EP1123251A1 - Method for controlling the filling of containers with a flowable product and filling installation implementing said method - Google Patents

Method for controlling the filling of containers with a flowable product and filling installation implementing said method

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Publication number
EP1123251A1
EP1123251A1 EP99947563A EP99947563A EP1123251A1 EP 1123251 A1 EP1123251 A1 EP 1123251A1 EP 99947563 A EP99947563 A EP 99947563A EP 99947563 A EP99947563 A EP 99947563A EP 1123251 A1 EP1123251 A1 EP 1123251A1
Authority
EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
filling
containers
flow rate
product
flow
Prior art date
Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
Granted
Application number
EP99947563A
Other languages
German (de)
French (fr)
Other versions
EP1123251B1 (en
Inventor
Bernard Marchau
Current Assignee (The listed assignees may be inaccurate. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation or warranty as to the accuracy of the list.)
Remy Equipment
Original Assignee
Remy Equipment
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Remy Equipment filed Critical Remy Equipment
Publication of EP1123251A1 publication Critical patent/EP1123251A1/en
Application granted granted Critical
Publication of EP1123251B1 publication Critical patent/EP1123251B1/en
Anticipated expiration legal-status Critical
Expired - Lifetime legal-status Critical Current

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/22—Details
    • B67C3/28—Flow-control devices, e.g. using valves
    • B67C3/287—Flow-control devices, e.g. using valves related to flow control using predetermined or real-time calculated parameters
    • 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
    • B65B3/00—Packaging plastic material, semiliquids, liquids or mixed solids and liquids, in individual containers or receptacles, e.g. bags, sacks, boxes, cartons, cans, or jars
    • B65B3/26—Methods or devices for controlling the quantity of the material fed or filled
    • B65B3/30—Methods or devices for controlling the quantity of the material fed or filled by volumetric measurement
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/007—Applications of control, warning or safety devices in filling machinery
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/023—Filling multiple liquids in a container
    • B67C3/026—Filling the liquids simultaneously
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/20—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus with provision for metering the liquids to be introduced, e.g. when adding syrups

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of filling containers with a product flowing in a filling installation comprising a product reservoir and a filling unit allowing the simultaneous filling of several containers.
  • the problem which is at the basis of the technique of filling containers is to deliver, in each container, a predetermined quantity (by volume, by weight, ...) of flowable product, in the shortest time (in other words with the highest filling speed, or with the highest flow rate), regardless of the effective volume of the container and / or its geometric and dimensional characteristics and / or the rheological characteristics of the packaged product.
  • a first difficulty is due to the need to quickly ensure fine adjustment of the flow rate supplied by each filling nozzle: manual intervention is certainly possible in a filling installation under normal conditions, but must be avoided in particular installations (installations filling in a sterile environment in which any manual intervention requires stopping the installation, then implementing a complete decontamination cycle before restarting it).
  • an incident may occur in the supply of one or more containers (container absent or improperly positioned under the spout).
  • the corresponding nozzle delivers the product which is then lost (wastage of product), or the nozzle is inhibited and the flow rate of the other nozzles is modified.
  • the invention provides a method for controlling the filling of containers with a flowable product in a filling installation comprising a product reservoir and a filling unit allowing the simultaneous filling of several containers, which process, being arranged in accordance with the invention, is characterized in that:
  • the invention provides an installation for filling containers with a flowable product comprising a product reservoir and a filling unit equipped with a multiplicity of filling spouts allowing the simultaneous filling of several containers, which installation being arranged in accordance with the invention, is characterized in that it comprises: - a proportional valve, inserted in the supply duct between the filling unit and the product tank, means for measuring the total actual flow rate of the product actually circulating in the filling unit,
  • calculation means for determining the overall theoretical flow rate n.q of the product to be supplied to the filling unit
  • comparator means receiving and comparing the information of total actual flow measured by the measurement means and theoretical flow calculated by the calculation means, said comparator means having a control output connected to a control of the flow control valve product supplied to the filling unit.
  • any proportional valve will be called proportional valve.
  • the means for measuring the total real flow rate of the product comprise a flow meter for measuring relatively high flow rates which is arranged in series with the main proportional valve and, for measuring relatively low flow rates, a circuit in bypass on the main proportional valve which includes ur. flow meter for measuring low flow rates and a secondary proportional valve, control means selectively activating the main valve and the secondary valve according to the flow to be measured.
