KHS's latest R&D result - dry valve aseptic cold filling technology

Aseptic cold filling technology of dry valves is a kind of aseptic cold filling technology newly developed by KHS. Last year, KHS introduced the two dry valve aseptic production lines into China for the first time: one purchased by Qijiang Beer Group; the other was purchased by Xiamen Yinlu Group. The final commissioning of these two aseptic production lines has now been completed and production of the products has begun.

The emergence of dry valve aseptic cold filling technology solves the problem of environmental pollution

Aseptic cold filling technology is the world's most advanced filling technology. At present, most of the sterilization methods used in aseptic cold filling technology in the world are based on wet sterilization. There is a big problem in wet sterilization, which is that sterilizing water is used for cleaning. Bottles will inevitably be contaminated, and the sterilized water will be seriously polluted by the sterilizing medium. Measures need to be taken to drain and deal with it, which will have a serious impact on the environment. The emergence of dry valve aseptic cold filling technology has solved this problem well.

The wet aseptic technique is to sterilize the bottle and sterilize it with sterile water. In this process, sterilizing water is naturally contaminated by aseptic media. Contaminated water enters the water treatment system and can contaminate the environment. The KHS dry-valve technology does not require water at all: introduction of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) into the bottle, disinfection of the lid, and evaporation of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) with hot air. Then use hot air to dry the container. The dry valve technology is applicable to various containers, regardless of bottle shape or size. Even a position that is difficult to reach, such as the handle of a plastic drinker, can be disinfected. The small and closed parts of the container are then sterilized using a patented micro-isolation technique (micro-sterilization chamber).

Dry valve aseptic cold filling technology can save 50% cost

The bactericidal medium used in the wet sterilization process is polyacrylic acid PAA, which is relatively expensive, thus restricting the application of aseptic cold filling technology to some extent. The dry valve technology uses a sterilizing medium H2O2, H2O2 bactericidal medium is much cheaper than the traditional bactericidal medium polyacrylic acid PAA, and the traditional bactericidal production line consumes a very large amount of water, but also consumes a lot of cost. KHS once compared these two technologies in Europe. Compared to traditional wet aseptic technology, dry valve technology can save 50% of the cost.

Dry valve aseptic cold filling technology has broad application prospects

In fact, this type of dry valve technology has been used for a while in the paper industry. KHS is bold in innovation and first introduced this technology into the PET filling industry. It was Alfill that made it happen. Four years ago, Alfill began introducing dry valve technology to major European manufacturers. With the gradual improvement of technology, the senior management of KHS has sensitively foreseen its future prospects and acquired Alfill Corporation, thus becoming the owner of dry valve aseptic cold filling technology.

Mr. Barrez specifically analyzed the current technical status of the Chinese filling market: China is now more commonly used traditional filling method - hot filling. However, not all products can be hot-filled. This kind of technology has many requirements for the types of products that customers produce, and the limitations are great. Moreover, hot filling consumes a lot of energy during operation, and the operating cost is very expensive. In contrast, aseptic technology has a wide range of applications, but so far, the aseptic technology in the Chinese market is not mature. Aseptic technology suppliers in the world are now simplifying aseptic technology and are trying to reduce the production costs and operating costs of aseptic cold filling technology. The growing awareness of environmental protection in the entire world makes the equipment suitable for the above two aspects inevitable. Will be welcomed. The advantage of dry valve cold filling technology in the above two aspects will inevitably determine the application of this technology has a bright future.