Dry decontamination of preforms is a first.

The industry's first dry decontamination system for PET preforms is targeted for extended-shelf-life (ESL) products like dairy beverages and fruit juices. The Predis system, developed by Sidel Inc., Norcross, Ga., is an add-on module for Sidel stretch-blow molders for PET, PP, and PLA bottle production at rates up to 36,000/hr. Sidel sees potential use in the U.S. as a replacement for traditional bottle decontamination using sterile water and peracetic acid rinsing.

Preforms are transferred by the neck on a wheel from the preform infeed to the oven entrance, where the Predis system is located. Calibrated nozzles inject hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) vapor at 120 to 140 C, which condenses on the preforms' inner wall. The preforms are then heated in the oven to over 100 C, which activates the H2O2. Preforms are blown using 0.01-micron filtered air and the bottles are transferred by the neck in a controlled atmosphere to the blow molder to prevent recontamination.

The system provides at least a 1000-fold reduction in contamination, Sidel says. Predis is reportedly simpler and cleaner than previous two-stage liquid spray systems using H2O2. Predis also uses only 5 to 15 mg of chemical per preform, about 2.5% as much as with decontamination by bottle rinsing, and no water is required. A Croatian dairy company is the first to use the new system for production of probiotic flavored milk in 100-cc bottles at 14,400/hr. Tel: [phone] * www.sidel.com

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