  • the means for measuring the actual flow rate of the product comprise a multiplicity of individual flowmeters associated respectively with the filling spouts and summing means determining the sum ⁇ qi of the individual flow rates qi detected.
  • the means specific to the invention find a preferred application in an installation in which the filling unit is arranged in the form of a rotating carousel with the filling spouts distributed peripherally, the filling of the containers taking place over a predetermined angular sector of the circular path followed by the spouts, and more particularly still it finds application in such an installation arranged for filling the containers in a sterile environment.
  • FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a first embodiment of an installation according to one invention
  • Figure 2 is a diagram of an alternative embodiment of part of the installation of Figure 1
  • - Figure 3 is a diagram of one arrangement of another embodiment of an installation according to one invention.
  • the flowable product (generally a liquid) is supplied to a reservoir 1 in which a device known per se (not shown) ensures the maintenance of the product at a constant level.
  • a sampling conduit 2 brings the flowing product to a filling unit 3 which in practice is an in-line filling unit of the rotating carousel type or of a "similar type.
  • the filling unit 3 is equipped with a multiplicity of filling spouts 4 to which are associated support means (by the neck and / or by the bottom) of containers 5.
  • the general arrangement of such an installation does not is not within the scope of the present invention: it can be of any type, suitable for the function and performance sought.
  • a valve 6 with proportional closure under the action of a member 7 of proportional control there is in the pipe 2 a valve 6 with proportional closure under the action of a member 7 of proportional control.
  • This command can be of any type (pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, etc.), but it is here preferably of the electrical type because of the means used in the context of the invention and which is discussed below.
  • the principle used to control the operation of the filling unit 3 using the proportional valve 6 consists of measuring and comparing, on the one hand, the actual instantaneous flow rate of the product delivered to the filling unit 3 and, on the other hand, the instantaneous theoretical flow rate to be supplied to the filling unit 3 and to determine, from this comparison, a control signal from the valve which regulates the actual instantaneous total flow rate delivered to the filling unit 3 to make it coincide with the instantaneous theoretical flow rate.
  • a flow meter 8 which supplies an electrical signal S r representative of the instantaneous total actual flow rate of the product flowing in the duct 2 and delivered to the filling unit 3.
  • a device 10 makes it possible to display the value of the theoretical flow rate g to be delivered to each container.
  • a multiplier device 11 receiving the electrical signals representative of the quantities n and g, develops the product nxq which constitutes the signal S th representative of the instantaneous theoretical flow rate to be supplied to the filling unit 3.
  • the two signals S r and S th are then compared in a comparator device 12 which delivers on its output a control signal S_ - S thr intended for the control member 7 to actuate the valve under conditions suitable for the instantaneous total actual flow to coincide with the instantaneous theoretical flow.
  • the electronic means which are currently currently commercially available have the capacity for processing information and the speed required to perform the abovementioned functions so as to obtain the desired regulation in real time. Since the flowmeters may have operating ranges that do not allow them to cover both large flow measurements and small flow measurements, it is possible to envisage, in order to extend the operating range of the installation of FIG. 1, use the following assembly illustrated in figure 2.
  • the flow meter 8 suitable for measuring large flows. Bypass on the proportional valve 6 are connected in series a flow meter 14 suitable for measuring small flows and a secondary proportional valve 15.
  • a processor 13, associated with the comparator 12, ensures the selective opening and closing of the valves 6 and 15 as a function of the importance of the detected flow rate and selects the suitable signal from the two signals S rl supplied by the flow meter 14 and S r2 supplied by the flow meter S r2 , so as to be able to ensure the desired regulation of the valve in service 6 or 15.
  • each filling spout 4 is equipped with an individual flow meter 17.

Abstract

A method and an installation for controlling the filling of containers (5) with a flowable product in a filling installation has a product reservoir (1) and a filling unit (3) for simultaneously filling several containers (5). The method consists in: measuring the total real flow rate of product delivered by the filing unit (3) to the whole set of containers (5); detecting the number n of containers (5) being filled in the filling unit (3); displaying a theoretical flow rate q of the individual filling of the containers (5); comparing the total real flow rate measured and the theoretical flow rate n.q; and, correcting, if necessary, the total real flow rate to make it coincide with the theoretical flow rate. The operation of the installation is thereby adapted to the exact number of containers being actually filled simultaneously, with no significant variations of real individual filling flow rates.

Description

Procédé de contrôle du remplissage de récipients avec un produit coulant et installation de remplissage mettant en oeuyre ce procédé. Method for controlling the filling of containers with a flowable product and filling installation using this method.
