Krones said that its PET-Asept system was already designed to process a large range of bottle sizes, closures and neck finish types, though is now enhanced to grant greater space behind the bottle, so larger bottle diameters of up to 108 mm can now be capped as well.
The PET-Asept System includes a steriliser, rinser, filler, and capper in a BLOC configuration, all connected by neck-handling starwheels.
The spokesperson said that by relocating the servomotors upwards in its new aseptic capper, while keeping the control cams lower, the system allows for greater visibility and thus enables improved accessibility for cleaning and maintenance requirements.
“The redesign of the capper also results in less wear and tear on the servomotor’s connecting power cable; it no longer has to move up and down due to the fact that the motor now remains in a fixed position,” added the spokesperson.
Aseptic filling
Aseptic filling requires separate sterilisation of the product, bottles or cartons, and their closures. The sterilised product is then packaged in a sealed-off sterile environment and the container sealed under aseptic conditions.
It has become an increasingly popular method for extending the shelf life of products, allowing companies to consolidate operations and extend their distribution chain.
According to Krones, its PET-Asept technology is suitable for sensitive beverages in the pH range between four and seven, including juices, squash, still fruit juice, ice tea, tea and sports drinks.
Dry sterilisation
The isolator principle of the Krones PET-Asept system, which separates line components that are not relevant from the sterile area and reliably prevents penetration of ambient air or germs from outside, coupled with its integrated aseptic capping concept make the technology fully compliant for aseptic requirements, said the German group.
The manufacturer added that the dry-sterilisation unit of its PET-Asept line treats the PET containers and the plastic closures with a H2O2/hot-air mixture, and one of the advantages of this is the significantly reduced use of water
The Krones Group, headquartered in Neutraubling/Upper Palatinate, plans, develops and manufactures machines and complete lines for bottling, canning and packaging operations in the beverage, food, chemical, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.