EP3659963B1

EP3659963B1 - Filling plant and method for filling receptacles with a pourable food product

Info

Publication number: EP3659963B1
Application number: EP18306582.0A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Mattia Cenci; Alessandro Fusaro
Original assignee: Sidel Participations SAS
Current assignee: Sidel Participations SAS
Priority date: 2018-11-29
Filing date: 2018-11-29
Publication date: 2021-04-14
Anticipated expiration: 2038-11-29
Also published as: WO2020108977A1; EP3659963A1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a filling plant for filling receptacles with a pourable food product, in particular a sterilized and/or sterile-processed pourable food product.
The present invention also relates to a method of filling receptacles with a pourable food product, in particular a sterilized and/or sterile-processed pourable food product.

BACKGROUND ART

Filling plants for the filling of pourable food products, in particular sterilized and/or sterile-processed pourable food products, are known.
A typical filling plant comprises a processing apparatus configured to process and/or prepare and/or treat the pourable food product and a filling apparatus configured to receive the pourable food product from the processing apparatus and to fill the receptacles with the pourable food product.
A typical filling plant also comprises a process valve, which is configured to allow or impede the flow of the pourable food product from a first flow circuit of the processing apparatus to a second flow circuit of the filling apparatus and a flow control valve arranged within the second flow circuit and configured to control the flow rate of the pourable product flowing from the first flow circuit to the second flow circuit.
In particular, the process valve is configured such to isolate the first flow circuit from the second flow circuit when impeding the flow from the first flow circuit to the second flow circuit. Even more particular, the process valve comprises an inlet and an outlet, valve plugs for opening and closing the inlet and the outlet and means for introducing a sterile gas into at least a portion of the flow conduit interposed between the inlet and the outlet. In this way, when closing the inlet and the outlet, the presence of the sterile gas guarantees the isolation of the first flow circuit and the second flow circuit from one another even if the inlet and the outlet are not perfectly closed, which may e.g. be due to material defaults of e.g. the valve plugs and/or the respective valve seats or any other reason, which may allow for an undesired fluid connection between the first flow circuit and the second flow circuit if it was not for the sterile gas introduced into the process valve.
DE 10 2013 100702 A1 discloses a filling plant in accordance with the preamble of claim 1 and a corresponding filling method.
Even though, the known filling plants work satisfyingly well, it is the desire to further improve the filling plants and their operation.
In particular, it is a desire to simplify such filling plants and their operation.

DISCLOSURE OF INVENTION

It is therefore an object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner an improved filling plant for filling receptacles with a pourable product.
It is a further object of the present invention to provide in a straightforward and low-cost manner an improved method of filling receptacles with a pourable product.
According to the present invention, there is provided a filling plant and a method according to the independent claims.
Further advantageous embodiments of the filling plant and the method are specified in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A non-limiting embodiment of the present invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figure 1 shows a schematic view of a filling plant according to the present invention with a detail being in a first configuration, with parts removed for clarity;
Figure 2 shows the schematic view of the filling plant of Figure 1 with the detail being in a second configuration, with parts removed for clarity;
Figure 3 shows a first sectionized view along a first sectional plane of the detail of Figure 1 being in the first configuration, with parts removed for clarity; and
Figure 4 shows another sectionized view along a second sectional plane perpendicular to the first sectional plane of the detail of Figure 1 being in the first configuration, with parts removed for clarity.

BEST MODES FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Number 1 indicates as a whole a filling plant for filling receptacles, such as containers, bottles, plastic bottles, cans, carton packages or the like, with a pourable food product, such as carbonated liquids (e.g. sparkling water, soft drinks and beer) or non-carbonated liquids (e.g. still water, juices, teas, sport drinks, liquid cleaners, wine, emulsions, suspensions, high viscosity liquids and beverages containing pulps).
According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, filling plant 1 is configured to fill a sterilized and/or sterile-processed pourable food product, such as e.g. juices or milk and the like, into the receptacles.
With particular reference to Figures 1 and 2, filling plant 1 comprises:

a processing apparatus 2 configured to process and/or prepare and/or treat the pourable food product, in particular the sterilized and/or sterile-processed pourable food product;
a filling apparatus 3 configured to fill the receptacles with the (processed and/or prepared and/or treated) pourable food product;
a process valve 4, in particular a four-way process valve 4, fluidically connected to processing apparatus 2 and filling apparatus 3 and configured to selectively control the flow of the pourable product from processing apparatus 2 to filling apparatus 3; and
a control unit configured to control operation of filling plant 1 itself and/or of at least process valve 4.

