Machine block unites aseptic moulding and filling for low-output beverage production

Krones has added a compact Contipure AseptBloc system to this aseptic range, making available a new economical option for handling as few as 8,000 containers an hour.

The machine manufacturer says that almost 90 per cent of its aseptic fillers are currently a part of the Contipure AseptBloc family of monobloc blow-fill lines. This type of system was previously installed primarily in the medium and high-output range, but it made sense to introduce a compact, lower-output version. 

According to Krones, 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 1,080mm. This only requires around 100 square metres of installation space, the company says, with potential for further space savings. 

“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 R&D project leader Thekla Osswald.

The origins of this expanded Contipure AseptBloc portfolio go back to the development, two years ago, of Krones’ new-generation Contiform stretch blow-moulding machines. For the first time, this allowed for configurations of four, six and eight cavities. Meanwhile, 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. 

Gaseous hydrogen peroxide is the only sterilisation medium used. Since the preform and not the bottle is sterilised first, lightweight containers can also be used, says the company. 

Compared with conventional aseptic processes with container sterilisation, it adds, this system enables material savings of around 2g per bottle.

Like other versions of the block, the compact version is suitable for a wide range of products across different non-carbonated categories, whether distributed at ambient temperature or in the chill chain, low- or high-acid.

01942 845000

www.krones.com