EP0758977B1 - Systeme et procede de remplissage et scellement de recipients en atmosphere controlee - Google Patents

Systeme et procede de remplissage et scellement de recipients en atmosphere controlee Download PDF

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Publication number
EP0758977B1
EP0758977B1 EP95921287A EP95921287A EP0758977B1 EP 0758977 B1 EP0758977 B1 EP 0758977B1 EP 95921287 A EP95921287 A EP 95921287A EP 95921287 A EP95921287 A EP 95921287A EP 0758977 B1 EP0758977 B1 EP 0758977B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
gas
containers
manifold
flow
gassing
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EP95921287A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP0758977A4 (fr
EP0758977A1 (fr
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James J. Sanfilippo
John E. Sanfilippo
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SANFILIPPO, JAMES J. EN SANFILIPPO, JOHN E.
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Individual
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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
    • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers

Definitions

  • the invention relates to apparatus and method for packaging materials in selected alternate environments, and in particular for substantially oxygen-free packaging of food products in containers.
  • U.S. Patent Nos. 3,871,157, 3,942,301 and 4,140,159 and German OS 3323710 disclose various apparatus for low-oxygen packaging including particular forms of gas distributors and bulk product purging.
  • U.S.Patent No.3,860,047 discloses an apparatus for flushing oxygen from bulk material to be packaged, including gas delivery tubes.
  • U.S.Patent No.4,094,121 discloses another apparatus for packaging products in substantially oxygen free atmosphere, including a simple inlet for inserting inert gas to be forced upwards through a filling tube and filling funnel.
  • British Patent No.551271 discloses a system and a method in accordance with the preambles of claims 1 and 47 respectively, and provides means for evacuating the head space of containers of air and for sterilizing closures for the containers. Means are provided for directing steam into the containers travelling through a tunnel, in which steam jets are directed into the container head spaces to sweep air therefrom immediately before the containers reach a closure effecting turret. Another system including jets of steam for removing air from the container prior to sealing the container is described in U.S. Patent No.2534305.
  • the invention relates to a system for the flushing of oxygen from open containers according to Claim 1, and to a method according to Claim 47.
  • An open architecture, integrated container filling and sealing system which comprises a pre-purging system (e.g. rail), a filling station including apparatus for removing oxygen from a bulk material prior to packaging, a headspace purging rail, and a permanent sealing station.
  • a pre-purging system e.g. rail
  • a filling station including apparatus for removing oxygen from a bulk material prior to packaging
  • a headspace purging rail e.g., a headspace purging rail
  • a permanent sealing station e.g. the system consists essentially of only these major processing elements, without need for other inert gas or vacuum processors, yet is capable of commercial packaging of e.g. infant formula at high rates (e.g. 90.7 kg (200 pounds) per minute and higher) with residual oxygen levels of 1% or less.
  • empty containers are transported beneath a specially designed purging rail, then filled with product which has been processed itself to remove substantially all oxygen, and finally the filled container is transported beneath a headspace purging rail to an apparatus for sealing the container.
  • the container purging rail and the headspace purging rail comprise one or more plenums mounted above open containers on a conveying apparatus, in close proximity to the container openings.
  • the plenum is supplied with a desired alternate environment, such as inert gas.
  • a longitudinally extended manifold for controlled passage of gas from the interior of the plenum toward the container openings is provided in the surface of the plenum proximate the containers, which is narrower than the container opening and preferably less than or equal to one half of the width of the container opening, and in a particularly preferred embodiment, one quarter of the width of the container opening or less.
  • the rails preferably comprise a plurality of segments, mounted to permit individual segments to be easily moved away from the associated conveyor and containers to allow access to a portion of the system and containers being processed.
  • segments may be hinged or slide mounted to allow rotational and/or translational movement from a first operating position to a second service position.
  • Exhaust plenums may be provided in conjunction with a gas distributor (such as a gassing rail) to receive the expelled gas and oxygen.
  • a gas distributor such as a gassing rail
  • the exhaust plenums include an extended manifold for controlled (preferably laminar) gas induction.
  • a filling station includes apparatus for removing substantially all oxygen from a product to be packaged, prior to filling the container.
  • the filling station includes a hopper, an on-demand gas exchanger, and a filler.
  • the hopper (when used) may include at least one gassing region for providing a controlled and preferably laminarized flow of inert gas into the hopper.
  • the on-demand gas exchanger (when used) provides a more compact vessel (providing greater installation flexibility), including an enclosed volume through which the product flows just prior to packaging, and includes gassing elements for providing a controlled flow of inert gas through the product to displace oxygen in real time as product flows to the filler for filling.
  • the hopper and gas exchanger may be integral.
  • the filler may be of any conventional type, though modified (if necessary) to prevent oxygen entrainment as the processed product passes into the processed containers and as the containers enter and exit the filler.
  • the hopper (or gas exchanger) is provided with a plurality of individual gassing elements arranged so as to generate overlapping gassing regions.
  • the elements are substantially coplanar and spaced about the interior volume of a vessel.
  • more than one level of gassing elements is provided, to create multiple zones of oxygen exclusion as product moves through the associated hopper or gas exchanger.
  • the gassing elements preferably include an extended manifold surface for injecting gas in a controlled (preferably laminar) manner over a significant surface area, thereby preventing excessive velocity or turbulence.
  • a rigid support frame supports an extended wire mesh manifold surface, defining an interior plenum which receives an inert gas supply.
  • the wire mesh manifold has a top portion (in the direction of approaching product) which is tapered.
  • a lower portion with generally parallel sides may also be included, to provide additional surface area without adversely affecting flow of particulate material through the vessel.
  • merging rails may be provided proximate the main rail(s) for introduction of containers to the container stream.
  • a secondary oxygen flushing station may be included for processing containers, which may then be transported beneath a merging rail for introduction into a stream of containers, without risk of oxygen contamination.
  • FIG. 1 a schematic view of an integrated controlled environment filling and sealing system is shown having gas purging rails 10 including a pre-purging rail 1 and a headspace purging rail 3, a filler station 2 between the rails 1 and 3, and a sealing station 6 (such as a double seamer).
  • the filling station 2 preferably includes a controlled environment processor 5.
  • the gas purging rails 10 include a longitudinal plenum 11 having one or more inlets 12 for receiving e.g. inert gas from a source (not shown), and a distribution manifold 13 for distributing the gas into the open containers.
  • the distribution manifold 13 is located on a surface of the rail 10 facing the containers.
  • the gas purging rail 10 may comprise a plurality of individual segments (e.g. 7, 8) each having its own plenum 11 and gas inlet(s) 12.
  • the manifolds 13 of adjacent segments are closely proximate one another (i.e.
  • a total pre-purging rail length of approximately 366 cm (12 feet) and residence time beneath the rail of 4-6 seconds is desirable.
  • the vertical distance between the manifold 13 and the tops of the open top containers is preferably small, and ideally should not exceed about 0.953 cm (0.375 inches) for the embodiments illustrated.
  • this separation is between about 0.1588 and 0.635 cm (0.0625 and about 0.25 inches), not exceeding about 0.79 cm (0.31 inches), and optimally about 0.32 cm (0.125 inch).
  • the separation is preferably between about 0.047 and 0.483 cm (0.016 and about 0.19 inches), not exceeding about 0.953 cm (0.375 inches), and optimally as small as possible without physical interference between the rail and containers.
  • a segment of plenum 11 may have a height of about 2.54 cm (1 inch), a length of about 122 cm (4 feet), and a width of about 12.7 cm (5.0 inches).
  • a standard 401 container has a height of 13.813 cm (5.438 inches) and an outer diameter of 10.4 cm (4.1 inches).
  • the inert gas has an inlet and an outlet flow rate of about 0.057 to 0.425 cubic m per minute (2 to about 15 standard cubic feet per minute (2-15 scfm)), preferably about 0.283 cubic m per minute (10 scfm) per 122 cm (4 foot) segment at 100% flow when packaging size 401 x 502 containers at a line speed of 300 containers per minute.
  • the optimum rate is about 0.142 cubic m per minute (5 scfm) per segment at 100% flow rate.
  • the optimum inert gas flow rate will vary depending on line speed and container dimensions, and can be determined through wind tunnel testing of the various sized containers.
  • the plenum 11 is closed except for the inert gas inlet(s) 12 and the distribution manifold 13.
  • the plenum 11 may be rectangular as shown, and may be constructed of stainless steel, aluminium, rigid plastic or any other rigid material.
  • the plenum 11 should preferably be at least as wide as, and more preferably somewhat wider than, the diameters of the open top of the containers.