According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, filling plant 1 also comprises a closing apparatus (not shown and known as such) configured to close the receptacles after filling; e.g. the closing apparatus could be configured to apply closures onto the receptacles, e.g. onto a cartoon package or a bottle.
According to preferred non-limiting embodiment not shown, filling plant 1 also comprises a labeling apparatus configured to apply at least one respective label sheet on each receptacle.
According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment shown, filling plant 1 also comprises a blow molding apparatus configured to obtain and/or produce bottles from respective pre-forms.
With particular reference to Figures 1 and 2, processing apparatus 2 comprises a first flow circuit 5 for the pourable food product, filling apparatus 3 comprises a second flow circuit 6 for the pourable product, and process valve 4 is configured to fluidically couple in a selective manner first flow circuit 5 with second flow circuit 6.
Preferentially but not necessarily, processing apparatus 2 comprises at least one process unit 7 configured to process and/or treat and or prepare the pourable food product. Process unit 7 and/or one or more further process units could be configured to blend and/or pasteurize and/or homogenize and/or filter and/or enrich and/or hear and/or cool and/or de-aerate and/or condition the pourable product. In particular, process unit 7 is fluidically coupled to and/or comprises at least a portion of first flow circuit 5.
According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment not shown, processing apparatus 2 could also comprise one or more storage tanks.
With particular reference to Figures 1 and 2, filling apparatus 3 comprises:

a conveying device, in particular a conveying carousel 8 rotatable around a respective rotation axis A, configured to advance the receptacles along a respective advancement path, in particular having a semi-circular shape; and
a plurality of filling units 9 configured to fill the receptacles with the pourable product during advancement of the receptacles along the advancement path.

Preferentially but not necessarily, filling units 9 are peripherically arranged on conveying carousel 8 and are equally spaced angularly around axis A. In particular, each filling unit 9 is configured to advance along a respective conveying path by means of, in use, rotation of conveying carousel 8 around axis A. Even more particular, in use, one respective filling unit 9 advances together with one respective receptacle during at least advancement of the respective receptacle along the advancement path.
According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, filling apparatus 3 also comprises a product storage tank 10 configured to receive the pourable food product (from processing apparatus 2 and through process valve 4) and/or to (at least) temporarily store the pourable food product.
Preferentially but not necessarily, product storage tank 10 is fluidically connected to second flow circuit 6 and/or comprises a portion of second flow circuit 6.
According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, product storage tank 10 is fluidically connected and/or connectable to each filling unit 9 and is configured to direct the pourable product from product storage tank 10 itself to filling units 9.
In particular, filling apparatus 3 comprises a plurality of further valve elements, each one associated to and/or interposed between product storage tank 10 and one respective filling unit 9 and each one being configured to selectively control a flow of the pourable product from product storage tank 10 to the respective filling unit 9.
With particular reference to Figures 1 to 4, process valve 4 comprises at least:

a flow conduit 14, in particular having a substantially tubular configuration, configured to selectively fluidically connect processing apparatus 2, in particular first flow circuit 5, with filling apparatus 3, in particular second flow circuit 6;
an inlet 15 fluidically connected to processing apparatus 3, in particular first flow circuit 5, and configured to allow feeding of the pourable product into (at least a portion of) flow conduit 14;
an outlet 16 fluidically connected to filling apparatus 3, in particular second flow circuit 6, and configured to allow feeding of the pourable product from (at least a portion of) flow conduit 14 to filling apparatus 3, in particular second flow circuit 6;
a first valve plug 17 configured to selectively close or open inlet 15 so as to respectively impede and allow the flow of the pourable product (from processing apparatus 2, in particular first flow circuit 5) into flow conduit 14; and
a second valve plug 18 configured to selectively open or close outlet 16 so as to respectively impede and allow the flow of the pourable product out of flow conduit 14 and to filling apparatus 3, in particular second flow circuit 6.

