At Interpack, Sidel is presenting a complete range of solutions for aseptic packaging of sensitive products sold in plastic bottles at room temperature.
Sidel’s new Sensofill™ FMa aseptic filler is at the heart of these solutions. Designed for more flexibility and easier operation, the filler is sold as a standalone machine or as part of a Combi
| system, which combines blow molding, filling and capping in a single enclosure. When the Sensofill™ FMa is installed as part of a Combi, it offers a choice of decontamination processes. Customers can choose wet bottle decontamination using peracetic acid or dry decontamination of preforms with hydrogen peroxide vapor. These different options in Sidel’s comprehensive offering enable customers to select the best option for their needs. |
Sensofill™ FMa ultra-flexible filler
Using the rinser configuration (wet decontamination), available as a standalone machine or as part of a Combi, the internal and external bottle decontamination process uses a high pressure jet of peracetic acid (PAA). Sterile water pulse-rinsing results in very low chemical residue and less water consumption. In addition to the chemical and mechanical effects of this decontamination, Sidel’s exclusive multi-wheel technology features added safety. Several nozzles treat each bottle, and every neck is thoroughly sterilized. In addition, the decontamination temperature is compatible with bottle lightweighting.
The Sensofill™ FMa with rinser is perfect for manufacturers that produce a wide variety of beverages and bottles and require extreme flexibility. With this system, product and format changeovers are performed from outside the sterile zone with no loss of sterility. In addition, production can continue for 72 to 120 hours without re-sterilization because the environment remains under absolute control. The newly designed, hermetically sealed isolator and sterile air overpressure are reinforced by directed air flow in the filling zone. The first Sensofill™ FMa filler has been used in production since first quarter 2008 at Spumador in Italy, packaging isotonic drinks and juices.
Combi Predis™ FMa features eco-friendly performance
In the Combi Predis™ FMa configuration, the rinser is replaced by Predis™, Sidel’s patented process for the dry decontamination of preforms using hydrogen peroxide vapor (H2O2). The process guarantees decontamination without water consumption and uses only tiny amounts of chemicals. Several modifications have been made so that Predis™, initially used for beverages sold in cold chain, can now be used for beverages sold at room temperature. An ultra clean preform feeder equipped with dust removal using ionization and UV decontamination has been developed. Blow molding with 0.01 micron filtered air along with by-the-neck bottle transfers under a controlled atmosphere all maintain sterility through filling.
This configuration reduces the environmental impact of production. First, Predis™ uses less water and fewer chemicals. Also, because there is no thermal stress on the empty bottle and bottles are transferred from blow molding to filling by the neck instead of by conveyors, the system offers great bottle lightweighting potential.
The first Combi Predis™ was installed at a North American bottler to produce juice with and without pulp.
About aseptic packaging:
Aseptic packaging is used to extend the shelf life of sensitive drinks sold at room temperature (like milk, dairy products, juice, tea, flavored water and energy drinks). Aseptic packaging prevents package contamination by micro-organisms during and after packaging. Previously, the beverage would have undergone a short heat treatment to guarantee an extended shelf life at room temperature without the need for preservatives.
| Sylvie ORY Tel : +33 2 32 85 81 33 sylvie.ory@sidel.com |
