EP0119504B1 - Method of sterilizing packaging material and/or packaging devices - Google Patents
Method of sterilizing packaging material and/or packaging devices Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- EP0119504B1 EP0119504B1 EP84101795A EP84101795A EP0119504B1 EP 0119504 B1 EP0119504 B1 EP 0119504B1 EP 84101795 A EP84101795 A EP 84101795A EP 84101795 A EP84101795 A EP 84101795A EP 0119504 B1 EP0119504 B1 EP 0119504B1
- Authority
- EP
- European Patent Office
- Prior art keywords
- packaging
- hot air
- steam
- air
- temperature
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Expired
Links
- 238000004806 packaging method and process Methods 0.000 title claims description 27
- 238000000034 method Methods 0.000 title claims description 25
- 239000005022 packaging material Substances 0.000 title claims description 14
- 230000001954 sterilising effect Effects 0.000 title description 17
- 239000000203 mixture Substances 0.000 claims description 24
- 229920006395 saturated elastomer Polymers 0.000 claims description 8
- 239000000463 material Substances 0.000 claims description 5
- 230000002378 acidificating effect Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 230000036512 infertility Effects 0.000 claims description 4
- 238000004659 sterilization and disinfection Methods 0.000 description 19
- XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N water Chemical compound O XLYOFNOQVPJJNP-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 17
- 241000228245 Aspergillus niger Species 0.000 description 6
- 238000001035 drying Methods 0.000 description 5
- 240000004808 Saccharomyces cerevisiae Species 0.000 description 4
- 235000014680 Saccharomyces cerevisiae Nutrition 0.000 description 4
- 241001147746 Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. lactis Species 0.000 description 3
- 241000192130 Leuconostoc mesenteroides Species 0.000 description 3
- 244000052616 bacterial pathogen Species 0.000 description 3
- 230000000694 effects Effects 0.000 description 3
- 235000013305 food Nutrition 0.000 description 3
- 244000005700 microbiome Species 0.000 description 3
- 229920001169 thermoplastic Polymers 0.000 description 3
- 241000894006 Bacteria Species 0.000 description 2
- -1 Polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004698 Polyethylene Substances 0.000 description 2
- 239000007789 gas Substances 0.000 description 2
- 229920000573 polyethylene Polymers 0.000 description 2
- 239000004416 thermosoftening plastic Substances 0.000 description 2
- 238000009825 accumulation Methods 0.000 description 1
- XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N aluminium Chemical compound [Al] XAGFODPZIPBFFR-UHFFFAOYSA-N 0.000 description 1
- 229910052782 aluminium Inorganic materials 0.000 description 1
- 239000002131 composite material Substances 0.000 description 1
- 238000002474 experimental method Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000015203 fruit juice Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 238000010438 heat treatment Methods 0.000 description 1
- 208000015181 infectious disease Diseases 0.000 description 1
- 230000002906 microbiologic effect Effects 0.000 description 1
- 239000004033 plastic Substances 0.000 description 1
- 229920003023 plastic Polymers 0.000 description 1
- 238000007789 sealing Methods 0.000 description 1
- 235000021262 sour milk Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 241000894007 species Species 0.000 description 1
- 235000015192 vegetable juice Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000014101 wine Nutrition 0.000 description 1
- 235000013618 yogurt Nutrition 0.000 description 1
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
- B65B55/02—Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages
- B65B55/04—Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging
- B65B55/10—Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging by liquids or gases
Definitions
- the invention relates to a method for sterilizing packaging material or packaging devices according to the type mentioned in the preamble of claim 1.
- packaging containers such as yogurt cups, molded from thermoplastic plastic are treated with a moist, flowing water vapor / air mixture.
- the cups should be heated to a temperature of at least 140 ° C.
- the mixture of saturated steam with a temperature of 138 ° C and air is formed and heated to a temperature of 250 ° to 275 ° C before use.
- the known method is largely a sterilizing method with a dry thermal effect and acts similarly to the known methods which work with superheated steam, hot gas or hot air.
- these known sterilization processes the long-known fact that microorganisms and spores are less resistant to damp heat than to dry heat is not taken into account.
- Sterilization processes which work with saturated steam in the overpressure range have therefore already been developed (DE-A-2 519 329 and DE-A-3 031 084).
- it is disadvantageous that the packaging containers or materials to be sterilized have to be treated in pressure-resistant containers which are relatively complex and cumbersome to use.
- Plastic packaging materials that have already been introduced into packaging machines cannot withstand such high temperatures over a long period of time. They soften and stick with machine parts so that the machine cannot start. Steam condensate also clogs the air disinfection filters (HOSCH filters) arranged in packaging machines to maintain a sterile atmosphere.
- HOSCH filters air disinfection filters
- the object of the invention is to provide a disinfection process in which the thermal load on the parts to be disinfected, such as in particular packaging material and high-performance filters, is low, and which can be carried out in a short period of time.
