Aseptic blow fill system for beverage bottling
In modern bottling plants, producing both high and low acid beverages with extended shelf lives can be challenging. Maintaining aseptic conditions throughout the production process without compromising efficiency or product quality is key.
Sterilizes, blows, fills, and caps in a sterile environment
The GEA Aseptic Blow Fill System ABF 2.0 combines aseptic blow molding with aseptic filling and capping modules, employing a dry hydrogen peroxide-based sterilization technology for preforms and caps. Designed to maintain sterility throughout the entire process, the system sterilizes preforms as they exit the oven, optimizing thermal profiling and minimizing the use of sterilants. Preforms are treated with vaporized hydrogen peroxide (VHP) to achieve a 6 log decontamination performance. The system uses sterile air for blowing preforms into bottles, which are then filled and capped in a microbiological isolator. The ABF 2.0 is capable of continuous runs of 165 hours without stoppages, making it ideal for sensitive beverages. It reduces energy consumption for compressed air by up to 31% compared to previous models, featuring an air recovery system labeled Add Better. The GEA ABF 2.0 offers flexibility for treating different beverage types and rapid changeovers without losing sterility.
Benefits
- Automated, repeatable sterilization process requiring no manual intervention
- Reduces energy consumption up to 31% with air recovery system
- Low chemical and no water consumption during production
- Minimum hydrogen peroxide residues in containers (<0.5 ppm)
- Continuous aseptic production runs of 165 hours