EP0280871A1 - Method and device for the aseptic filling of a package - Google Patents

Method and device for the aseptic filling of a package Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0280871A1
EP0280871A1 EP88101140A EP88101140A EP0280871A1 EP 0280871 A1 EP0280871 A1 EP 0280871A1 EP 88101140 A EP88101140 A EP 88101140A EP 88101140 A EP88101140 A EP 88101140A EP 0280871 A1 EP0280871 A1 EP 0280871A1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
packaging
filling
valve
steam
fluid
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.)
Granted
Application number
EP88101140A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0280871B1 (en
Inventor
Willi Löliger
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Societe des Produits Nestle SA
Nestle SA
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Societe des Produits Nestle SA
Nestle SA
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Application filed by Societe des Produits Nestle SA, Nestle SA filed Critical Societe des Produits Nestle SA
Priority to AT88101140T priority Critical patent/ATE77321T1/en
Publication of EP0280871A1 publication Critical patent/EP0280871A1/en
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Publication of EP0280871B1 publication Critical patent/EP0280871B1/en
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    • 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
    • B65B55/022—Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages of flexible containers having a filling and dispensing spout, e.g. containers of the "bag-in-box"-type
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/001—Cleaning of filling devices

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for aseptically filling a package with a fluid and for washing and keeping a filling head space sterile, in which, the packaging being sterile and closed, the filling head space and the part are sterilized. outside of the packaging provided for the entry of the fluid and the packaging is filled with fluid.
  • the invention further relates to the device for implementing the method.
  • Patent EP 72699 already relates to a method and a device for the aseptic filling of packaging with a fluid.
  • This device has the disadvantages that the filling head space is difficult to clean between two fillings and that it can be infected when a new packaging is put in place, which would have the consequence of breaking the asepsis. Indeed, with this device the only possibility for cleaning the filling head space is to operate mechanically, which is not sufficiently effective and safe and the risk of aseptic rupture can induce bacterial development which should be avoided.
  • the invention makes it possible to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks by virtue of a sterile steam or air supply both for cleaning the filling head space and for maintaining asepsis.
  • the invention relates to a method for aseptically filling a package with a fluid and for washing and keeping sterile a filling head space in which, the packaging being sterile and closed, the space is sterilized filling head and the outer part of the packaging intended for the entry of the fluid and the packaging is filled with fluid, into which before, during or after the sealing of the packaging is injected with steam or sterile air under pressure coaxially with the filling head so as to move the remaining fluid laterally and the filling head space is protected from infection by maintaining an atmosphere during the introduction of new packaging constant vapor or sterile air.
  • packaging plastic packaging as well as cardboard packaging or any other type of packaging in the food or medical field.
  • fluid is meant both aqueous solutions, milk, fruit juices or more viscous products, such as jam, marmalade and others, with or without pieces.
  • the residual product is moved in the packaging, either by mechanical means or by steam displacement, with the packaging open.
  • the residual product is displaced by steam or sterile air, packaging closed, so as to discard said residual product.
  • the prior sterilization of the filling head space is carried out for 2 to 30 seconds at a temperature between 135 and 165 ° C and under a vapor pressure between 2 and 6 atmospheres.
  • the cleaning operation is done with steam, at a pressure between 1 and 4 atmospheres for 0.5 to 2 seconds at a temperature between 120 and 150 ° C. If operating with sterile air, it is introduced at a pressure of between 0.5 and 3 atmospheres and at room temperature.
  • a flow rate that provides a screen avoiding any form of infection of the headspace. It is preferably carried out at atmospheric pressure at a temperature between 98 and 110 ° C in the case of steam and at atmospheric pressure and at room temperature in the case of sterile air.
  • the invention further relates to a device for implementing this method comprising a filling head, a packaging support placed under the filling head and designed to seal the packaging at the end of filling, said head comprising a valve. for adjusting the fluid inlet flow rate as well as means for actuating it, in which the filling head further comprises a valve for adjusting the flow rate of steam or air as well as means for actuating it , this valve being in coaxial movement with respect to the fluid flow control valve and sliding therein, a fluid inlet and outlet conduit and, laterally disposed on the bottom of the filling head, a valve with a drain line for cleaning at the end of filling.