La présente invention se rapporte au domaine du remplissage de récipients avec un produit coulant dans une installation de remplissage comportant un réservoir de produit et une unité de remplissage permettant le remplissage simultané de plusieurs récipients.The present invention relates to the field of filling containers with a product flowing in a filling installation comprising a product reservoir and a filling unit allowing the simultaneous filling of several containers.
Le problème qui est à la base de la technique du remplissage de récipients est de délivrer, dans chaque récipient, une quantité prédéterminée (en volume, en poids, ... ) de produit coulant, dans le temps le plus bref ( autrement dit avec la vitesse de remplissage la plus élevée, ou encore avec le débit le plus élevé), et cela quel que soit le volume effectif du récipient et/ou ses caractéristiques géométriques et dimensionnelles et/ou les caractéristiques rhéologiques du produit conditionné.The problem which is at the basis of the technique of filling containers is to deliver, in each container, a predetermined quantity (by volume, by weight, ...) of flowable product, in the shortest time (in other words with the highest filling speed, or with the highest flow rate), regardless of the effective volume of the container and / or its geometric and dimensional characteristics and / or the rheological characteristics of the packaged product.
Ces nécessités entraînent plusieurs difficultés, en particulier dans les installations de remplissage en continu de récipients en mouvement les uns à la suite des autres (installations de remplissage en ligne).These necessities give rise to several difficulties, in particular in installations for continuously filling moving containers one after the other (in-line filling installations).
Une première difficulté tient à la nécessité d'assurer de façon rapide un réglage fin du débit fourni par chaque bec de remplissage : une intervention manuelle est certes possible dans une installation de remplisage sous conditions normale, mais doit être écartée dans des installations particulières (installations de remplissage en milieu stérile dans lesquelles toute intervention manuelle nécessite l'arrêt de l'installation, puis la mise en oeuvre d'un cycle complet de décontamination avant sa remise en route) .A first difficulty is due to the need to quickly ensure fine adjustment of the flow rate supplied by each filling nozzle: manual intervention is certainly possible in a filling installation under normal conditions, but must be avoided in particular installations (installations filling in a sterile environment in which any manual intervention requires stopping the installation, then implementing a complete decontamination cycle before restarting it).
Une autre difficulté tient à l'importance des pertes de charge qui varient en fonction du nombre des becs de remplissage effectivement en fonctionnement ( les becs étant en principe alimentés par gravité à partir d'un réservoir à niveau constant ) . Ces pertes de charge varient en particu- lier lors de la phase de démarrage et de la phase d'arrêt de l'installation au fur et à mesure que des becs de remplissage entrent en service, respectivement sont mis hors service, ce qui entraîne des variations concommitantes des débits dans les becs qui sont en service.Another difficulty stems from the importance of the pressure drops which vary according to the number of filling spouts actually in operation (the spouts being in principle fed by gravity from a constant level tank). These pressure drops vary in particular bind during the start-up phase and the shutdown phase of the installation as the filling spouts enter into service, respectively are taken out of service, which causes concomitant variations in the flows in the spouts which are in service.
En outre, en cours de fonctionnement en continu de l'installation, il peut survenir un incident dans l'alimentation d'un ou plusieurs récipients (récipient absent ou mal positionné sous le bec). Selon l'aménagement technologique de l'installation, soit le bec correspondant délivre le produit qui est alors perdu (gaspillage en produit), soit le bec est inhibé et le débit des autres becs s'en trouve modifié.In addition, during continuous operation of the installation, an incident may occur in the supply of one or more containers (container absent or improperly positioned under the spout). Depending on the technological layout of the installation, either the corresponding nozzle delivers the product which is then lost (wastage of product), or the nozzle is inhibited and the flow rate of the other nozzles is modified.
Il existe donc actuellement une demande pour un contrôle positif instantané, à distance (c'est-à-dire sans intervention manuelle au sein de l'installation), du débit effectif individuel de tous les becs de remplissage de l'installation, ce contrôle devant pouvoir être effectué d'une façon simple, aussi peu onéreuse que possible, et ne nécessitant pas un entretien excessif.There is therefore currently a demand for an instantaneous positive control, remotely (that is to say without manual intervention within the installation), of the individual effective flow rate of all the filling spouts of the installation, this control should be able to be carried out in a simple manner, as inexpensive as possible, and not requiring excessive maintenance.
