EP0298481B1 - Method and device for the oxygen-free packaging of products - Google Patents

Method and device for the oxygen-free packaging of products Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0298481B1
EP0298481B1 EP88110877A EP88110877A EP0298481B1 EP 0298481 B1 EP0298481 B1 EP 0298481B1 EP 88110877 A EP88110877 A EP 88110877A EP 88110877 A EP88110877 A EP 88110877A EP 0298481 B1 EP0298481 B1 EP 0298481B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
containers
product
liquid nitrogen
oxygen
tunnel
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EP88110877A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0298481A3 (en
EP0298481A2 (en
EP0298481B2 (en
Inventor
Franz Dipl.-Ing. Garnreiter
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Linde GmbH
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Linde GmbH
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Publication date
Application filed by Linde GmbH filed Critical Linde GmbH
Priority to AT88110877T priority Critical patent/ATE74858T1/en
Publication of EP0298481A2 publication Critical patent/EP0298481A2/en
Publication of EP0298481A3 publication Critical patent/EP0298481A3/en
Publication of EP0298481B1 publication Critical patent/EP0298481B1/en
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Publication of EP0298481B2 publication Critical patent/EP0298481B2/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
    • B65B25/00—Packaging other articles presenting special problems
    • B65B25/001—Packaging other articles presenting special problems of foodstuffs, combined with their conservation

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Vacuum Packaging (AREA)
  • Food Preservation Except Freezing, Refrigeration, And Drying (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a method and a device for the oxygen-free packaging of product 5, e.g. foodstuffs, in containers 1. It is proposed that liquid nitrogen be metered into the containers 1 immediately before and/or after the product 5 is introduced into the containers. The gaseous nitrogen formed by evaporation of the liquid nitrogen forces the oxygen out of the containers 1. The containers 1 are then transferred to an inert zone 7 into which gaseous nitrogen is passed. Finally, the containers 1 are sealed in the inert zone 7.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 1 und eine Vorrichtung gemäß dem Oberbegriff des Anspruchs 5 zum sauerstofffreien Verpacken von Produkt in Behältern, wie aus der US-A-3477192 bekannt istThe invention relates to a method according to the preamble of claim 1 and a device according to the preamble of claim 5 for the oxygen-free packaging of product in containers, as is known from US-A-3477192

Bei einigen Produkten, insbesondere Lebensmittelprodukten, ist es vorteilhaft, sie unter Ausschluß von Sauerstoff aufzubewahren, um z.B. deren Haltbarkeit sicherzustellen. Es sind verschiedene Verfahren bekannt, um innerhalb einer Packung eine sauerstofffreie Atmosphäre zu schaffen.For some products, especially food products, it is advantageous to store them in the absence of oxygen, e.g. ensure their durability. Various methods are known for creating an oxygen-free atmosphere within a package.

Eine übliche Verpackungsmethode besteht z.B. darin, die Packung zu evakuieren und anschließend zu verschließen.Dies ist jedoch nur mit flexiblen Packungen durchführbar, da sonst durch aufgrund des Vakuums auftretende Kräfte eine Beschädigung der Packung leicht möglich ist. Außerdem ist diese Methode mit einem enormen apparativen Aufwand verbunden. Es sind aufwendige Vakuumkammern und mindestens eine leistungsfähige Vakuumpumpe erforderlich. Überdies ergeben sich Probleme bei Produkten mit niedrigsiedenden Aromastoffen, wie z.B. Kaffee, da diese dann aufgrund des Vakuums dem Produkt verlorengehen.A common packaging method is e.g. in evacuating the pack and then closing it, but this can only be done with flexible packs, since otherwise the pack can easily be damaged by forces due to the vacuum. In addition, this method is associated with an enormous expenditure on equipment. Elaborate vacuum chambers and at least one powerful vacuum pump are required. In addition, there are problems with products with low-boiling flavors, such as Coffee, as these are then lost to the product due to the vacuum.

Eine Weiterentwicklung der genannten Methode besteht darin, die evakuierte Packung mit inertem, sauerstofffreiem Gas rückzubegasen und anschließend zu verschließen. Damit kann diese Methode dann auch zum Abpacken von Produkt in starren Behältern verwendet werden.A further development of the above-mentioned method consists of back-gassing the evacuated pack with inert, oxygen-free gas and then sealing it. This method can then also be used to pack product in rigid containers.

