Why carry out laboratory testing?

Every project comes with its own constraints: food safety, product quality, industrial performance, production costs or time to market.

Testing provides objective answers before a decision is made. It can be used in particular to:

• validate the feasibility of a thermal process,
• optimise a heat treatment cycle,
• compare several assumptions,
• cost an industrial investment,
• support the development of a new product,
• adapt a process to a new recipe or a new packaging size
• reduce the risks associated with scaling up to industrial level.

The objective is simple: to make decisions based on precise data rather than assumptions.

A laboratory dedicated to industrial testing

Steriflow has its own testing laboratory in Roanne. Food or pharmaceuticals manufacturers can run tests on their products there with the support of our process technologist.

Tests can be followed on site by the customer or carried out remotely. Products or raw materials are sent to Roanne and, once testing is complete, the results are presented in the form of a report.

The laboratory is equipped with pilot machines that reflect Steriflow’s expertise.

Which products can be tested?

For pharmaceutical applications, liquid solutions in:

• syringes,
• cartridges,
• vials,
• bags, etc.

The laboratory also offers testing on the full range of food products, including:

• ready meals,
• vegetables,
• sauces and condiments,
• soups,
• meat products,
• seafood products,
• vegetarian or plant-based meals,
• pet food.

How does a test work?

As each project is specific, tests are defined according to the product’s characteristics, the process constraints and the objectives sought. Tests generally follow these steps:

• Protocol definition: our process technologist analyses your project in order to define the most suitable testing protocol.
• Test preparation: a testing programme is built around the parameters to be tested and the objectives sought.
• Running: tests are carried out in the laboratory on the pilot machines. Temperature, pressure and deflection sensors may be used to collect the data required for analysis. The customer’s presence is recommended when they wish to talk directly with our process technologist, observe how their product behaves and fine-tune the tested parameters as the trials progress.
• Analysis: the collected data is examined in order to identify the most relevant solutions or parameters.
• Reporting of results: the results are presented to the customer in the form of a report. Depending on requirements, they may be accompanied by technical recommendations to help guide the next steps of the project.

What testing brings you

Beyond the measurements themselves, testing is a genuine decision-making tool. In particular, it allows you to:

• secure an investment,
• identify areas for improvement,
• compare different solutions,
• optimise an existing process,
• plan ahead for a smoother industrialisation,
• reduce technical uncertainties.

Why run your tests with Steriflow?

Testing is not just about producing data. It also draws on the experience of the teams who support manufacturers throughout the project. Steriflow provides you with:

• its expertise in thermal processes,
• a dedicated testing laboratory,
• a process technologist attentive to your project,
• a personalised approach based on your objectives,
• analysis of the results and recommendations to prepare the next steps.

FAQ

Is testing suitable for every project?

Yes. Each testing programme is tailored to your project.

Can I test several assumptions?

Yes. Testing is designed precisely to compare different avenues before selecting the most relevant solution.

Does testing guarantee the final result?

Testing reduces uncertainties and informs technical decisions. It is a preparation stage ahead of industrialisation.

If I run tests, does my project remain confidential?

Yes. We can sign a confidentiality agreement.

Build your project on solid foundations! Laboratory testing lets you validate technical choices, explore different solutions and move forward with concrete data before industrialisation.

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