A ces fins, selon un premier de ses aspects, 1 ' invention propose un procédé pour contrôler le remplissage de récipients avec un produit coulant dans une installation de remplissage comportant un réservoir de produit et une unité de remplissage permettant le remplissage simultané de plusieurs récipients, lequel procédé, étant agencé conformément à l'invention, se caractérise en ce que :For these purposes, according to a first of its aspects, the invention provides a method for controlling the filling of containers with a flowable product in a filling installation comprising a product reservoir and a filling unit allowing the simultaneous filling of several containers, which process, being arranged in accordance with the invention, is characterized in that:
- on mesure le débit réel total de produit délivré par l'unité de remplissage à l'ensemble des récipients, - on détecte le nombre n de récipients en cours de remplissage dans l'unité de remplissage,- the total actual product flow rate delivered by the filling unit to all of the containers is measured, - the number n of containers being filled in the filling unit is detected,
- on affiche un débit théorique g de remplissage individuel des récipients,- a theoretical flow rate g of individual filling of the containers is displayed,
- on compare le débit réel total mesuré et le débit théori- que n.q, et- the total actual measured flow is compared with the theoretical flow n.q, and
- on effectue, s'il y a lieu, une correction du débit réel total pour l'amener en coïncidence avec le débit théorique, ce grâce à quoi il est possible d'adapter le fonctionnement de l'installation de remplissage au nombre exact de réci- pients effectivement remplis simultanément, sans variations sensibles des débits individuels réels de remplissage.- a correction of the actual flow rate, if necessary total to bring it into coincidence with the theoretical flow rate, which makes it possible to adapt the operation of the filling installation to the exact number of containers actually filled simultaneously, without significant variations in the actual individual filling flow rates .
La mise en oeuvre du procédé de l'invention permet de satisfaire aux buts recherchés dans la mesure où la gestion des débits est entièrement automatique et n'exige aucune intervention manuelle au sein de 1 ' installation : ce procédé peut donc trouver application d'une façon particulièrement intéressante dans les installations de remplissage en milieu stérile.The implementation of the method of the invention makes it possible to meet the aims sought insofar as the management of the flow rates is entirely automatic and does not require any manual intervention within the installation: this method can therefore find application of a particularly interesting in filling installations in sterile environment.
En outre, la régulation peut s'effectuer de façon très rapide et la mise en oeuvre, à cette fin, de moyens électroniques fonctionnant en temps réel ne pose aujourd'hui aucun problème particulier pour l'homme de métier. Il en résulte que l'exploitation du procédé de l'invention au sein d'une installation de remplissage en ligne, même fonction- nant à une cadence élevée, est parfaitement envisageable pour gérer le remplissage individuel des récipients avec un débit optimum aussi bien pendant les phases transitionnelles (démarrage, arrêt) de l'installation qu'en cours de fonctionnement continu pour tenir compte notamment des défauts d'alimentation en récipients (récipient absent ou mal positionné sous le bec).In addition, the regulation can be carried out very quickly and the implementation, for this purpose, of electronic means operating in real time poses no particular problem today for those skilled in the art. As a result, the exploitation of the method of the invention within an in-line filling installation, even operating at a high rate, is perfectly conceivable for managing the individual filling of the containers with an optimum flow rate both during the transitional phases (start-up, shutdown) of the installation only during continuous operation to take account in particular of supply faults in containers (container absent or improperly positioned under the spout).
Selon un second de ses aspects, l'invention propose une installation de remplissage de récipients avec un produit coulant comportant un réservoir de produit et une unité de remplissage équipée d'une multiplicité de becs de remplissage permettant le remplissage simultané de plusieurs récipients, laquelle installation étant agencée conformément à l'invention, se caractérise en ce qu'elle comprend : - une vanne réglable de façon proportionnelle, insérée dans le conduit d'alimentation entre l'unité de remplissage et le réservoir de produit, - des moyens de mesure du débit réel total du produit circulant effectivement dans l'unité de remplissage,According to a second of its aspects, the invention provides an installation for filling containers with a flowable product comprising a product reservoir and a filling unit equipped with a multiplicity of filling spouts allowing the simultaneous filling of several containers, which installation being arranged in accordance with the invention, is characterized in that it comprises: - a proportional valve, inserted in the supply duct between the filling unit and the product tank, means for measuring the total actual flow rate of the product actually circulating in the filling unit,
- des moyens capteurs propres à déterminer le nombre n de récipients en cours de remplissage dans l'unité de remplissage,- specific sensor means for determining the number n of containers being filled in the filling unit,
- des moyens d'affichage du débit théorique g de remplissage individuel des récipients,means for displaying the theoretical flow rate g for individual filling of the containers,
- des moyens de calcul pour déterminer le débit théorique global n.q du produit à fournir à l'unité de remplissage, etcalculation means for determining the overall theoretical flow rate n.q of the product to be supplied to the filling unit, and
- des moyens comparateurs recevant et comparant les informations de débit réel total mesuré par les moyens de mesure et de débit théorique calculé par les moyens de calcul, lesdits moyens comparateurs ayant une sortie de commande raccordée à une commande de la vanne de réglage du débit de produit fourni à l'unité de remplissage.- comparator means receiving and comparing the information of total actual flow measured by the measurement means and theoretical flow calculated by the calculation means, said comparator means having a control output connected to a control of the flow control valve product supplied to the filling unit.
