ALEXUS Bottle Analysis and Detection System

ALEXUS combines chemiluminescence and strobe analysis with sophisticated electronics to detect trace level vapors inside refillable bottles at high speeds.

Refillable plastic bottles are used worldwide for soft drinks, water, and other beverages. These containers have made an important impact on the beverage market due to their light weight. But when they are returned, as many as one out of every hundred bottles cannot be reused because they contain foreign substances. 

For this reason, Thermo Detection has developed the ALEXUS, a high speed detection system which identifies foreign compounds in refillable bottles.  

The ALEXUS Detection System has inspected billions of bottles in over 28 countries on four continents. It is the most accurate, cost-effective, and easily maintained product of its kind on the market. And it is the only one that has been approved for use by three major beverage producers.  

Consistently Rated #1  

The ALEXUS provides higher accuracy than any other detection system. It doesnt use a library of compounds as other detectors do, and so avoids the necessity of choosing between selectivity and sensitivity.  

In less than 100 milliseconds, the ALEXUS obtains the sample, analyzes and purges it; and is instantly ready to perform the next analysis. Some other detectors are "blinded" by one bottle, and will inaccurately reject many subsequent ones.  

The ALEXUS Detection System can accurately detect trace amounts of a variety of substances that affect product quality. Designed for highly efficient operation, the ALEXUS sends a burst of air into each bottle and then inhales some of the displaced vapor.  

The ALEXUS will find and reject: 

• Alcohols           
• Detergents           
• Flavors           
• Fruit Juices           
• Nitrogen-containing Compounds           
• Organic Substances           
• Pesticides           
• Petrochemicals           
• Tobacco

How ALEXUS Works

A vapor sample is collected from each bottle and then sent through three different channels for analysis.  

Chemiluminescence is used to look for nitrogen-based compounds and for volatile organic compounds. Strobe Analysis finds petrochemicals, including hydrocarbons.  

Preparing the Bottles  

Before the ALEXUS collects a sample, the bottle must be prepared.  

First, it is injected with sodium carbonate, then sprayed with water by a bottle rinser. These steps increase accuracy and reduce maintenance.  

Upright Rejection and Verification  

Once the analysis is completed, an electronic signal is sent from the ALEXUS to indicate bottle status.  

The PET-Sorter tracks each bottle  

The PET-Sorter then directs rejected bottles to one side, while the majority of bottles continue along the line. It features a simple diverter instead of starwheels and vacuum cups.  

A verification system assures you that each bottle is diagnosed correctly. In addition, as the PET-Sorter rejects bottles, they remain upright to promote plant cleanliness and operator safety.  

Our customers have found the PET-Sorter to be extremely reliable. Because of its simple design, operators can make bottle size changes in just four quick steps, with almost no downtime.  

The Lowest Maintenance in the Industry  

The ALEXUS and the PET-Sorter take up little floor space. And their simple installation and maintenance requirements are without parallel. The maintenance per shift for the ALEXUS is approximately a third to a fifth of the time required for maintenance of other detectors. These low requirements, in both time and cost, result in higher productivity and profits.  

Customer Assistance is our Top Priority  

Plant personnel are able to quickly learn the necessary operating and maintenance procedures through the ALEXUS video training program. 

User manuals also explain and illustrate each step simply and clearly. And if you need person-to-person assistance, our worldwide service offices are conveniently located and staffed with knowledgeable engineers.