DE202011110930U1 - Device for the aseptic transport of food - Google Patents

Abstract

A closure arrangement for a container, in particular for a tank container (1), having a first sealing area (27) surrounding a container opening (24), a lid (20) covering the container opening with a second sealing area (28) corresponding to the first sealing area (27) and a second sealing area between the first and second sealing region extending seal assembly (29, 30, 31, 32), wherein the seal assembly (29, 30, 31, 31) has an outer and an inner seal ring (31, 32), which form a gap, the one Germ barrier (35, 38, 39).

Description

The present invention relates to a closure arrangement for a transport container, in particular a tank container, and a device for the aseptic transport of liquids and bulk materials, in particular food, medicaments or the like.

Transport containers and in particular tank containers are used to transport liquids and gases over long distances. Tank containers are used in particular in intermodal transport, in which the tank containers are transported on different modes of transport (rail, road, sea) without the need to transfer the cargo.

Tank containers are also used to transport sensitive, perishable cargo such as food and medicine over long distances. This can e.g. Be milk, fruit juices or medicines.

A particularly high demand for transport exists for orange juice, which is transported to northern Europe, for example, from South and Central America. Most of the orange juice is concentrated in the growing areas. The juice is deprived of water by cold and or heat treatments. This orange juice concentrate is then transported frozen in specially designed tankers. At the bottling point, the orange juice concentrate is then diluted again with water, optionally provided with "pulp" and other additives and bottled. This process is energy-consuming due to the necessary removal of water. In addition, the taste quality of the orange juice suffers in this process.

There is an increasing demand on the large orange juice markets for fresh, largely untreated orange juice that is not made from concentrate but can be bottled and consumed directly after pressing, so-called NFC (NOT-FROM-CONCENTRATE) orange juice. NFC juice is perishable and its quality suffers from microbial attack.

The intended for juice concentrate tanker transport is indeed possible for NFC juice in principle. The tankers are cooled, and the juice is transported in largely germ-free and sterilizable containers in which the germ growth on the surface of the cargo is additionally minimized by a nitrogen blanket (oxygen deprivation). Before bottling, however, the juice must first be transferred from the ship to another transport container with which it can then be transported to the bottling plants. However, there is a risk with each transfer process that the cargo is contaminated with germs.

The number of transfer operations and thus the number of potential contamination points can be significantly reduced by transport in tank containers. With suitable tank containers, a transport chain can be formed in which the juice - or another cargo - from the producer to the end user (bottler) can be transported without Umfüllvorgänge.

Transport in the tank container, however, must be largely aseptic, as any germ load can significantly reduce the quality of the juice. One problem is that the connections (top, bottom discharge, ventilation, safety valve, cleaning heads, manhole, etc.) should be designed so that during transport even under changing environmental conditions (temperature fluctuations, wind and weather, cargo handling and other influences during transport) no germs can penetrate through the connections.

This problem is particularly acute in large diameter tank openings, such as manhole assemblies, which are required for servicing and inspecting such tank containers. Conventional manhole seals are made of food-compatible rubber or PTFE materials, however, have a certain porosity and, above all during long transports do not form a safe protection against the ingress of germs. A largely permanent aseptic sealing of connections and in particular of manhole arrangements is not known in conventional tank containers.

It is therefore an object to provide a closure assembly that reliably and controllably prevents the entry of germs into the cargo space, the tank interior, even during long transport under adverse conditions and largely preserves its aseptic or sterilized state.

This object is achieved by the closure arrangement according to claim 1. A special sealing arrangement is provided, specifically between the first sealing area surrounding a container opening and a lid covering this container opening, which has a correspondingly extending second sealing area on its circumference. The seal assembly includes an outer and an inner seal ring. These form a likewise annular gap which comprises a germ barrier. This germ barrier can be fixed between the two sealing rings; At the same time, the sealing rings define the maximum extent of the germ barrier.

In another embodiment, this germ barrier is formed as a fluid which extends between the two sealing rings and between the first and second sealing region. Such a fluid (gas, vapor or liquid) neutralizes, for example, germs entering from the outside due to pressure fluctuations or leaks and prevents them from reaching the interior of the tank and therefore the cargo.

The intermediate space can thereby form or have a chamber which is provided with an inlet and / or a drain through which the sterilizing fluid is supplied and / or discharged. This can also be used active ingredients whose germicidal effect diminish over time.