- the disinfection process according to the invention has surprisingly proven that it is possible to kill the flora relevant to foods with a pH below 4.6 at low heat loads and in a relatively short time at atmospheric pressure.
- This relatively mild thermal disinfection process also requires only a small amount of energy. It is particularly suitable for treating packaging containers made of thermoplastic or with such a coated material for sterile packaging of acidic foods, the pH of which is below 4.6, such as fruit juices, vegetable juices, wine and sour milk products.
- acidic goods only a limited selection of microorganisms can wash. namely molds, yeasts, and acid-forming bacteria. These microorganisms are thermally relatively more sensitive than common bacteria.
- equipment and accessories of packaging machines can also be sterilized under mild conditions.
- the measures listed in the subclaims enable advantageous further development of the sterilization process specified in the main claim. If after the actual sterilization phase with a water vapor / air mixture, the treated surfaces of the packaging material, the packaging container or the machine parts are subsequently dried with hot air at a temperature of 80 ° to 120 ° C, it is particularly advantageous to remove the water vapor / air mixture To form hot air with the temperature of the drying air and with saturated steam.
- packaging containers should be made germ-free before filling and closing.
- the containers are preferably made of a thermoplastic or a multilayer packaging material, for example of a Polyethylene / cardboard / aluminum / polyethylene composite.
- a nozzle is inserted into each open container, which fills most of the interior of the container and leaves an annular space to the side of the container wall.
- hot air at a temperature of 80 ° to 100 ° C. is blown into the container for a period of 1.2 seconds beforehand.
- a water vapor / air mixture is fed through the nozzle under atmospheric pressure.
- the mixture is formed by mixing hot air at a temperature of 80 ° to 120 ° C and saturated steam, which relaxes during mixing.
- the proportion by weight of saturated steam in the mixture is 10 to 50%.
- the temperature of the mixture is 85 ° to 140 ° C, preferably 85 ° to 120 ° C.
- the water vapor / air mixture is passed out of the nozzle against the bottom of the container for a period of 1.2 seconds and then through the annular space between the nozzle and the inside of the container.
- sterile hot air at a temperature of 80 ° to 120 ° C is then introduced, which also flows through the annulus and has a drying effect.
- a plurality of nozzles can also be arranged next to one another, through which only hot air or the mixture is passed and to which packaging containers are successively supplied.
- the nozzles are arranged in a chamber in which a sterile atmosphere is built up.
- test plates loaded with mold spores were stuck into containers and these were then flowed with a water vapor / air mixture.
- the treatment time adjusted to the cycle time of packaging machines was set from 1.2 seconds.
- the platelets had a diameter of 50 millimeters and were different with about 10 3 , 10 5 . 10 7 and 10 9 germs of the species Aspergillus niger, Lactobacillus lactis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Saccaromyces cerevisiae.
- the kill rates for Aspergillus niger were about 5 powers of ten, and for the other types of germs mentioned above they were higher than 7 powers of 10.
- the kill rates for Aspergillus niger were higher than 7 powers of ten and for the other three species even higher than 9 powers of 10.
- preheating the packs before the sterilization phase can reduce the accumulation of condensate during the sterilization phase.
- the subsequent drying with hot air completely eliminates any condensate.
- Preheating and post-drying can be omitted, and a good microbiological result can still be achieved within the specified limits.
- the hot air used for preheating and / or post-drying is briefly admixed with steam for carrying out the sterilization phase, for example for 1.2 seconds.
- the method according to the invention can be carried out not only for the sterilization of packaging materials and packaging containers, but also with the same success for the pre-sterilization of packaging devices and their accessories, such as chambers, filling and closing devices, lines. Filters and the like. Since these parts are less sensitive to heat and have a larger mass to be heated, the time period should be set longer. during which the parts are exposed to a water vapor / air mixture and flow through them. It is essential here that the surfaces of the device parts are heated to a temperature of 70 ° to 100 ° C., in particular 85 ° to 90 ° C. '.
Landscapes
- Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
- Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
- Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
- Food Preservation Except Freezing, Refrigeration, And Drying (AREA)
Description
Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren zum Entkeimen von Verpackungsmaterial oder Verpackungsvorrichtungen nach der im Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 genannten Gattung.The invention relates to a method for sterilizing packaging material or packaging devices according to the type mentioned in the preamble of claim 1.
Beim einem solchen beispielsweise durch die DE-A-2 839 543 und die DE-A-2 919 015 bekannt gewordenen Verfahren werden aus thermoplastischem Kunststoff geformte Verpackungsbehälter, wie Joghurt-Becher, mit einem feuchten, strömenden Wasserdampf/Luftgemisch behandelt. Um einen ausreichenden Grad an Keimfreiheit zu erzielen, sollen die Becher auf eine Temperatur von mindestens 140 °C erhitzt werden. Dazu wird das Gemisch aus Sattdampf mit einer Temperatur von 138 °C und Luft gebildet und vor der Anwendung auf eine Temperatur von 250° bis 275 °C aufgeheizt.In such a method, which has become known, for example, from DE-A-2 839 543 and DE-A-2 919 015, packaging containers, such as yogurt cups, molded from thermoplastic plastic are treated with a moist, flowing water vapor / air mixture. In order to achieve a sufficient degree of sterility, the cups should be heated to a temperature of at least 140 ° C. For this purpose, the mixture of saturated steam with a temperature of 138 ° C and air is formed and heated to a temperature of 250 ° to 275 ° C before use.
