Brenntag Polymers supports BLUE SAFETY in the development of an innovative bottle system for dental units
Brenntag (ISIN DE000A1DAHH0), the global market leader in chemical and ingredients distribution and a leading compound developer, has realised ‘Safebottle’ in conjunction with the water experts at Blue Safety. It is the first validated reprocessable pressure bottle system for dental chairs in a hygienic product design.
The innovative bottle system enables process water to be supplied to dental units with the purpose of ensuring a consistently high level of water hygiene. Even the problem of older dental units without a legally required system separation or safety device that protect the drinking water from contamination can be solved cost-efficient, resource-saving and compliant with regulations by retrofitting with SAFEBOTTLE.
The product launch is the result of intensive collaboration between Brenntag’s polymer specialists, the injection-moulding professionals at FAUST and the water hygiene experts at Blue Safety. "We had the idea for SAFEBOTTLE for a long time and were convinced of the product’s enormous potential right from the beginning. In the development phase, however, the technical implementation was a challenge, because hygienic design was a clear focus during the conception. The interplay of product design, injection moulding process and material selection and development was crucial in order to be able to realize a component construction that is easy to clean”, says Henner Vogel, quality management officer and SAFEBOTTLE product manager at Blue Safety.
Unlike conventional systems, SAFEBOTTLE has easily accessible, easy-to-clean and easy-to-process geometries. It is extremely robust and designed to last. In order to meet the strict water hygiene regulations and prevent contamination, for example by microbial pathogens, the solution called for an intelligent product and tool design. Above all, high-grade materials and surfaces to which microorganisms adhere only with great difficulty and that permit effective and sometimes aggressive cleaning agents and disinfectants are needed. "In addition, the materials had to meet our high standards for aesthetics, value and usability, and satisfy our desire for a sustainable solution. Together with the teams at Brenntag Polymers and FAUST, we were able to optimally realise these specifications", says Vogel.
The dental vessel’s components include the TROGAMID® CX7323 microcrystalline polyamide from Evonik. This high-performance polymers with FDA and EFSA approval is characterised in particular by high mechanical reliability and resistance to chemicals as well as high transparency and scratch resistance. It is perfect for use with food products. TROGAMID® CX has been established in medical technology, optics and cosmetics for years now too.
On top of the above, there were additional usage-specific material parameters required for various components of the SAFEBOTTLE, such as compatibility with laser markings. Thanks to Brenntag’s compounding expertise and network of expert partners, these components could be individually developed and produced. "This project is an excellent reflection of our work", explains Martin Reers, external account manager for polymers at Brenntag, adding, "We centre the individual needs of the users. The constructive collaboration with our project partner Blue Safety, with a combination of distribution products and compounding solutions producing optimal results, is confirmation of our strategy."
Brenntag Polymers employs a user-oriented approach to develop thermoplastic materials that provide significant benefits over metal when it comes to hygiene, safety, and economic and technological considerations. Thanks to its deep knowledge of thermoplastics, Brenntag Polymers can offer targeted solutions such as drinking water and food-grade products for various industries.