  • a 6.35 cm (2.5 inch) strip of 40 micron 5-ply stainless steel screen 23 is mounted on a 6.35 cm (2.5 inch) strip of 80 micron 2-ply stainless steel screen 24 and forms in part the exposed gas manifold.
  • an open empty container 50 may be exposed to a controlled (preferably laminarized) flow of inert gas from the prepurging rail 1 as it is transported by conveyor 59, which may reduce the oxygen levels within the container from 20.9% to less than 2.0% residual oxygen. It has been found that oxygen residuals as low as a few hundred parts per million oxygen or less are possible with residence times of 4-6 seconds. Because the rails 1 as described herein do not require vacuum, side panels or a sealed enclosure to process the empty containers 50, an open architecture is provided which permits easy access to the containers when necessary.
  • the pre-purging rails 1 include at least one longitudinally oriented gas distribution manifold region substantially aligned with the direction of movement of containers being transported in association with the pre-purging rail.
  • the manifold provides a controlled flow of e.g. inert gas into the open containers, which flow is substantially continuous and uniform in the direction of container movement.
  • the manifold provides at least two extended longitudinal regions of differing gas flow resistance.
  • the manifold has a width which is less than the width of the container opening, and most preferably one half or one quarter or less of the container opening width. It should be understood that "longitudinal" direction is used herein to refer to the direction of container movement, which may be linear or non-linear (e.g. curved), planar or non-planar, depending on the conveyor or transport system associated with the gas rail.
  • the filler station 2 includes apparatus for portioning the bulk product 9 to be packaged and delivering it to the empty containers 50.
  • apparatus 5 is provided for removing oxygen from the bulk product 9 prior to filling the container 50.
  • This alternate environment processor 5 preferably has a plurality of gassing elements in the flow stream of the bulk product 9, to provide a laminarized flow of inert gas through the bulk product to substantially reduce oxygen levels in the product and prevent reintroduction of oxygen during filling of the pre-purged container.
  • the filled containers 52 then exit the filler station 2, beneath a headspace purging rail 3.
  • the headspace purging rail 3 flushes the headspace of the filled container 52 with a controlled flow pattern of inert gas to remove any oxygen contamination that may occur as containers exit the filler station, and to maintain the inert environment as the container is transported.
  • the headspace rail 3 may preferably have an open architecture to permit access to filled containers 52, and manifolds of the type described above.
  • the container 52 may enter further environmental processing station(s) (not shown), such as a vacuum chamber or additional gassing station.
  • a lid placement system 4 may be provided.
  • the container 52 may be transported to a permanent sealing station 6 where a closure is secured.
  • the sealed container 58 may then be removed.
  • This unique combination of container processing elements including pre-purging and headspace purging by means of open architecture gassing rails and manifolds as described herein, provides for low oxygen residual in the filled container and very efficient (minimized) use of inert gas.
  • the resulting open architecture allows easy access to containers 50, 52, and avoids complex tunnels, gas seals, vacuum processors, and other interfering structures. Segmented rails and hinged mounting of segments as discussed below further enhance the openness of the resulting system, and add to its superior operation.
  • a preferred distribution manifold 13 for the pre-purging rail and headspace purging rail includes a longitudinally oriented center area 15 of lower flow resistance, between and adjacent to two longitudinally oriented areas 16 and 17 of higher flow resistance.
  • Each of the flow regions 15, 16 and 17 extends the length of the bottom surface of plenum 11, is positioned above the open tops of the containers 50, 52, and is oriented in the direction of travel of the containers.
  • the overall width of the distribution manifold 13 is smaller than the diameter of the openings of the containers, and most preferably less than one quarter of the width of the container opening.
  • the manifold 13 may have an overall width of about 19 to 25.4 mm (0.75-1.0 inch), for containers having opening diameters of about 10.2 to 15.3 cm (4-6 inches).
  • the central region 15 of lower flow resistance may have a width of about 0.64 cm (0.25 inch), and the surrounding regions 16 and 17 of higher flow resistance may each have a width of about 0.64 to 1.28 cm (0.25-0.5 inch).
  • Smaller containers may utilize smaller optimum manifold widths.
  • the manifold may have an overall width of 1.27 cm (0.5 inches), with correspondingly smaller widths for the regions of higher and lower flow resistance.
  • the distribution manifold 13 is preferably positioned longitudinally in the center bottom surface of the plenum 11 and over the centers of moving containers 50, 52.
  • inert gas passing through the center area 15 of lower flow resistance has a relatively high velocity, sufficient to carry the gas to the bottom of each container 50.
  • the velocity of the inert gas passing through center area 15 is sufficient to carry to the top surface of the packaged product in the filled containers 52 and overcome any air infiltration during container transport.
  • the arrows in FIGS. 3 and 4 show the preferred direction of travel of a preferably laminarized flow of inert gas.
  • Inert gas passing through adjacent regions 16 and 17 of higher flow resistance may be partially carried into the containers 50, 52 by a "venturi" effect from the higher velocity gas. Otherwise, the gas passing through areas 16 and 17 has a lower velocity. Because the regions 15, 16 and 17 are oriented parallel to the direction of travel of the containers, the gas flow patterns (including the outflow) exist continuously and substantially at steady state for the entire time that each container remains underneath the surface of plenum 11. Therefore, there is no opportunity for Oxygen to enter the containers from the outside. The oxygen content inside the containers steadily decreases as each container moves below the manifold 13 until the oxygen content is reduced to target levels or below, whereby the purging is completed.
  • the regions 15, 16 and 17 of high and low flow resistance can be created using adjacent welded screens of different opening size, selectively layered screens, porous plastic (e.g. porous high molecular weight high density polyethylene), porous plates, or any selectively porous material that acts as a diffuser.
  • porous plastic e.g. porous high molecular weight high density polyethylene
  • porous plates e.g. porous plates, or any selectively porous material that acts as a diffuser.
  • the manifold 13 may include a series of 0.64 cm (0.25 inch) wide and 7.62 cm (3 inch) long slots 25 formed in the center of a 5-ply 40 micron screen parallel to the direction of container travel (Fig.2).
  • the slots can be spaced about 1.9 cm (0.75 inch) apart from each other and provide a region of lower resistance to allow a higher velocity flow.
  • the 1.9 cm (0.75 inch) spacing of the slots gives the rail more structural integrity, but a long continuous slot may be preferable.
  • the screened regions on either side of the slots provide the high resistance regions 16, 17 which allow a lower velocity flow parallel to the low resistance region 15 and to the direction of container travel 7.
  • smaller holes 26 may be substituted for slots (FIG. 5).
  • FIG. 4 also illustrates two embodiments of exhaust plenums 37a,b.
  • Such exhaust plenums may be provided in conjunction with a gas distributor, such as (but not limited to) a gassing rail 10, to receive all or a portion of the exiting gas and displaced oxygen-containing atmosphere. This may be advantageous, for example, where it is desired to minimize accumulation of exhausted inert gas, or where more precise control of the gas flow pattern in the regions adjacent the container openings is desirable.
  • a source of exhaust e.g. high or low vacuum
  • the plenum 37 is then provided with one or more ports 39 through which the exhausted gases are drawn.
  • Ports 39 may in some embodiment comprise an extended manifold, and may preferably be substantially coextensive longitudinally with the distribution manifold 13.
  • the ports may comprise a longitudinally extended opening, and may be covered by a fine wire mesh (see FIG. 5).
  • a fine wire mesh see FIG. 5
  • the gas flow patterns proximate to the port(s) is smoothed and preferably laminarized, to further reduce disruptive currents in the area of the container openings.
  • an exhaust plenum 37a is substantially contiguous with the gas plenum 11, and may share common elements with plenum 11.
  • the gas ports 39a which may comprise individual apertures, slots, mesh-covered manifold, or other configurations, are substantially co-planar with the distribution manifold 13 or lower surface of the rail.
  • exhaust ports 39b are provided at a level below rail, at or below the open surface of the container.
  • FIG. 6 illustrates a particularly preferred configuration for the gas rail 10 and manifold 13.
  • the rail comprises two major elements, an upper assembly 91 and a lower assembly 92.
  • Assembly 91 may comprise a top plate 20 having a generally U-shaped cross section. All relatively permanent connections to the gas rail are preferably made to upper assembly 91, which therefore preferably comprises gas inlet 12 and means for mechanically supporting the assembled gas rail.
  • Lower assembly 92 is designed to be easily removable for cleaning, service or replacement of the manifold.
  • side members 21, 22 form a box which, when joined with upper assembly 91, defines a closed plenum 11.
  • Quick-mount latches 30 are provided to selectively secure lower assembly 92 to upper assembly 91.
  • knobs or slotted members 30 are provided, attached to helical clamps 32 such that, when rotated, clamps 32 engage and secure a portion of side members 21, 22 against a cooperating portion of top member 20.
  • Gaskets 33 may be provided to assure a gas tight seal. It will be understood that alternative means for connecting assemblies 91, 92 may instead be employed without departing from the scope of the present invention, as can alternate designs for the various elements comprising the plenum.
