What is a filling station for small containers and why does small-volume specialisation matter?

A small container filling station is a specialised filling station for small volumes (up to 500 mL) in sachets, envelopes and containers. Specialisation matters because: (1) precision of ±2% (standard ±5%), (2) small dead space (no waste), (3) fast product changeover, (4) ideal for pharma sachets/envelopes.

How many units per minute can it fill?

Up to 30 units/minute (depending on container type). For sachets: ~20–25 units/min. For envelopes: ~15–20 units/min. Adjustable per product.

How accurate is the weight control?

Precision to ±2% of target weight (much better than standard ±5%). Real-time load-cell monitoring. Automatic flow reduction as target approaches. Perfect for critical dosing.

Yes. GMP Annex 1 (2022) compliant, GAMP 5 validation available. Weight data loggable per FDA 21 CFR Part 11. Pharma-grade stainless steel. Validation: 2–3 weeks.

Which container types does it work with?

Sachets, envelopes, small bags, cartons (up to 500 mL). Universal container positioning system. Easy to switch between types.

How much dust exposure occurs?

>98% dust capture. HEPA filter standard. Minimal dead space means minimal powder residue. Zero-emissions design.

How easy is the product changeover?

Very easy. Remove, clean and replace the filling head. Recalibrate the scale (<5 min). Full product changeover: ~15 min. Standard operators can do this themselves.

How much maintenance does it require?

Minimal. Daily HEPA filter inspection. Monthly scale check. Annual basic inspection. No moving parts beyond the scale sensor.

Filling stations for small containers

Filling

Filling stations for small containers

Name: HECHT Filling stations for small containers
Brand: HECHT

Filling

Description

Filling stations for small containers — definition: A HECHT filling station fills small containers such as drums, cardboard boxes or bags in a closed, low-dust way. The station is built around a filling head and supplemented with the components your process needs, from weighing and dosing to sampling.

Key points

Filling heads: all common filling heads, for individual bags or liners or with endless film pack
Containers: drums, cardboard boxes, bags and other small containers
Integration: into existing production systems; connection for discharging dryers, centrifuges or mixers
Feeding: via drop tube or pneumatically with the ProClean Conveyor (PCC)
Versions: hygienic design or ATEX, inertisation possible, various materials and surfaces

Filling stations for small containers usually consist of several components. The centrepiece of every system is the filling head. Depending on the application, a filling head can be integrated for individual bag or liner filling or a filling head with a continuous film package. Other components that can be integrated include weighing and dosing devices, sampling systems, frame racks and roller conveyors.
Feeding takes place via a downpipe or a pneumatic conveyor such as the PCC.

Test your filling process with your own product at our Test & Trial Centre in Pörnbach or book a consultation.

Author: Joost van Velzen, Managing Director Hecht Technology B.V. Reviewed: 26 October 2026.

Customer benefits

Use of all common filling heads
Integration into existing production systems
Filling of various small containers such as drums, cartons or bags
Connection for emptying dryers, centrifuges or mixers
Hygienic design or ATEX versions
Inertisation possible
Various materials and surfaces
Integration of various HECHT systems
Filling via downpipe or pneumatic conveying system PCC

Frequently asked questions about filling stations for small containers

What is a filling station for small containers?

A HECHT station for closed, low-dust filling of small containers such as drums, cardboard boxes or bags. The filling head is the heart of every installation; around it we integrate the components your process needs.

Which filling heads can I use?

All common filling heads: a filling head for individual bags or liners, or a filling head with an endless film pack.

Which components can be integrated?

Weighing and dosing equipment, sampling systems, frame structures and roller conveyors. Feeding is via a drop tube or a pneumatic conveyor such as the ProClean Conveyor (PCC).

Can the filling station be placed directly under a dryer, centrifuge or mixer?

Yes. The filling station can be supplied with a connection for discharging dryers, centrifuges or mixers, and can be integrated into existing production systems.

Which versions are available?

Versions in hygienic design or ATEX, with optional inertisation and in various materials and surfaces. We determine the right configuration together based on your product; testing is possible at our Test & Trial Centre.

Enquire now

Technology

Before the actual filling process, the operator first positions a drum or other container directly under the filling head of the system.
Depending on the filling head and product, the container can then be filled directly or lined with liners or continuous film.
At the customer's request, the entire system can now be evacuated and then inerted with nitrogen.
After taring the scale, the filling process can be started. On request, the entire system can be integrated into an existing system and operated semi-automatically.