  • the packaging support consists of jaws for holding the packaging in place and a sealing head.
  • a packaging with a tip comprising a tear-off outer membrane and an inner closure membrane as shown in the figures and in patent EP 72699, or a package with tip comprising a tear-off outer membrane but without a closure membrane.
  • the fluid flow control valve has vapor inlet channels and a bellows membrane.
  • the valve for regulating the flow of steam or air has at its bottom a knife and a central steam inlet channel. This valve further comprises at its middle part a cone with a bore for the arrival of steam or air when placing new packaging.
  • the filling head designated by (1) comprises a fluid inlet (2) and outlet (3) channel with seal (26), a valve (4) for adjusting the fluid inlet flow, a valve (5) for adjusting the steam supply rate and an outlet pipe (6) for cleaning the filling head.
  • a packaging (7) comprising an end piece (8) with a tearable membrane (9) and a closure membrane (10).
  • the packaging is held in place by jaws (11), under which is placed the sealing head (12) which ensures the closure of the packaging at the end of filling.
  • the valves (4) and (5) are coaxial and vertically movable by pneumatic systems or the like (not shown).
  • the fluid inlet valve (4) has a seal (13), steam inlet channels (14) and a bellows membrane (15).
  • the steam inlet valve (5) has at its lower part a knife (16) and a central steam inlet channel (17) and closes the steam inlet channels (14) and (17) in its low position. At its middle part, it comprises a cone (18) with a bore (19) for the arrival of steam during the fitting of new packaging.
  • the outlet pipe (6) for cleaning and sterilization of the filling head comprises a valve (20), this pipe going either to a bleeder (21), or on a drain pipe (22), a valve (23 ) with three inputs for joining.
  • FIG. 1 there is the device according to the invention in its sterilization phase of the filling head space and of the membrane (9). To do this, the fluid inlet valve (4) is closed and the vapor inlet valve (5) is open. The pressurized steam passes through the channels (14) and (17) from A. The side valve (20) is open and the steam goes to the trap (21). The sealing head (12) remains cold, but presses against the nozzle (8).
  • valve stem (5) goes down, closes the channels (14) and (17), the knives (16) tear the membrane (9), close the valve (20), the valve (4) is reassembled and the fluid arrives via the pipe (2) in the packaging (7), the sealing head (12) being of course come down. This filling phase is not shown.
  • Fig. 3 shows the device according to the invention when washing or rinsing the filling head space and sealing the packaging.
  • the fluid inlet valve (4) is closed again and the steam inlet valve (5) is opened. This flows under pressure through the channels (14) and (17), so as to move the residual material towards the open line (6), on the drain line (22), the sealing head (12) being in the high position.
  • the sealing ring (24) is heated, thus closing the packaging (7).
  • the jaws (11) can then release said packaging.
  • Fig. 4 shows the device according to the invention before delivering new packaging.
  • the fluid inlet valve (4) is closed and the vapor inlet valve (5) is in its highest position, so that the cone (18) presses against the seat (25) of the valve (5).
  • the vapor arriving from A passes through the bore (19), which gives a small quantity of vapor which arrives on the channels (14) and (17), thus forming a curtain of vapor which prevents infection of the space. filling head during the change of packaging.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)

Abstract

The device comprises a filling head (1), a package support (11, 12) arranged beneath the filling head, the said head comprising a valve (4) for regulating the delivery of fluid as well as means for actuating it, a valve (5) for regulating the delivery flow rate of vapour as well as means for actuating it, this valve (5) having a coaxial movement relative to the valve (4) for regulating the flow rate of fluid and sliding in the latter, a fluid delivery (2) and discharge (3) conduit, and, arranged laterally on the bottom of the filling head, a valve (20) with a drain pipe (6) for cleaning after filling. <IMAGE>

Description

L'invention concerne un procédé pour remplir aseptique­ment un emballage avec un fluide et pour laver et mainte­nir stérile un espace de tête de remplissage, dans lequel, l'emballage étant stérile et fermé, on stérilise l'espace de tête de remplissage et la partie extérieure de l'emballage prévue pour l'entrée du fluide et on remplit l'emballage de fluide. L'invention concerne en outre le dispositif pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé.The invention relates to a method for aseptically filling a package with a fluid and for washing and keeping a filling head space sterile, in which, the packaging being sterile and closed, the filling head space and the part are sterilized. outside of the packaging provided for the entry of the fluid and the packaging is filled with fluid. The invention further relates to the device for implementing the method.