  • Lower assembly 92 may therefore be quickly separated from the more permanently attached upper assembly 91. In this manner, the lower elements can be quickly exchanged for others, such as when it is necessary to provide a clean manifold. This may be particularly important where different products are packaged at different times, and contamination must be carefully avoided.
  • FIG. 6 Also illustrated in FIG. 6 are preferred means for mounting the manifold screens or elements to the lower assembly 92 to permit improved access for service and cleaning.
  • threaded studs 34 are attached to the sides 21, 22.
  • Cooperating apertures are provided in the manifold elements, which are then passed over the studs 34.
  • Flattening bars or clamps 35 may be provided to assure a longitudinal seal to the manifold elements, which may be secured by e.g. wing nuts 36.
  • a quick-mount structure 72 thereby results. It will be understood that other mounting structures 72 may alternatively be employed, such as spring or friction mounts. Alternatively, the manifold elements may be permanently attached to the supporting plenum structures.
  • a baffle 71 may be located beneath gas inlet 12 to disperse the incoming gas within the plenum 11 and minimize noise.
  • permeable baffles such as stainless steel mesh or perforated plate.
  • FIG. 7 also illustrates a preferred open architecture for the gassing rail systems.
  • a conveyor 59 is provided to transport the containers (50, 52). Conveyor 59 may be any suitable type, including linear, curvilinear, circular, screw-feed, roller or other systems.
  • support channel 54 supports interconnected conveyor elements 55, which are driven by motive means (not illustrated).
  • guides 76 are adjustable as shown (e.g. supported by adjustment rods 77 and secured by quick-adjustment knobs 78). This permits containers of different sizes to be quickly accommodated, and promotes the desired open architecture by allowing access to the conveyor stream when required.
  • the gas purging rail segments 10 are preferably mounted in a manner that permits easy adjustment to accommodate different sized containers, and easy access to containers with minimum disruption of a packaging operation.
  • support members 73, 74 may be secured by quick adjustment clamps 75.
  • the rail 10 can be easily adjusted laterally to a centered location relative to the containers, and can be adjusted in height relative to conveyor elements 55 to assure a proper location and separation above the open container tops.
  • the upper (horizontal) support member 74 is movable relative to lower (vertical) support member 73, which in turn is linked to the conveyor 59 (e.g. the support structures).
  • the two members are joined by a selectively displaceable joiner such as a pivot or hinge 89, or translational slide.
  • a selectively displaceable joiner such as a pivot or hinge 89, or translational slide.
  • hinges 89 may have a generally horizontal axis of rotation, offset from the rail so that the rail structure can be moved, without interference, away from containers.
  • the rail segments 10 may be hinged to swing about a vertical or angled axis, or may be mounted on slides for translational movement.
  • Compound hinges or articulated structures may also be used.
  • the hinges 89 or other support structures permitting movement of the rail 10 provide for movement generally away from the remaining elements of a packaging apparatus, so that the rail segments may be moved from an operating position to a service position without disrupting other elements of the packaging apparatus.
  • FIGS. 8-10 A representative commercial system utilizing the present invention is diagrammatically illustrated in FIGS. 8-10.
  • a series of empty containers 50 is supplied to a filler station 2 by conveyor 59, beneath a segmented and hinged pre-purging rail 1.
  • Nitrogen gas is supplied to the plenum of each rail segment, by means of hoses (not illustrated) attached to the gas inlets.
  • the gas supply to each rail segment may be preferably individually controlled, so that interruptions of gas to a single segment (i.e. when that segment must be moved for service) need not require disruption of gas flow to the remaining segments. This assures that only a minimum number of containers will be contaminated.
  • a position detector e.g. proximity detector 120, FIG. 7 may provide a signal indicating whether the rail segment is in its operating position.
  • the conveyor 59 delivers empty containers 50 to a filler station 2, which may comprise any of a number of known product fillers. For example, check weight, auger, rotary valve, in-line indexing, net weigh, and other known apparatus for portioning product and filling containers may be used.
  • the system illustrated includes a circular filler turret 29 for delivering product to the containers and a filler bowl 28 for portioning the bulk feed material and distributing it to the filler turret.
  • the filler bowl 28 and other elements of the filler are preferably sealed and supplied with an alternate environment (e.g. inert gas).
  • an alternate environment e.g. inert gas
  • gas inlets 46 may be provided.
  • An oxygen sensor 47 may also be provided in the filler bowl or other locations within the filler apparatus.
  • the bulk material 9 is supplied to the filler bowl 28 by means of a storage or flow buffer hopper 40.
  • the hopper is provided with a plurality of gassing element inlets 42, 43.
  • an oxygen sensor 44 is provided at the outlet of hopper 40, to permit monitoring of the residual oxygen in the material fed to the filler.
  • a vent 45 is provided to exhaust any excess flushing gas and the displaced oxygen atmosphere. Vent 45 may, for example, be attached to a roof ventilation outlet, as may exhaust plenums 37 if used.
  • the vent may include a pressure relief valve, to maintain a slight (e.g. 2.54 - 5.08 cm (1-2 inches) water column) positive pressure within the interior of the filler. This helps to exclude oxygen infiltration, particularly during idle periods when the outlets for bulk material (through which the containers are filled) are potentially exposed.
  • the pressure relief valve may include a valve chamber having an interior bore with a lower shoulder, and a "floating" valve member supported on the shoulder. When excessive pressure develops within the filler bowl, this pressure acting against the surface area of the valve element will lift it from the shoulder, providing a path to vent gases.
  • the pressure relief valve may be formed with quick connect clamp ferrules on one or both ends, to allow it to be quickly attached to a cooperating ferrule on the filler.
  • a ferrule on the outlet of the valve allows quick connection to e.g. an exhaust system.
  • a filter element is preferably included, to prevent particulate material from entering the exhaust system or fouling the valve.
  • star wheels 48 In typical rotary fillers, star wheels 48 or other similar systems are used to receive containers from a linear conveyor and place them in the rotating filler apparatus, and similarly to remove filled containers from the rotating apparatus and deliver them to a linear output conveyor. Where such structures are part of the particular filler station 2 utilized, corresponding gas purging rails may be provided to correspond to the curvilinear container path.
  • the pre-purging rail segment 48 includes a curved portion dimensioned to accommodate the path of container travel as empty containers are loaded into the filler illustrated.
  • headspace rail segment 49 includes a curved portion corresponding to the travel path of filled containers as they exit the filler. It will be understood that other shapes and dimensions of gas purging rails may be provided to accommodate the particular can paths of numerous filler apparatus.
  • Headspace purging rails 3 are shown, in conjunction with conveyor 59, to transport the filled containers 52 to a sealing device 6.
  • a sealing device 6 This may comprise, in preferred embodiments, a rotary double seam seamer for use with cans and lids having preformed curls. It should be understood that other forms of sealers, in conjunction with cans or other forms of containers, may similarly be utilized. Further, the headspace purging rails should accommodate substantially all travel of the can to, and into, the sealer. If necessary, gassing elements may also be provided within the sealer to prevent oxygen contamination during the sealing operation.
  • hopper 40 and gassing elements 42, 43 comprise the controlled environment processor 5 (see FIG. 1) for displacing oxygen from the bulk material 9.
  • Two levels of gassing elements (42, 43) are illustrated. As shown in FIG. 10, preferably four elements are provided in each level, at 90° relative to one another, and the two levels are offset 45° relative to each other.
  • the gassing elements are dimensioned and arranged such that the regions of gas exchange generated by each element overlap with those of neighboring elements. It has been found that a zone of oxygen exclusion thereby results which is effectively continuous across the vessel cross-section.
  • Oxygen containing gases entrained in the bulk material passing through the zone are therefore efficiently displaced by inert gas, and the material exits the zone with a substantially lower residual oxygen content.
  • two or more exclusion zones may be generated and the bulk material will be made to pass close to at least one, and in most instances two gassing elements.
  • the amount of oxygen removal can be affected by e.g. the number of gassing elements, their location, the flow rate and type of material through the processor, and the flow rate of gas through the elements. For some products a single level of gassing elements is sufficient, although two are preferred.
  • FIGS. 8-9 also illustrate diagrammatically certain optional stations hat may be beneficially incorporated with an overall system.
  • checkweighers may be included, either after the filler 2, before the filler, or both.
  • an ejector 110 may then remove the improperly filled container from the conveyor 59, such as by ejecting the can laterally off of the conveyor.
  • Imperfectly processed containers e.g. potentially including undesirable oxygen levels
  • Such functions are made easier by the open architecture of the present invention previously described.
