GEA launches ABF 2.0 filling system

GEA has launched its new filling system for shelf-stable, sensitive beverages and milk-based drinks.

GEA’s new rotary aseptic blow fill technology (ABF 2.0) provides beverage manufacturers with hygiene and food safety and top performance in terms of filling speed, accuracy and flexibility. The new system uses H2O2 for the sterilisation of PET preforms.

The new ABF 2.0 is an evolution from GEA’s original system that includes many mechanical improvements and simplifications to reduce power consumption while eliminating any potential risk of contamination.

GEA says that every process parameter and critical point is carefully monitored and traced to ensure reliable and repeatable sterilisation. As an additional guarantee of reliable and efficient sterilisation treatment, a Smart Sensor monitors spraying performance at each sterilisation nozzle.

Unlike GEA’s original machine, the preform does not need to be turned along the transfer to the aseptic blower: this saves time and reduces maintenance costs. A new oven with optimised materials allowed to have fewer heating modules, this has achieved a significant reduction in power usage and the overall oven footprint.

The aseptic blowing wheel is located within the sterile zone with the filling and capping processes. This means that the sterile container does not leave the sterile area until the filling and capping is complete. This rigorous aseptic process ensures that the environmental contamination level is always under control.

The bottle caps are sterilized using Sterilcap VHP R from GEA.

Most bottling plants handle a wide variety of products so GEA has designed the format changeover system on the ABF 2.0 to be fast and simple.

The environmental cleaning and sterilisation processes are completely automated and performed via a control panel without any manual manipulation from operators, that can represent a potential risk of contamination.

GEA is the only supplier that can propose FDA approved filling solutions for both PAA and H2O2-based applications.

For more information about the ABF 2.0, click here.

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