Le brevet EP 72699 concerne déjà un procédé et un disposi­tif pour le remplissage aseptique d'emballage avec un fluide.Patent EP 72699 already relates to a method and a device for the aseptic filling of packaging with a fluid.

Ce dispositif présente comme inconvénients, que l'espace de tête de remplissage est difficilement nettoyable entre deux remplissages et qu'il peut être infecté lors de la mise en place d'un nouvel emballage, ce qui aurait pour conséquence de rompre l'asepsie. En effet, avec ce dispositif la seule possibilité pour nettoyer l'espace de tête de remplissage est d'opérer par voie mécanique, ce qui n'est pas suffisamment efficace et sûr et le risque de rupture d'asepsie peut induire un développement bactérien qui doit être évité. L'invention permet de remédier aux inconvénients sus-mentionnés grâce à une arrivée de vapeur ou d'air stérile aussi bien pour le nettoyage de l'espace de tête de remplissage que pour le maintien de l'asepsie.This device has the disadvantages that the filling head space is difficult to clean between two fillings and that it can be infected when a new packaging is put in place, which would have the consequence of breaking the asepsis. Indeed, with this device the only possibility for cleaning the filling head space is to operate mechanically, which is not sufficiently effective and safe and the risk of aseptic rupture can induce bacterial development which should be avoided. The invention makes it possible to remedy the aforementioned drawbacks by virtue of a sterile steam or air supply both for cleaning the filling head space and for maintaining asepsis.

L'invention concerne un procédé pour remplir aseptique­ment un emballage avec un fluide et pour laver et mainte­nir stérile un espace de tête de remplissage dans lequel, l'emballage étant stérile et fermé, on stérilise l'espace de tête de remplissage et la partie extérieure de l'embal­lage prévue pour l'entrée du fluide et on remplit l'embal­lage de fluide, dans lequel, avant, pendant ou après le scellage de l'emballage on injecte de la vapeur ou de l'air stérile sous pression coaxialement par rapport à la tête de remplissage de manière à déplacer latéralement le fluide restant et on protège de l'infection l'espace de tête de remplissage en maintenant lors de la mise en place d'un nouvel emballage une atmosphére constante de vapeur ou d'air stérile.The invention relates to a method for aseptically filling a package with a fluid and for washing and keeping sterile a filling head space in which, the packaging being sterile and closed, the space is sterilized filling head and the outer part of the packaging intended for the entry of the fluid and the packaging is filled with fluid, into which before, during or after the sealing of the packaging is injected with steam or sterile air under pressure coaxially with the filling head so as to move the remaining fluid laterally and the filling head space is protected from infection by maintaining an atmosphere during the introduction of new packaging constant vapor or sterile air.

Par emballage, on entend aussi bien des emballages plastiques que des emballages en carton ou tout autre type d'emballage du domaine alimentaire ou médical. Par fluide, on entend aussi bien des solutions aqueuses, que du lait, des jus de fruits ou des produits plus visqueux, tels que confiture, marmelade et autres, avec ou sans morceaux.By packaging is meant plastic packaging as well as cardboard packaging or any other type of packaging in the food or medical field. By fluid is meant both aqueous solutions, milk, fruit juices or more viscous products, such as jam, marmalade and others, with or without pieces.

Selon les procédés connus de nettoyage d'espace de tête de remplissage, on déplace le produit résiduel dans l'emballage, soit par des moyens mécaniques, soit par un déplacement à la vapeur, emballage ouvert. Par contre, selon l'invention, on déplace le produit résiduel grâce à la vapeur ou l'air stérile, emballage fermé, de manière à mettre ledit produit résiduel au rebut.According to known methods for cleaning the filling head space, the residual product is moved in the packaging, either by mechanical means or by steam displacement, with the packaging open. On the other hand, according to the invention, the residual product is displaced by steam or sterile air, packaging closed, so as to discard said residual product.

