Interpack 2014: Bosch introduces new HQL sterilization tunnel series

Neue Baureihen des Bosch HQL-Sterilisiertunnels: Die neue HQL-Serie zur Sterilisierung und Entpyrogenisierung von vorgereinigten Behältnissen zeichnet sich durch einen reduzierten Energieverbrauch und eine modulare Bauweise aus. / New series of Bosch HQL sterilization tunnel: The new HQL series for sterilizing and depyrogenizing pre-cleaned containers is characterized by reduced energy consumption and a modular design.

- Modular  design for customer-specific requirements
- Increased  energy efficiency through energy-saving components and measures for heat recovery
- Standardized conveyor belt sizes for optimal adaptation to customer processes

At Interpack 2014, Bosch Packaging Technology,  a leading supplier of process and packaging technology, presents  the new 6000, 7000 and 8000 series of the HQL drying and sterilization tunnel.  This new generation of tunnels  is an energy-saving and especially  flexible advancement of the proven HQL series for sterilizing and depyrogenizing pre-cleaned ampoules,  injection and infusion bottles, as well as cartridges and syringes.

The modular  design of the HQL series ensures a customer-specific tunnel arrangement. Each sterilizing and cooling  module  contains  the entire technology for the respective process step. “The modules  can now be variably put together. This allows the new series to be flexibly integrated into  different line concepts,” Matthias Angelmaier,  product manager at Bosch Packaging Technology,  explains.  In addition, the new design facilitates access to critical areas such as HEPA filters, which  can be easily replaced,  thus simplifying maintenance of the tunnels.

Savings in energy and space

Pharmaceutical manufacturers profit from the increased  energy efficiency of the new HQL series. In contrast to most sterilization tunnels, the new series requires less energy for electrical heating and ventilation due to an optimized airflow and measures for heat recovery. A flexible pressure  zone concept ensures increased  process safety by adapting  tunnel  pressures  in the different zones to customers’ requirements. The new tunnels  are further characterized by a reduced  overall tunnel  size, making them shorter and more space-saving than the previous series.

Three standardized conveyor belt sizes

The new tunnels  are available in three standardized bandwidths of 600 respectively 800 millimeters for the HQL 6000 and 7000 and 1 200 millimeters for the HQL 8000, which  is on display at Interpack. With its different sizes, the drying and sterilization tunnel  can be flexibly adapted to different requirements. “Based on the physical properties of our customers’ packaging material  we calculate, which  tunnel  modules  are adequate  for their  processes,” Angelmaier explains.  This subsequently facilitates safe process validation and documentation. “The HQL 8000, for instance,  with  its broad conveyor belt and several sterilizing and cooling modules  is suited  for large glass containers and downstream filling machines  with  high output.” The horizontal transport belt made of a stainless  steel wire mesh makes sure all freestanding and non-freestanding containers are transported through the HQL tunnel gently and without abrasion.

Bosch's technologies are on display at Interpack 2014, Duesseldorf, Germany from May 8 to 14 in hall 6, booth  A31 – C58.