  • preferred embodiments of the present invention may include a secondary environmental processor 112. Imperfectly processed containers ejected from the conveyor 59 may be transported to a work and buffer table 113. An operator may then manually adjust the fill of the containers to a proper weight (if necessary), and then process the container by means of the secondary environmental processor 112 to expel oxygen from the container and its contents.
  • a secondary environmental processor 112 By way of example, an apparatus as described in U.S. Patent No. 5,228,269 owned by the present applicants may be used. Once processed, the container may then be transported beneath a secondary headspace rail 114 which merges with the main headspace rail 3 (e.g.
  • FIGS. 11-13 illustrate alternative and generally preferred embodiments for the controlled environment processor 5.
  • an on-demand gas exchanger 60 is illustrated, including a plurality of gassing element inlets 61, 62.
  • the exchanger 60 is optimized for fast on-demand processing of relatively rapidly moving product.
  • the gas exchanger 60 includes a processing region 63 and preferably two levels of three gassing elements each, offset as illustrated.
  • the central processing region 63 provides sufficient interior volume to accommodate gassing elements having sufficient surface area to provide the necessary gas volumes while retaining a controlled and preferably laminarized flow. Residence time of the product passing through the gassing region may also be optimized.
  • the volume of region 63 is preferably small enough to permit fast, intimate real-time processing of material as it flows through for packaging.
  • Outlet section 66 is shown, which may preferably have a conical profile to facilitate particulate material flow.
  • the gassing elements may be located entirely within a main body of the vessel (e.g. FIG. 11), while in other more compact embodiments, some of the elements may be located in the outlet section 66 as well (e.g. FIG. 12).
  • a corresponding conical inlet section 68 attached to inlet 66 may also be provided, as well as a vent 45 for displaced gases.
  • An oxygen sensor 64 is preferably provided in the outlet portion 67 to monitor residual oxygen of the material as it is fed to the filler station 2, and one may also be provided at the inlet.
  • an isolation or control valve 69 may be provided between the gas exchanger 60 (or hopper 40 of FIG. 8), or other connection means may be utilized to selectively isolate the filler from the controlled environment processor 5.
  • each gassing element 80 will establish a surrounding gassing region wherein the inert gas introduced through the manifold displaces the ambient oxygen-containing atmosphere from incoming bulk material.
  • the gassing regions of neighboring elements can be made to overlap such that an effectively continuous gas substitution (oxygen exclusion) zone is established across the entire cross section of the processing region 63 perpendicular to the direction of bulk material flow. Because of the relatively compact dimensions of the preferred gas exchanger, particulate material passing through the processing region 63 is made to pass closely proximate to at least one, and preferably more than one gassing element.
  • vent 45 may preferably comprise an extended removable filter element to prevent particulate material from entering the exhaust system.
  • a collar having quick connect ferrules on either end can be provided, including means on its interior for receiving a filter element.
  • the filter element may, for example, comprise a 6.35 cm (2.5 inch) diameter cylinder, approximately 22.86 cm (9 inches)long, of 5-ply 40 micron screen.
  • the preferred filter element can then be attached to a vent outlet having a cooperating ferrule, or removed for service or cleaning.
  • An exhaust system may be attached to the ferrule on the outlet end.
  • a check valve or pressure relief valve in conjunction with the vent.
  • a valve having ferrules at its inlet and outlets may be provided and attached between the filter collar and an exhaust system.
  • each cooperating element e.g. vent outlet, filter collar, pressure valve, and exhaust connection
  • the filter and valve may be provided in a unitized element.
  • entrained oxygen containing gases When material enters the on-demand gas exchanger 60 and encounters the oxygen exclusion zone established by the gassing elements 80, entrained oxygen containing gases will be displaced. This volume of displaced gas may result in an increased pressure in the inlet region 68, which may in turn generate a counter flow of displaced gases. Such a counter flow may disrupt the desired flow of particulate material (e.g. cause bridging or product stratification).
  • a large input conduit may be used which is dimensioned to accommodate the increased pressure and counter flow.
  • the pressure relief valve and vent 45 are provided in an inlet region above the gas excluding zone. The displaced gases may then exit without developing a detrimental increased pressure or counter flow of gas, permitting use of more compact transportation conduits.
  • Bulk material may be provided to the inlet 66 of gas exchanger 60 by any appropriate means.
  • product is supplied from hopper 40 which also includes gassing elements.
  • the bulk material in the hopper can be preliminary processed and maintained at a relatively low oxygen level, with the final oxygen reduction accomplished on-demand in the gas exchanger 60.
  • gassified hoppers is optional.
  • the on-demand gas exchanger 60 provides all or substantially all of the inert gas processing required for the filled product, reducing or eliminating the need for slower pre-processing in hoppers.
  • Use of the on-demand gas exchanger in this manner has the benefit of minimizing dwell time of the bulk product within the inert flushing atmosphere. For certain products (e.g. coffee), this flushing is believed to remove desirable aromatic or flavor volatiles, which is detrimental to the product. By minimizing such contact while simultaneously providing highly effective oxygen displacement, adverse effects are minimized or avoided.
  • FIGS. 14-15 illustrate a presently preferred embodiment of a gassing element 80 that may be used in conjunction with hoppers 40 or gas exchanger 60.
  • the gassing elements preferably have an extended length and a porous but rigid construction.
  • a preferred cross-section includes a tapered top section 81 to displace flowing material around the sides of the gassing element. This minimizes forces acting on the gassing element and has been found to prevent bridging or disruption in the flow of particulate material.
  • generally parallel side portions 82 may also be provided. These provide support to the tapered top portion 81 and add significant additional surface area for gas passage, but do not generate significant additional friction relative to the passing particulate material.
  • Both the top portion 81 and sides 82 are preferably comprised of a stainless steel mesh selected to provide a controlled, and preferably laminarized flow of gas into the bulk material, such as 5-ply 20 micron laminated stainless steel mesh. This provides adequate resistance to distribute the inert gas about the entire surface area of the element manifold and provide a uniform, constant laminar flow, while also providing suitable mechanical strength to the element. It has been discovered that substantially laminar flow is desirable to avoid stratification or separation of different sized particles of product. Use of the present invention has also been found to minimize or eliminate breakdown of fragile particles during de-oxygenation, such as instantized coffees or agglomerized product.
  • a base support 83 and end cap 84 may be provided.
  • the base support and end cap may include recesses for receiving a removable mesh element, as well as interior strengthening webs if desired.
  • the gassing elements preferably extend sufficiently inward from the inner wall of a vessel, so that the ends of the plurality of gassing elements are proximate one another, near enough to provide a uniform oxygen-excluding barrier of inert gas, but without obstructing the flow of particulate matter between the elements.
  • the gassing element 80 may preferably be positioned at a downward sloping angle approximately 5° from horizontal. To permit removal of the elements for cleaning or replacement, they are preferably mounted through inlets 85 sanitary welded or otherwise attached to the vessel.
  • a gasket 86 is positioned between mating surfaces of the gassing element 80 and inlet 85. Gassing elements 80 are preferably secured to the inlet 85 by means of a removable clamp 87, such as a stainless steel quick-clamp tube fitting ferrule (3A sanitary rated).
  • Inert gas is supplied to the gassing element 80 through inlet 88.
  • a flow rate ranging between about 0.028 to 0.566 cubic m per minute (1-20 scfm) per element and preferably 0.085 to 0.113 cubic m per minute (3-4 scfm) has been found beneficial for elements about 38.1 cm (15 inches) long and 1.9 cm (3/4 inches) wide at the base.
  • the flow rate is dependent on e.g. the type of material being processed, the rate and type of material passing through the hopper, the physical dimensions of the hopper, and the oxygen content of the input material.
  • bulk material which entraps gases may require a higher residence time and/or higher inert gas flow rate.
  • relatively large solid products e.g. shelled and skinned peanuts
  • an operator may easily determine an approximate flow rate for a particular product and setup.
  • the gassing elements in gas exchanger 60 are preferably identical to those previously described, although the overall dimensions differ to accommodate the smaller size of the gassing region 63.
  • Flow rates per element of 0.028 to 0.142 cubic m per minute (1-5 scfm) per element are desirable, and in particular 0.042 to 0.057 cubic m per minute (1.5-2 scfm) has been found beneficial.
  • 6 elements in two staggered levels (as shown), each about 17.78 cm (7 inches) long and 1.9 cm (3/4 inches) wide at the base, are provided with 0.011 to 0.05 cubic m per minute (0.4-1.75 scfm) for processing infant formula at 90.7 kg (200 pounds) per minute and higher.
  • other shapes may similarly be used, such as elliptical or other cross-sections.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Vacuum Packaging (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Filling Or Discharging Of Gas Storage Vessels (AREA)