Germicidal gases can be replaced via the feed. It is thus also possible the chamber with a suitable gas -. Nitrogen - to put under pressure, so that only the overpressure ensures that no germs can penetrate from the outside into the gap or further into the tank interior. The gas supply can be done via a separate gas storage (pressure bottle, gas generator).

There are also embodiments in which this intermediate space or the chamber can be flushed with a supply and / or circulation device. In such an embodiment, the corresponding fluid can then circulate in the intermediate space or in the chamber, thus flushing any infiltrating germs.

Another embodiment provides to introduce into the space an insert, which receives the sterilizing fluid and possibly binds. Such an insert may be a nonwoven, braid, fabric or foam material which is impregnated with a sterilizing fluid prior to sealing the container and then inserted into the space.

In a further embodiment, fins or grooves are provided on the container-side first and on the lid-side second sealing region, which mesh with the lid and form a labyrinth-like cross-section. This makes the passage of penetrating germs through the germ barrier even more difficult or prolonged. This increases the exposure time of a sterilizing fluid, so that penetrating germs can be killed even more reliable.

There are also embodiments in which a plurality of closure assemblies are provided with the properties described above on a container and these are supplied together via a central supply unit with a corresponding sterilizing fluid.

Since the sealing surface is particularly large at Mannlochanordnungen, the use of a closure arrangement according to the invention is particularly suitable for such manhole or inspection openings.

As described above, aseptic transport in tank containers is particularly difficult. Therefore, the use of these closure arrangements according to the invention in particular for tank containers is particularly advantageous, and forms an important element to enable aseptic transport even with tank containers.

• – Bereitstellen eines Transportbehälters insbesondere eines Tankcontainers, mit einer erfindungsgemäßen Verschlussanordnung (so wird ein aseptischer Transport zuverlässig unterstützt),
• – Befüllen des Transportbehälters mit flüssigen Lebensmitteln,
• – Transport des Transportbehälters und
• – Entleeren des Transportbehälters.

The present invention further relates to a device for the aseptic transport of foods, in particular of orange juice, which is adapted to carry out a method with the following steps:

• Providing a transport container, in particular a tank container, with a closure arrangement according to the invention (thus aseptic transport is reliably supported),
• Filling the transport container with liquid food,
• - Transport of the transport container and
• - emptying the transport container.

• – das Temperieren des Tankcontainers (in der Regel Kühlen auf Temperaturen nahe 0°),
• – Transportbedingungen(-daten) erfassen und zu dokumentieren (dazu können zusätzlich die Temperatur und der Ort erfasst und gespeichert werden),
• – die Überwachungsqualität kann weiter gesteigert werden, indem ständig oder regelmäßig Ort und Temperatur an eine Überwachungsstelle (Transportleitstand) übermittelt werden,
• – in einem weiteren Schritt können die Temperiereinrichtungen (z.B. eine Kühlanlage) mittels der erfassten Daten gesteuert werden.

In addition to germs that penetrate from the outside, the germ reduction of the cargo itself also plays an important role in the transport of sensitive cargo. In particular, with natural products (eg juices or milk) is a complete sterility often impossible without taste-changing temperature treatments. In order to keep these existing germs inactive or to hinder or stop their multiplication, further steps have to be taken:

• - the temperature of the tank container (usually cooling to temperatures close to 0 °),
• - record and document transport conditions (data can be collected and saved in addition),
• - the quality of surveillance can be further increased by constantly or regularly transmitting the location and temperature to a monitoring point (transport control center),
• - In a further step, the tempering (eg a cooling system) can be controlled by means of the acquired data.

The recording, storage, transmission and / or analysis of the data allows conclusions to be drawn as to which influences the cargo was subjected to during transport. So can the product quality is determined and classified (eg the further durability after transport).

There are also embodiments in which the method can be refined to the effect that automatically carried out during transport germ analyzes of the cargo and a required cooling temperature is determined depending on the measured number of nuclei. Thus, for example, with a particularly low number of germs in the load, the cooling temperature may be raised. This can save energy and ultimately reduce transportation costs.