Dans la suite de la description, toute vanne réglable de façon proportionnelle sera appelée vanne proportionnelle. Dans un mode de réalisation possible, les moyens de mesure du débit réel total du produit comprennent un débitmètre pour la mesure des débits relativement élevés qui est disposé en série avec la vanne proportionnelle principale et, pour la mesure de débits relativement faibles, un circuit en dérivation sur la vanne proportionnelle principale qui comprend ur. débitmètre pour la mesure de faibles débits et une vanne proportionnelle secondaire, des moyens de commande mettant en service sélectivement la vanne principale et la vanne secondaire selon le débit à mesurer. Dans encore un autre mode de réalisation possible, les moyens de mesure du débit réel du produit comprennent une multiplicité de débitmètres individuels associés respectivement aux becs de remplissage et des moyens sommateurs déterminant la somme ∑qi des débits individuels qi détectés.In the following description, any proportional valve will be called proportional valve. In one possible embodiment, the means for measuring the total real flow rate of the product comprise a flow meter for measuring relatively high flow rates which is arranged in series with the main proportional valve and, for measuring relatively low flow rates, a circuit in bypass on the main proportional valve which includes ur. flow meter for measuring low flow rates and a secondary proportional valve, control means selectively activating the main valve and the secondary valve according to the flow to be measured. In yet another possible embodiment, the means for measuring the actual flow rate of the product comprise a multiplicity of individual flowmeters associated respectively with the filling spouts and summing means determining the sum ∑qi of the individual flow rates qi detected.
Les moyens propres à 1 ' invention trouvent une application préférée dans une installation dans laquelle l'unité de remplissage est agencée sous forme d'un carrousel tournant avec les becs de remplissage répartis périphérique- ment, le remplissage des récipients s 'effectuant sur un secteur angulaire prédéterminé de la trajectoire circulaire suivie par les becs, et plus particulièrement encore elle trouve application dans une telle installation agencée pour un remplissage des récipients en milieu stérile.The means specific to the invention find a preferred application in an installation in which the filling unit is arranged in the form of a rotating carousel with the filling spouts distributed peripherally, the filling of the containers taking place over a predetermined angular sector of the circular path followed by the spouts, and more particularly still it finds application in such an installation arranged for filling the containers in a sterile environment.
L'invention sera mieux comprise à la lecture de la description détaillée qui suit de certains modes de réalisation donnés uniquement à titre d'exemples non limitatifs. Dans cette description, on se réfère au dessin annexé sur lequel :The invention will be better understood on reading the following detailed description of certain embodiments given solely by way of nonlimiting examples. In this description, reference is made to the appended drawing in which:
- la figure 1 est un schéma illustrant l'agencement d'un premier mode de réalisation d'une installation conforme à 1 ' invention ; la figure 2 est un schéma d ' une variante de réalisation d'une partie de l'installation de la figure 1 ; et - la figure 3 est un schéma de 1 ' agencement d ' un autre mode de réalisation d'une installation conforme à 1 ' invention.- Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating the arrangement of a first embodiment of an installation according to one invention; Figure 2 is a diagram of an alternative embodiment of part of the installation of Figure 1; and - Figure 3 is a diagram of one arrangement of another embodiment of an installation according to one invention.
En se référant tout d'abord à la figure 1, le produit coulant (en général un liquide) est amené à un réservoir 1 dans lequel un dispositif connu en soi (non montré) assure le maintien du produit à un niveau constant.Referring first to Figure 1, the flowable product (generally a liquid) is supplied to a reservoir 1 in which a device known per se (not shown) ensures the maintenance of the product at a constant level.