Claims (55)

  1. Système pour débarrasser de leur oxygène par balayage des récipients ouverts (50, 52) se déplaçant le long d'un transporteur (59) comprenant :
    une chambre de distribution de gaz (11) s'étendant longitudinalement le long du transporteur et la chambre de distribution de gaz comprenant une entrée (12) pour recevoir un gaz d'environnement de substitution d'une source ;
    la chambre de distribution de gaz comprenant un collecteur de distribution (13), le collecteur de distribution comprenant au moins une région longitudinale de résistance à l'écoulement qui permet à un flux de gaz d'environnement de substitution de traverser la région de résistance à l'écoulement et de pénétrer dans le récipient, caractérisé en ce que la région de résistance à l'écoulement a une résistance à l'écoulement différentielle en travers de sa largeur pour obtenir un débit différentiel du gaz d'environnement de substitution dans le récipient (50, 52), de manière que le flux de gaz d'environnement de substitution crée une configuration de gaz d'entrée et de sortie qui existe sensiblement en continu et sensiblement en régime constant pendant toute la durée pendant laquelle le récipient est balayé.
  2. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel, à l'utilisation, la largeur du collecteur de distribution (13) est inférieure ou égale à environ la moitié de la largeur de l'ouverture du récipient.
  3. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel, à l'utilisation, la largeur du collecteur de distribution (13) est inférieure ou égale à environ un quart de la largeur de l'ouverture du récipient.
  4. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le collecteur (13) et la région de résistance à l'écoulement sont sensiblement continus le long de la chambre de distribution (11).
  5. Système selon la revendication 1, comprenant également une chambre de gaz de retour (37a, b) positionnée adjacente aux côtés longitudinaux de la chambre de distribution (11) et recevant un gaz quittant le récipient (50, 52).
  6. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel ladite au moins une région de résistance à l'écoulement orientée longitudinalement comprend au moins une région orientée longitudinalement de plus grande résistance à l'écoulement et au moins une région orientée longitudinalement de moins grande résistance à l'écoulement.
  7. Système selon la revendication 1, comprenant également au moins un plénum d'échappement (37a, b) près de la chambre de distribution de gaz (11) pour recevoir et évacuer des gaz d'échappement comprenant au moins une partie du gaz d'environnement de substitution, le plénum d'échappement comprenant des orifices (39a, b) pour admettre les gaz d'échappement et une sortie (38) pour fixer le plénum d'échappement à un système d'échappement.
  8. Système selon la revendication 7, dans lequel les orifices (39a, b) comprennent un collecteur d'échappement s'étendant longitudinalement généralement parallèle audit, et dans l'extension dudit, collecteur de distribution (13).
  9. Système selon la revendication 8, dans lequel le collecteur d'échappement (37a, b) facilite un écoulement sensiblement laminaire des gaz dans la région entre le collecteur d'échappement et la région de décharge de gaz.
  10. Système selon la revendication 9, dans lequel le collecteur d'échappement (37a, b) comprend un treillis métallique fin.
  11. Système selon la revendication 7, dans lequel lesdits orifices (39a, b) sont sensiblement coplanaires avec une surface du collecteur en face des récipients, dans une direction vers les récipients.
  12. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le système comprend des supports (73, 74) pour suspendre la chambre de distribution de gaz (11), caractérisé par :
    la chambre de distribution de gaz comportant au moins une position de fonctionnement proche des ouvertures des récipients, et une position de service éloignée des récipients (50, 52), les supports comprenant des supports réglables comprenant une première partie (73) reliée à une base et une deuxième partie (74) reliée à la chambre de distribution de gaz et mobile relativement au transporteur (59) entre au moins deux positions correspondant aux positions de fonctionnement et de service ; les première et deuxième positions étant reliées mécaniquement par un organe de jonction (89) adapté à être déplacé sélectivement.
  13. Système selon la revendication 12, dans lequel ledit organe de jonction adapté à un déplacement sélectif comprend une articulation (89), et ladite chambre de distribution de gaz (11) est adaptée à être déplacée en rotation entre lesdites positions de fonctionnement et de service autour d'un axe défini par ladite articulation.
  14. Système selon la revendication 12, dans lequel ledit organe de jonction (89) adapté à un déplacement sélectif comprend une coulisse, et ladite chambre de distribution de gaz (11) est adaptée à être déplacée en translation entre lesdites positions de fonctionnement et de service.
  15. Système selon la revendication 12, dans lequel au moins ladite deuxième partie (74) dudit support réglable est en outre réglable pour permettre une séparation pouvant être sélectionnée entre la surface du transporteur et la surface opposée de la chambre de distribution de gaz (11) lorsque ladite chambre de distribution de gaz est dans la position de fonctionnement.
  16. Système selon la revendication 12, dans lequel ladite chambre de distribution de gaz (11) comprend une pluralité de segments distributeurs individuels, au moins certains desdits segments distributeurs comprenant des supports réglables individuels de manière qu'un segment puisse être déplacé jusqu'à sa position de service respective tandis qu'au moins un autre segment demeure à sa position de fonctionnement respective.
  17. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le système comprend une station de remplissage (2) pour remplir les récipients (50) d'au moins une matière en vrac et une station de fermeture hermétique (6) pour fermer hermétiquement de manière permanente les récipients après leur remplissage, caractérisé par :
    une rampe de purge préalable (1) comprenant au moins une chambre de distribution de gaz orientée longitudinalement (11) sensiblement alignée avec la direction de déplacement de récipients ouverts (50) étant transportés le long dudit transporteur (59), ledit collecteur de distribution (13) permettant un écoulement contrôlé d'un gaz d'environnement de substitution sélectionné dans lesdits récipients ouverts, ledit écoulement étant sensiblement continu et uniforme dans ladite direction longitudinale ;
    une station de remplissage (2) comprenant un dispositif de traitement d'environnement contrôlé (5) pour extraire l'oxygène de ladite matière en vrac (9) avant de remplir lesdits récipients ouverts (50) de ladite matière ; et
    une rampe de purge d'espace libre de récipient (3) et un transporteur (59) pour transporter les récipients remplis (52) de ladite station de remplissage à ladite station de fermeture hermétique, ladite rampe de purge d'espace libre de récipient comprenant au moins une chambre de distribution de gaz orientée longitudinalement sensiblement alignée avec la direction de déplacement desdits récipients remplis, ledit collecteur de distribution permettant un écoulement contrôlé d'un milieu d'environnement de substitution sélectionné dans lesdits récipients ouverts, ledit écoulement étant sensiblement continu et uniforme dans ladite direction longitudinale.
  18. Système selon la revendication 17, dans lequel le dispositif de traitement d'environnement contrôlé (5) comprend un échangeur de gaz pour recevoir ladite matière en vrac (9) lorsqu'elle est transportée jusqu'à ladite station de remplissage (2) pour le remplissage, ledit échangeur de gaz comprenant une région d'injection de gaz comprenant des éléments d'injection de gaz (42, 43).
  19. Système selon la revendication 18, dans lequel le dispositif de traitement d'environnement contrôlé (5) comprend au moins une trémie tampon (40) comportant une pluralité d'éléments d'injection de gaz (42) dans une région inférieure pour injecter ledit milieu d'environnement de substitution dans une matière en vrac dans ladite trémie, et un échangeur de gaz sur demande pour recevoir une matière déchargée de ladite trémie lorsqu'elle est transportée jusqu'à ladite station de remplissage pour remplissage, ledit échangeur de gaz sur demande comprenant une région d'injection de gaz comprenant des éléments d'injection de gaz supplémentaires.
  20. Système selon la revendication 1, comprenant également une rampe d'injection de gaz (10) comprenant un premier ensemble (91) et un deuxième ensemble (92) ;
