Spanish company launches upgraded HPP system

NC Hyperbaric has designed a new high pressure processing (HPP) machine that has resulted in a more compact, affordable and easy-to-install system for small and medium-sized producers.

The Spanish company said its Wave 6000/120 HPP system, launched at the recent IFFA trade show, is the first industrial system to fully integrate two independent intensifiers inside the equipment. This means the machine has no external cabinets or modules. The Burgos-based firm said it considered a machine with a processing capability of at least 500 kilogrammes per hour as an industrial system.

''As well as reducing its footprint, the innovation also means the system can be integrated more easily into existing production lines with less connective wires and tubing,'' says Francisco Purroy, technical sales manager at the company.

''Until now, high pressure equipment needed external cabinets for the high pressure intensifiers, and that was impacting footprint and ease of installation,'' he added.

The new system is a combination the established integrated Wave 6000/55 with an advanced industrial design. The innovation gives rise to ''highly productive and reliable system at a reduced cost of around EUR 800,000 (US$980,497.21). This represents a saving of about 20% on other systems with a comparable capacity,'' said Purroy.

The Wave 6000/120 is designed as a more affordable option for small and medium-sized companies for whom space is an issue. The company said the new equipment means it is now able to supply HPP systems across a full range of capacity needs - and for industry segments as diverse as meat, seafood, and dairy to name a few.

HPP is a non-thermal, post-packaging processing intervention designed to eliminate foodborne pathogens, extend shelf-life and reduce the need for preservatives in food. Purroy described it as ''cold, in-pack pasteurisation'', adding it was the ''only emerging, consistent growth non-thermal technique''.

NC Hyperbaric sold its first HPP system in 2003 and last year posted a turnover of EUR 12 million (US$14.71 million). It has targeted a turnover of EUR 17 million (US$20.84 million) for 2010. Its largest markets are North America and Europe followed by, Japan, Australia and New Zealand.