Embodiments of the present invention will be explained with reference to the drawings. Showing:

1 a perspective view of a tank container, which is suitable for the use of a closure assembly according to the invention;

2 a section of the in 1 illustrated tank container with a cooling unit;

3 the bottom discharge area of the in 1 illustrated containers;

4 the vertex connections in the manhole area of the 1 illustrated tank container;

5 a schematic representation of a suitable for data transmission and location tank container;

6 a top view of a manhole cover arrangement;

7 a sectional view (section BB) of in 6 illustrated manhole area;

8th another sectional view (CC) of in 6 illustrated manhole area;

9 an enlarged view of the detail D from 8th ;

10 a second embodiment of a closure assembly according to the invention;

11 A third embodiment of a closure assembly according to the invention;

12 A fourth embodiment of a closure arrangement according to the invention

The in 1 illustrated tank container 1 has a cylindrical, optionally insulated and provided on its outside with cooling channels container 2 on that in a framework 3 is held.

In the vertex of the tank is a hood box 4 arranged with vertex connections. At its rear end is a valve chamber 5 with further connections as well as a data acquisition and transmission device 6 arranged.

2 shows the other side of the tank container 1 at the a cooling unit 7 is attached, with the over cooling channels and a coolant, the container wall and thus the inside of the container 2 located charge can be cooled.

3 shows the in the valve chamber 5 arranged connections. Shown is a bottom emptying 8th with a valve suitable for sterile operation 9 , which is designed for example as a sterilizable diaphragm valve.

Other suitable valves are also so-called leakage valves, in which two media (product / load, cleaning / shielding medium) are separated from each other in a product and a leakage chamber. The leakage space can be cleaned, rinsed or filled with a germ barrier fluid (alcohol) independently of the product space. There are versions of such leakage valves, which are additionally provided with a separately flushable sampling. For the germ barrier fluid, an additional reservoir is provided. Such valves are then provided with the appropriate ports for product removal and for rinsing with steam / water and / or for coating with a gas (e.g., nitrogen).

Next is a gas connection 10 provided in the apex area of the container 2 over which the free space above the filling level of the cargo can be filled with a gas, for example nitrogen. This gas shields the cargo against ambient air or oxygen and inhibits or prevents possible germ growth. Next is a sampling device 11 intended.

4 shows more in the hood box 4 unordered connections, namely a manhole arrangement 12 , a combined pressure vacuum valve 13 that is optionally equipped with a sterile filter. As well as the container 2 opening gas connection 14 that with the gas connection 10 is connected in the bottom discharge area.

5 shows the tank container 1 that with a transmitting device 15 provided by the data acquisition and transmission device 6 recorded data (eg pressure, temperature, set values of the cooling unit) by radio or data radio to a remote control station 16 transmitted about the functions of the Containers can be monitored and / or remotely controlled. The respective whereabouts of the tank container 1 is via a satellite navigation system 17 (GPS) or another suitable system and also transmitted to the control room.

The 6 - 9 show an embodiment of a closure assembly according to the invention, the manhole arrangement 12 is trained.

The manhole arrangement 12 includes a manhole cover 20 with a domed disc 21 and a sealing flange 22 , The lid sits on a tubular neck 23 who has the manhole opening 24 in the container 2 surrounds and is welded at its edge with this.

The lid 20 is on a flange collar 25 of the neck 22 arranged and via hinged screws 26 fixable. The front surface forms 27 of the flange collar 25 a first sealing area. At the outer edge of the sealing flange 22 is one of the face 27 corresponding second sealing area 28 educated. This includes an outer and inner ring groove 29 and 30 , in each of which an outer and inner sealing ring 31 and 32 is inserted.

Outside the outer seal ring 31 is on the sealing flange 22 a centering collar 33 worked, which made a corresponding return 34 on the flange collar 25 overlaps and the second sealing area 28 on the first sealing area 27 (Face) centered so that the outer and inner seal ring 31 . 32 on the face 27 rest.

Between the two sealing rings 31 . 32 is a groove 35 worked out, even with firmly seated sealing flange 22 , and with squeegee rings squeezed together 31 . 32 one from the frontal area 27 forms limited space.

This gap is over two connections 36 and 37 accessible. If this gap (groove 35 ) filled with a sterilizing fluid or evacuated, so forms the groove 35 a germ barrier that prevents germs entering from outside through the seal assembly into the interior of the container 2 reach. About the connections 36 . 37 it is possible to supply and / or remove a sterilizing fluid or to constantly flush the space or to apply a vacuum. When rinsing are over the outer sealing rings 31 entering germs from the interspace 35 rinsed out before leaving the inner sealing ring 32 can happen. For this purpose, a fluid reservoir can be provided (for example a nitrogen bottle) via the connections 36 . 37 the gap 35 constantly with a fluid fills. The fluid reservoir can also serve the space 35 to keep under overpressure, so that in case of leaks of the outer sealing ring 31 the outflowing fluid prevents germs from entering.