Eine andere Verpackungsmethode sieht ein Spülen der Packung mit einem inerten, sauerstofffreien Gas vor. Anschließend wird die Packung verschlossen. Mit stückigem Produkt gefüllte Pakkungen werden jedoch im nachhinein durch Spülung mit inertem Gas in angemessener Zeit nicht mit ausreichender Sauerstofffreiheit erhalten.Another packaging method involves purging the package with an inert, oxygen-free gas. The package is then closed. However, packs filled with lumpy product are not obtained with sufficient oxygen freedom afterwards by flushing with inert gas in a reasonable time.

Schließlich ist es auch bekannt, eine sauerstofffreie Atmosphäre innerhalb der Packung durch Sauerstoffbindung in der Packung mit Chemikalien zu erreichen. Diese Methode ist jedoch bei Lebensmittelpackungen z.B. aufgrund unsachgemäßer Verwendungsmöglichkeiten der Chemikalien durch Kinder bedenklich.Finally, it is also known to achieve an oxygen-free atmosphere within the package by binding oxygen in the package with chemicals. However, this method is used for food packaging e.g. due to improper use of the chemicals by children.

Aufgabe der vorliegenden Erfindung ist es daher, ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung der eingangs genannten Art so auszugestalten, daß eine sauerstofffreie Verpackung von Produkten auf einfache und wirtschaftliche Weise erfolgt, ohne daß die genannten Nachteile bisheriger Verfahren auftreten.The object of the present invention is therefore to design a method and a device of the type mentioned at the outset in such a way that oxygen-free packaging of products takes place in a simple and economical manner without the disadvantages of previous methods mentioned.

Diese Aufgabe wird erfindungsgemäß dadurch gelöst, daß unmittelbar bevor und/oder nachdem das Produkt in die Behälter eingefüllt wird, in die Behälter flüssiger Stickstoff dosiert wird, anschließend die Behälter in eine inerte Zone überführt werden, in der inerten Zone gasförmiger Stickstoff zugeführt wird und die Behälter in der inerten Zone verschlossen werden.This object is achieved in that liquid nitrogen is metered into the containers immediately before and / or after the product is poured into the containers, then the containers are transferred to an inert zone, gaseous nitrogen is fed into the inert zone and the Containers are closed in the inert zone.

Wesentlich und neu an der Erfindung ist die Verwendung von flüssigem Stickstoff in Verbindung mit einer inerten Zone zum sauerstoffreien Verpakken von Produkten. Eine entscheidene Rolle spielt dabei, daß flüssiger Stickstoff eine hohe Verdampfungsgeschwindigkeit aufweist und aus geringen Flüssigstickstoffmengen beim Verdampfen ein großes Gasvolumen entsteht. So entsteht aus 1 g flüssigem Stickstoff ein Gasvolumen von etwa 0,85 1 gasförmigen Stickstoffs.What is essential and new about the invention is the use of liquid nitrogen in connection with an inert zone for the oxygen-free packaging of products. A decisive role is played by the fact that liquid nitrogen has a high evaporation rate and that small amounts of liquid nitrogen produce a large volume of gas during evaporation. A gas volume of about 0.85 l of gaseous nitrogen is thus produced from 1 g of liquid nitrogen.

Erfindungsgemäß wird in die zur Verpackung des Produkts vorgesehenen Behälter flüssiger Stickstoff eingefüllt. Unmittelbar vor oder nach diesem Verfahrensschritt wird das Produkt in die Behälter eingegeben. Durch den Kontakt des flüssigen Stickstoffs mit dem Produkt verdampft der flüssige Stickstoff rasch, so daß das entstehende große Gasvolumen an Stickstoffgas den Sauerstoff aus den Behältern verdrängt. In der nachfolgenden inerten Zone wird durch Zufuhr von Stickstoff verhindert, daß vor dem Verschließen Luftsauerstoff in die Behälter eindringen kann. Anschließend werden die Behälter innerhalb der inerten Zone verschlossen.According to the invention, liquid nitrogen is poured into the containers provided for packaging the product. Immediately before or after this process step, the product is placed in the containers. Due to the contact of the liquid nitrogen with the product, the liquid nitrogen evaporates rapidly, so that the resulting large gas volume of nitrogen gas displaces the oxygen from the containers. In the subsequent inert zone, the addition of nitrogen prevents atmospheric oxygen from entering the containers before being sealed. The containers are then closed within the inert zone.