La stérilisation préalable de l'espace de tête de remplis­sage se fait pendant 2 à 30 secondes à une température comprise entre 135 et 165°C et sous une pression de vapeur comprise entre 2 et 6 atmosphères.The prior sterilization of the filling head space is carried out for 2 to 30 seconds at a temperature between 135 and 165 ° C and under a vapor pressure between 2 and 6 atmospheres.

A la fin du cycle de remplissage, l'opération de nettoya­ge se fait avec de la vapeur, à une pression comprise entre 1 et 4 atmosphères pendant 0,5 à 2 secondes à une température comprise entre 120 et 150°C. Si on opère avec de l'air stérile, on l'introduit à une pression comprise entre 0,5 et 3 atmosphères et à température ambiante. En ce qui concerne l'arrivée de vapeur ou d'air stérile lors du changement d'emballage, on choisit un débit tel qu'il fournit un écran évitant toute forme d'infection de l'espace de tête. On opère de préférence à la pression atmosphérique à une température comprise entre 98 et 110°C dans le cas de vapeur et à pression atmosphérique et à température ambiante dans le cas d'air stérile.At the end of the filling cycle, the cleaning operation is done with steam, at a pressure between 1 and 4 atmospheres for 0.5 to 2 seconds at a temperature between 120 and 150 ° C. If operating with sterile air, it is introduced at a pressure of between 0.5 and 3 atmospheres and at room temperature. Regarding the arrival of steam or sterile air when changing the packaging, we choose a flow rate that provides a screen avoiding any form of infection of the headspace. It is preferably carried out at atmospheric pressure at a temperature between 98 and 110 ° C in the case of steam and at atmospheric pressure and at room temperature in the case of sterile air.

L'invention concerne en outre un dispositif pour la mise en oeuvre de ce procédé comportant une tête de remplis­sage, un support d'emballage disposé sous la tête de remplissage et prévu pour sceller l'emballage en fin de remplissage, ladite tête comprenant une vanne pour régler le débit d'arrivée de fluide ainsi que des moyens pour l'actionner, dans lequel la tête de remplissage comprend en outre une vanne pour régler le débit d'arrivée de vapeur ou d'air ainsi que des moyens pour l'actionner, cette vanne étant à mouvement coaxial par rapport à la vanne de réglage de débit de fluide et coulissant dans celle-ci, un conduit d'arrivée et de sortie de fluide et, disposé latéralement sur le bas de la tête de remplis­sage, une vanne avec une conduite de vidange pour le nettoyage en fin de remplissage.The invention further relates to a device for implementing this method comprising a filling head, a packaging support placed under the filling head and designed to seal the packaging at the end of filling, said head comprising a valve. for adjusting the fluid inlet flow rate as well as means for actuating it, in which the filling head further comprises a valve for adjusting the flow rate of steam or air as well as means for actuating it , this valve being in coaxial movement with respect to the fluid flow control valve and sliding therein, a fluid inlet and outlet conduit and, laterally disposed on the bottom of the filling head, a valve with a drain line for cleaning at the end of filling.

Le support d'emballage est constitué par des machoires pour le maintien en place de l'emballage et une tête de scellage. On peut envisager au moins deux types d'emballa­ge : soit un emballage avec un embout comportant une membrane extérieure déchirable et une membrane intérieure de fermeture, tel que représenté sur les figures et dans le brevet EP 72699, soit un emballage avec embout comportant une membrane extérieure déchirable mais sans membrane de fermeture.The packaging support consists of jaws for holding the packaging in place and a sealing head. We can consider at least two types of packaging: either a packaging with a tip comprising a tear-off outer membrane and an inner closure membrane, as shown in the figures and in patent EP 72699, or a package with tip comprising a tear-off outer membrane but without a closure membrane.

