The basis for expanding the portfolio was laid by a further development in stretch blow-moulding technology: two years ago, Krones launched a new generation of its Contiform blow-moulding machine, which for the first time also enabled configurations of four, six and eight cavities. Similarly, the filling technology team further developed its existing aseptic filler, also with a view to low outputs - and finally combined both systems in a compact version of the Contipure AseptBloc.
The small footprint of the block is particularly noteworthy: the smallest version contains a four-cavity blow-moulding machine and a filler with a pitch circle of 1,080 millimetres - and currently only requires around 100 square metres of installation space - with potential for further space savings. This extremely small footprint can be achieved, for example, through a revised cleanroom concept, optimised positioning of peripherals such as media supply or valve manifolds and integration of the piping directly into the system. ‘Thanks to its well thought-out layout, the compact version of the Contipure AseptBloc is ideal for those companies that have little space available in production - whether installing a new line or modernising the blow-moulder and filler in an existing aseptic system,’ says Thekla Osswald, who is leading the project on the Research and Development side.
Ideal for juice, milk or plant-based milk alternatives
Apart from the space requirement, the compact version of the Contipure AseptBloc is in no way inferior to the tried-and-tested standard version: Here too, only one sterilisation medium is used, namely gaseous hydrogen peroxide. Furthermore, since the preform and not the bottle is sterilised first, lightweight containers can also be used. Compared to conventional aseptic processes with container sterilisation, the Contipure AseptBloc enables material savings of around two grams per bottle.