Un conduit de prélèvement 2 amène le produit coulant à une unité de remplissage 3 qui en pratique est une unité de remplissage en ligne du type caroussel tournant ou d'un "type analogue.A sampling conduit 2 brings the flowing product to a filling unit 3 which in practice is an in-line filling unit of the rotating carousel type or of a "similar type.
L'unité de remplissage 3 est équipée d'une multiplicité de becs de remplissage 4 auxquels sont associés des moyens de support (par le col et/ou par le fond) de récipients 5. L'agencement général d'une telle installation n'entre pas dans le cadre de la présente invention : il peut être quelconque, de tout type approprié à la fonction et aux performances recherchées.The filling unit 3 is equipped with a multiplicity of filling spouts 4 to which are associated support means (by the neck and / or by the bottom) of containers 5. The general arrangement of such an installation does not is not within the scope of the present invention: it can be of any type, suitable for the function and performance sought.
Conformément à l'invention, on dispose dans la conduit 2 une vanne 6 à obturation proportionnelle sous l'action d'un organe 7 de commande proportionnelle. Cette commande peut être de tout type (pneumatique, hydraulique, mécaniques,...), mais elle est ici de préférence de type électrique en raison des moyens mis en oeuvre dans le cadre de l'invention et dont il est question plus loin. Le principe mis en oeuvre pour contrôler le fonctionnement de l'unité de remplissage 3 à l'aide de la vanne proportionnelle 6 consiste à mesurer et à comparer, d'une part, le débit réel instantané du produit délivré à l'unité de remplissage 3 et, d'autre part, le débit théorique instantané devant être fourni à l'unité de remplissage 3 et à déterminer, à partir de cette comparaison, un signal de commande de la vanne qui régule le débit réel total instantané délivré à l'unité de remplissage 3 pour le faire coïncider avec le débit théorique instantané. A cette fin, on dispose également dans le conduit 2 un débitmètre 8 qui fournit un signal électrique Sr représentatif du débit réel total instantané du produit s 'écoulant dans la conduite 2 et délivré à l'unité de remplissage 3. Dans l'unité de remplissage 3 sont prévus des moyensAccording to the invention, there is in the pipe 2 a valve 6 with proportional closure under the action of a member 7 of proportional control. This command can be of any type (pneumatic, hydraulic, mechanical, etc.), but it is here preferably of the electrical type because of the means used in the context of the invention and which is discussed below. The principle used to control the operation of the filling unit 3 using the proportional valve 6 consists of measuring and comparing, on the one hand, the actual instantaneous flow rate of the product delivered to the filling unit 3 and, on the other hand, the instantaneous theoretical flow rate to be supplied to the filling unit 3 and to determine, from this comparison, a control signal from the valve which regulates the actual instantaneous total flow rate delivered to the filling unit 3 to make it coincide with the instantaneous theoretical flow rate. To this end, there is also in the duct 2 a flow meter 8 which supplies an electrical signal S r representative of the instantaneous total actual flow rate of the product flowing in the duct 2 and delivered to the filling unit 3. In the unit filling means 3 are provided
9 détectant le nombre n de récipients en cours de remplissage.9 detecting the number n of containers being filled.
Un dispositif 10 permet d'afficher la valeur du débit théorique g devant être délivré à chaque récipient. Un dispositif multiplicateur 11, recevant les signaux électriques représentatifs des grandeurs n et g, élabore le produit n x q qui constitue le signal Sth représentatif du débit théorique instantané devant être fourni à l'unité de remplissage 3. Les deux signaux Sr et Sth sont alors comparés dans un dispositif comparateur 12 qui délivre sur sa sortie un signal de commande S_ - Sthr destiné à l'organe de commande 7 pour actionner la vanne dans des conditions propres à ce que le débit réel total instantané coïncide avec le débit théorique instantané. Les moyens électroniques qui sont actuellement couramment disponibles dans le commerce (microprocesseurs) présentent la capacité de traitement de 1 ' information et la rapidité propres à assurer les fonctions précitées de façon à obtenir la régulation souhaitée en temps réel. Les débitmètres pouvant présenter des plages de fonctionnement ne leur permettant pas de couvrir à la fois des mesures de grands débits et des mesures de petits débits, on peut envisager, pour étendre le domaine de fonctionnement de l'installation de la figure 1, d'avoir recours au montage suivant illustré à la figure 2.A device 10 makes it possible to display the value of the theoretical flow rate g to be delivered to each container. A multiplier device 11, receiving the electrical signals representative of the quantities n and g, develops the product nxq which constitutes the signal S th representative of the instantaneous theoretical flow rate to be supplied to the filling unit 3. The two signals S r and S th are then compared in a comparator device 12 which delivers on its output a control signal S_ - S thr intended for the control member 7 to actuate the valve under conditions suitable for the instantaneous total actual flow to coincide with the instantaneous theoretical flow. The electronic means which are currently currently commercially available (microprocessors) have the capacity for processing information and the speed required to perform the abovementioned functions so as to obtain the desired regulation in real time. Since the flowmeters may have operating ranges that do not allow them to cover both large flow measurements and small flow measurements, it is possible to envisage, in order to extend the operating range of the installation of FIG. 1, use the following assembly illustrated in figure 2.
