1. What is this item?

Sterilization is the process of using heat, chemicals, or radiation to destroy or deactivate harmful microorganisms (bacteria, viruses, fungi) in food, liquids, or equipment. This is critical for ensuring the safety, shelf-life, and quality of products like juices, milk, and canned food.

• Heat Sterilization: Uses high temperature (usually 100–150°C) for a set time period to kill microorganisms.

• Chemical Sterilization: Involves using chemical agents (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) to sanitize products.

• Radiation Sterilization: Utilizes UV light or gamma radiation, especially for products that can’t tolerate heat.

2. How is the Quantity Estimated?

• Sterilization Capacity: Generally estimated in liters per hour (for liquids) or kg per batch (for solid food items).

• For example, an industrial unit might handle 500 liters per hour or 5–10 tonnes of solid product per day.

3. What are the Cost Components?

• Sterilization Chambers: Pressure vessels or steam ovens for heat-based sterilization, UV light systems for radiation sterilization.

• Heating and Cooling Systems: Boilers for steam, chillers for cooling after sterilization.

• Flow Control Equipment: Pumps and valves for maintaining proper flow rates.

• Safety Features: Pressure release valves, temperature sensors, and safety shut-off mechanisms.

• Control Panels: For temperature, pressure, and time monitoring.

4. Going Rates & Per Unit Cost

Type Capacity Capital Cost

Small-scale Sterilizer 500 L/hr (liquids) ₹4–6 Lakh

Medium-scale Sterilizer 5–10 TPD (solids) ₹10–15 Lakh

Large-scale Sterilizer 1000 L/hr (liquids) ₹30–50 Lakh

• Opex:

o Power/Steam: ₹8–12/kilo of product.

o Maintenance & Consumables: ₹1–2/liter