New alfill Process Technology Revolutionizes Cap Sterilization. The new alfill cap sterilizer is extremely compact and features modular design

The new alfill cap sterilizer

Efficient Sterilization of Caps with Hard-to-Reach Corners and Recesses. New alfill Process Technology Revolutionizes Cap Sterilization.
The new alfill cap sterilizer is extremely compact and features modular design, which means it can be configured to handle any desired throughput. It is completely vendor-independent and can be integrated into any bottling line. The unit is designed to be installed immediately upstream of the capper and can be installed in a new system or added to an existing bottling line. This new cap sterilization system, which will be marketed under the name "alfill-sterile-CAP", will be showcased at "Brau" in Nuremberg, where it will make its world premiere.

The proprietary alfill technology is based upon the use of a dry sterilization process. The medium (H2O2 = hydrogen peroxide) is a compound that breaks down into water and oxygen. As a result, the system is ideal for applications involving food and beverages and can be used with absolutely no reservations. No other medium equals the disinfectant power of hydrogen peroxide.

The medium is applied to the surfaces to be sterilized in the form of a fine condensate by sterile air and is then dried after a brief contact period. The medium is evaporated for seamless sterilization, which means it reaches all inner and outer surfaces of the caps.

The medium even reaches and sterilizes recesses and hollows that would normally be inaccessible such as, for example, those found in caps with inserted aluminum foil. Since the active substance is dried by hot air, no chemical substances can be transferred to the product. The process guarantees treatment with absolutely no traces of residue. For bottlers, that means maximum product reliability and hygiene as well as environmentally friendly sterilization of caps. The new process also offers definite advantages in terms of cost. For example, operating costs are less than half as high as the cost of conventional dipping processes. In terms of economy, this system defies comparison.

The system is designed to handle not only screw-type caps for PET and HDPE bottles but also any other type of closure or closure material. For example, it is just as easy to process crown caps and conventional aluminum screw caps or even natural cork. The CAF design (Cold Aseptic Filling) features an integrated sterile air chamber and guarantees a disinfectant rate of 5 log!