SEISM in sterilization technology!
After several years of development, the Shaka™ technology is now available on the market. STERIFLOW SAS recently signed a manufacturing license agreement with Zinetec (inventor). In March 2006 the first lab-scale Shaka™ autoclave was manufactured.
During processing time, the containers are vigorously shaken at a frequency of 100 to 150 cycles per minute. The agitation of the products is achieved by a horizontal movement of the baskets. This product agitation allows to sharply speedup the heat penetration. Cycle times are reduced by 5 to 6 times compared to usual autoclaves.
The reduced process time has a highly positive impact on the quality of the products (colour, taste, vitamin preservation…) compared to what is usually obtained with static or rotary autoclaves. The Shaka™ can be used with all types of containers available (cans, glass jars, trays, pouches…). Products such as sauces, soups, babyfood, vegetables or petfood have been positively tested.
Besides, it is obvious that the sharp decrease in cycle times greatly improves the yield of the sterilization equipment. From 4 to 5 sterilization cycles per hour can be performed on the Shaka™.
All the R&D work was made with a prototype based at the CCFRA in Chipping Camden, UK together with major worldwide packaged food producers.
At first stage, STERIFLOW SAS is proposing lab-scale Shaka™ retorts. It will then introduce industrial-scale Shaka™ in the beginning of 2007.