Durch die zusätzliche Aufheizung des Gemisches ist das bekannte Verfahren weitgehend ein trockenthermisch wirkendes Sterilisierverfahren und wirkt ähnlich wie die bekannten Verfahren, die mit überhitztem Wasserdampf, Heißgas oder Heißluft arbeiten. Bei diesen bekannten Sterilisierverfahren bleibt die lange bekannte Tatsache unberücksichtigt, daß Mikroorganismen und Sporen in feuchter Hitze weniger widerstandsfähig sind als in trockener Hitze. Es sind daher auch schon Sterilisierverfahren entwickelt worden, die mit Sattdampf im Überdruckbereich arbeiten (DE-A-2 519 329 und DE-A-3 031 084). Bei diesen bekannten Verfahren ist jedoch nachteilig, daß die zu sterilisierenden Verpackungsbehälter oder -materialien in druckfesten Behältern behandelt werden müssen, die relativ aufwendig und umständlich zu bedienen sind.As a result of the additional heating of the mixture, the known method is largely a sterilizing method with a dry thermal effect and acts similarly to the known methods which work with superheated steam, hot gas or hot air. In these known sterilization processes, the long-known fact that microorganisms and spores are less resistant to damp heat than to dry heat is not taken into account. Sterilization processes which work with saturated steam in the overpressure range have therefore already been developed (DE-A-2 519 329 and DE-A-3 031 084). In these known methods, however, it is disadvantageous that the packaging containers or materials to be sterilized have to be treated in pressure-resistant containers which are relatively complex and cumbersome to use.
Ferner ist ein Sterilisierverfahren bekannt geworden, bei dem die Behälter mit strömendem Wasserdampf bei Atmosphärendruck behandelt werden (DE-A-3 044 061). Dieses Verfahren hat den Nachteil, daß bei Verpackungsmaterialien mit einer Kartonschicht Feuchtigkeit in den als Schwamm wirkenden Karton an den Schnittkanten eindringen kann, was zum Erweichen des Packstoffes und zu Schwierigkeiten beim anschließenden Heißsiegeln führen kann.Furthermore, a sterilization process has become known in which the containers are treated with flowing water vapor at atmospheric pressure (DE-A-3 044 061). This method has the disadvantage that, in the case of packaging materials with a cardboard layer, moisture can penetrate into the cardboard acting as a sponge at the cut edges, which can lead to softening of the packaging material and to difficulties in the subsequent heat sealing.
Um zu verhindern, daß von Einrichtungen und Zubehör von Verpackungsmaschinen auf das Füllgut oder das Verpackungsmaterial Infektionen übertragen werden, ist es schließlich durch die DE-A-1 642 069 bekannt, Abfüll- und Dosierräume, Leitungen, Ventile, Filter und dgl. Teile einer Verpackungsmaschine, mit denen das Füllgut oder die dieses umgebende Luft in Berührung kommen, mit Hilfe von Sattdampf von 125 °C und 2.5 bar Überdrück vorgängig der Inbetriebnahme der Verpackungsmaschine zu sterilisieren. Zum Erzielen eines hinreichenden Sterilitätsgrades wird die Behandlung über eine Zeitdauer von mehreren Minuten durchgeführt. Nachteilig dabei ist, daß dazu die Einrichtungen zur Aufnahme des Überdrucks ausgestaltet sein müssen. Bei alternativer Anwendung von Heißdampf mit atmosphärischem Druck sind sehr viel höhere Temperaturen und/oder längere Behandlungszeiten erforderlich.In order to prevent infections of equipment and accessories of packaging machines from being transmitted to the filling material or the packaging material, it is finally known from DE-A-1 642 069, filling and metering rooms, lines, valves, filters and the like Sterilize the packaging machine with which the contents or the surrounding air come into contact with saturated steam at 125 ° C and 2.5 bar overpressure prior to commissioning the packaging machine. The treatment is carried out over a period of several minutes in order to achieve a sufficient degree of sterility. The disadvantage here is that the devices for receiving the excess pressure must be designed for this. With alternative use of superheated steam with atmospheric pressure, much higher temperatures and / or longer treatment times are required.
