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Stork's aseptic filling methods have just been approved by the USFDA. Dairy Industries International reports on one of the industry's newest innovations
To fill aseptic containers reliably, all possible Forms of contamination must be banished From the Filling process. Stork Food & Dairy Systems has developed a new type oF aseptic bottle Filler that can meet these requirements.
For a truly reliable aseptic Filling system there are two simple requirements: it must be possible to properly sterilise the system and it must remain sterile while the containers are being Filled. Although these requirements are simple, the solutions they call For are anything but simple.
To enable a Filler to be sterilised properly, all the parts oF the system (especially the Flat surfaces) must be both cleanable and drainable. Provision must also be made For the adequate sterilisation oF all aseptic areas oF the Filler and product system, including pipes and tanks.
To maintain a Filler in a sterile state during the process, it is essential to ensure that no ambient contaminants can enter the Filler. Assuming that the product being Filled is itself sterile, potential contaminant sources are:
* the containers to be Filled:
* parts oF the transport system that move in and out oF aseptic areas;
* ambient air around the Filler: and
* operators and their tools.
The containers, transport chain and air must always be adequately sterilised before they enter the aseptic filling areas. To avoid operators having to intervene inside the filler in the event of malfunctions or for machine setup and adjustment. Stork's fundamental design objective for the new filler was to achieve optimal reliability.
The construction of the filler virtually rules out malfunctions. All higher-maintenance parts have been kept out of the aseptic areas and the number of moving parts inside these areas has been reduced to the absolute minimum.
The aseptic filler is divided into eight stations, which the bottles pass through successively, and one station for decontamination of the...