DESCRIPTION
Recent advancements in aseptic blow-fill-seal (BFS) technology enable more streamlined automation of critical BFS components while limiting human intervention, effectively reducing airborne microbial bioburden and dust levels, and improving sterility and patient safety. Due to its design and functionality, the BFS process itself is virtually dust-free, and the likelihood of contamination in critical areas is reduced by automation.
PRODUCTION STAGES:
1. The first step of the BFS process is extrusion. Sterile polymer melt is fed into a parison die, which creates a hollow tube of melt (the parison). The parison is prevented from collapsing by a supporting flow of sterile air. 2. The second step of the BFS process is parison closure. The mold is assembled around the parison, with the lower part sealed and the upper part remaining open in the molten state.
3. The third stage of the BFS process is blow molding (using PE and PP granules) and filling. The container is formed in the mold by blowing sterile air or applying a vacuum. A filling needle dispenses a predetermined amount of product into the container. 4. The fourth stage of the BFS process is sealing. The filling needles are retracted, and the upper part of the mold is closed to form and seal the top of the container. 5. The fifth stage of the BFS process is ejection. The mold is opened, and the filled containers are transferred from the BFS machine to a remote station for removal of excess plastic, after which the finished product is placed into the final packaging.
