EP0395933B1 - Method and apparatus for sterilising and cleaning an aseptic filling system - Google Patents

Method and apparatus for sterilising and cleaning an aseptic filling system Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0395933B1
EP0395933B1 EP90107216A EP90107216A EP0395933B1 EP 0395933 B1 EP0395933 B1 EP 0395933B1 EP 90107216 A EP90107216 A EP 90107216A EP 90107216 A EP90107216 A EP 90107216A EP 0395933 B1 EP0395933 B1 EP 0395933B1
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EP
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Prior art keywords
steam
valve
filling
head
axis
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EP90107216A
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP0395933A1 (en
Inventor
Willi Loeliger
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Societe des Produits Nestle SA
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Clintec Nutrition Co
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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

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method for sterilizing and cleaning the head space on an aseptic filling system of a package provided with a tip with a tear-off outer membrane according to the preamble of claim 1 (EP-A-0280871 ).
  • the invention further relates to the device for implementing this method according to the preamble of claim 3.
  • Aseptic filling systems are already known, in which a sterilization and cleaning device at the end of filling is provided on the bottom of the filling head.
  • Patent application EP-A-271 242 relates for example to such a device.
  • a pre-sterilized packaging is filled cold and at the end of filling the body and the walls of the head space are cooled due to the presence of the cold product. After fitting a new packaging, the head space and the surface of the packaging pressing on said space must be re-sterilized.
  • sterilization takes place with saturated steam at a temperature between 140 and 150 ° C. If at this temperature, we really wanted to eliminate all germs, it would be necessary to provide a sterilization period of the order of 3 to 10 minutes.
  • Patent EP-A-280871 also relates to a process and a device for aseptically filling a package. However, in this device, no mention is made of the speed of arrival of vapor for sterilization and cleaning of the device.
  • the object of the present invention is to develop a method for sterilizing and cleaning the head space, in which an ongoing sterilization of said space is ensured within an acceptable time and at an acceptable temperature and a cleaning the inside of the nozzle at the end of filling, making it possible to eliminate all the product remains. This elimination is important, because if there were traces of product in the nozzle in contact with a non-sterile environment, reinfection and multiplication of germs would be possible. When opening and using the packaging, these germs would then be entrained with the product flowing through said nozzle.
  • the invention relates to a method for sterilizing and cleaning the head space on an aseptic filling system of a sterile packaging provided with a tip with a tear-off outer membrane, in which the head space is sterilized at a temperature between 120 and 150 ° C with steam for 1 to 10 seconds, the outer membrane is torn to fill the packaging, the packaging is closed and the headspace is cleaned with steam at a temperature included between 110 and 150 ° C for 1 to 5 seconds.
  • the steam arrives at a speed between 50 and 450 m / s in a steam inlet valve making an angle between 70 and 110 ° with the steam outlet valve , these two valves opening at the head space.
  • the arrival of steam at the aforementioned speed is achieved by a pressure relief of the order of 2 to 3 atmospheres.
  • the quantity of steam introduced depends on the diameters of the inlet pipes. It is normally between 3 and 10 g / sec.
  • the invention also relates to the device for implementing this method comprising a fluid inlet and outlet duct, a filling head comprising a valve for adjusting the fluid inlet flow rate, a packaging support arranged under the filling head and provided for sealing the packaging at the end of filling, a steam inlet valve and a valve with a steam outlet and drain pipe for cleaning at the end of filling.
  • the steam inlet valve and the steam outlet and drain valve are both on the bottom of the filling head, the axes of said valves form an angle between 70 and 110 ° and these valves include means allowing the arrival of steam at a speed between 50 and 450 m / s.
  • 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 or vegetable juices or more viscous products, such as jam, marmalade and others, with or without pieces.
  • the packaging material is consisting of jaws for holding the packaging in place and a sealing head.
