Isolator optimizes aseptic beverage packaging operations.
Press Release Summary:
Facilitating aseptic packaging of milk and drinks in and around sterile enclosure, SAS 3 RABS (restricted access barrier system) isolator delivers up to 72 hr of non-stop production at fill rates up to 50,000 bottles/hr. Unidirectional airflow and overpressure provide protection against external contamination. Sterile area is surrounded by barrier zones that allow operator to access production area by use of glove-boxes to avoid contamination.
Original Press Release:
Serac's New Isolator for Aseptic Beverage Packaging, SAS 3, Allows Three Days of Uninterrupted Production
The French company Serac has just launched a new RABS (restricted access barrier system) isolator to optimize aseptic packaging of milk and drinks in and around the sterile enclosure. This isolator, the SAS 3, increases productivity in complete safety by enabling up to 72 hours of non-stop production without intermediate decontamination periods and by filling up to 50,000 bottles per hour.
Serac offers three major improvements over the standard isolator: unidirectional flow, barrier zones, and easy access, while preserving its established advantages.
Unidirectional flow:
Though standard isolators are hermetically sealed, the RABS is not. It is an air barrier produced by positive overpressure inside the enclosure that protects the sterile area. Air is continuously circulated and renewed via a vertical unidirectional speed-regulated airflow. Combining both these techniques eliminates the particles present in the enclosure and provides protection against external contamination. By avoiding confinement, the continuous air circulation extends aseptic state time and provides up to 72 hours of production without having to stop for decontamination.
Barrier zones:
The sterile area is surrounded by barrier zones that are also subjected to unidirectional airflow. They act like an additional protective envelope between the enclosure and the rest of the workshop and make cleaning and maintenance operations on the machine easier.
Easy access:
The heart of the machine-the sterile enclosure-can only be accessed in production via glove boxes that are placed at critical locations along the filling line. However, all the other points-treatment, line input, and output-can be reached via external doors without having to wear "clean room" clothing. All accesses into and out of the barrier zone are monitored and recorded to effectively track operations.
The origins of this new type of RABS isolator stem from the pharmaceutical industry. To design its isolator, Serac drew inspiration from the definition by the ISPE (International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering) for the FDA. This definition concerns seven criteria:
o Solid partitions, providing a physical separation between production and the operators
o Unidirectional airflow - ISO 5
o Gloves or automation system to avoid access when filling
o Equipment transfer system to avoid exposure to less clean environments
o High level of surface disinfection
o ISO 7 environment class
o Very few interventions, requiring decontamination after intervention, doors locked and monitored, positive overpressure, ISO 5 environment class
About Serac:
SERAC SAS, created in 1969, specializes in manufacturing filling and capping machines for liquid and semi-liquid products along with complete packaging lines. The company is actively present in market segments covering food, industrial, chemical and hygiene products (perfumery, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals). It has submitted around 80 patents in the packaging sector. It employs 350 people, with three sites in France and eight subsidiaries or branches abroad. It boasts turnover of $90 million, 85 % of which concerns export (to approximately 80 countries). Serac is referenced by all renowned world-leading groups such as Nestl©, Candia, Lactalis, Coca-Cola, B.P., Shell, Colgate, Danone, Unigate, Teisseire, Total, Procter & Gamble, Kodak and L'Or©al. Serac has delivered six aseptic machines over the last two years, including two in Japan.
For further information, please contact:
SERAC
Marc Binet
President
300 Westgate Dr.
Carol Stream, IL 60188
Tel: (630) 510-9343
E-mail: marcb@serac-usa.com
Web: www.serac-group.com