Vorteilhafterweise wird das zu verpackende Produkt unmittelbar nach der Dosierung des flüssigen Stickstoffs in die Behälter eingefüllt. Dadurch wird erreicht, daß der flüssige Stickstoff durch intensiven Kontakt mit dem Produkt rasch verdampft und der entstehende gasförmige Stickstoff den Sauerstoff aus Produkt und Behälter verdrängt.Advantageously, the product to be packaged is filled into the container immediately after the liquid nitrogen has been metered in. This ensures that the liquid nitrogen evaporates rapidly through intensive contact with the product and the resulting gaseous nitrogen displaces the oxygen from the product and the container.

Zweckmäßigerweise wird der flüssige Stickstoff in einer Menge in die Behälter eingefüllt, die ausreicht, nach Verdampfen des flüssigen Stickstoffs die Behälter und das Produkt sauerstofffrei zu spülen.The liquid nitrogen is expediently filled into the containers in an amount which is sufficient to flush the containers and the product free of oxygen after the liquid nitrogen has evaporated.

In einer bevorzugten Ausführungsform der Erfindung wird in der inerten Zone auf 40 bis 80 ° C erwärmter gasförmiger Stickstoff zugeführt. Dadurch wird die den Behältern beim Verdampfen des flüssigen Stickstoffs entzogene Wärme wieder ersetzt. Unterbliebe diese Maßnahme, so käme es nach Temperaturausgleich zu meist unerwünschten Druckerhöhungen in den Behältern.In a preferred embodiment of the invention, gaseous nitrogen heated to 40 to 80 ° C. is supplied in the inert zone. This replaces the heat extracted from the containers when the liquid nitrogen evaporates. Failure to do so would result in mostly undesirable pressure increases in the containers after temperature equalization.

Mit dem erfindungsgemäßen Verfahren wird ein sauerstofffreies Verpacken von Produkt in Behältern erreicht, ohne daß aufwendige Apparaturen, wie z.B. Vakuumpumpen und Vakuumkammern, erforderlich wären. Durch das erfindungsgemäße Verfahren wird innerhalb kurzer Zeit eine sauerstofffreie Atmosphäre in den Behältern geschaffen, die auch eine Verpackung und Aufbewahrung von sauerstoffempfindlichen Produkten gewährleistet. Auf diese Weise können z.B. Lebensmittel vor Oxidationsprozessen dauerhaft geschützt werden, so daß ihre Haltbarkeit verbessert wird.With the method according to the invention, oxygen-free packaging of the product in containers is achieved without the need for complex apparatus, such as vacuum pumps and vacuum chambers. The method according to the invention creates an oxygen-free atmosphere in the containers within a short time, which also ensures packaging and storage of oxygen-sensitive products. In this way, for example, foods can be permanently protected from oxidation processes, so that their durability is improved.

Die Erfindung eignet sich besonders zum Verpacken von stückigen Gütern, wie z.B.Nüssen, Granulaten etc., in Metallbehältern oder Kombidosen.The invention is particularly suitable for packaging lumpy goods, such as nuts, granules, etc., in metal containers or combination cans.

Eine Vorrichtung zur Durchführung des Verfahrens besteht aus einem Transportband zur Aufnahme der Behälter, einer Einfülleinrichtung für das Produkt und einer Verschließeinrichtung zum Verschließen der Behälter.A device for carrying out the method consists of a conveyor belt for receiving the containers, a filling device for the product and a closing device for closing the containers.

