubrication which lacks a water-insoluble oil.

The present disclosure provides, in one aspect, a method for lubricating the passage of an open container along a container transfer plate comprising providing a lubricating liquid layer which comprises an aqueous dispersion of oil.