Bereits in Verpackungsmaschinen eingeführte Verpackungsmaterialien aus Kunststoff vertragen derart hohe Temperaturbelastungen über längere Zeit nicht. Sie erweichen und verkleben mit Maschinenteilen, so daß ein Anlaufen der Maschine verhindert wird. Ferner verstopft Dampfkondensat die zur Aufrechterhaltung einer sterilen Atmosphäre in Verpackungsmaschinen angeordneten Luftentkeimungsfilter (HOSCH-Filter).Plastic packaging materials that have already been introduced into packaging machines cannot withstand such high temperatures over a long period of time. They soften and stick with machine parts so that the machine cannot start. Steam condensate also clogs the air disinfection filters (HOSCH filters) arranged in packaging machines to maintain a sterile atmosphere.
Aufgabe der Erfindung ist es, ein Entkeimungsverfahren zu schaffen, bei dem die thermische Belastung der zu entkeimenden Teile, wie insbesondere Verpackungsmaterial und Hochleistungs-Filter gering ist, und das in kurzer Zeitdauer durchgeführt werden kann.The object of the invention is to provide a disinfection process in which the thermal load on the parts to be disinfected, such as in particular packaging material and high-performance filters, is low, and which can be carried out in a short period of time.
Die Lösung dieser Aufgabe wird durch die im Kennzeichen des Anspruchs 1 aufgeführten Maßnahmen erzielt.This object is achieved by the measures listed in the characterizing part of claim 1.
Das erfindungsgemäße Entkeimungsverfahren hat überraschend erwiesen, daß eine Abtötung der für Lebensmittel mit einem pH-Wert unter 4,6 relevanten Flora bei geringer Wärmebelastung und in relativ kurzer Zeit bei atmosphärischem Druck möglich ist. Dieses relativ milde thermische Entkeimungsverfahren setzt außerdem nur einen geringen Energieaufwand voraus. Es ist besonders geeignet zum Behandeln von Verpackungsbehältern aus thermoplastischem Kunststoff oder mit solchem beschichteten Material zum Sterilverpacken saurer Lebensmittel, deren pH-Wert unter 4,6 liegt, wie beispielsweise Fruchtsäfte, Gemüsesäfte, Wein und Sauermilchprodukte. In solchen sauren Gütern kann nur eine eingeschränkte Auswahl von Mikroorganismen waschsen. nämlich Schimmelpilze, Hefen, und säurebildende Bakterien. Diese Mikroorganismen sind thermisch relativ empfindlicher als übliche Bakterien. Ferner lassen sich mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren auch Einrichtungen und Zubehör von Verpackungsmaschinen unter schonenden Bedingungen sterilisieren.The disinfection process according to the invention has surprisingly proven that it is possible to kill the flora relevant to foods with a pH below 4.6 at low heat loads and in a relatively short time at atmospheric pressure. This relatively mild thermal disinfection process also requires only a small amount of energy. It is particularly suitable for treating packaging containers made of thermoplastic or with such a coated material for sterile packaging of acidic foods, the pH of which is below 4.6, such as fruit juices, vegetable juices, wine and sour milk products. In such acidic goods, only a limited selection of microorganisms can wash. namely molds, yeasts, and acid-forming bacteria. These microorganisms are thermally relatively more sensitive than common bacteria. Furthermore, with the method according to the invention, equipment and accessories of packaging machines can also be sterilized under mild conditions.
Durch die in den Unteransprüchen aufgeführten Maßnahmen ist eine vorteilhafte Weiterbildung des im Hauptanspruch angegebenen Entkeimungsverfahrens möglich. Wenn nach der eigentlichen Entkeimungsphase mit einem Wasserdampf/Luft-Gemisch die behandelten Oberflächen des Verpackungsmaterials, der Verpakkungsbehälter oder der Maschinenteile mit Heißluft mit einer Temperatur von 80° bis 120 °C nachgetrocknet werden, ist es besonders vorteilhaft, das Wasserdampf/Luft-Gemisch aus Heißluft mit der Temperatur der Trocknungsluft und mit Sattdampf zu bilden.The measures listed in the subclaims enable advantageous further development of the sterilization process specified in the main claim. If after the actual sterilization phase with a water vapor / air mixture, the treated surfaces of the packaging material, the packaging container or the machine parts are subsequently dried with hot air at a temperature of 80 ° to 120 ° C, it is particularly advantageous to remove the water vapor / air mixture To form hot air with the temperature of the drying air and with saturated steam.
Zum keimfreien Verpacken saurer Lebensmittel sollen Verpackungsbehälter vor dem Befüllen und Verschließen keimfrei gemacht werden. Die Behälter bestehen vorzugsweise aus einem thermoplastischen Kunststoff oder aus einem Mehrschichtpackstoff, der beispielsweise aus einem Polyäthylen/Karton/Aluminium/Polyäthylenverbund besteht. In jeweils einen offenen Behälter wird eine Düse eingeführt, die den größten Teil des Innenraums des Behälters ausfüllt und seitlich zur Wand des Behälters hin einen Ringraum freiläßt. Vorausgehend wird zum Vorwärmen während einer Zeitdauer von 1,2 Sekunden Heißluft mit einer Temperatur von 80° bis 100 °C in den Behälter eingeblasen.For the germ-free packaging of acidic food, packaging containers should be made germ-free before filling and closing. The containers are preferably made of a thermoplastic or a multilayer packaging material, for example of a Polyethylene / cardboard / aluminum / polyethylene composite. A nozzle is inserted into each open container, which fills most of the interior of the container and leaves an annular space to the side of the container wall. For preheating, hot air at a temperature of 80 ° to 100 ° C. is blown into the container for a period of 1.2 seconds beforehand.