Erfindungsgemäß sind bei einer derartigen Vorrichtung entlang des Transportbandes nacheinander eine mit einem Vorratsbehälter für flüssigen Stickstoff verbundene Dosiereinrichtung und ein unter Inertbedingungen gehaltener Tunnel angeordnet. Ferner führen in den Innenraum des Tunnels Zufuhrleitungen für gasförmigen Stickstoff. Die Verschließeinrichtung ist innerhalb des Tunnels angeordnet.According to the invention, a metering device connected to a storage container for liquid nitrogen and a tunnel kept under inert conditions are arranged one after the other along the conveyor belt. In addition, supply lines for gaseous nitrogen lead into the interior of the tunnel. The closing device is arranged inside the tunnel.

Zweckmäßigerweise ist die Einfülleinrichtung für das Produkt zwischen der Dosiereinrichtung für flüssigen Stickstoff und dem Tunnel angeordnet.The filling device for the product is expediently arranged between the metering device for liquid nitrogen and the tunnel.

Es hat sich als vorteilhaft erwiesen, daß der Tunnel eine Länge von ca. 0,5 bis 3 m aufweist.It has proven to be advantageous that the tunnel has a length of approximately 0.5 to 3 m.

Die Erfindung wird im folgenden anhand eines in einer Zeichnung schematisch dargestellten Ausführungsbeispiels näher erläutert:The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to an exemplary embodiment shown schematically in a drawing:

Die Figur zeigt eine schematische Darstellung des Verfahrensablaufs beim erfindungsgemäßen sauerstofffreien Verpacken von Produkt in Behältern.The figure shows a schematic representation of the process sequence in the oxygen-free packaging of product according to the invention in containers.

Die zur Verpackung vorgesehenen Behälter werden an einem Transportband 2 verschiedenen Verfahrensschritten zugeführt. In einem ersten Verfahrensschritt wird flüssiger Stickstoff aus einer Dosiereinrichtung 3 über Leitung 10 in einer Menge von 10 g in einen Behälter 1 eingefüllt. Das Transportband 2 befödert den Behälter 1 weiter zu einer Einfülleinrichtung 4 für das zu verpackende Produkt 5. Dort wird das Produkt 5 in den Behälter 1 eingegegeben. Anschließend wird am Behälter 1 eine Deckelfolie 6 festgepunktet. In einer nachfolgenden als Tunnel 7 ausgebildten inerten Zone wird auf 60 °C erwärmter gasförmiger Stickstoff über Leitungen 8 zugeführt. Das Transportband 2 befördert den Behälter 1 durch den Tunnel, der eine Länge von 2 m aufweist, hindurch. Kurz vor Verlassen des Tunnels wird der Behälter 1 noch innerhalb des Tunnels durch eine als Versiegelungseinrichtung ausgebildete Verschließeinrichtung 9 verschlossen.The containers provided for packaging are fed to two different process steps on a conveyor belt. In a first process step, liquid nitrogen is filled into a container 1 from a metering device 3 via line 10 in an amount of 10 g. The conveyor belt 2 conveys the container 1 further to a filling device 4 for the product 5 to be packaged. There the product 5 is introduced into the container 1. A cover film 6 is then firmly dotted onto the container 1. In a subsequent inert zone designed as a tunnel 7, gaseous nitrogen heated to 60 ° C. is supplied via lines 8. The conveyor belt 2 transports the container 1 through the tunnel, which has a length of 2 m. Shortly before leaving the tunnel, the container 1 is still closed inside the tunnel by a sealing device 9 designed as a sealing device.

Claims (7)

1. A process for the oxygen-free packing of a product in containers, wherein the product is filled into the containers whereupon the containers are transferred to an inert zone, gaseous nitrogen is supplied in the inert zone, and the containers are closed in the inert zone, characterised in that directly before and/or after the product is filled into the containers, liquid nitrogen is dispensed into the containers.
2. A process as claimed in Claim 1, characterised in that the product is filled into the containers immediately following the dispensation of the liquid nitrogen.
3. A process as claimed in Claim 1 or 2, characterised in that the liquid nitrogen is dispensed in a quantity which is sufficient, following the vaporization of the liquid nitrogen, to flush the containers and the product so that they become oxygen-free.
4. A process as claimed in one of Claims 1 to 3, characterised in that heated, gaseous nitrogen is supplied in the inert zone.
5. A device for the implementation of the process claimed in Claim 1 comprising a conveyor belt for the accommodation of the containers, wherein a tunnel (7) maintained under inert conditions extends along the conveyor belt, and supply lines (8) for gaseous nitrogen are connected to the interior of the tunnel (7), with a filling device for the product and with a closing device (3) within the tunnel for the closing of the containers, characterised in that a dispensing device (3) for liquid nitrogen, which dispensing device is connected to a feed container for liquid nitrogen, is arranged along the conveyor belt (2).
6. A device as claimed in Claim 5, characterised in that the filling device (4) for the product is arranged upstream of or between the dispensing device (3) for liquid nitrogen and the tunnel (7).
7. A device as claimed in Claim 5 or 6, characterised in that the tunnel (7) has a length of approximately 0.5 to 3 m.
EP88110877A 1987-07-09 1988-07-07 Method and device for the oxygen-free packaging of products Expired - Lifetime EP0298481B2 (en)

