Solvay Chemicals
technical
P U B L I C A T I O N
INTEROX® Hydrogen Peroxide
for Aseptic Packaging
At the conditions used in aseptic packaging systems, hydrogen peroxide
is a highly effective sterilizing agent because of its strong oxidizing properties.
Upon contact with cells, hydrogen peroxide and its free radical derivatives
react with membrane lipids and proteins, disrupt cell functions and cause cell
membrane rupture. This mode of action results in the killing of a wide range
of microorganisms, making INTEROX® aseptic grades of hydrogen peroxide
ideal for applications where guaranteed sterilization is required.
New generation aseptic packaging machines require more effective and
efficient hydrogen peroxide products engineered specifically for each machine
type. Solvay has a coordinated global approach to the research and
development of our INTEROX hydrogen peroxide grades for this market
segment. Our emphasis on product development leads to continuous
improvement in our product line as packaging materials and equipment
technologies evolve to meet the increasing demands of consumers
and the industry.
INTEROX AG aseptic grades of hydrogen peroxide the newest products for
the aseptic packaging market. These grades were developed in collaboration
with machine manufacturers in Europe to help packagers and machine
manufacturers reach the highest levels of performance and sterilization. Each
INTEROX AG grade of hydrogen peroxide has been optimized for a specific
type of aseptic packaging machine to provide the cleanest running conditions
possible with hydrogen peroxide.
A proprietary organic stabilizer technology is the difference! INTEROX AG
hydrogen peroxide offers substantial benefit through the reduction in the
build up of stabilizer (in the form of deposits or encrustations) on aseptic
packaging machine parts, such as rollers, heater coils and spray nozzles.
Traditional aseptic packaging grade hydrogen peroxide products use
a stannate-based stabilizer, which will often clog spray nozzles and build
up on machine surfaces. These tenacious deposits negatively impact the
performance of the aseptic machine by reducing machine production and
runtime, increasing maintenance costs, and decreasing heat transfer
efficiency of heating elements. Solvay’s INTEROX AG aseptic grades
of hydrogen peroxide contain no stannate stabilizer.
We employ a proprietary organic stabilizer technology
that does not come out of solution to form encrustations
on equipment.
Also, INTEROX AG grades of hydrogen peroxide products
undergo an additional purification step in the production process giving them a step change in product cleanliness.
For aseptic packaging applications, the Solvay Chemicals
grades of hydrogen peroxide available are:
• INTEROX® AG Bath 35-S
• INTEROX® AG Spray 35-S
• INTEROX® AG Dual 35
The recommended aseptic machine application for each
grade is provided in Table 1.
Photo: Courtesy of Tetra Pak
Table 1: Application Guide
INTEROX® AG Bath
35-S Grade H2O2
Spray Type
Vapor Type
Bath Type
INTEROX® AG Spray INTEROX®AG Dual
35-S Grade H2O2
35-S Grade H2O2
❋
❋
❋
❋
❋
❋
Solvay Chemicals’ INTEROX® AG Spray 35-S hydrogen peroxide is the
recommended choice for spray and vaporization applications, as its stabilizer
system has been optimized for aseptic machines of this type. Use of INTEROX®
AG Spray 35-S hydrogen peroxide is advised for machines where plugging
of nozzles, large droplets, poor vaporization rates or poor spray formation are
potential problems.
INTEROX® AG Bath 35-S hydrogen peroxide is recommended for use in bath
or immersion type aseptic packaging machines. It leaves no residue on the
roller surfaces, heater coils or equipment surfaces. Use of INTEROX AG Bath
35-S ensures longer production runs through improved machine cleanliness
and excellent hydrogen peroxide stability at the elevated temperatures found
in bath applications. The improved stability minimizes the loss of hydrogen
peroxide through decomposition, promotes more efficient consumption rates
and provides the appropriate level of sterilization.
INTEROX® AG Dual 35-S hydrogen peroxide is engineered for flexibility to use
in all types of aseptic packaging machine types; both bath and spray/vapor
machines. This product is particularly useful to facilities running multiple types
of aseptic packaging machines on site. INTEROX® AG Dual 35-S provides
all the production-enhancing benefits of our line of INTEROX AG hydrogen
peroxide grades, with the added convenience of storing and handling
only one brand and one grade.