In der anschließenden Entkeimungsphase wird durch die Düse ein Wasserdampf/Luft-Gemisch unter atmosphärischem Druck zugeführt. Das Gemisch wird gebildet durch Vermischen von Heißluft mit einer Temperatur von 80° bis 120 °C und Sattdampf, der sich beim Mischen entspannt. Der Gewichtsanteil des Sattdampfes an dem Gemisch beträgt 10 bis 50 %. Die Temperatur des Gemischs beträgt 85° bis 140 °C, vorzugsweise 85° bis 120 °C. Das Wasserdampf/Luft-Gemisch wird während einer Zeitdauer von 1.2 Sekunden aus der Düse gegen den Boden des Behälters und anschließend durch den Ringraum zwischen der Düse und der Innenseite des Behälters geleitet. Zum Entfernen von Feuchtigkeitsresten nach der Entkeimungsphase wird anschließend sterile Heißluft mit einer Temperatur von 80° bis 120 °C eingeführt, die ebenfalls durch den Ringraum strömt und trocknend wirkt. Anstelle des Zuführens von Heißluft und Wasserdampf/Luft-Gemisch durch dieselbe Düse, können auch mehrere Düsen nebeneinander angeordnet sein, durch die jeweils nur Heißluft oder das Gemisch geleitet wird, und denen Verpackungsbehälter nacheinander zugeführt werden. Um eine Reinfektion der Behälter zu verhindern, sind die Düsen in einer Kammer angeordnet, in der eine sterile Atmosphäre aufgebaut ist.In the subsequent disinfection phase, a water vapor / air mixture is fed through the nozzle under atmospheric pressure. The mixture is formed by mixing hot air at a temperature of 80 ° to 120 ° C and saturated steam, which relaxes during mixing. The proportion by weight of saturated steam in the mixture is 10 to 50%. The temperature of the mixture is 85 ° to 140 ° C, preferably 85 ° to 120 ° C. The water vapor / air mixture is passed out of the nozzle against the bottom of the container for a period of 1.2 seconds and then through the annular space between the nozzle and the inside of the container. To remove residual moisture after the sterilization phase, sterile hot air at a temperature of 80 ° to 120 ° C is then introduced, which also flows through the annulus and has a drying effect. Instead of supplying hot air and water vapor / air mixture through the same nozzle, a plurality of nozzles can also be arranged next to one another, through which only hot air or the mixture is passed and to which packaging containers are successively supplied. In order to prevent the containers from being reinfected, the nozzles are arranged in a chamber in which a sterile atmosphere is built up.
Zum Testen des beschriebenen Entkeimungsverfahrens wurden mit Schimmelpilzsporen beladene Versuchsplättchen in Behälter eingeklebt und diese dann mit einem Wasserdampf/Luft-Gemisch beströmt. Die an die Taktzeit von Verpackungsmaschinen angepaßte Behandlungsdauer wurde aus 1,2 Sekunden eingestellt. Die Plättchen hatten einen Durchmesser von 50 Millimeter und waren unterschiedlich mit etwa 103, 105. 107 und 109 Keimen der Arten Aspergillus niger, Lactobacillus lactis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides und Saccaromyces cerevisiae beladen.In order to test the disinfection process described, test plates loaded with mold spores were stuck into containers and these were then flowed with a water vapor / air mixture. The treatment time adjusted to the cycle time of packaging machines was set from 1.2 seconds. The platelets had a diameter of 50 millimeters and were different with about 10 3 , 10 5 . 10 7 and 10 9 germs of the species Aspergillus niger, Lactobacillus lactis, Leuconostoc mesenteroides and Saccaromyces cerevisiae.
Es zeigte sich, daß bereits bei einer Beströmung der Plättchen bzw. der Behälterinnenwand mit dem Wasserdampf/Luft-Gemisch mit einer Temperatur von 80° bis 85 °C ein deutlicher Entkeimungseffekt erzielt wurde. Bei einer Temperatur von 90° bis 100 °C wurde eine vollständige Abtötung der Keime festgestellt.It was found that a clear disinfection effect was already achieved when the water vapor / air mixture was flowed onto the platelets or the inside of the container at a temperature of 80 ° to 85 ° C. The germs were completely killed at a temperature of 90 ° to 100 ° C.