Priority Applications (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
AT88110877T ATE74858T1 (en) 1987-07-09 1988-07-07 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR OXYGEN-FREE PRODUCT PACKAGING.

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE3722747 1987-07-09
DE19873722747 DE3722747A1 (en) 1987-07-09 1987-07-09 METHOD AND DEVICE FOR PACKING THE PRODUCT WITHOUT OXYGEN

Publications (4)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0298481A2 EP0298481A2 (en) 1989-01-11
EP0298481A3 EP0298481A3 (en) 1989-11-23
EP0298481B1 true EP0298481B1 (en) 1992-04-15
EP0298481B2 EP0298481B2 (en) 1995-01-18

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Family Applications (1)

Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP88110877A Expired - Lifetime EP0298481B2 (en) 1987-07-09 1988-07-07 Method and device for the oxygen-free packaging of products

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EP (1) EP0298481B2 (en)
AT (1) ATE74858T1 (en)
DE (2) DE3722747A1 (en)

Families Citing this family (7)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
DE3912153C1 (en) * 1989-04-13 1990-08-02 Christoph V. Dr.Rer.Nat. Stein Preventing deterioration of solns. by oxidn. - by feeding solns. in containers from which air has been expelled by injected protective gas
ES2070026B1 (en) * 1991-12-12 1996-04-16 Canariense Tabacos PACKAGING PROCEDURE FOR CIGARS.
US7060905B1 (en) 2001-11-21 2006-06-13 Raytheon Company Electrical cable having an organized signal placement and its preparation
DE10311334A1 (en) * 2002-12-20 2004-07-08 Cfs Germany Gmbh Packaging machine line with device for loading the packaging with a gaseous or volatile substance
WO2004058573A1 (en) * 2002-12-20 2004-07-15 Cfs Germany Gmbh Packaging machine path comprising a device for impinging a gaseous or volatile substance upon packagings
DE102006002554A1 (en) * 2006-01-18 2007-07-19 Sig Technology Ag Process for preserving oxygen-sensitive products and a support element
US20120152791A1 (en) * 2010-12-20 2012-06-21 Air Liquide Industrial U.S. Lp Method for effective de-oxygenation of product containers for use as containers for oxygen sensitive products

Family Cites Families (6)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US2917880A (en) * 1957-04-24 1959-12-22 Owens Illinois Glass Co Method of and apparatus for packaging food products
US3477192A (en) * 1967-03-02 1969-11-11 American Cyanamid Co Container filling process
GB2089181B (en) * 1980-12-15 1984-02-01 Dearn Peter Thomas An anchor especially an angler's sinker weight
GB2125937B (en) * 1982-08-26 1986-06-25 Metal Box Plc Dispensing volatile liquids
EP0173763A1 (en) * 1984-09-07 1986-03-12 RAKU Kunststoff-Verpackungswerke GmbH Package for filler material and a method for packaging filler material
DE3625081A1 (en) * 1986-07-24 1988-02-04 Lieder Maschinenbau Gmbh & Co METHOD AND DEVICE FOR THE PRESERVATION OF GOODS INCLUDED IN A CONTAINER

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
ATE74858T1 (en) 1992-05-15
EP0298481A3 (en) 1989-11-23
DE3870057D1 (en) 1992-05-21
EP0298481A2 (en) 1989-01-11
EP0298481B2 (en) 1995-01-18
DE3722747A1 (en) 1989-01-19

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