Dans la conduite 2 et en série avec la vanne proportionnelle principale 6 est disposé le débitmètre 8 approprié à la mesure de gros débits. En dérivation sur la vanne proportionnelle 6 sont connectés en série un débitmè- tre 14 propre à la mesure de petits débits et une vanne proportionnelle secondaire 15. Un processeur 13, associé au comparateur 12, assure l'ouverture et la fermeture sélective des vannes 6 et 15 en fonction de l'importance du débit détecté et sélectionne le signal convenable parmi les deux signaux Srl fourni par le débitmètre 14 et Sr2 fourni par le débitmètre Sr2, de manière à être en mesure d'assurer la régulation souhaitée de la vanne en service 6 ou 15.In line 2 and in series with the main proportional valve 6 is arranged the flow meter 8 suitable for measuring large flows. Bypass on the proportional valve 6 are connected in series a flow meter 14 suitable for measuring small flows and a secondary proportional valve 15. A processor 13, associated with the comparator 12, ensures the selective opening and closing of the valves 6 and 15 as a function of the importance of the detected flow rate and selects the suitable signal from the two signals S rl supplied by the flow meter 14 and S r2 supplied by the flow meter S r2 , so as to be able to ensure the desired regulation of the valve in service 6 or 15.
Dans un autre mode de réalisation illustré à la figure 3, chaque bec de remplissage 4 est équipé d'un débitmètre individuel 17. Les informations qi mesurées par ces débitmètres sont sommées dans un dispositif sommateur 18 qui délivre un signal Sr = ∑qi qui représente le débit réel total instantané délivré par l'unité de remplissage 3. Pour le reste, l'installation est agencée comme indiqué plus haut en regard de la figure 1. In another embodiment illustrated in FIG. 3, each filling spout 4 is equipped with an individual flow meter 17. The information qi measured by these flow meters is summed in a summing device 18 which delivers a signal S r = ∑qi which represents the actual instantaneous total flow delivered by the filling unit 3. For the rest, the installation is arranged as indicated above with reference to FIG. 1.

Claims

REVENDICATIONS
1. Procédé pour contrôler le remplissage de récipients ( 5 ) avec un produit coulant dans une installation de remplissage comportant un réservoir ( 1 ) de produit et une unité de remplissage (3) permettant le remplissage simultanément de plusieurs récipients ( 5 ) , caractérisé en ce que :1. Method for controlling the filling of containers (5) with a product flowing in a filling installation comprising a reservoir (1) of product and a filling unit (3) allowing the simultaneous filling of several containers (5), characterized in what:
- on mesure le débit réel total de produit délivré par l'unité de remplissage (3) à l'ensemble des récipients (5),- the total actual product flow delivered by the filling unit (3) to all of the containers (5) is measured,
- on détecte le nombre n de récipients ( 5 ) en cours de remplissage dans l'unité de remplissage (3),- the number n of containers (5) being filled in the filling unit (3) is detected,
- on affiche un débit théorique g de remplissage individuel des récipients ( 5 ) , - on compare le débit réel total mesuré et le débit théorique n.q, et- a theoretical flow rate g for individual filling of the containers (5) is displayed, - the total actual measured flow rate is compared with the theoretical flow rate n.q, and
- on effectue, s'il y a lieu, une correction du débit réel total pour l'amener en coïncidence avec le débit théorique, ce grâce à quoi il est possible d'adapter le fonctionnement de l'installation de remplissage au nombre exact de récipients effectivement remplis simultanément, sans variations sensibles des débits individuels réels de remplissage.- a correction is made, if necessary, to the total actual flow rate to bring it into coincidence with the theoretical flow rate, thanks to which it is possible to adapt the operation of the filling installation to the exact number of receptacles actually filled simultaneously, without appreciable variations in the actual individual filling rates.
