Ask The Brewmasters

Proper Double Seam Analysis 

11-09-2017 15:17

I checked the math; over 99% of the smaller craft brewers I visit that have can lines do not use one of the most critical pieces of lab equipment to check seams:  the seam stripper.  To be fair, these locations have been taught to manually tear down the double seam using a pair of pliers, or the ubiquitous black handled can opener.

Years ago, when the aluminum cans and lids were a heavier gauge, this manual tear down method worked ok.  One could still reasonably measure the critical to quality internals: coverhook, bodyhook, tightness rating, and pressure ridge, with the overlap being calculated using a formula.
However, these days the manual tear down leaves a lot to be desired; the cans are essentially mangled.

I highly recommend making the investment for a seam stripper.  They are available from any lab equipment provider that specializes in can seaming technology.  They are essentially a drill press with a cutting head that cleanly strips the seam from the can, exposing a perfect tear down where proper inspection and measurements can be taken.
The attached cross section explains how the cutting head works to separate the coverhook from the bodyhook.

Your lab tech's and can line operators will be grateful!

Happy Canning!

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Comments

12-15-2017 15:36

Rene,
At a minimum, you should purchase a seam micrometer for beverage cans.  This will allow you to check external critical to quality measurements: Seam Thickness and Seam Height.  (Seam Height is also known as seam length, or width).
Once the can is torn down, either using a seam stripper, manual tear down method, or a handheld can opener works in some cases, you can measure the internal critical to quality parameters: cover hook and body hook.  You will have to calculate the third, and most important internal measurement: the Overlap.  

Overlap is a direct function of cover hook length and body hook length; premise being that if those two are within the guidelines, then overlap minimums are fine.  There is a formula to determine overlap: (Lowest C/H + Lowest B/H + .010) - Highest seam height = Overlap minimum.  i.e., (.060 + .065 + .010) - .098 = .033 overlap.

Additionally, tearing down the seam will allow you to visually inspect the wrinkle rating and that the pressure ridge is smooth and continuous.  Very important! 

I know this is a lot to think about, but the double seam is far more complex than it appears and you should stay on top of it.
Glad you have an interest in learning this stuff; I'm sure you are making some great beer.

You can get a Starrett seam micrometer on Ebay fairly cheap and there are tons of videos on YouTube to help train you.

I've attached a simple seam check sheet for logging all of your seam checks and anyone on MBAA is welcome to use it. 

PS-You will need to get the seam guidelines from the lid maker, not the lid supplier.  Many craft brewers are getting cans and lids from 3rd party vendors and in many cases they give you guys the wrong seam spec sheet. 

If you run Crown lids, you need a Crown spec sheet, etc.  Lid makers write the seam specs, not the seamer manufacturers or tooling companies.
 
All the Best,
David

12-14-2017 09:30

Thanks for sharing, I just started a canning line, in fact it is a semi-automatic 2 head filler, and I was looking for some quality control on the cans before sending them to clients.

Do you mind in suggesting any supplier or brand?

Cheers,

René