  • the axis of the steam inlet valve and the axis of the valve with a steam outlet and drain pipe make an angle between 85 and 95 °.
  • This sterilization and cleaning system can be used on any type of aseptic filling head, for example those described in patent applications CH-A-4584 / 87-5 and EP-A-280 871, operating with a packaging with end cap comprising a tear-off outer membrane.
  • the axis of the valve for adjusting the fluid inlet flow rate and the axis of the steam inlet valve form an angle between 70 and 110 °.
  • the bottom of the fluid flow control valve also includes cutting means. These cutting means are normally radial and vertical knives, for example two knives arranged perpendicularly.
  • the plug of the steam inlet valve and that of the steam outlet and drain valve are flush with the head space and have different diameters.
  • the first factor thus makes it possible to avoid any dead zone in the head space which could give microbial development and the difference in diameters makes it possible to avoid any vapor braking during sterilization and / or cleaning.
  • the diameter of the steam inlet channel must be smaller than that of the steam outlet.
  • a removable plate with concentric grooves is provided on the bottom of the filling head to keep the packaging in good position. This plate can thus be exchanged when it is worn.
  • a whole aseptic filling line can be constructed, in which at least two devices described above are available in series. Between two and eight filling devices are preferably provided.
  • the filling head designated by (1) comprises a fluid inlet (2) and outlet (3) duct, a valve (4) for adjusting the fluid inlet flow rate, a steam inlet valve ( 62) and a valve (63) for steam outlet and residual fluid draining.
  • the plugs of the valves (62) and (63) can be moved using pneumatic or similar systems (not shown).
  • a package (7) comprising a tip (8) with a tear-off membrane (9) and a closure membrane (10) partially sealed against the tip (8) to allow filling.
  • the packaging is held in place by jaws (11), under which is disposed the sealing head (31) which ensures the closure of the packaging at the end of filling.
  • the sealing head includes a sealing ring (12).
  • the filling head comprises a flexible membrane (13) pinched between the two parts (14, 15) held integral by the clamping ring (16).
  • This flexible membrane is either polytetrafluoroethylene, or rubber, or a flexible material of good mechanical and thermal resistance.
  • the valve plug (4) can be moved vertically by means of pneumatic or similar systems (not shown) between bearings (17).
  • the membrane (13) is pierced at its center and traversed by the valve plug (4).
  • This pin is composed of three parts: the upper part (18) into which is screwed with the bolt (21) the part (19) also ensuring a pinching of the flexible membrane (13).
  • the locking screw (22) provides good support and therefore good sealing of the membrane (13).
  • the pin finally has a lower part (20) screwed into the element (19) thanks to the bolt (23).
  • This part (20) comprising a cone (51) ensures the opening / closing for filling the packaging. It comprises a seal (24) and two radial knives (25) arranged perpendicularly. These knives form a central point (26) which further improves the cutting of the membrane (9).
  • a removable plate (60) held in place by screws (61) and having concentric grooves.
  • the opening (28) for the passage of the fluid is of frustoconical shape. This opening also constitutes the seat for the cone (51).
  • the operation of the device is as follows: The valve (4) being closed (Fig. 1), the packaging (7) being in place, sterilization of the head space (52) and of the membrane (9) is carried out. ) by opening the steam inlet valve (62). Steam arrives through the line (68). It comes out through the pipe (69) of the valve (63). At the end of sterilization, the two valves (62) and (63) are closed and the valve (4) is opened (Fig. 2). The element (20) descends and the knives (25) open the tearable membrane (9). At the same time the fluid is released and enters the packaging (7) through the opening (28). It is understood that during filling, the sealing head (31) is in the low position.
  • the sealing head rises, the valves (62) and (63) are opened so that the vapor drives out the residual product which flows through the conduit (69).
  • the sealing ring (12) is heated, thus closing the packaging (7).
  • the jaws (11) can then release said packaging.
  • the steam inlet valve (62) is supported on a seat (64) and has a steam inlet channel (66) of smaller diameter than the outlet channel (67) of the steam outlet valve (63). This valve rests on a seat (65).
  • the two valves (62) and (63) make an angle of 90 ° allowing good sterilization and good cleaning of the head space.
  • the two valves (62) and (63) finally have seals (70) and (71) respectively.

