Efficient production can only be effected on a production line, whose components ensure optimum compatibility in terms of operating duty and output, both in relation to each other as well as in relation to product and package.
Line Concepts
That is why Stork has configured various production lines for a variety of product treatment and packaging processes. When configuring a production line, Stork can also attend to the supply of any specific non-Stork line components, if so required.
Line for Pasteurized Products
For the packaging of day-fresh, pasteurized products, Stork has configured a line, which combines a high production output with a high accuracy of fill, efficiency and flexibility. The line is capable of handling glass bottles, as well as high-density polyethylene (HDPE) and polycarbonate (PC) bottles.
In the majority of applications, plastic bottles are employed. They can be manufactured on-site with a Stork blowmoulding machine, or purchased from a blowmoulding contractor.
For the pasteurization of the product a simple plate heat exchanger can be used or, when higher demands are made, the Stork Sterideal.
Line for ESL (Extended Shelf Life) Products
Stork has developed this line concept for pasteurized products with an extended shelf life (ESL products). Depending on the required shelf life, an ultra-high pasteurization process can be selected.
The ESL line comprises the following operations: the product is subjected to a heat treatment (ultra-high pasteurization process) in a Sterideal tubular heat exchanger and packaged in. The latter may optionally be procured from a blowmoulding contractor or manufactured with the help of an in-plant Stork blowmoulding machine, which offers the possibility of giving the bottles a unique appearance.
Line for UHT Sterilized and Aseptic Packed Products
For the packaging of long-life products (three months or longer), Stork has developed the aseptic line. Typical examples of products suitable for this method of treatment and packaging are such dairy products as milk, coffee cream, yoghurt drinks, vitamin- and mineral-enriched milk, as well as fruit juices.
The product is UHT-sterilized in a Stork Sterideal system. Both open and closed (internally sterile) plastic bottles can be processed on this line. The bottles can be supplied by a blowmoulding contractor or manufactured on-site with a Stork blowmoulding machine. In-house blowmoulding offers the advantage of producing proprietary bottles with a shape that precisely matches the product and the market. If required, the blowmoulding machine can be set up to use sterile air for producing closed-type bottles, which do not need to be internally sterilized before filling.
Line for In-Container Sterilization
This line has been developed for the sterilization of products requiring single-pass sterilization only. The products can be packaged in cans, in glass or plastic bottles, or in pouches. Dozens of this type of line are in successful operation throughout the world.
Stork has developed the Vario Cassette system, which allows a considerable extension in the range of products capable of being processed in the continuous sterilizer. Prior to being sterilized, the products are loaded in the Vario Cassettes, which have been dimensioned so that the products are confined in place, thus eliminating the risk of damage. Next the cassettes are treated in the Hydromatic continuous sterilizer and, subsequently, unloaded. Thanks to the fact that the layout of the cassettes allows ease of adjustment, this in-container sterilization line is capable of handling a rich array of products packaged in a wide diversity of containers.
A conveyor feeds the products - either loaded is cassettes or directly - to the Stork Hydromatic continuous sterilizer, where they are preheated, sterilized (in a still-cook or end over end rotating process) and cooled.
Two-Stage Sterilization Line
The two stage-sterilization line is employed for the manufacture of high-quality, long-life products, eliminating the need for effecting the filling operation under aseptic conditions. Hence, this line is eminently suitable for processors wanting to fill and package such products as long-life milk, yoghurt drinks and liquid baby foods at moderate costs.
The line comprises a Stork Sterideal UHT sterilizer for first-stage in-flow product sterilization, which ensures effective sterilization and minimum impairment of flavour and other organoleptic properties of the product.
The product may be packaged in glass or plastic bottles. If plastic bottles are used, they are delivered by a blowmoulding contractor or an in-plant Stork blowmoulding machine. The sterilized product and bottles come together in the rotary Stork Dairy filler. Depending on requirements, a volumetric filler or a weight filler may be employed. The bottles are sealed downstream from the filler. Subsequently, the bottles are transported to the second-stage: the Hydromatic continuous sterilizer for gentle in-bottle product sterilization, which serves to eliminate any reinfection caused during bottle handling and bottling. After sterilization, the bottles are labelled and, if required, provided with a screw-on cap. Inspection and packaging units can be installed at the end of the line to complete the process.
