GEA ECOSpin2 Zero Aseptic Filling System

ECOSpin2 Zero uses only one PAA-based solution to sterilize both the environment and the packaging materials. Plus only five parameters have to be controlled to achieve robust and reliable sterilization: pressure, temperature, concentration, flow rate and contact time.

A clogging-free penetrating nozzle (full-cone or blade shape) is used for internal sterilization of a wide range of PET bottles, including those with handle. The combined mechanical and chemical action effectively addresses ‘Cold Spot’ contamination and complies with the most demanding line validation protocols. The efficiency of each nozzle is automatically checked by a ’Smart Sensor’ that ensures the proper sterilization of each bottle.

External bottle sterilization treatment, a distinctive feature of GEA, is designed to accommodate a vast array of bottle shapes to avoid microbiological transfer into the filling area. This ensures that GEA lines continuously operate under aseptic conditions – with no intermediate environmental sterilization cycles – maximizing the production time.

After sterilization, the bottle is briefly rinsed with sterile water at ambient temperature to guarantee a residual peroxide level of less than 0.5 ppm (as per FDA regulations).

The new water rinsing unit in PAA based machinery received the GEA Add Better label. It features a reduced water consumption thanks to a new nozzle design. 

When installed on new machinery (GEA Aseptic Filling Bloc ECOSpin2 Zero and GEA Modulbloc) the system allows a water saving of up to 91%. The comparison refers to its predecessor models. The new water rinsing unit was released in 2014.

In addition, the system is suitable for service upgrades of the installed base (available from 2018), achieving a water saving of up to 83%.

Sterilcap IM, the integrated cap sterilizer, treats one-piece caps by immersing them via spiral routing in a basin full of PAA solution. They are then rinsed with a sterile water spray. The mechanical design features a jam-free spiral channel in which the caps are driven by a PAA solution flow. The same microbiological sterilization target for the bottles is also achieved for the internal and external surfaces of closures.

Pre-sterilized flat/sports cap handling is also available for HA productions. A bag treatment tunnel is used for gamma-ray, pre-irradiated bags of caps that are loaded into the machine and externally sterilized with a PAA spray. After the external sterilization, the bags are opened and fed to the capper in a sterile environment.

For LA products, a dedicated rotary H2O2-based Sterilibag system handles bags of pre-sterilized caps (FDA approved). Gamma-ray irradiated bags of caps are externally sterilized, opened and fed to the capper in a controlled environment.