Reciprocating-screw unit blows sterile bottles.

Uniloy Milacron, Manchester, Mich., has added a controlled-atmosphere model to its series of UMR2000 reciprocating-screw blow molders. The UMR2000CB is a "clean blow" design that uses sterile blowing air and an enclosed, pressurized clamp for high-volume production of bacteria-free containers.

A stainless-steel air system uses steam purge and HEPA filters to deliver sterile blowing air. A proprietary mechanical sealing device at the end of the blowing cycle seals the containers, trapping sterile air inside the bottles until they are filled. The camactuated sealing device is contained within the mold and consists of two pinch bars that seal the top of the bottle. To avoid bottle bulging due to shrinkage, a patented mechanical volume evacuation system presses the sides of the bottle to ensure it attains the proper volume. The machine produces about 60 bottles/hr.

The clamp area is also enclosed to maintain a controlled atmosphere. A laminar airflow device mounted on the machine delivers dehumidified air to the clamp interior, producing positive pressure to prevent outside air from leaking in.

Uniloy Milacron has sold two 10-cavity models with a 90-mm extruder to a large U.K. dairy for on-site production of 64-oz milk bottles. Tel: [phone] PT Direct: 349JR