Aquionic Inc. launched its new UV innovation, which provides a viable solution for eliminating heat-resistant molds and thermotolerant organisms in sweetener solutions. Designed to eliminate spoilage organisms such as lactobacillus, alicyclobacillus and heat-resistant molds that survive pasteurization, the inline UV treatment is directly installed in existing piping or recirculated on sucrose storage tanks, the company says. Among the benefits, beverage producers can leverage the technology to extend product shelf life, eliminate off flavors and odors, and ensure product consistency from batch-to-batch. Traditionally, UV technology had been limited in this application because UV light does not penetrate sweetener solutions as easily as applications commonly seen in ingredient water treatment, according to the company. However, Acquionics’ inline UV innovation utilizes a slender vessel design coupled with unique hydraulics to vigorously mix the product inside of the chamber. This allows the sweetener solution to come into closer contact with the high-intensity UV system lamps, thereby disinfecting difficult-to-inactivate microorganisms. The novel technology also can withstand the higher temperatures commonly seen in sugar syrup applications (up to 176 degrees Fahrenheit), while older technologies were limited to a maximum operating temperature of 104 degrees Fahrenheit. The inactivation of guaiacol-producing alicyclobacillus in sucrose provides beverage-makers new technology for eliminating spoilage organisms from sweetener solutions, it says.

Aquionics Inc., 1455 Jamike Ave., Suite 100; Erlanger, Ky. 41018; 859/341-0710; www.weuvcare.com.