10 shows a second embodiment of a closure assembly according to the invention, in which from the end face 27 a lamella 38 in the groove 35 protrudes. This gives the gap a labyrinth-like cross section, the passage between the outer sealing ring 31 and inner sealing ring 32 lengthened and can thus improve the function of the germination career. Entering germs must cover a longer path, or their path is obstructed and can be better neutralized.

11 shows a third embodiment, in which in the space an insert 39 which is impregnated with a sterilizing fluid and thus forms an effective germ barrier. For positioning this insert 39 are corresponding grooves in the face 27 and between the sealing rings 31 . 32 intended. In another embodiment, the surfaces are between the sealing rings 31 and 32 or the face 27 plan executed; the deposit 39 then only by the protruding sealing rings 31 . 32 positioned.

12 shows a further embodiment in which the groove 35 over the neck 22 is accessible. The stub 22 is as a thick-walled flange 26 formed in which the connections 36 . 37 are formed. In this case, a threaded connection protrudes 41 radially from the outside into the flange 26 , Of this approximately right-angled branching opens a hole 42 up through the face 27 the space (groove 35 ). The lid 20 has a second, inner curved disc 21 ' on, which convexly arched inwards. The gap 40 between the arched discs 21 and 21 ' improves the thermal insulation of the container 2 or the tank container 1 ,

The present invention relates to a closure arrangement for a container, in particular for a tank container ( 1 ), with a container opening ( 24 ) surrounding first sealing area ( 27 ), a lid covering the container opening ( 20 ) with a first sealing area ( 27 ) corresponding second sealing area ( 28 ). In this case, a sealing arrangement extending between the first and second sealing regions is ( 29 . 30 . 31 . 32 ) provided with an outer and an inner sealing ring ( 31 . 32 ), which form a gap which has a germ barrier ( 35 . 38 . 39 ). The invention further relates to a device for the aseptic transport of foods, in particular of orange juice, which is designed to carry out a method comprising the steps of providing a transport container, in particular a tank container (US Pat. 1 ) with a closure arrangement according to the invention, filling the transport container with liquid food, transporting the transport container, emptying the transport container.

Further embodiments and modifications of the invention will become apparent to those skilled in the scope of the claims.

Claims (10)

Closure arrangement for a container, in particular for a tank container ( 1 ), with a container opening ( 24 ) surrounding first sealing area ( 27 ) a lid covering the container opening ( 20 ) with a first sealing area ( 27 ) corresponding second sealing area ( 28 ) and between the first and second sealing region extending seal assembly ( 29 . 30 . 31 . 32 ), wherein the sealing arrangement ( 29 . 30 . 31 . 31 ) an outer and an inner sealing ring ( 31 . 32 ), which form a gap which has a germ barrier ( 35 . 38 . 39 ). A closure assembly according to claim 1, wherein the germ barrier ( 35 . 38 . 39 ) has a sterilizing fluid, in particular alcohol. A closure assembly according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the space is a chamber (Fig. 35 ) having an inlet ( 36 . 37 ) and / or a procedure ( 36 . 37 ) is provided, through which the sterilizing fluid is added and / or discharged.  A closure arrangement according to claim 3, in which inlet and / or outlet are respectively provided with connections, via which the intermediate space can be coupled to a supply and / or circulation device. A closure arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the space is an insert ( 39 ), which receives the sterilizing fluid. A closure arrangement as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first and second sealing areas are provided with intermeshing lamellae (US Pat. 38 ) and / or grooves ( 35 ), so that the gap has a labyrinth-like cross-section. Manhole arrangement ( 12 ) with a closure arrangement according to one of the preceding claims. Tank container ( 1 ) with a closure arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6. Apparatus for aseptically transporting foodstuffs, in particular orange juice, which is adapted to carry out a method comprising the steps of: providing a transport container, in particular a tank container ( 1 ) with a closure arrangement according to one of claims 1 to 6, filling the transport container with liquid food transport of the transport container emptying the transport container Apparatus according to claim 9, arranged to carry out a method additionally comprising at least one of the following steps: Tempering the tank container, Detecting the temperature, Recording the whereabouts, Storing the temperature and / or location data, Transfer of location and / or temperature data to one Transport monitoring point, Controlling a tempering device (cooling device) by means of the acquired data, Evaluating the data, Classify the product quality based on the evaluated data.

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