Abstract

The apparatus comprises a fluid-inlet (2) and -outlet (3) pipe, a filling head, a packaging support disposed under the filling head and provided for sealing the packaging at the end of filling, the said head comprising a valve for regulating the fluid inlet flow. This apparatus also comprises, on the bottom of the said filling head, a vapour-inlet valve (62) and a valve (63) with a vapour-outlet and drain pipe, the axes of the said valves forming an angle of between 70 and 110 DEG between them. <IMAGE>

Description

L'invention concerne un procédé pour la stérilisation et le nettoyage de l'espace de tête sur un système de remplissage aseptique d'un emballage pourvu d'un embout avec membrane extérieure déchirable selon le préambule de la revendication 1 (EP-A-0280871). L'invention concerne en outre le dispositif pour la mise en oeuvre de ce procédé selon le préambule de la revendication 3.The invention relates to a method for sterilizing and cleaning the head space on an aseptic filling system of a package provided with a tip with a tear-off outer membrane according to the preamble of claim 1 (EP-A-0280871 ). The invention further relates to the device for implementing this method according to the preamble of claim 3.

On connaît déjà des systèmes de remplissage aseptique, dans lesquels il est prévu sur le bas de la tête de remplissage un dispositif de stérilisation et de nettoyage en fin de remplissage. La demande de brevet EP-A-271 242 concerne par exemple un tel dispositif. Sur un tel système de remplissage aseptique, on remplit à froid un emballage préstérilisé et en fin de remplissage le corps et les parois de l'espace de tête sont refroidies en raison de la présence du produit froid. Après la pose d'un nouvel emballage, il faut restériliser l'espace de tête et la surface de l'emballage appuyant sur ledit espace. Or, la stérilisation a lieu avec de la vapeur d'eau saturée à une température comprise entre 140 et 150° C. Si à cette température, on voulait vraiment éliminer tous les germes, il faudrait prévoir une durée de stérilisation de l'ordre de 3 à 10 minutes. La raison est que la vapeur saturée ne peut amener les parois froides et continuellement refroidies de l'espace de tête à une température nécessaire pour inactiver les germes stables thermiquement. Ces parois restent en réalité à une température de l'ordre de 120 à 125°C. A cette température, on ne peut nullement garantir l'élimination des germes stables thermiquement. De toute façon, sur un plan purement économique, il est absolument impensable de faire la stérilisation sur une durée aussi longue. Cette stérilisation doit se faire en moins de 10 secondes. En outre, si on chauffe à température trop élevée et trop longtemps l'espace de tête, la membrane extérieure déchirable et l'embout vont se ramollir et se déformer, ce qui est inadmissible pour la suite du procédé. D'autre part, dans la demande de brevet précitée, la vanne d'arrivée de vapeur et la vanne de sortie de vapeur et de vidange sont disposées l'une en face de l'autre. Or l'expérience a montré qu'une telle disposition ne permet pas, lors du nettoyage ou rinçage de l'intérieur de l'embout après le remplissage, d'éliminer avec certitude dans un délai acceptable tous les restes de produit se trouvant dans ledit embout.Aseptic filling systems are already known, in which a sterilization and cleaning device at the end of filling is provided on the bottom of the filling head. Patent application EP-A-271 242 relates for example to such a device. On such an aseptic filling system, a pre-sterilized packaging is filled cold and at the end of filling the body and the walls of the head space are cooled due to the presence of the cold product. After fitting a new packaging, the head space and the surface of the packaging pressing on said space must be re-sterilized. However, sterilization takes place with saturated steam at a temperature between 140 and 150 ° C. If at this temperature, we really wanted to eliminate all germs, it would be necessary to provide a sterilization period of the order of 3 to 10 minutes. The reason is that saturated steam cannot bring the cold and continuously cooled walls of the headspace to a temperature necessary to inactivate thermally stable germs. These walls actually remain at a temperature of the order of 120 to 125 ° C. At this temperature, we cannot guarantee the elimination of thermally stable germs. In any case, on a purely economic level, it is absolutely unthinkable to carry out sterilization over such a long period. This sterilization must be done in less than 10 seconds. In addition, if the head space is heated too high and for too long, the membrane outer tear and the tip will soften and deform, which is inadmissible for the rest of the process. On the other hand, in the aforementioned patent application, the steam inlet valve and the steam outlet and drain valve are arranged one opposite the other. However, experience has shown that such an arrangement does not make it possible, during cleaning or rinsing of the inside of the nozzle after filling, to eliminate with certainty within an acceptable period all the remains of product present in said mouthpiece.

Le brevet EP-A-280871 concerne également un procédé et un dispositif de remplissage aseptique d'un emballage. Mais dans ce dispositif, il n'est fait aucune mention de la vitesse d'arrivée de vapeur pour la stérilisation et le nettoyage du dispositif.Patent EP-A-280871 also relates to a process and a device for aseptically filling a package. However, in this device, no mention is made of the speed of arrival of vapor for sterilization and cleaning of the device.

