ESL / Aseptic

ESL/Aseptic is a comprehensive sterilization method for both processing and packaging a product. Aseptic products are thermally processed to a state of commercial sterility and then filled through a sterile zone into a sterilized package. They are shelf-stable and do not require refrigeration.

The aseptic process and packaging procedures provide longer shelf life at normal room temperatures without preservatives. Shelf life can be extended (in some cases) for up to one year without refrigeration. Product sterilization occurs by rapidly heating the product to a high temperature, holding for a short period of time, and rapidly cooling the product. Products are minimally affected by the heating process, ensuring flavor retention, nutritional value and product integrity.

The choice of system, system design, filler and package are very product dependent. In order to ensure product integrity and system efficiency, it is crucial that the choice of process, filler and package is made based on the particular product being processed.

The types of processes accepted in the United States for the production of aseptic products are time/temperature based. The two types of time/temperature based processing systems are categorized as indirect and direct heating systems.

Therma Stat Processing System Statco DSI — Therma-Stat ESL/Aseptic Processing System

Indirect Systems

Indirect systems utilize non-contact heating and cooling media to achieve the desired product temperatures. These systems employ various types of heat exchangers such as plate, tubular or scraped surface heat exchangers to heat and cool products to conform to the desired product temperature profile.

Direct Systems

Direct systems, like Statco-DSI’s Therma-Stat, inject the heating media (culinary steam) directly into the product to rapidly elevate the temperature. This heating process is typically followed by flash cooling the product to remove the quantity of water which was added as steam. Steam is delivered into the product using either steam injection or steam infusion. Steam injection systems inject steam directly into the product and steam infusion systems distribute product into the steam via an infusion vessel.

Statco-DSI has experience in both direct and indirect heating aseptic systems for both high acid and low acid foods. We can provide an aseptic solution for your product and packaging needs that is certifiable by the FDA, USDA or in the case of dairy-based products, in compliance with the Grade A Pasteurized Milk Ordinance (PMO).