La vanne de réglage de débit de fluide comporte des canaux d'arrivée de vapeur et une membrane à soufflets. La vanne pour régler le débit d'arrivée de vapeur ou d'air comporte à sa partie inférieure un couteau et un canal central d'arrivée de vapeur. Cette vanne comporte en outre à sa partie médiane un cône avec un alésage pour l'arrivée de vapeur ou d'air lors de la mise en place d'un nouvel emballage.The fluid flow control valve has vapor inlet channels and a bellows membrane. The valve for regulating the flow of steam or air has at its bottom a knife and a central steam inlet channel. This valve further comprises at its middle part a cone with a bore for the arrival of steam or air when placing new packaging.

Le dispositif selon l'invention sera mieux mis en valeur en référence aux dessins sur lesquels :

  • Fig. 1 est une représentation en coupe du dispositif selon l'invention pendant la phase de stérilisation de l'espace de tête de remplissage,
  • Fig. 2 est une coupe selon la ligne II-II de la Fig. 1,
  • Fig. 3 est une représentation en coupe du dispositif lors du rinçage ou lavage de l'espace de tête de remplissage, et
  • Fig. 4 est une représentation en coupe du dispositif lors du changement d'emballage.
The device according to the invention will be better highlighted with reference to the drawings in which:
  • Fig. 1 is a sectional representation of the device according to the invention during the sterilization phase of the filling head space,
  • Fig. 2 is a section along line II-II of FIG. 1,
  • Fig. 3 is a sectional representation of the device during the rinsing or washing of the filling head space, and
  • Fig. 4 is a sectional representation of the device when changing the packaging.

La tête de remplissage désignée par (1) comporte un canal d'arrivée (2) et de sortie (3) de fluide avec joint d'étanchéité (26), une vanne (4) pour régler le débit d'arrivée de fluide, une vanne (5) pour régler le débit d'arrivée de vapeur et une conduite de sortie (6) pour le nettoyage de la tête de remplissage. Sous la tête de remplissage proprement dite, on dispose un emballage (7) comportant un embout (8) avec une membrane déchirable (9) et une membrane de fermeture (10). L'emballage est maintenu en place grâce à des machoires (11), sous lesquelles est disposée la tête de scellage (12) qui assure la fermeture de l'emballage en fin de remplissage. Les vannes (4) et (5) sont à mouvement coaxiaux et déplaçables verticalement grâce à des systèmes pneumati­ques ou similaires (non représentés). La vanne d'arrivée de fluide (4) comporte un joint (13), des canaux d'arrivée de vapeur (14) et une membrane à soufflets (15). La vanne d'arrivée de vapeur (5) comporte à sa partie inférieure un couteau (16) et un canal central d'arrivée de vapeur (17) et ferme les canaux d'arrivée de vapeur (14) et (17) dans sa position basse. A sa partie médiane, elle comporte un cône (18) avec un alésage (19) pour l'arrivée de vapeur lors de la mise en place d'un nouvel emballage. La conduite (6) de sortie pour le nettoyage et la stérilisa­tion de la tête de remplissage comporte une vanne (20), cette conduite allant soit vers un purgeur (21), soit sur une conduite de vidange (22), une vanne (23) à trois entrées permettant de faire la jonction.The filling head designated by (1) comprises a fluid inlet (2) and outlet (3) channel with seal (26), a valve (4) for adjusting the fluid inlet flow, a valve (5) for adjusting the steam supply rate and an outlet pipe (6) for cleaning the filling head. Under the filling head proper, there is a packaging (7) comprising an end piece (8) with a tearable membrane (9) and a closure membrane (10). The packaging is held in place by jaws (11), under which is placed the sealing head (12) which ensures the closure of the packaging at the end of filling. The valves (4) and (5) are coaxial and vertically movable by pneumatic systems or the like (not shown). The fluid inlet valve (4) has a seal (13), steam inlet channels (14) and a bellows membrane (15). The steam inlet valve (5) has at its lower part a knife (16) and a central steam inlet channel (17) and closes the steam inlet channels (14) and (17) in its low position. At its middle part, it comprises a cone (18) with a bore (19) for the arrival of steam during the fitting of new packaging. The outlet pipe (6) for cleaning and sterilization of the filling head comprises a valve (20), this pipe going either to a bleeder (21), or on a drain pipe (22), a valve (23 ) with three inputs for joining.