Bei einer ersten Versuchsreihe mit einem Wasserdampf/Luft-Gemisch mit einer Temperatur von 95 °C und einem Wassergehalt von 15 Gewichtsprozent ergaben sich folgende Abtötungsraten :
- 2 bis 3 Zehnerpotenzen bei Aspergillus niger und Lactobacillus lactis
- 4 bis 5 Zehnerpotenzen bei Leuconostoc mesenteroides und
- 6 bis 7 Zehnerpotenzen bei Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
- 2 to 3 powers of ten for Aspergillus niger and Lactobacillus lactis
- 4 to 5 powers of ten for Leuconostoc mesenteroides and
- 6 to 7 powers of ten for Saccharomyces cerevisiae.
Bei ebenfalls 95 °C des Wasserdampf/Luft-Gemischs jedoch einem Wassergehalt von 33 % waren die Abtötungsraten bei Aspergillus niger etwa 5 Zehnerpotenzen, und bei den übrigen, obengenannten Keimarten höher als 7 Zehnerpotenzen. Bei einer Temperatur von 100 °C des Wasserdampf/Luft-Gemischs und einem 37%- igen Wasserdampfgehalt lagen die Abtötungsraten bei Aspergillus niger höher als 7 Zehnerpotenzen und bei den übrigen drei Arten sogar höher als 9 Zehnerpotenzen.With the water vapor / air mixture also at 95 ° C. but with a water content of 33%, the kill rates for Aspergillus niger were about 5 powers of ten, and for the other types of germs mentioned above they were higher than 7 powers of 10. At a temperature of 100 ° C of the water vapor / air mixture and a 37% water vapor content, the kill rates for Aspergillus niger were higher than 7 powers of ten and for the other three species even higher than 9 powers of 10.
Ergänzend wird darauf hingewiesen, daß durch Vorwärmen der Packungen vor der Sterilisierungsphase der Kondensatanfall während der Sterilisierphase vermindert werden kann. Durch die nachträgliche Trocknung mit Heißluft wird angefallenes Kondensat vollständig beseitigt. In Fällen, wo auf eine völlig trockene Packung verzichtet werden kann, da die geringen Kondensatmengen nur zu einer vernachlässigbar kleinen Konzentrationsänderung des Füllguts führen. kann sowohl die Vorwärmung als auch die Nachtrocknung unterbleiben, wobei innerhalb der angegebenen Grenzen noch ein gutes mikrobiologisches Ergebnis erzielbar ist.In addition, it is pointed out that preheating the packs before the sterilization phase can reduce the accumulation of condensate during the sterilization phase. The subsequent drying with hot air completely eliminates any condensate. In cases where a completely dry packaging can be dispensed with, since the small amounts of condensate only lead to a negligibly small change in the concentration of the contents. Preheating and post-drying can be omitted, and a good microbiological result can still be achieved within the specified limits.
Als besonders vorteilhaft hinsichtlich der zum Durchführen des erfindungsgemäßen Verfahrens zu verwendenden Einrichtung hat sich gezeigt, daß der zum Vorwärmen und/oder Nachtrocknen verwendeten Heißluft zum Durchführen der Sterilisierphase kurzzeitig, beispielsweise während 1,2 Sekunden, Sattdampf zugemischt wird.It has been found to be particularly advantageous with regard to the device to be used to carry out the method according to the invention that the hot air used for preheating and / or post-drying is briefly admixed with steam for carrying out the sterilization phase, for example for 1.2 seconds.
Schließlich ist noch zu erwähnen, daß das oben beschriebene Verfahren auch zum Entkeimen von Packstoffbahnen oder -zuschnitten, aus denen anschließend Verpackungen geformt werden, in gleicher Weise durchgeführt werden kann, wobei beispielsweise eine Breitschlitzdüse verwendet wird.Finally, it should also be mentioned that the method described above can also be carried out in the same way for the disinfection of packaging material webs or blanks, from which packaging is subsequently formed, using, for example, a slot die.
Das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren ist nicht nur zum Sterilisieren von Packstoffen und Verpackungsbehältern durchführbar, sondern mit gleichem Erfolg auch zum Vorsterilisieren von Verpackungsvorrichtungen und deren Zubehör, wie Kammern, Füll- und Schließeinrichtungen, Leitungen. Filter und dgl. Da diese Teile weniger wärmeempfindlich sind und eine größere zu erhitzende Masse aufweisen, ist die Zeitdauer länger einzustellen. während der die Teile mit einem Wasserdampf/Luft-Gemisch beaufschlagt und beströmt werden. Wesentlich hierbei ist, daß die Oberflächen der Vorrichtungsteile auf eine Temperatur von 70° bis 100 °C, insbesondere 85° bis 90 °C.'aufgeheizt werden.The method according to the invention can be carried out not only for the sterilization of packaging materials and packaging containers, but also with the same success for the pre-sterilization of packaging devices and their accessories, such as chambers, filling and closing devices, lines. Filters and the like. Since these parts are less sensitive to heat and have a larger mass to be heated, the time period should be set longer. during which the parts are exposed to a water vapor / air mixture and flow through them. It is essential here that the surfaces of the device parts are heated to a temperature of 70 ° to 100 ° C., in particular 85 ° to 90 ° C. '.