    ledit premier ensemble (91) adapté à un montage relativement audit transporteur (59), et à supporter avec possibilité de libération ledit deuxième ensemble ; et
    ledit deuxième ensemble (92) adapté à être supporté avec possibilité de libération par ledit premier ensemble, et comprenant ledit collecteur de distribution (13).
  21. Système selon la revendication 20, comprenant également des organes de verrouillage à débranchement rapide (75) coopérant avec, et raccordant avec possibilité de libération, lesdits premier et deuxième ensembles (91, 92).
  22. Système selon la revendication 20, dans lequel, à l'utilisation, la largeur dudit collecteur de distribution (13) est inférieure ou égale à environ la moitié de la largeur de l'ouverture du récipient.
  23. Système selon la revendication 20, dans lequel ladite chambre de distribution (11) comprend des parties en coopération desdits premier et deuxième ensembles (91, 92) lorsque ledit deuxième ensemble (92) est monté, de manière que l'intérieur de ladite chambre de distribution soit accessible lorsque ledit deuxième ensemble est démonté.
  24. Système selon la revendication 20, dans lequel ledit collecteur de distribution (13) est fixé avec possibilité d'enlèvement audit deuxième ensemble (92).
  25. Système selon la revendication 20, également caractérisé par au moins un plénum d'échappement s'étendant longitudinalement (37a, b) pour recevoir et évacuer des gaz d'échappement, ledit plénum d'échappement comprenant des orifices (39a, b) pour admettre les gaz d'échappement et une sortie (38) pour fixer le plénum d'échappement à un système d'échappement.
  26. Système selon la revendication 20, dans lequel ledit collecteur de distribution (13) comprend des ouvertures.
  27. Système selon la revendication 20, dans lequel ledit collecteur de distribution (13) comprend un treillis métallique.
  28. Système selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le système comprend une cuve (40 ; 60) pour traiter une matière particulaire au moyen d'un gaz d'environnement de substitution, caractérisé par :
    une pluralité d'éléments d'injection de gaz (80) comportant des surfaces de collecteur allongées pour faire passer ledit gaz d'environnement de substitution dans les régions entourant lesdits collecteurs ; et
    lesdits éléments d'injection de gaz répartis autour de la périphérie de ladite cuve avec lesdites surfaces de collecteur allongées passant à l'intérieur de ladite cuve de manière que l'extrémité de chaque surface de collecteur allongée soit proche d'au moins une autre surface de collecteur allongée d'élément d'injection de gaz.
  29. Système selon la revendication 28, également caractérisé par :
    un dispositif de traitement sur demande pour extraire ladite première atmosphère entraínée d'un flux de matière particulaire en temps réel, ledit dispositif de traitement sur demande comprenant une cuve ayant un volume intérieur restreint pour loger un flux de ladite matière particulaire en tant que partie d'un système de traitement.
  30. Système selon la revendication 29, également caractérisé par chaque surface de collecteur allongée de chaque élément d'injection de gaz (80) produisant une région d'injection de gaz au sein de laquelle ledit milieu d'environnement de substitution sélectionné déplace ladite première atmosphère entraínée d'une partie du flux de matière particulaire entrant ; et
    lesdits éléments d'injection de gaz agencés de manière que les régions d'injection de gaz associées à des collecteurs voisins se chevauchent, ce qui aboutit à une zone de déplacement d'environnement continue effective s'étendant sur toute la largeur dudit intérieur de la cuve perpendiculairement à la direction d'écoulement de ladite matière particulaire.
  31. Système selon la revendication 28, également caractérisé par :
    chaque surface de collecteur allongée de chaque élément d'injection de gaz (80) produisant une région d'injection de gaz au sein de laquelle ledit gaz inerte déplace l'oxygène entraíné de la matière particulaire entrant ; et
    lesdits éléments d'injection de gaz agencés de manière que les régions d'injection de gaz associées à des collecteurs voisins se chevauchent, ce qui aboutit à une zone de déplacement continue effective s'étendant sur toute la largeur dudit intérieur de la cuve perpendiculairement à la direction de déplacement de ladite matière particulaire.
  32. Système selon la revendication 28, également caractérisé par deux ou plus de deux niveaux sensiblement coplanaires d'éléments d'injection de gaz (80), chacun comprenant une pluralité d'éléments d'injection de gaz.
  33. Système selon la revendication 28, dans lequel lesdits collecteurs allongés sont sensiblement radiaux relativement à un axe de ladite cuve.
  34. Système selon la revendication 33, dans lequel lesdits collecteurs allongés sont angulaires dans la direction d'écoulement de ladite matière particulaire à travers ladite cuve.
  35. Système selon la revendication 28, dans lequel ladite cuve est une trémie (40) ayant un volume intérieur suffisant adapté à stocker des quantités en vrac de ladite matière particulaire et à exposer ladite matière particulaire audit gaz inerte pendant des durées prolongées pour le déplacement d'oxygène.
  36. Système selon la revendication 28, dans lequel ladite cuve est un dispositif de traitement sur demande ayant un volume intérieur restreint adapté à acheminer une matière particulaire s'écoulant à grande proximité desdits collecteurs avec un temps de séjour minimum au sein de ladite cuve, tout en déplaçant sensiblement tout l'oxygène de ladite matière tandis qu'elle s'écoule à travers ladite cuve.
  37. Système selon la revendication 35 comprenant également un évent pour l'échappement d'au moins une partie desdits gaz déplacés.
  38. Système selon la revendication 36 comprenant également un évent pour l'échappement d'au moins une partie desdits gaz déplacés.
  39. Système selon la revendication 1 comprenant un système de purge préalable (1) pour obtenir un flux contrôlé d'un milieu d'environnement de substitution sélectionné dans une séquence de récipients ouverts (50) de manière à déplacer l'atmosphère renfermant de l'oxygène au sein desdits récipients avec ledit milieu d'environnement de substitution, une station de remplissage (2) pour recevoir lesdits récipients ouverts dudit système de purge préalable et remplir lesdits récipients de parties d'au moins une matière en vrac (9), et une station de fermeture hermétique (6) pour fermer hermétiquement de manière permanente les récipients remplis (52), caractérisé par :
    ladite station de remplissage comprenant un dispositif de traitement d'environnement contrôlé sur demande (5) pour extraire l'oxygène de ladite matière en vrac en temps réel tandis que la matière s'écoule jusqu'à une station de remplissage pour remplir lesdits récipients ouverts (50), et
    une rampe de purge d'espace libre de récipient (3) et un transporteur (59) pour transporter les récipients remplis (52) de ladite station de remplissage à ladite station de fermeture hermétique, ladite rampe de purge d'espace libre de récipient comprenant au moins une chambre de distribution de gaz (11).
  40. Système selon la revendication 28, dans lequel chaque élément d'injection de gaz (80) comprend :
    un collier de montage destiné à coopérer avec une ouverture ;
    un orifice d'entrée de gaz supporté par, et sur, un premier côté dudit collier de montage ;
    un collecteur de gaz allongé sur un deuxième côté dudit collier de montage, ledit collecteur de gaz comprenant un châssis de montage s'étendant loin dudit collier de montage, et un organe perméable aux gaz supporté par ledit châssis et définissant en partie un plénum de distribution fonctionnellement couplé à ladite entrée de gaz ;
    ledit organe perméable aux gaz comprenant au moins une partie supérieure qui est généralement conique dans une direction transversale à l'axe allongé dudit collecteur de gaz ; et
    ledit collecteur de gaz allongé ayant une section transversale qui permet au collecteur de passer à travers ladite ouverture.
  41. Système selon la revendication 40, dans lequel ledit organe perméable aux gaz comprend un treillis métallique fin, et dans lequel l'écoulement de gaz depuis ledit collecteur est sensiblement laminaire.
  42. Système selon la revendication 40, dans lequel ledit organe perméable aux gaz peut être enlevé dudit châssis de support pour permettre d'accéder à l'intérieur dudit plénum de distribution.
  43. Système selon la revendication 40, dans lequel ledit organe perméable aux gaz comprend également une partie inférieure offrant une superficie perméable aux gaz supplémentaire comportant des côtés généralement parallèles.