Les figures montrent les différentes étapes du remplis­sage de l'emballage. Sur la Fig. 1, on a le dispositif selon l'invention dans sa phase de stérilisation de l'espace de tête de remplissage et de la membrane (9). Pour ce faire, la vanne (4) d'arrivée de fluide est fermée et la vanne (5) d'arrivée de vapeur est ouverte. La vapeur sous pression passe par les canaux (14) et (17) depuis A. La vanne latérale (20) est ouverte et la vapeur va jusqu'au purgeur (21). La tête de scellage (12) reste froide, mais appuie contre l'embout (8).The figures show the different stages of filling the packaging. In Fig. 1, there is the device according to the invention in its sterilization phase of the filling head space and of the membrane (9). To do this, the fluid inlet valve (4) is closed and the vapor inlet valve (5) is open. The pressurized steam passes through the channels (14) and (17) from A. The side valve (20) is open and the steam goes to the trap (21). The sealing head (12) remains cold, but presses against the nozzle (8).

A la fin de la stérilisation, la tige de la vanne (5) descend, ferme les canaux (14) et (17), les couteaux (16) déchirent la membrane (9), on ferme la vanne (20), la vanne (4) est remontée et le fluide arrive par la conduite (2) dans l'emballage (7), la tête de scellage (12) étant bien entendu descendue. Cette phase de remplissage n'est pas représentée.At the end of sterilization, the valve stem (5) goes down, closes the channels (14) and (17), the knives (16) tear the membrane (9), close the valve (20), the valve (4) is reassembled and the fluid arrives via the pipe (2) in the packaging (7), the sealing head (12) being of course come down. This filling phase is not shown.

La Fig. 3 représente le dispositif selon l'invention lors du lavage ou rinçage de l'espace de tête de remplissage et du scellage de l'emballage. Pour ce faire, la vanne (4) d'arrivée de fluide est à nouveau fermée et on ouvre la vanne (5) d'arrivée de vapeur. Celle-ci s'écoule sous pression par les canaux (14) et (17), de manière à déplacer la matière résiduelle vers la conduite (6) ouverte, sur la conduite de vindange (22), la tête de scellage (12) étant en position haute. Pendant ou à la fin de cette opération de nettoyage, l'anneau de scellage (24) est chauffée, fermant ainsi l'emballage (7). Les machoires (11) peuvent alors libérer ledit emballage.Fig. 3 shows the device according to the invention when washing or rinsing the filling head space and sealing the packaging. To do this, the fluid inlet valve (4) is closed again and the steam inlet valve (5) is opened. This flows under pressure through the channels (14) and (17), so as to move the residual material towards the open line (6), on the drain line (22), the sealing head (12) being in the high position. During or at the end of this cleaning operation, the sealing ring (24) is heated, thus closing the packaging (7). The jaws (11) can then release said packaging.

La Fig. 4 montre le dispositif selon l'invention avant de remettre un nouvel emballage. La vanne (4) d'arrivée de fluide est fermée et la vanne (5) d'arrivée de vapeur est dans sa position la plus haute, de manière à ce que le cône (18) appuie contre le siège (25) de la vanne (5). La vapeur arrivant de A passe par l'alésage (19), ce qui donne une faible quantité de vapeur qui arrive sur les canaux (14) et (17), formant ainsi un rideau de vapeur qui évite l'infection de l'espace de tête de remplissage pendant le changement d'emballage.Fig. 4 shows the device according to the invention before delivering new packaging. The fluid inlet valve (4) is closed and the vapor inlet valve (5) is in its highest position, so that the cone (18) presses against the seat (25) of the valve (5). The vapor arriving from A passes through the bore (19), which gives a small quantity of vapor which arrives on the channels (14) and (17), thus forming a curtain of vapor which prevents infection of the space. filling head during the change of packaging.

On dispose ainsi d'un système très performant et sûr, dans lequel on minimise les risques d'infection grâce à une arrivée de vapeur spécifique aussi bien pendant la phase de stérilisation que pendant le changement d'embal­lage devant être rempli.This provides a very efficient and safe system, in which the risks of infection are minimized thanks to a specific steam supply both during the sterilization phase and during the change of packaging to be filled.

