Tetra Alsafe® Aseptic tank0 pages
Tetra Alsafe®
Aseptic tank
This fully automated aseptic tank is available as a separate unit or
as a component in Tetra Pak UHT line solutions, with guaranteed
performance.
Application
For intermediate storage of low-acid food products under aseptic
conditions.
Working principle
The Tetra Alsafe tank is sterilised by steam at a minimum
temperature of 125°C for a period of time. It is then cooled by
water circulating through the cooling jacket. During cooling,
sterile air is fed into the tank to prevent vacuum formation.
During production, sterile air fills the tank space above the
product level. The pressure is automatically controlled to maintain
the feed pressure required by the filling machine in operation.
As option, the Tetra Alsafe can be equipped with an agitator. This
is recommended for products, that can separate in the tank during
storage (e.g. chocolate milk and juice with fibres) and to even out
the product temperature.
A valve cluster module with control panel directs product flow,
sterile air, cleaning liquids and steam. During production a steam
barrier (110°C) is applied to protect the product from contamination. After the filling machines, the end valve cluster prevents
reinfection.
The tank is cleaned in place by a central CIP system. Since tank
operation includes high-temperature sterilization followed by
cooling, the tank is designed to be completely implosion-proof.
The tank is manufactured in accordance with the European
pressure vessel code (PED), but can be manufactured to comply
with other codes on request.
One of the three stainless legs is equipped with a load cell which
measures the content of the tank and shows the reading on the
panel.
Tank operation is fully automated and production interlocks are
included for safety reasons. The operator only has to initiate the
process steps: tank sterilization, production and CIP.
The tank is operated from its own programmable control in the
control panel.