Aseptic apparatus and process for filling and closing cans

An aseptic apparatus for filling and closing cans, the aseptic apparatus comprising:

• a filling unit configured to receive the cans and to inject a product within the cans;
• a lid sterilizing unit configured to sterilize lids and comprising a rotating star-wheel having a plurality of pockets, each pocket of said plurality of pockets being adapted to receive one of the lids;
• a conveyor configured to advance the cans filled with product from the filling unit towards the lid sterilizing unit, said lid sterilizing unit being configured to lower each of the sterilized lids held in one of the pockets on a corresponding can laying on said conveyor in a closing station and to place and press said sterilized lid on said corresponding can;
• an isolating unit within which the filling unit and the sterilizing unit are arranged;
• and
• a seaming unit arranged downstream from the closing station to receive the cans with lids applied thereon, said seaming unit being located outside the isolating unit, said conveyor extending toward said seaming unit so that a first tract of said conveyor is within the isolating unit and a second tract of said conveyor is outside the isolating unit.