Le but de la présente invention est la mise au point d'un procédé de stérilisation et de nettoyage de l'espace de tête, dans lequel on assure une stérilisation irréprochable dudit espace dans un laps de temps et à une température acceptables et un nettoyage de l'intérieur de l'embout en fin de remplissage permettant d'éliminer tous les restes de produit. Cette élimination est importante, car s'il restait des traces de produit dans l'embout en contact avec un environnement non stérile, une réinfection et multiplication des germes serait possible. Au moment de l'ouverture et de l'utilisation de l'emballage, ces germes seraient alors entraînés avec le produit s'écoulant à travers ledit embout.The object of the present invention is to develop a method for sterilizing and cleaning the head space, in which an impeccable sterilization of said space is ensured within an acceptable time and at an acceptable temperature and a cleaning the inside of the nozzle at the end of filling, making it possible to eliminate all the product remains. This elimination is important, because if there were traces of product in the nozzle in contact with a non-sterile environment, reinfection and multiplication of germs would be possible. When opening and using the packaging, these germs would then be entrained with the product flowing through said nozzle.

L'invention concerne un procédé de stérilisation et de nettoyage de l'espace de tête sur un système de remplissage aseptique d'un emballage stérile pourvu d'un embout avec membrane extérieure déchirable, dans lequel on stérilise l'espace de tête à une température comprise entre 120 et 150°C avec de la vapeur pendant 1 à 10 secondes, on déchire la membrane extérieure pour effectuer le remplissage de l'emballage, on ferme l'emballage et on nettoie l'espace de tête avec de la vapeur à une température comprise entre 110 et 150°C pendant 1 à 5 secondes.The invention relates to a method for sterilizing and cleaning the head space on an aseptic filling system of a sterile packaging provided with a tip with a tear-off outer membrane, in which the head space is sterilized at a temperature between 120 and 150 ° C with steam for 1 to 10 seconds, the outer membrane is torn to fill the packaging, the packaging is closed and the headspace is cleaned with steam at a temperature included between 110 and 150 ° C for 1 to 5 seconds.

Selon ce procédé, lors de la stérilisation et du nettoyage, la vapeur arrive à une vitesse comprise entre 50 et 450 m/s dans une vanne d'arrivée de vapeur faisant un angle compris entre 70 et 110° avec la vanne de sortie de vapeur, ces deux vannes débouchant au niveau de l'espace de tête.According to this process, during sterilization and cleaning, the steam arrives at a speed between 50 and 450 m / s in a steam inlet valve making an angle between 70 and 110 ° with the steam outlet valve , these two valves opening at the head space.

L'arrivée de vapeur à la vitesse précitée se fait grâce à une détente de pression de l'ordre de 2 à 3 atmosphères.The arrival of steam at the aforementioned speed is achieved by a pressure relief of the order of 2 to 3 atmospheres.

On a constaté effectivement que le rinçage avec de la vapeur permet d'éliminer les germes présents et cette élimination est d'autant meilleure que la turbulence de ladite vapeur dans l'espace de tête est élevée. On a ainsi, selon l'invention, une stérilisation qui se fait d'une part par l'entraînement des germes grâce à la vapeur arrivant à haute vitesse et d'autre part par l'inactivation des germes par la température élevée de vapeur. La même remarque est à faire quant au rinçage en fin de remplissage.It has actually been found that rinsing with steam makes it possible to eliminate the germs present and this elimination is all the better as the turbulence of said vapor in the headspace is high. There is thus, according to the invention, a sterilization which is carried out on the one hand by the entrainment of the germs thanks to the steam arriving at high speed and on the other hand by the inactivation of the germs by the high vapor temperature. The same remark should be made regarding the rinsing at the end of filling.

On arrive ainsi à stériliser l'espace de tête en moins de 10 secondes et rincer l'embout avec la membrane extérieure déchirée en moins de 5 secondes.We can thus sterilize the headspace in less than 10 seconds and rinse the tip with the torn outer membrane in less than 5 seconds.

Si on opère avec de la vapeur saturée à une température comprise entre 120 et 130°C et arrivant à une vitesse comprise entre 50 et 150 m/sec., on assure également une bonne stérilisation et un bon rinçage de l'embout. Si on considère une infection avec 10⁵ germes, on arrive dans les conditions de l'invention à moins de 1 germe au bout de moins de 10 secondes.If one operates with saturated steam at a temperature between 120 and 130 ° C and arriving at a speed between 50 and 150 m / sec., One also ensures a good sterilization and a good rinsing of the nozzle. If we consider an infection with 10⁵ germs, we arrive in the conditions of the invention to less than 1 germ after less than 10 seconds.

La quantité de vapeur introduite dépend des diamètres des canalisations d'entrée. Elle est normalement comprise entre 3 et 10 g/sec.The quantity of steam introduced depends on the diameters of the inlet pipes. It is normally between 3 and 10 g / sec.