Zum Testen der Brauchbarkeit des oben zum Sterilisieren von Verpackungsbehältern beschriebenen Verfahrens zum Sterilisieren von Verpackungsvorrichtungen wurde ein Versuch an einem thermisch- und feuchtigkeitsempfindlichen Hochleistungs-Schwebstofffilter (HOSCH-Filter) durchgeführt, da solche Filter zum Entkeimen von Luft oder Gasen verwendet werden. die zum Erhalten einer keimfreien Atmosphäre in die Abpackkammer eingeleitet werden. Während einer Zeitdauer von zwei Minuten wurde ein Wasserdampf/Luft-Gemisch mit einem Feuchtigkeitsge- halt von 35 % und einer Temperatur von 98 °C durch ein HOSCH-Filter geleitet. Die Abtötung der zuvor aufgebrachten Schimmelpilze Aspergillus niger war größer als 7 Zehnerpotenzen. Ähnliche Versuche ergaben, daß Wasserdampf/Luft-Gemische mit einem Feuchtigkeitsgehalt von 20 bis 40% und einer Temperatur von 80° bis 100 °C zum Sterilisieren von Maschinenteilen einen hinreichend hohen Sterilitätsgrad erbringen.To test the usability of the method for sterilizing packaging devices described above for sterilizing packaging containers, an experiment was carried out on a thermally and moisture-sensitive high-performance suspended matter filter (HOSCH filter), since such filters are used to sterilize air or gases. which are introduced into the packaging chamber in order to maintain a sterile atmosphere. During one Period of two minutes, a steam / air mixture with a moisture genuin i tsge- halt of 35% and a temperature of 98 ° C through a filter HOSCH passed. The Aspergillus niger molds previously applied were greater than 7 orders of magnitude. Similar tests have shown that water vapor / air mixtures with a moisture content of 20 to 40% and a temperature of 80 ° to 100 ° C for sterilizing machine parts provide a sufficiently high degree of sterility.
Claims (4)
Applications Claiming Priority (4)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
DE3309139 | 1983-03-15 | ||
DE3309139 | 1983-03-15 | ||
DE19833325786 DE3325786A1 (en) | 1983-03-15 | 1983-07-16 | METHOD FOR BACTERIZING PACKAGING MATERIAL |
DE3325786 | 1983-07-16 |
Publications (3)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
EP0119504A2 EP0119504A2 (en) | 1984-09-26 |
EP0119504A3 EP0119504A3 (en) | 1985-12-04 |
EP0119504B1 true EP0119504B1 (en) | 1988-01-20 |
Family
ID=25809052
Family Applications (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
EP84101795A Expired EP0119504B1 (en) | 1983-03-15 | 1984-02-21 | Method of sterilizing packaging material and/or packaging devices |
Country Status (2)
Country | Link |
---|---|
EP (1) | EP0119504B1 (en) |
DE (2) | DE3325786A1 (en) |
Families Citing this family (4)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
DE3608311A1 (en) * | 1986-03-13 | 1987-09-17 | Hoelter Heinz | Method for the treatment of surfaces infested with bacteria and/or fungi, with a downstream hot-chamber arrangement |
DE3809855A1 (en) * | 1987-08-01 | 1989-02-09 | Seitz Enzinger Noll Masch | METHOD FOR ASEPTIC OR STERILE FILLING OF LIQUID FILLING MATERIAL IN CONTAINERS AND DEVICE FOR CARRYING OUT THIS PROCESS |
FR2666299B1 (en) * | 1990-09-03 | 1994-10-21 | Cmb Remy | INSTALLATION FOR STERILIZATION OF CONTAINERS USING HYDROGEN PEROXIDE AND METHOD OF USE. |
DE4408464C2 (en) * | 1994-03-12 | 1996-05-02 | Pvt Prozes U Verpackungstechni | Food processing plant with steam injection |
Family Cites Families (2)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
CH108694A (en) * | 1924-03-22 | 1925-04-16 | Rehmann & Co | Process and apparatus for the sterilization of food and luxury goods. |
DE2839543C2 (en) * | 1978-09-12 | 1986-06-05 | Siegfried Ing.(grad.) 8901 Königsbrunn Ammann | Method and device for sterilizing or disinfecting containers, in particular yoghurt pots |
-
1983
- 1983-07-16 DE DE19833325786 patent/DE3325786A1/en not_active Withdrawn
-
1984
- 1984-02-21 DE DE8484101795T patent/DE3468854D1/en not_active Expired
- 1984-02-21 EP EP84101795A patent/EP0119504B1/en not_active Expired
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
EP0119504A2 (en) | 1984-09-26 |
DE3468854D1 (en) | 1988-02-25 |
DE3325786A1 (en) | 1984-09-20 |
EP0119504A3 (en) | 1985-12-04 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
DE69032892T2 (en) | Process for the production of a gaseous fluid containing hydrogen peroxide | |
DE2144778C2 (en) | Method of sterilizing or pasteurizing separate bodies from a heat sensitive food product | |
DE69002559T2 (en) | Sterilization of containers using hydrogen peroxide, peracids and UV radiation. | |
DE1915080A1 (en) | Method and device for monitoring microorganisms or enzymes | |
DE2744637B2 (en) | Method and device for sterilizing objects with the aid of a liquid sterilizing agent | |
DE1642147A1 (en) | Process for the packaging of sterile products under aseptic conditions | |
CH647133A5 (en) | METHOD FOR STERILIZING FOOD BY USING MICROWAVES. | |