Product Characteristics
The following table contains comparative information
on each of Solvay Chemicals’ INTEROX® AG hydrogen
peroxide products:
Table 3: Product Properties - Typical Values
35 %
INTEROX®
AG Bath 35-S
35 %
35 %
INTEROX® HP INTEROX®
AG Dual 35 AG Spray 35-S
*Assay (%w/w)
35.0 36.0
Density, 25° C
1.131 1.135
*Acidity (meq/gm)
<150
pH
1.8 – 3.2
*Dry Residue (ppm)
<10
*Phosphate (as PO4, ppm) < 20
35.0 36.0
35.0 36.0
1.131 1.135 1.131 1.135
<150
<100
1.8 – 3.2
1.8 – 3.2
<5
<5
*Tin (ppm)
*Iron (ppm)
*Lead (ppm)
<0.1
<0.1
<0.01
<5
<0.1
<0.1
<0.01
<5
<0.1
<0.1
<0.01
Typical values are not guaranteed.
* Food Chemical Codex Monograph
The INTEROX® AG aseptic grades of hydrogen peroxide meet the monograph
of the Food Chemicals Codex per the information in Table 2.
Table 2: Food Chemical Codex Monograph
for Hydrogen Peroxide
Parameter
Acidity (as H2SO4)
Iron, ppm
Lead, ppm
Phosphate (as PO4, ppm)
Residue on Evaporation
Dry Residue (ppm)
Tin (ppm)
Specification
< 300 ppm (0.03%)
< 0.5 ppm
< 4 ppm
< 50 ppm (0.005%)
< 0.006% (<60 ppm)
< 60 ppm (0.006%)
< 10 ppm
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Photo: Courtesy of SIG Combibloc
INTEROX Hydrogen Peroxide
Safety & Handling
Safety is one of Solvay Chemicals’ primary concerns. Hydrogen peroxide
is a powerful oxidant, and improper handling or use of the product can
create potential hazards.
Personal Protective Equipment
Hydrogen peroxide can cause burns and eye damage. Ingestion may be
fatal. When handling hydrogen peroxide always wear the proper personal
protective equipment at all times.
drilled to prevent trapping of hydrogen peroxide. For
non-bulk systems all wetted parts should be compatible
with approved materials of construction which are
compatible with hydrogen peroxide. Pressure relief
valves should be installed wherever hydrogen peroxide can become trapped. Contamination of hydrogen
peroxide by other chemicals or incompatible materials
must be avoided. Do not return unused hydrogen
peroxide back into a storage vessel. Equipment made
from stainless steel or aluminum must be passivated
prior to entering hydrogen peroxide service to minimize
decomposition. It is strongly recommended that
customers perform a safety review of their hydrogen
peroxide installations on a regular basis and discuss
changes to their systems with Solvay Chemicals before
proceeding.
More detailed information on the above topics in available
in our Safety and Handling brochure and in our Material
Safety Data Sheet, both of can be downloaded from
our website at www.solvaychemicals.us. Additional
assistance is available by contacting Solvay Chemicals
at 1-800-solvayc.
Responsible Care®
Recognizing the importance of preserving the planet we
share, and the health and safety of our employees who
produce the products, Solvay Chemicals actively supports
the Responsible Care program of the American Chemical
Council.
Availability
Equipment & Storage
Hydrogen peroxide should be stored in a cool dry place away from
incompatible or combustible materials.
INTEROX AG aseptic grades of hydrogen peroxide
are available from our production facility located
in Deer Park, TX (just outside Houston, TX) in tanker
truck, tote tank or drum quantities.
When handling hydrogen peroxide it is imperative that all equipment
used for hydrogen peroxide be properly designed and constructed from
compatible materials. Storage tanks must be vented and should have a
floating manway to relieve pressure in the event of a catastrophic decomposition. For bulk storage and handling applications all pipework should
be butt welded to allow proper passivation and all ball valves should be
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Solvay Chemicals, Inc.
Administration/Sales/Marketing
3333 Richmond Avenue
Houston, Texas 77098
Telephone: 713/5256500
Fax: 713/5257805
1800SOLVAYC (8007658292)
www.solvaychemicals.us
Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 27328
Houston, Texas 77227
To our actual knowledge, the information contained herein is accurate as of the date of this document. However, neither Solvay Chemicals, Inc. nor any of its affiliates
makes any warranty, express or implied, or accepts any liability in connection with this information or its use. This information is for use by technically skilled persons at their own discretion and risk and does not relate to the use of this product in combination with any other substance or any other process. This is not a license
under any patent or other proprietary right. The user alone must finally determine suitability of any information or material for any contemplated use in compliance with
applicable law, the manner of use and whether any patents are infringed. This information gives typical properties only and is not to be used for specification purposes.
Solvay Chemicals, Inc. reserves the right to make additions, deletions or modifications to the information at any time without prior notification.
Copyright 2008, Solvay Chemicals, Inc. All Rights Reserved.