L'invention concerne également le dispositif pour la mise en oeuvre de ce procédé comprenant un conduit d'arrivée et de sortie de fluide, une tête de remplissage comportant une vanne pour régler le débit d'arrivée de fluide, un support d'emballage disposé sous la tête de remplissage et prévu pour sceller l'emballage en fin de remplissage, une vanne d'arrivée de vapeur et une vanne avec une conduite de sortie de vapeur et de vidange pour le nettoyage en fin de remplissage.The invention also relates to the device for implementing this method comprising a fluid inlet and outlet duct, a filling head comprising a valve for adjusting the fluid inlet flow rate, a packaging support arranged under the filling head and provided for sealing the packaging at the end of filling, a steam inlet valve and a valve with a steam outlet and drain pipe for cleaning at the end of filling.

Dans ce dispositif, la vanne d'arrivée de vapeur et la vanne de sortie de vapeur et de vidange sont toutes deux sur le bas de la tête de remplissage, les axes desdites vannes font entre eux un angle compris entre 70 et 110° et ces vannes comportent des moyens permettant l'arrivée de vapeur à une vitesse comprise entre 50 et 450 m/s.In this device, the steam inlet valve and the steam outlet and drain valve are both on the bottom of the filling head, the axes of said valves form an angle between 70 and 110 ° and these valves include means allowing the arrival of steam at a speed between 50 and 450 m / s.

On a en effet constaté que le fait d'introduire et de laisser sortir la vapeur sous cet angle dans l'espace de tête permet de maximaliser la stérilisation et le nettoyage de l'embout. Par l'expression sur le bas de la tête de remplissage, on entend la partie la plus proche de l'embout avec membrane déchirable.It has in fact been found that the fact of introducing and letting out steam at this angle in the head space makes it possible to maximize the sterilization and the cleaning of the nozzle. By the expression on the bottom of the filling head is meant the part closest to the nozzle with a tearable membrane.

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 de légumes ou des produits plus visqueux, tels que confiture, marmelade et autres, avec ou sans morceaux. Le support d'emballage est constitué par des mâchoires pour le maintien en place de l'emballage et une tête de scellage.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 or vegetable juices or more viscous products, such as jam, marmalade and others, with or without pieces. The packaging material is consisting of jaws for holding the packaging in place and a sealing head.

Avant le remplissage, on effectue une stérilisation de l'espace de tête de remplissage, ainsi que de la surface extérieure de la membrane déchirable. Ceci se fait grâce à la vanne d'arrivée de vapeur. L'autre vanne sert d'une part à l'évacuation de la vapeur lors de la stérilisation et d'autre part à l'évacuation de fluide résiduel en fin de remplissage. Il est bien entendu qu'avant le remplissage, on fait aussi une stérilisation du conduit d'arrivée et de sortie de fluide.Before filling, sterilization of the filling head space, as well as of the outer surface of the tearable membrane, is carried out. This is done thanks to the steam inlet valve. The other valve is used on the one hand for the evacuation of steam during sterilization and on the other hand for the evacuation of residual fluid at the end of filling. It is understood that before filling, sterilization is also carried out of the fluid inlet and outlet conduit.

Dans une forme de réalisation préférée, l'axe de la vanne d'arrivée de vapeur et l'axe de la vanne avec une conduite de sortie de vapeur et de vidange font un angle compris entre 85 et 95°.In a preferred embodiment, the axis of the steam inlet valve and the axis of the valve with a steam outlet and drain pipe make an angle between 85 and 95 °.

Ce système de stérilisation et de nettoyage peut être utilisé sur tout type de tête de remplissage aseptique, par exemple celles décrites dans les demandes de brevet CH-A-4584/87-5 et EP-A-280 871, fonctionnant avec un emballage avec embout comportant une membrane extérieure déchirable.This sterilization and cleaning system can be used on any type of aseptic filling head, for example those described in patent applications CH-A-4584 / 87-5 and EP-A-280 871, operating with a packaging with end cap comprising a tear-off outer membrane.

Dans le dispositif selon l'invention, l'axe de la vanne pour régler le débit d'arrivée de fluide et l'axe de la vanne d'arrivée de vapeur font un angle compris entre 70 et 110°.In the device according to the invention, the axis of the valve for adjusting the fluid inlet flow rate and the axis of the steam inlet valve form an angle between 70 and 110 °.

Le bas de la vanne de réglage de débit de fluide comporte également des moyens de coupe. Ces moyens de coupe sont normalement des couteaux radiaux et verticaux, par exemple deux couteaux disposés perpendiculairement.The bottom of the fluid flow control valve also includes cutting means. These cutting means are normally radial and vertical knives, for example two knives arranged perpendicularly.