Claims (9)

1. Procédé pour remplir aseptiquement un emballage avec un fluide et pour laver et maintenir stérile un espace de tête de remplissage, dans lequel, l'emballage étant stérile et fermé, on stérilise l'espace de tête de remplissage et la partie extérieure de l'emballage prévue pour l'entrée du fluide et on remplit l'emballage de fluide, caractérisé en ce que avant, pendant ou après le scellage de l'emballage on injecte de la vapeur ou de l'air stérile sous pression coaxialement par rapport à la tête de remplissage de manière à déplacer latéralement le fluide restant et en ce qu'on protège de l'infection l'espace de tête de remplissage en maintenant lors de la mise en place d'un nouvel emballage une atmosphère constante de vapeur ou d'air stérile.1. Method for aseptically filling a package with a fluid and for washing and keeping a filling head space sterile, in which, the packaging being sterile and closed, the filling head space and the external part of the container are sterilized packaging intended for the entry of the fluid and the packaging is filled with fluid, characterized in that before, during or after the sealing of the packaging steam or sterile air is injected under pressure coaxially with the filling head so as to move the remaining fluid laterally and in that the filling head space is protected from infection by maintaining a constant atmosphere of vapor or d during the installation of a new package. sterile air. 2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'on stérilise l'espace de tête de remplissage pendant 2 à 30 secondes à une température comprise entre 135 et 165°C sous une pression de vapeur comprise entre 2 et 6 atmosphères.2. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the filling head space is sterilized for 2 to 30 seconds at a temperature between 135 and 165 ° C under a vapor pressure between 2 and 6 atmospheres. 3. Procédé selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'à la fin du cycle de remplissage, pour laver l'espace de tête, on injecte de la vapeur à une pression comprise entre 1 et 4 atmosphères et à une température comprise entre 120 et 150°C ou de l'air stérile à température ambiante et à une pression comprise entre 0,5 et 3 atmosphères pendant 0,5 à 2 secondes.3. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that at the end of the filling cycle, to wash the head space, steam is injected at a pressure between 1 and 4 atmospheres and at a temperature between 120 and 150 ° C or sterile air at room temperature and at a pressure between 0.5 and 3 atmospheres for 0.5 to 2 seconds. 4. Dispositif pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé selon l'une des revendications 1 à 3, comportant une tête de remplissage, un support d'emballage disposé sous la tête de remplissage et prévu pour sceller l'emballage en fin de remplissage, ladite tête comprenant une vanne pour régler le débit d'arrivée de fluide ainsi que des moyens pour l'actionner, caractérisé en ce que la tête de remplissage comprend en outre une vanne pour régler le débit d'arrivée de vapeur ou d'air ainsi que des moyens pour l'actionner, cette vanne étant à mouvement coaxial par rapport à la vanne de réglage de débit de fluide et coulissant dans celle-ci, un conduit d'arrivée et de sortie de fluide et, disposé latéralement sur le bas de la tête de remplissage, une vanne avec une conduite de vidange pour le nettoyage en fin de remplissage.4. Device for implementing the method according to one of claims 1 to 3, comprising a filling head, a packaging support disposed under the head filling and provided for sealing the packaging at the end of filling, said head comprising a valve for adjusting the fluid inlet flow rate as well as means for actuating it, characterized in that the filling head further comprises a valve to regulate the flow of steam or air as well as means for actuating it, this valve being in coaxial movement with respect to the fluid flow control valve and sliding therein, a conduit fluid inlet and outlet and, located laterally on the bottom of the filling head, a valve with a drain pipe for cleaning at the end of filling. 5. Dispositif selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que l'emballage comporte un embout avec membrane exté­rieure déchirable et membrane intérieure de fermeture.5. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the packaging comprises a tip with a tear-off outer membrane and an inner closure membrane. 6. Dispositif selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que l'emballage comporte un embout avec membrane exté­rieure déchirable et sans membrane intérieure de ferme­ture.6. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the packaging comprises a tip with a tear-off outer membrane and without an inner closure membrane. 7. Dispositif selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que la vanne de réglage de débit de fluide comporte des canaux d'arrivée de vapeur ou d'air et une membrane à soufflets.7. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the fluid flow control valve comprises steam or air inlet channels and a bellows membrane. 8. Dispositif selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que la vanne pour régler le débit d'arrivée de vapeur ou d'air comporte à sa partie inférieure un couteau et un canal central d'arrivée de vapeur ou d'air.8. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the valve for adjusting the steam or air inlet flow rate comprises at its lower part a knife and a central steam or air inlet channel. 9. Dispositif selon la revendication 4, caractérisé en ce que le cône de la vanne d'arrivée de vapeur ou d'air comporte un alésage pour l'arrivée de vapeur ou d'air lors de la mise en place d'un nouvel emballage.9. Device according to claim 4, characterized in that the cone of the steam or air inlet valve has a bore for the arrival of steam or air when placing new packaging.
EP88101140A 1987-03-02 1988-01-27 Method and device for the aseptic filling of a package Expired - Lifetime EP0280871B1 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT88101140T ATE77321T1 (en) 1987-03-02 1988-01-27 METHOD AND APPARATUS FOR STERILE FILLING OF PACKAGING.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH785/87 1987-03-02
CH785/87A CH673819A5 (en) 1987-03-02 1987-03-02

