SIDEL has launched a new ‘breakthrough’ bottle washer that combines chemical and ultrasound technology.
The Hydra Ultrasonic will be unveiled for the first time this week at the BrauBeviale trade show in Nuremberg, Germany.
The firm said that the growing focus on the environmental impact of packaging, combined with reuse targets set by legislation, is driving demand for returnable glass and PET bottle solutions.
As the beverage industry embraces the benefits of refillable returnable glass bottles, manufacturers require bottle-washing technology to safely ensure bottles are hygienically cleaned before being returned to consumers.
Sidel said that to eliminate dirt and debris from bottles, the washing process requires a ‘precise balance’ of temperature, concentration of chemical detergents and time.
“Real progress means doing more with less,” said Andrea Solfa, product manager at Sidel. “That’s why, in developing our new bottle washing technology, we set ourselves two objectives: to improve the machine’s washing capacity, while at the same time reducing its overall consumptions and carbon footprint.”
Sidel explained the bottle washer combines the use of chemicals and ultrasonic technology, increasing the mechanical effect and reducing the needed washing time and temperature required, while improving the machine’s performance.
During the cleaning process, Sidel added that the Hydra Ultrasonic achieves high washing efficiency on both interior and exterior walls, even removing some caustic resistant types of dirt. Carrier beams are also cleaned thanks to the mechanical effect of ultrasound.