More specifically, each one of first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 is moveable between at least a respective closed position and a respective maximum open position so as to respectively close and open respectively inlet 15 and outlet 16.
In particular, process valve 4 is controllable such that, in use, a flow of the pourable product within flow conduit 14 occurs along a respective flow direction D from inlet 15 to outlet 16.
Preferentially but not necessarily, process valve 4 also comprises a first valve seat 19 and a second valve seat 20 configured to respectively receive first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 when being arranged in the respective closed position for closing respectively inlet 15 and outlet 16. In particular, first valve seat 19 is arranged upstream of second valve seat 20 with respect to flow direction D.
According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, process valve 4 is connected to first flow circuit 5 and second flow circuit 6 such that first flow circuit 5 and second flow circuit 6 define closed circuits with first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 being arranged in the closed positions. In such a manner, it is possible to clean and/or sterilize processing apparatus 2, in particular first flow circuit 5, and filling apparatus 3, in particular second flow circuit 6, with first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 being controlled in the respective closed position, independently from one another.
More specifically, in use, with first valve plug 17 being in the closed position it is possible to allow the flow of a cleaning and/or sterilization agent within first flow circuit 5 without entering into second flow circuit 6.
More specifically, in use, with second valve plug 18 being in the closed position it is possible to allow the flow of a cleaning and/or sterilization agent within second flow circuit 6 without entering into first flow circuit 5.
According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, process valve 4 further comprises at least:

a fluid inlet 23 configured to allow the entrance of a sterile fluid, such as a sterile gas or a sterile liquid, into at least a portion of flow conduit 14; and
a first auxiliary valve element 24, in particular being controllable by the control unit, for selectively opening and closing fluid inlet 23.

Preferentially but not necessarily, process valve 4 further comprises at least:

a fluid outlet 25 configured to allow the exit of the sterile fluid out of the at least one portion of flow conduit 14;
a second auxiliary valve element 26, in particular being controllable by the control unit, for selectively opening and closing fluid outlet 25.

It should be noted, that, in use, fluid conduit 14 is occupied by the pourable product with e.g. first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 being positioned at the maximum open position and is occupied with the sterile fluid with at least first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 being controlled at the respective closed position.
In particular, filling plant 1 also comprises a supply device (not shown and known as such) being fluidically connected and/or being fluidically connectable to fluid inlet 23 and being configured to supply the sterile fluid to at least fluid inlet 23 (and into fluid conduit 14 with first auxiliary valve 24 being controlled into the open configuration).
According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the control unit is configured to control first auxiliary valve element 24 and, preferentially but not necessarily also second auxiliary valve element 26 into the respective open position, when first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 28 are arranged in the respective closed position, so as to fill fluid conduit 14 with the sterile fluid. This allows to further improve the isolation and/or separation of filling apparatus 3 and processing apparatus 2 from one another when first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 28 are arranged in the respective closed position. Even in the case that first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 do not perfectly close, e.g. due to material errors of e.g. first valve plug 17 and/or second valve plug 18 and/or first valve seat 19 and/or second valve seat 20 or any other reason, which may lead to an undesired fluid connection between processing apparatus 2 and filling apparatus 3, the sterile fluid introduced into fluid conduit 14 guarantees the isolation and/or separation of processing apparatus 2 and filling apparatus 3.
With particular reference to Figures 3 and 4, process valve 4 also comprises a first actuator 32, in particular of the pneumatic type, and a second actuator 33, in particular of the pneumatic type, functionally and/or operationally coupled to and being configured to control respectively first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 between at least the respective closed position and the maximum open position.
According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the control unit is operationally coupled to first actuator 32 and second actuator 33 and configured to control and/or activate and deactivate first actuator 32 and second actuator 33.
According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, process valve 4 also comprises a first biasing assembly 34, in particular a first spring, and a second biasing assembly 35, in particular a second spring, configured to bias respectively first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 into a respective initial position.
Preferentially but not necessarily, the respective initial positions are the closed position. In particular, in use upon activation, first actuator 32 and second actuator 33 are configured to move respectively first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18, at least from the closed position to the maximum open position.
Preferentially but not necessarily, first actuator 32 and second actuator 33 are linear actuators.
Preferentially but not necessarily, first actuator 32 and second actuator 33 are piston actuators.
Preferentially but not necessarily, first valve plug 17 is integral to first actuator 32 and second valve plug 18 is integral to second actuator 33.
With particular reference to Figures 3 and 4, process valve 4 comprises a shell 36 having at least flow conduit 14, inlet 15 and outlet 16.
According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, shell 36 comprises an inner lateral surface 37 at least partially delimiting and/or defining flow conduit 14.
Preferentially but not necessarily, first valve seat 19 and second valve seat 20 are connected to and protrude from inner lateral surface 37. In particular, first valve seat 19 and second valve seat 20 have a substantially annular shape.
According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, shell 36 carries and/or supports first actuator 32 and/or second actuator 33.
Advantageously, control unit is configured to control, in use, in particular by controlling respectively first actuator 32 and second actuator 33, at least one of first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18, in the specific case shown second valve plug 18 (see Figure 2), at an intermediate position between the respective closed position and the respective maximum open position for controlling the flow rate of the pourable product from processing apparatus 2 to filling apparatus 3.
More specifically, it is to be noted, that the flow rate is maximum with first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 being controlled into the respective maximum open position. Even more specifically, the flow rate is a function of the position of respectively first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 and increases, in use, with first valve plug 17 and/or second valve plug 18 approaching the respective maximum open position.
According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, first actuator 32 is also adapted (is configured) to control first valve plug 17 into the intermediate position and/or second actuator 33 is also adapted (is configured) to control second valve plug 18 into the intermediate position.
Preferentially, the control unit is configured to control, in particular by controlling respectively first actuator 32 and second actuator 33, one of first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 into the maximum open position, in the specific case disclosed first valve plug 17, and the other one of first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18, in the specific example disclosed second valve plug 18, into the intermediate position for controlling the flow rate of the pourable product.
Preferentially but not necessarily, the control unit is configured to control, in use, first valve plug 17 and/or second valve plug 18 such to vary the respective intermediate position for varying the flow rate of the pourable product during production (i.e. during operation of filling plant 1). In other words, in use, the intermediate position is not constant, but varies between any possible position between the closed position and the maximum open position.
According to the preferred non-limiting embodiment disclosed, process valve 4 is operated as a modulating valve, in particular by controlling at least one of first valve plug 17 and/or second valve plug 18 continuously between any possible position between the respective closed position and the respective maximum open position.
According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the control unit is configured to control first valve plug 17 and/or second valve plug 18 such that a product level of the pourable product within product storage tank 10 remains, during production, substantially constant. In other words, control unit is configured to control the respective intermediate position of first valve plug 17 and/or of second valve plug 18 for keeping the product level substantially constant.
It should be noted that the flow rate continuously increase when moving first valve plug 17 and/or second valve plug 18 from the respective closed position to the respective maximum open position.
In use, filling plant 1 fills the receptacles with the pourable product.
In particular, filling plant 1 comprises at least the following steps:

processing and/or preparing and/or treating the pourable food product within process apparatus 2, in particular by process unit 7;
filling the pourable food product into the receptacles within filling apparatus 3; and
controlling the product flow from processing apparatus 2 to filling apparatus 3 by selectively controlling process valve 4.

In more detail, during the step of filling, filling units 9 fill the receptacles with the pourable product. In particular, filling units 9 fill the receptacles during advancement of the receptacles along the advancement path. In even more detail, during the step of filling, filling units 9 selectively receive the pourable product from product storage tank 10.
Advantageously, during the step of controlling, at least one of first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18, in the particular case shown) second valve plug 18 (see Figure 2, is arranged at an intermediate position for controlling the flow rate of the pourable product from processing apparatus 2, in particular first flow circuit 5, to filling apparatus 3, in particular second flow circuit 6.
In more detail, during the step of controlling, one of first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 is arranged at the maximum open position, in the specific case disclosed first valve plug 17 (see Figure 2), and the other one of first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18, in the specific example shown second valve plug 18, is arranged at the intermediate position for controlling the flow rate of the pourable product.
According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, during the step of controlling, the intermediate position is varied for varying the flow rate of the pourable product.
Preferentially but not necessarily, during the step of controlling, the flow rate is controlled such, in particular by controlling the intermediate position, that the product level within product storage tank 10 remains substantially constant.
According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, during the step of controlling, first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 are controlled between the respective closed position and the respective maximum open position by respectively first actuator 32 and second actuator 33.
According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, the control unit controls first actuator 32 and second actuator 33 for controlling first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18.
In particular, first actuator 32 and second actuator 33 move respectively first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 from the closed position to the open position upon activation of first actuator 32 and second actuator 33.
Preferentially but not necessarily, operation of filling plant 1 also comprises an auxiliary control step during which first auxiliary valve element 24 and second auxiliary valve element 26 are controlled between the respective closed and open position.
According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, during the auxiliary control step, first auxiliary valve element 24 and, preferentially but not necessarily second auxiliary vale plug 26, is/are controlled into the respective closed position with first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 being controlled into the respective intermediate or the respective maximum open position.
According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, during the auxiliary control step, first auxiliary valve element 24 and, preferentially but not necessarily second auxiliary vale plug 26, is/are controlled into the open position with at least one of first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 being controlled into the respective closed position (see Figure 1).
According to a preferred non-limiting embodiment, operation of filling plant 1 also comprises a step of cleaning and/or sterilization during which at least portions of filling apparatus 3 and/or at least portions of processing apparatus 2 are cleaned and/or sterilized.
In particular, during the step of cleaning and/or sterilization, first valve plug 17 and second valve plug 18 are controlled into the respective closed position.
Preferentially but not necessarily, during the step of cleaning and/or sterilization, first auxiliary plug 24 and second auxiliary plug 26 are controlled into the respective open positions.
The advantages of filling plant 1 and the method of operating filling plant 1 according to the present invention will be clear from the foregoing description.
In particular, filling plant 1 and its operation is simplified as there is no need for a further flow control valve present within the second flow circuit. It is only required that the control unit controls process valve 4 for also obtaining a control of the flow rate.
Clearly, changes may be made to filling plant 1 and/or the method as described herein without, however, departing from the scope of protection as defined in the accompanying claims.