La cheville de la vanne d'arrivée de vapeur et celle de la vanne de sortie de vapeur et de vidange affleurent dans l'espace de tête et possèdent des diamètres différents. Le premier facteur permet ainsi d'éviter toute zone morte dans l'espace de tête qui pourrait donner des développements microbiens et la différence des diamètres permet d'éviter tout freinage de vapeur lors de la stérilisation et/ou nettoyage. Il faut que le diamètre du canal d'arrivée de vapeur soit plus petit que celui d'évacuation de vapeur. On prévoit finalement sur le bas de la tête de remplissage une plaque amovible avec des cannelures concentriques pour le maintien de l'emballage en bonne position. Cette plaque peut ainsi être échangée lorsqu'elle est usée.The plug of the steam inlet valve and that of the steam outlet and drain valve are flush with the head space and have different diameters. The first factor thus makes it possible to avoid any dead zone in the head space which could give microbial development and the difference in diameters makes it possible to avoid any vapor braking during sterilization and / or cleaning. The diameter of the steam inlet channel must be smaller than that of the steam outlet. Finally, a removable plate with concentric grooves is provided on the bottom of the filling head to keep the packaging in good position. This plate can thus be exchanged when it is worn.

On peut grâce au dispositif selon l'invention construire toute une ligne de remplissage aseptique, dans laquelle on dispose en série au moins deux dispositifs décrits ci-dessus. On prévoit de préférence entre deux et huit dispositifs de remplissage.Thanks to the device according to the invention, a whole aseptic filling line can be constructed, in which at least two devices described above are available in series. Between two and eight filling devices are preferably provided.

La suite de la description est faite en référence aux dessins sur lesquels:

  • Fig. 1 est une représentation en coupe du dispositif selon l'invention, la vanne d'arrivée de fluide étant fermée;
  • Fig. 2 est une coupe partielle selon la ligne II-II de la Fig. 1, la vanne d'arrivée de fluide étant ouverte et
  • Fig. 3 est une coupe selon la ligne III-III de la Fig. 2.
The following description is made with reference to the drawings in which:
  • Fig. 1 is a sectional representation of the device according to the invention, the fluid inlet valve being closed;
  • Fig. 2 is a partial section along the line II-II of FIG. 1, the fluid inlet valve being open and
  • Fig. 3 is a section along line III-III of FIG. 2.

La tête de remplissage désignée par (1) comporte un conduit d'arrivée (2) et de sortie (3) de fluide, une vanne (4) pour régler le débit d'arrivée de fluide, une vanne d'arrivée de vapeur (62) et une vanne (63) de sortie de vapeur et de vidange de fluide résiduel. Les chevilles des vannes (62) et (63) sont déplaçables grâce à des systèmes pneumatiques ou similaires (non représentés).The filling head designated by (1) comprises a fluid inlet (2) and outlet (3) duct, a valve (4) for adjusting the fluid inlet flow rate, a steam inlet valve ( 62) and a valve (63) for steam outlet and residual fluid draining. The plugs of the valves (62) and (63) can be moved using pneumatic or similar systems (not shown).

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) partiellement scellée contre l'embout (8) pour permettre le remplissage. L'emballage est maintenu en place grâce à des mâchoires (11), sous lesquelles est disposée la tête de scellage (31) qui assure la fermeture de l'emballage en fin de remplissage. Cette tête de scellage comprend un anneau de scellage (12).Under the filling head proper, there is a package (7) comprising a tip (8) with a tear-off membrane (9) and a closure membrane (10) partially sealed against the tip (8) to allow filling. The packaging is held in place by jaws (11), under which is disposed the sealing head (31) which ensures the closure of the packaging at the end of filling. The sealing head includes a sealing ring (12).

La tête de remplissage comporte une membrane souple (13) pincée entre les deux parties (14, 15) maintenues solidaires grâce à la bague de serrage (16). Cette membrane souple est soit en polytétrafluoréthylène, soit en caoutchouc, soit en une matière souple de bonne résistance mécanique et thermique. La cheville de la vanne (4) est déplaçable verticalement grâce à des systèmes pneumatiques ou similaires (non représentés) entre des coussinets (17).The filling head comprises a flexible membrane (13) pinched between the two parts (14, 15) held integral by the clamping ring (16). This flexible membrane is either polytetrafluoroethylene, or rubber, or a flexible material of good mechanical and thermal resistance. The valve plug (4) can be moved vertically by means of pneumatic or similar systems (not shown) between bearings (17).

