Hitachi Shipbuilding develops PET beverage bottle electron beam sterilization device

Hitachi Shipbuilding has developed a device for sterilizing PET (polyethylene terephthalate) beverage bottles (PET bottles). It is envisaged to apply it to the standard beverage production line in Japan. In the future, a tester that can confirm the sterilization of PET bottles will be installed in the company's Chikko factory to advertise to customers.

The development product uses the nozzle type electron beam emitter “ITB16” produced by Advanced Electron Beams (AEB) of the United States. The principle is to insert the ITB16 inside the PET bottle and use a low energy electron beam to sterilize the resin surface. In the past, when using high-energy electron beams, problems such as deterioration of the resin and generation of odors have occurred. This product is different from the large electron beam sterilization device and does not require a dedicated shielded room and shielded room. Hitachi Shipbuilding signed an agreement with AEB in February 2011 to exclusively use ITB16 in Japan. The original aseptic filling device for beverages was used to sterilize the inner surface of the PET bottle by spraying a solution of hydrogen peroxide and peracetic acid before filling the beverage. However, it is necessary to flush the liquid with sterile water afterwards. Therefore, a large amount of liquid and water are consumed, and the liquid must be drained. In addition, there may be problems such as chemical liquid residues and chemicals causing deterioration of PET bottles. Electron beam sterilization eliminates the need for chemicals and water, and prevents the above problems.

Hitachi Zosen plans to exhibit a newly developed sterilization device at the "Japan PACK 2011" (October 18-21, 2011, Tokyo Ariake International Convention and Exhibition Center). In the future, products using this electron beam sterilization technology will also be developed for the pharmaceutical and chemical industries.