Claims

Filling plant (1) for filling receptacles with a pourable food product comprising:
- a processing apparatus (2) configured to process and/or prepare and/or treat the pourable food product;

- a filling apparatus (3) configured to fill the receptacles with the pourable food product;

- a process valve (4), in particular a four-way process valve (4), fluidically connected to the processing apparatus (2) and the filling apparatus (3) and configured to selectively control the flow of the pourable product from the processing apparatus (2) to the filling apparatus (3); and

- a control unit configured to control at least the process valve (4);
wherein the process valve (4) comprises at least:
- a flow conduit (14) configured to fluidically connect the processing apparatus (2) with the filling apparatus (3);

- an inlet (15) fluidically connected to the processing apparatus (2) and configured to allow feeding of the pourable product into at least a portion of the flow conduit (14);

- an outlet (16) fluidically connected to the filling apparatus (3) and configured to allow feeding of the pourable product from at least a portion of the flow conduit (14) to the filling apparatus (3);

- a first valve plug (17) configured to selectively close or open the inlet (15) so as to selectively impede and allow the flow of the pourable product into the flow conduit (14); characterized in that the process valve (4) further comprises

- a second valve plug (18) configured to selectively open or close the outlet (16) so as to selectively impede and allow the flow of the pourable product out of the flow conduit (14) and to the filling apparatus (3);
wherein each one of the first valve plug (17) and the second valve plug (18) is moveable between at least a respective closed position and a respective maximum open position for respectively closing and opening respectively the inlet (15) and the outlet (16);
wherein the control unit is configured to control, in use, at least one of the first valve plug (17) and the second valve plug (18) at an intermediate position between the respective closed position and the respective maximum open position for controlling a flow rate of the pourable product from the processing apparatus (2) to the filling apparatus (3) .
The filling plant according to claim 1, wherein the control unit is configured to control one of the first valve plug (17) and the second valve plug (18) into the maximum open position and the other one of the first valve plug (17) and the second valve plug (18) into the intermediate position for controlling the flow rate of the pourable product.
The filling plant according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the control unit is configured to control the first valve plug (17) and/or the second valve plug (18) such to vary the intermediate position for varying the flow rate of the pourable product during operation of the filling plant (1).
The filling plant according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the process valve (4) comprises a first valve seat (19) and a second valve seat (20);
wherein the first valve seat (19) and the second valve seat (20) are configured to respectively receive the first valve plug (17) and the second valve plug (18) when being arranged in the respective closed position so as to close respectively the inlet (15) and the outlet (16).
The filling plant according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the process valve (4) further comprises a first actuator (32) and a second actuator (33) functionally and/or operationally coupled to respectively the first valve plug (17) and the second valve plug (18);
wherein the control unit is operationally coupled the first actuator (32) and the second actuator (33) and is configured to control the first actuator (32) and the second actuator (33) for controlling respectively the first valve plug (17) and the second valve plug (18) between at least the closed position and the maximum open position.
The filling plant according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling apparatus (3) comprises a product storage tank (10) configured to receive and/or at least temporarily store the pourable food product;
wherein the control unit is configured to control the intermediate position such that a product level within the product storage tank (10) remains substantially constant.
The filling plant according to claim 6, wherein the filling apparatus (3) comprises:
- a plurality of filling units (9), each one connected to the product storage tank (10); and