La membrane (13) est percée en son centre et traversée par la cheville de soupape (4). Cette cheville se compose de trois parties: la partie supérieure (18) dans laquelle est vissée avec le boulon (21) la partie (19) assurant aussi un pincement de la membrane souple (13). La vis de blocage (22) assure un bon maintien et donc une bonne étanchéité de la membrane (13). La cheville comporte finalement une partie basse (20) vissée dans l'élément (19) grâce au boulon (23). Cette partie (20) comportant un cône (51) assure l'ouverture/fermeture pour le remplissage de l'emballage. Elle comprend un joint d'étanchéité (24) et deux couteaux radiaux (25) disposés perpendiculairement. Ces couteaux forment une pointe centrale (26) permettant encore d'améliorer la découpe de la membrane (9). Pour améliorer encore le maintien de la membrane (9), on prévoit une plaque amovible (60) maintenue en place par des vis (61) et présentant des cannelures concentriques. L'ouverture (28) pour le passage du fluide est de forme tronconique. Cette ouverture constitue également le siège pour le cône (51).The membrane (13) is pierced at its center and traversed by the valve plug (4). This pin is composed of three parts: the upper part (18) into which is screwed with the bolt (21) the part (19) also ensuring a pinching of the flexible membrane (13). The locking screw (22) provides good support and therefore good sealing of the membrane (13). The pin finally has a lower part (20) screwed into the element (19) thanks to the bolt (23). This part (20) comprising a cone (51) ensures the opening / closing for filling the packaging. It comprises a seal (24) and two radial knives (25) arranged perpendicularly. These knives form a central point (26) which further improves the cutting of the membrane (9). To further improve the retention of the membrane (9), there is provided a removable plate (60) held in place by screws (61) and having concentric grooves. The opening (28) for the passage of the fluid is of frustoconical shape. This opening also constitutes the seat for the cone (51).

Le fonctionnement du dispositif est le suivant: La vanne (4) étant fermée (Fig. 1), l'emballage (7) étant en place, on effectue une stérilisation de l'espace de tête (52) et de la membrane (9) en ouvrant la vanne d'arrivée de vapeur (62). La vapeur arrive par la conduite (68). Elle ressort par la conduite (69) de la vanne (63). En fin de stérilisation, on ferme les deux vannes (62) et (63) et on ouvre la vanne (4) (Fig. 2). L'élément (20) descend et les couteaux (25) ouvrent la membrane déchirable (9). En même temps le fluide est libéré et pénètre dans l'emballage (7) par l'ouverture (28). Il est bien entendu que lors du remplissage, la tête de scellage (31) est en position basse. En fin de remplissage, la tête de scellage remonte, on ouvre les vannes (62) et (63) de manière à ce que la vapeur chasse le produit résiduel qui s'écoule par le conduit (69). Pendant ou à la fin de cette opération de nettoyage, l'anneau de scellage (12) est chauffé, fermant ainsi l'emballage (7).The operation of the device is as follows: The valve (4) being closed (Fig. 1), the packaging (7) being in place, sterilization of the head space (52) and of the membrane (9) is carried out. ) by opening the steam inlet valve (62). Steam arrives through the line (68). It comes out through the pipe (69) of the valve (63). At the end of sterilization, the two valves (62) and (63) are closed and the valve (4) is opened (Fig. 2). The element (20) descends and the knives (25) open the tearable membrane (9). At the same time the fluid is released and enters the packaging (7) through the opening (28). It is understood that during filling, the sealing head (31) is in the low position. At the end of filling, the sealing head rises, the valves (62) and (63) are opened so that the vapor drives out the residual product which flows through the conduit (69). During or at the end of this cleaning operation, the sealing ring (12) is heated, thus closing the packaging (7).

Les mâchoires (11) peuvent alors libérer ledit emballage.The jaws (11) can then release said packaging.

Comme on le voit bien sur la Fig. 3, la vanne d'arrivée de vapeur (62) s'appuie sur un siège (64) et présente un canal d'entrée de vapeur (66) de diamètre inférieur au canal de sortie (67) de la vanne de sortie de vapeur (63). Cette vanne s'appuie sur un siège (65).As can be seen in FIG. 3, the steam inlet valve (62) is supported on a seat (64) and has a steam inlet channel (66) of smaller diameter than the outlet channel (67) of the steam outlet valve (63). This valve rests on a seat (65).

