Grocery store prices continue to be on consumers’ minds. Inflation has reached forty-year highs: labor shortages have led to more temporary workers at food processing plants, and these costs are being passed on through higher prices on consumer goods. This has led to consumers changing their purchase behavior in their search for deals, with many consumers switching to new and private label options when they lose confidence in their favorite brands. Any means of saving on operating costs can mean the difference between your product remaining in a consumer’s cart or being left on the shelf.
One means by which food processors can save on operating costs is to adopt aseptic processing systems to maintain their product safety and streamline their operating procedures. This processing system is so important that a panel of food technologists and scientists at the Institute of Food Technologists stated, “Aseptic processing is the most significant food science development in the last 50 years.” This means food processors will benefit from understanding what Aseptic Processing is and how it can benefit them.
Why You Need Aseptic Processing
Aseptic processing is also known as high-temperature-short-time (HTST) processing. High temperature water is used to sterilize the food processing equipment prior to use and between product changeovers. The high temperature of the water needs to be held for a specific amount of time to allow for the destruction of unwanted microorganisms within the system. This independent sterilization of processing equipment allows product to flow through a sterilized system, followed by filling/sealing (packaging) in sterile containers, which maximally reduces product contamination. Aseptic processing is an alternative to the low acid canned food (LACF) method used previously, which compromised the nutritional and organoleptic properties of food products.
Marlen Pumps Fulfill Critical Area of Aseptic Processing
The metering pump is one of the most critical areas of an aseptic processing system. A rotary positive displacement or centrifugal pump used as the metering pump are subject to slip based on processing temperature, processing pressure, viscosity of the product (or water), and age and wear or the moving parts in the pump. Thus, rotary positive displacement and centrifugal pumps used as metering pumps in aseptic processing are subject to variability with the critical temperature needed to properly perform aseptic processing, which is far less effective sterilizing equipment.
In contrast, Marlen uses a reciprocating piston pump design for the metering pump for aseptic processing. This system is specifically designed to not slip under variable conditions, such as changes in temperature, viscosity, and pressure. Although a higher initial investment is made for a Marlen aseptic processing system, that cost is offset almost always through savings recouped from reduced down time, simplified pre-sterilization prior to product changeover, less product loss as a result of fewer variations in temperature and flow control, zero slippage, ease of operation, less maintenance, and the peace of mind that comes with having the most advanced pumping technology available in your aseptic processing system.
Integrated Aseptic Processing: Pre-Sterilization Recirculation System
This aseptic processing system can be integrated directly into a Marlen pump, which allows processors access to a pre-sterilization process. The patented Marlen Pre-Sterilization Recirculation System Option incorporates automatic water control valves, which allows the processor to pump water through the system at the same rate and pressure as the product being processed, all with zero slippage. This has the advantage of immediately switching between water and product, as well as easily flushing the system both between products and prior to end-of-shift cleaning-in-place (CIP). This also minimizes product loss by purging the system.
For over 65 years, Marlen has been trusted by leading food brands and assures value to its customers through the highest consistency, accuracy, and product integrity. By incorporating Marlen’s product integrity solutions, such as the Pre-Sterilization Recirculation System for integrated aseptic processing, food processors can reduce their operating costs while also streamlining their operating procedures. This in turn can allow food processors to offer their best prices to consumers, which can keep their products in consumers’ carts.