- a conveying carousel (8) rotatable around a rotation axis (A) and supporting the filling units (9).
The filling plant according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the process valve (4) comprises at least a fluid inlet (23) configured to respectively allow the entrance and exit of a sterile fluid into at least a portion of the flow conduit (14);
wherein the process valve (4) also comprises at least a first auxiliary valve element (24) for selectively opening and closing the fluid inlet (23);
wherein the control unit is configured to control the first auxiliary valve element (24) such to open, in use, the fluid inlet (23) with any one of the first valve plug (17) and the second valve plug (18) being arranged at the respective closed position.
Method for filling receptacles with a pourable food product comprising at least the steps of:
- processing and/or preparing and/or treating the pourable food product within a process apparatus (2);

- filling the pourable food product into receptacles within a filling apparatus (3);

- controlling a flow of the pourable food product by selectively controlling a process valve (4), in particular a four-way process valve (4), fluidically connected to and/or connectable to the processing apparatus (2) and the filling apparatus (3) and configured to selectively control the flow of the pourable product from the processing apparatus (2) to the filling apparatus (3);
wherein the process valve (4) comprises at least:
- a flow conduit (14) configured to fluidically connect the processing apparatus (2) with the filling apparatus (3);

- an inlet (15) fluidically connected to the processing apparatus (2) and configured to allow feeding of the pourable product into at least a portion of the flow conduit (14);

- an outlet (16) fluidically connected to the filling apparatus (3) and configured to allow feeding of the pourable product from at least a portion of the flow conduit (14) to the filling apparatus (3);

- a first valve plug (17) configured to selectively close or open the inlet (15) so as to selectively impede and allow the flow of the pourable product into the flow conduit (14); and

- a second valve plug (18) configured to selectively open or close the outlet (16) so as to selectively impede and allow the flow of the pourable product out of the flow conduit (14) and to the filling apparatus (3);
wherein each one of the first valve plug (15) and the second valve plug (16) is moveable between at least a respective closed position and a respective maximum open position;
wherein during the step of controlling, at least one of the first valve plug (17) and the second valve plug (18) is arranged at an intermediate position between the respective closed position and the respective maximum open position for controlling the flow rate of the pourable product from the processing apparatus (2) to the filling apparatus (3).
The method according to claim 9, wherein during the step of controlling one of the first valve plug (17) and the second valve plug (18) is arranged at the maximum open position and the other one of the first valve plug (17) and the second valve plug (18) is arranged at the intermediate position for controlling the flow rate of the pourable product.
The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein during the step of controlling, the intermediate position is varied for varying the flow rate of the pourable product.
The method according to any one of the claims 9 to 11, wherein during the step of controlling, a first actuator (32) and a second actuator (33) of the process valve (4) functionally and/or operationally coupled to respectively the first valve plug (17) and the second valve plug (18) controls respectively the first valve plug (17) and the second valve plug (18) at least between the respective closed position and the respective maximum open position.
The method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling apparatus (3) comprises a product storage tank (10) configured to receive and/or to at least temporarily store the pourable product;
wherein during the step of controlling, the intermediate position is controlled such that a product level within the product storage tank (10) remains substantially constant.
The method according to claim 13, wherein the filling apparatus (3) comprises:
- a plurality of filling units (9), each one connected to the product storage tank (10); and

- a conveying carousel (8) rotatable around a rotation axis (A) and supporting the filling units (9);
wherein during the step of filling, the pourable product is selectively controlled to flow from the product storage tank (10) to the filling units (9).
The method according to any of claims 9 to 14, wherein the process valve (4) comprises at least a fluid inlet (23) for respectively allowing the entrance of a sterile fluid into at least a portion of the flow conduit (14) ;
wherein the process valve (4) also comprises at least a first auxiliary valve element (24) for selectively opening and closing respectively the fluid inlet (23);
wherein the method also comprises an auxiliary control step during which the first auxiliary valve element (24) opens the fluid inlet (23) with any one of the first valve plug (17) and the second valve plug (18) being arranged at the respective closed position.