  44. Système selon la revendication 1, comprenant également un appareil principal comportant une station de remplissage (2) et un dispositif de traitement d'environnement (5) pour emballer une quantité prédéterminée de la matière dans chaque récipient (50) de manière que l'intérieur du récipient et la matière emballée aient un environnement d'oxygène réduit, une station de fermeture hermétique (6) pour fermer hermétiquement de manière permanente les récipients remplis, et un système de transport d'environnement contrôlé principal pour transporter les récipients remplis (52) jusqu'à la station de fermeture hermétique, caractérisé par :
    une station de traitement d'environnement indépendante pour traiter séparément un moins grand nombre de récipients de manière à extraire sensiblement la totalité de l'oxygène de l'intérieur desdits récipients ; et
    un système de transport supplémentaire pour transporter les récipients traités depuis ladite station de traitement d'environnement indépendante, ledit système de transport supplémentaire fusionnant avec ledit système de transport d'environnement contrôlé principal.
  45. Système selon la revendication 44, dans lequel ledit système de transport d'environnement contrôlé principal comprend un transporteur (59) et une rampe de purge d'espace libre de récipient principal (3) comprenant au moins une chambre de distribution de gaz (11) sensiblement alignée avec la direction de déplacement des récipients remplis (52), ledit collecteur (13) permettant un écoulement contrôlé d'un milieu d'environnement de substitution sélectionné dans lesdits récipients ; et
    ledit système de transport supplémentaire comprenant une rampe de purge d'espace libre de récipient supplémentaire (14) comportant une partie qui est proche de ladite rampe de purge d'espace libre de récipient principal.
  46. Système selon la revendication 44 comprenant également un appareil pour détecter des récipients insuffisamment remplis comportant moins que ladite quantité prédéterminée de matière en vrac ;
    un appareil (110) pour enlever lesdits récipients insuffisamment remplis dudit transporteur (59) et les acheminer jusqu'à ladite station de traitement d'environnement indépendante, et pour compléter lesdits récipients insuffisamment remplis ; et
    de manière que lesdits récipients insuffisamment remplis puissent être remplis jusqu'à ladite quantité prédéterminée, traités par ladite station de traitement d'environnement indépendante pour extraire sensiblement tout l'oxygène de l'intérieur du récipient complété, et transportés au moins en partie par ledit système de transport supplémentaire jusqu'à ladite station de fermeture hermétique (6).
  47. Procédé pour débarrasser de leur oxygène par balayage des récipients ouverts (50, 52) se déplaçant le long d'un transporteur (59) dans le sens d'acheminement comprenant les opérations consistant à :
    prévoir une chambre de distribution de gaz (11) s'étendant longitudinalement le long du transporteur, la chambre de distribution de gaz comprenant une entrée (12) qui reçoit un gaz d'environnement de substitution d'une source et un collecteur de distribution (13), le collecteur de distribution comprenant au moins une région de résistance à l'écoulement ;
    faire passer les récipients le long du collecteur de distribution pendant une certaine durée ;
    faire s'écouler un gaz d'environnement de substitution à travers la région de résistance à l'écoulement et le faire pénétrer dans le récipient ;
    distribuer un flux de gaz d'environnement de substitution à travers le collecteur de distribution orienté longitudinalement qui a une largeur inférieure à la largeur de l'ouverture du récipient, le flux entrant de gaz d'environnement de substitution pénétrant dans le récipient ; caractérisé par :
    la région de résistance à l'écoulement ayant une résistance à l'écoulement différentielle en travers de sa largeur pour obtenir un débit différentiel du gaz d'environnement de substitution dans le récipient (50, 52), le flux de gaz d'environnement de substitution créant une configuration de gaz d'entrée et de sortie qui existe sensiblement en continu et sensiblement en régime constant pendant toute la durée pendant laquelle le récipient est balayé.
  48. Procédé selon la revendication 47, dans lequel la largeur du collecteur de distribution (13) est inférieure ou égale à environ la moitié de la largeur de l'ouverture du récipient.
  49. Procédé selon la revendication 47, dans lequel la largeur du collecteur de distribution (13) est inférieure ou égale à environ un quart de la largeur de l'ouverture du récipient.
  50. Procédé selon la revendication 47, dans lequel distribuer un écoulement de gaz consiste à distribuer un flux à plus grande vitesse de gaz d'environnement de substitution via le collecteur de distribution de gaz (13) et dans les récipients (50, 52) par leur partie supérieure ouverte à travers une région de moins grande résistance à l'écoulement orientée parallèlement à la direction de déplacement, tandis que les récipients se situent le long du collecteur de distribution, et distribuer un flux à moins grande vitesse de gaz d'environnement de substitution via le collecteur de distribution de gaz et le long des récipients, à travers une région de plus grande résistance à l'écoulement orientée parallèlement à la direction de déplacement, tandis que les récipients se situent le long du collecteur de distribution.
  51. Procédé selon la revendication 47, comprenant la réception de gaz quittant les récipients (50, 52) via des orifices (39a, b) dans une chambre de gaz de retour (37a, b) positionnée le long du collecteur de distribution (13).
  52. Procédé selon la revendication 47, dans lequel le collecteur de distribution (13) est recouvert d'un écran produisant un écoulement sensiblement laminaire.
  53. Procédé selon la revendication 47, comprenant les opérations consistant à prévoir un plénum d'échappement s'étendant longitudinalement (37a, b) près du collecteur de distribution de gaz (13), comprenant des orifices (39a, b) pour admettre des gaz dans le plénum d'échappement et une sortie (38) pour fixer le plénum d'échappement à un système d'échappement, et
    recevoir et évacuer par ledit plénum d'échappement au moins une partie des gaz échappés de l'intérieur des récipients.
  54. Procédé selon la revendication 53, comprenant les opérations consistant à produire un écoulement à vitesse différentielle de gaz inerte au moyen dudit collecteur de distribution (13) ayant une résistance à l'écoulement différentielle en travers de sa largeur pour obtenir au moins deux débits différents de milieu d'environnement de substitution dans les récipients (50, 52).
  55. Procédé selon la revendication 47, comprenant les opérations consistant à prévoir un dispositif de traitement recevant une matière particulaire (9) comprenant les opérations consistant à :
    amener ladite matière particulaire à s'écouler à travers un dispositif de traitement (5) comportant une région de traitement ;
    prévoir une pluralité d'éléments d'injection de gaz (42, 43) comportant des surfaces de collecteur allongées pour faire passer ledit gaz d'environnement de substitution dans des régions dudit écoulement de matière particulaire adjacentes auxdits collecteurs, lesdites surfaces de collecteur allongées passant dans ladite région de traitement dudit dispositif de traitement de manière que l'extrémité de chaque collecteur soit proche d'au moins un autre collecteur d'élément d'injection de gaz ;
    chaque surface de collecteur allongée de chaque élément d'injection de gaz produisant une région d'injection de gaz au sein de laquelle ledit gaz d'environnement de substitution déplace ladite première atmosphère entraínée d'une partie dudit écoulement de matière particulaire, et
    lesdits éléments d'injection de gaz agencés de manière que les régions d'injection de gaz associées à des collecteurs voisins se chevauchent, ce qui aboutit à une zone de déplacement d'environnement continue effective s'étendant à travers toute la largeur de ladite région de traitement perpendiculairement à la direction d'écoulement de ladite matière particulaire.
EP95921287A 1994-05-17 1995-05-17 Systeme et procede de remplissage et scellement de recipients en atmosphere controlee Expired - Lifetime EP0758977B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (5)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
US245249 1981-03-19
US24524994A 1994-05-17 1994-05-17
US39434595A 1995-02-21 1995-02-21
US394345 1995-02-21
PCT/US1995/006248 WO1995031375A1 (fr) 1994-05-17 1995-05-17 Systeme et procede de remplissage et scellement de recipients en atmosphere controlee