CH656363A5 (en) | METHOD FOR BACTERIZING PACKAGING MATERIAL BY STEAM. | |
DE2422530B2 (en) | PROCESS FOR THE PRESERVATION OF WATER AND / OR PROTEIN CONTAINING HOMOGENEOUS FOODS | |
DE60019013T2 (en) | Method for producing packaging containers with low bacterial contamination | |
DE1932900A1 (en) | Method for cooking vegetable matter in closed packages | |
DE19504558C2 (en) | Device for sterilizing the filling of preferably liquid food in packaging containers | |
DE2144732A1 (en) | Method and apparatus for treating a heat-sensitive product prior to its electromagnetic heating | |
EP0119504B1 (en) | Method of sterilizing packaging material and/or packaging devices | |
CH655071A5 (en) | METHOD FOR BACTERIZING PACKAGING MATERIAL. | |
DE2435037C2 (en) | Method of sterilizing objects | |
DE19802297C5 (en) | Treatment methods for cork and cork | |
DE60302783T2 (en) | METHOD AND PACKAGING MACHINE FOR PRODUCING LOCKED PACKAGING FOR SHEEPABLE FOODSTUFFS FROM CUT-OUT CUTS FROM RAILWAY PACKAGING MATERIAL | |
DE3721762A1 (en) | Process for sterilising foods and apparatus for carrying out the process | |
DE2914075C2 (en) | Method and device for sterilizing the inner surfaces of containers, in particular of preformed collapsible containers | |
DE69229446T2 (en) | METHOD FOR THE HEAT TREATMENT OF A LIQUID MILK PRODUCT | |
US4595560A (en) | Method for sterilizing packaging material and/or packaging apparatus | |
DE2839543C2 (en) | Method and device for sterilizing or disinfecting containers, in particular yoghurt pots | |
DE69605360T2 (en) | Process and plant for the aseptic packaging of fresh food in flexible or rigid packaging | |
DE4141976C2 (en) | Method and device for sanitizing pourable materials |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
PUAI | Public reference made under article 153(3) epc to a published international application that has entered the european phase |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009012 |
|
17P | Request for examination filed |
Effective date: 19840221 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Designated state(s): CH DE FR GB IT LI SE |
|
PUAL | Search report despatched |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009013 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Designated state(s): CH DE FR GB IT LI SE |
|
17Q | First examination report despatched |
Effective date: 19860812 |
|
GRAA | (expected) grant |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009210 |
|
AK | Designated contracting states |
Kind code of ref document: B1 Designated state(s): CH DE FR GB IT LI SE |
|
REF | Corresponds to: |
Ref document number: 3468854 Country of ref document: DE Date of ref document: 19880225 |
|
ET | Fr: translation filed | ||
GBT | Gb: translation of ep patent filed (gb section 77(6)(a)/1977) | ||
ITF | It: translation for a ep patent filed | ||
PLBE | No opposition filed within time limit |
Free format text: ORIGINAL CODE: 0009261 |
|
STAA | Information on the status of an ep patent application or granted ep patent |
Free format text: STATUS: NO OPPOSITION FILED WITHIN TIME LIMIT |
|
26N | No opposition filed | ||
ITTA | It: last paid annual fee | ||
EAL | Se: european patent in force in sweden |
Ref document number: 84101795.7 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Payment date: 19980205 Year of fee payment: 15 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Payment date: 19980224 Year of fee payment: 15 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Payment date: 19980225 Year of fee payment: 15 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: CH Payment date: 19980227 Year of fee payment: 15 |
|
PGFP | Annual fee paid to national office [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Payment date: 19980420 Year of fee payment: 15 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: GB Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 19990221 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: SE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 19990222 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: LI Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 19990228 Ref country code: CH Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 19990228 |
|
GBPC | Gb: european patent ceased through non-payment of renewal fee |
Effective date: 19990221 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: CH Ref legal event code: PL |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: FR Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 19991029 |
|
EUG | Se: european patent has lapsed |
Ref document number: 84101795.7 |
|
PG25 | Lapsed in a contracting state [announced via postgrant information from national office to epo] |
Ref country code: DE Free format text: LAPSE BECAUSE OF NON-PAYMENT OF DUE FEES Effective date: 19991201 |
|
REG | Reference to a national code |
Ref country code: FR Ref legal event code: ST |