Dans cette configuration, les deux vannes (62) et (63) font un angle de 90° permettant d'effectuer une bonne stérilisation et un bon nettoyage de l'espace de tête. Les deux vannes (62) et (63) comportent finalement des joints d'étanchéité (70) et (71) respectivement.In this configuration, the two valves (62) and (63) make an angle of 90 ° allowing good sterilization and good cleaning of the head space. The two valves (62) and (63) finally have seals (70) and (71) respectively.

Claims (8)

  1. A process for sterilizing and cleaning the head space (52) of an aseptic filling system for a sterile pack (7) provided with a spout (8) with an outer tearable membrane (9), in which the head space (52) is sterilized with steam for 1 to 10 seconds at a temperature of 120 to 150°C, the outer membrane (9) is torn to fill the pack (7), the pack is closed and the head space (52) is cleaned for 1 to 5 seconds with steam at a temperature of 110 to 150°C, characterized in that, in the sterilization and cleaning steps, the steam arrives at a rate of 50 to 450 m/s in a steam inlet valve which forms an angle of 70 to 110° with the steam outlet valve, the two valves opening at the level of the head space.
  2. A process as claimed in claim 1, characterized in that the head space (52) is sterilized and cleaned at a temperature of 120 to 130°C with steam arriving at a rate of 50 to 150 m/sec.
  3. A device for carrying out the process claimed in claims 1 and 2 on an aseptic filling system comprising a fluid inlet pipe (2) and a fluid outlet pipe (3), a filling head (1) comprising a valve (4) to regulate the fluid entry rate, a support (11,31) for the pack arranged beneath the filling head and designed to seal the pack (7) after filling, a steam inlet valve (62) and a valve (63) with a steam outlet and emptying pipe for cleaning after filling, characterized in that the steam inlet valve (62) and the steam outlet and emptying valve (63) are both arranged at the base of the filling head, the axes of the valves forming an angle of 70 to 110° with one another and the valves comprising means for the entry of steam at a rate of 50 to 450 m/s.
  4. A device as claimed in claim 3, characterized in that the axis of the steam inlet valve (62) and the axis of the valve (63) with the steam outlet and emptying pipe form an angle of 85 to 95°.
  5. A device as claimed in claim 3 or 4, characterized in that the axis of the valve (4) for regulating the fluid arrival rate and the axis of the steam inlet valve (62) or the axis of the steam outlet and emptying valve (63) form an angle of 40 to 80°.
  6. A device as claimed in claim 5, characterized in that the axis of the valve (4) for regulating the fluid arrival rate and the axis of the steam inlet valve (62) form an angle of 60 to 70°.
  7. A device as claimed in any of claims 3 to 6, characterized in that the pin of the steam inlet valve (62) and the pin of the steam outlet and emptying valve (63) are flush in the head space and have different diameters.
  8. A device as claimed in any of claims 3 to 7, characterized in that, above the pack support, the filling head (1) comprises a removable plate (60) with concentric grooves for holding the pack (7) firmly in position.
EP90107216A 1989-05-02 1990-04-14 Method and apparatus for sterilising and cleaning an aseptic filling system Expired - Lifetime EP0395933B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH1667/89A CH679768A5 (en) 1989-05-02 1989-05-02
CH1667/89 1989-05-02

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EP0395933A1 EP0395933A1 (en) 1990-11-07
EP0395933B1 true EP0395933B1 (en) 1993-12-08

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EP90107216A Expired - Lifetime EP0395933B1 (en) 1989-05-02 1990-04-14 Method and apparatus for sterilising and cleaning an aseptic filling system

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US (1) US5099895A (en)
EP (1) EP0395933B1 (en)
JP (1) JPH02302257A (en)
AT (1) ATE98182T1 (en)
AU (1) AU641387B2 (en)
CA (1) CA2015357A1 (en)
CH (1) CH679768A5 (en)
DE (1) DE69005018T2 (en)
DK (1) DK0395933T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2048353T3 (en)
IE (1) IE66164B1 (en)
PT (1) PT93928A (en)

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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0395933A1 (en) 1990-11-07
ATE98182T1 (en) 1993-12-15
IE66164B1 (en) 1995-12-13
PT93928A (en) 1991-01-08
CH679768A5 (en) 1992-04-15
CA2015357A1 (en) 1990-11-02
ES2048353T3 (en) 1994-03-16
DE69005018T2 (en) 1994-03-31
JPH02302257A (en) 1990-12-14
IE901412L (en) 1990-11-02
DE69005018D1 (en) 1994-01-20
US5099895A (en) 1992-03-31
DK0395933T3 (en) 1994-03-21
AU641387B2 (en) 1993-09-23
AU5379690A (en) 1990-11-08

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