Publications (3)

Publication Number Publication Date
EP0758977A1 EP0758977A1 (fr) 1997-02-26
EP0758977A4 EP0758977A4 (fr) 1997-11-05
EP0758977B1 true EP0758977B1 (fr) 2000-08-16

Family

ID=26937093

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Application Number Title Priority Date Filing Date
EP95921287A Expired - Lifetime EP0758977B1 (fr) 1994-05-17 1995-05-17 Systeme et procede de remplissage et scellement de recipients en atmosphere controlee

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EP (1) EP0758977B1 (fr)
AT (1) ATE195477T1 (fr)
AU (1) AU696115B2 (fr)
CA (1) CA2190461C (fr)
DE (1) DE69518412T2 (fr)
NZ (1) NZ287630A (fr)
WO (1) WO1995031375A1 (fr)

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US6032438A (en) * 1993-09-16 2000-03-07 Sanfilippo; James J. Apparatus and method for replacing environment within containers with a controlled environment
US5816024A (en) * 1996-05-07 1998-10-06 Jescorp, Inc. Apparatus and method for exposing product to a controlled environment
US5617705A (en) * 1993-09-16 1997-04-08 Sanfilippo; James J. System and method for sealing containers
WO2003026969A1 (fr) * 2001-09-25 2003-04-03 Xero Limited Emballage de materiaux particulaires
DE10311334A1 (de) * 2002-12-20 2004-07-08 Cfs Germany Gmbh Verpackungsmaschinenstraße mit Vorrichtung zur Beaufschlagung der Verpackungen mit einem gasförmigen oder flüchtigen Stoff
US7198206B2 (en) 2004-08-02 2007-04-03 Clear Lam, Inc. Compact gassing lance
SE529965C2 (sv) * 2005-11-24 2008-01-15 Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance Metod och anordning vid fyllning av förpackningar
DE102009025300A1 (de) 2009-06-15 2010-12-30 Elopak Systems Ag Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Abfüllen oder Abpacken von Inhaltsstoffen in Behälter
ES2909303T3 (es) 2017-12-08 2022-05-06 Plf International Ltd Extracción y sellado de contenedores al vacío
FR3093327B1 (fr) 2019-02-28 2021-02-26 Bonduelle Sa Ets Boîte de conserve
FR3093328B1 (fr) 2019-02-28 2021-02-19 Bonduelle Sa Ets Procédé de conditionnement de produits
CN110712778B (zh) * 2019-12-11 2020-05-05 湖南早晨纳米机器人有限公司 一种药物真空封装装置及方法
EP4097013A1 (fr) * 2020-01-27 2022-12-07 Sanfilippo Tech, LLC. Système de conditionnement aseptique et son procédé d'utilisation

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IT987875B (it) * 1972-06-09 1975-03-20 Hesser Ag Maschf Apparato per produrre mezzi di imballaggio poveri di ossigeno
GB2086834B (en) * 1980-11-11 1984-07-18 Abbott Lab Packaging particulate material in an inert atmosphere
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Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
EP0758977A4 (fr) 1997-11-05
CA2190461A1 (fr) 1995-11-23
AU696115B2 (en) 1998-09-03
AU2640395A (en) 1995-12-05
EP0758977A1 (fr) 1997-02-26
NZ287630A (en) 1998-08-26
DE69518412D1 (de) 2000-09-21
CA2190461C (fr) 2001-02-06
WO1995031375A1 (fr) 1995-11-23
DE69518412T2 (de) 2000-12-14
ATE195477T1 (de) 2000-09-15

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