Publications (2)

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EP0280871A1 true EP0280871A1 (en) 1988-09-07
EP0280871B1 EP0280871B1 (en) 1992-06-17

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EP88101140A Expired - Lifetime EP0280871B1 (en) 1987-03-02 1988-01-27 Method and device for the aseptic filling of a package

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US (1) US4893659A (en)
EP (1) EP0280871B1 (en)
JP (1) JP2744787B2 (en)
AR (1) AR243451A1 (en)
AT (1) ATE77321T1 (en)
AU (1) AU605829B2 (en)
BR (1) BR8800884A (en)
CA (1) CA1288677C (en)
CH (1) CH673819A5 (en)
DE (1) DE3871987T2 (en)
DK (1) DK167434B1 (en)
ES (1) ES2006340A6 (en)
FI (1) FI84580C (en)
IE (1) IE60563B1 (en)
MX (1) MX167703B (en)
MY (1) MY103060A (en)
NO (1) NO175456C (en)
NZ (1) NZ223399A (en)
PH (1) PH25444A (en)
PT (1) PT86871B (en)
SG (1) SG118192G (en)
ZA (1) ZA88696B (en)

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EP1067052A1 (en) * 1999-07-09 2001-01-10 David S. Smith Packaging Limited Apparatus and method for sterile filling

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US7784504B2 (en) 2006-03-06 2010-08-31 Baxter International Inc. Adapters for use with an anesthetic vaporizer
US8522839B2 (en) * 2006-03-06 2013-09-03 Baxter International Inc. Adapters for use with an anesthetic vaporizer
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
CA1288677C (en) 1991-09-10
FI880434A0 (en) 1988-02-01
NO175456C (en) 1994-10-19
DK99188D0 (en) 1988-02-25
DK167434B1 (en) 1993-11-01
ZA88696B (en) 1988-08-02
CH673819A5 (en) 1990-04-12
PT86871B (en) 1995-03-31
IE880231L (en) 1988-09-02
US4893659A (en) 1990-01-16
PT86871A (en) 1989-03-30
DK99188A (en) 1988-09-03
NZ223399A (en) 1990-05-28
FI84580B (en) 1991-09-13
EP0280871B1 (en) 1992-06-17
BR8800884A (en) 1988-10-11
IE60563B1 (en) 1994-07-27
PH25444A (en) 1991-07-01
MX167703B (en) 1993-04-06
NO175456B (en) 1994-07-11
NO880791L (en) 1988-09-05
JP2744787B2 (en) 1998-04-28
AU1118288A (en) 1988-09-01
MY103060A (en) 1993-04-30
AU605829B2 (en) 1991-01-24
FI84580C (en) 1991-12-27
JPS63232129A (en) 1988-09-28
FI880434A (en) 1988-09-03
AR243451A1 (en) 1993-08-31
ATE77321T1 (en) 1992-07-15
ES2006340A6 (en) 1989-04-16
DE3871987D1 (en) 1992-07-23
DE3871987T2 (en) 1992-12-03
SG118192G (en) 1993-01-29
NO880791D0 (en) 1988-02-23

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