2. Installation de remplissage de récipients avec un produit coulant comportant un réservoir ( 1 ) de produit et une unité de remplissage (3) équipée d'une multiplicité de becs de remplissage ( 4 ) permettant le remplissage simultané de plusieurs récipients ( 5 ) , caractérisée en ce qu'elle comprend : - une vanne (6) réglable de façon proportionnelle insérée dans le conduit d'alimentation (2) entre l'unité de remplissage (1) et le réservoir de produit (3),2. Installation for filling containers with a flowable product comprising a reservoir (1) of product and a filling unit (3) equipped with a multiplicity of filling spouts (4) allowing the simultaneous filling of several containers (5), characterized in that it comprises: - a proportional adjustable valve (6) inserted in the supply duct (2) between the filling unit (1) and the product tank (3),
- des moyens de mesure (8 ; 14 ; 17, 18) du débit réel total du produit circulant effectivement dans l'unité de remplissage (3),- means for measuring (8; 14; 17, 18) of the total actual flow rate of the product actually circulating in the filling unit (3),
- des moyens capteurs ( 9 ) propres à déterminer le nombre n de récipients en cours de remplissage dans l'unité de remplissage (3),- sensor means (9) capable of determining the number n of containers being filled in the filling unit (3),
- des moyens (10) d'affichage du débit théorique g de remplissage individuel des récipients ( 5 ) , - des moyens de calcul ( 11 ) pour déterminer le débit théorique global n.q du produit à fournir à l'unité de remplissage (3), et- means (10) for displaying the theoretical flow rate g for individual filling of the containers (5), - calculation means (11) for determining the overall theoretical flow rate nq of the product to be supplied to the filling unit (3) , and
- des moyens comparateurs (12) recevant et comparant les informations de débit réel total mesuré par les moyens de mesure et de débit théorique calculé par les moyens de calcul, lesdits moyens comparateurs ayant une sortie de commande raccordée à une commande ( 7 ) de la vanne ( 6 ) de réglage proportionnel du débit de produit fourni à l'unité de remplissage (3). - comparator means (12) receiving and comparing the information of total actual flow measured by the measurement means and of theoretical flow calculated by the calculation means, said comparator means having a control output connected to a control (7) of the valve (6) for proportional adjustment of the flow of product supplied to the filling unit (3).
3. Installation selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que les moyens de mesure du débit réel total du produit comprennent un débitmètre (8) disposé dans le conduit (2) d'amenée du produit depuis le réservoir (1) à l'unité de remplissage (3). 3. Installation according to claim 2, characterized in that the means for measuring the total real flow rate of the product comprise a flow meter (8) disposed in the conduit (2) for supplying the product from the reservoir (1) to the unit filling (3).
4. Installation selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que, pour couvrir la mesure de débits dans une plage étendue, les moyens de mesure du débit réel total du produit comprennent un débitmètre ( 8 ) pour la mesure des débits relativement élevés qui est disposé en série avec la vanne principale proportionnelle (6) et, pour la mesure de débits relativement faibles, un circuit en dérivation sur la vanne principale proportionnelle qui comprend un débitmètre (14) pour la mesure des faibles débits et une vanne proportionnelle secondaire (15), des moyens de commande étant prévus pour mettre en service sélectivement la vanne principale et la vanne secondaire selon le débit à mesurer. 4. Installation according to claim 2, characterized in that, to cover the measurement of flow rates over a wide range, the means for measuring the total actual flow rate of the product comprise a flow meter (8) for measuring relatively high flow rates which is arranged in series with the proportional main valve (6) and, for the measurement of relatively low flow rates, a branch circuit on the proportional main valve which includes a flow meter (14) for the measurement of low flow rates and a secondary proportional valve (15) , control means being provided to selectively commission the main valve and the secondary valve according to the flow rate to be measured.
5. Installation selon la revendication 2, caractérisée en ce que les moyens de mesure du débit réel total du produit comprennent une multiplicité de débitmètres indivi- duels (17) associés respectivement aux becs de remplissage (4) et des moyens sommateurs (18) déterminant la somme ∑qi des débits individuels qi détectés.5. Installation according to claim 2, characterized in that the means for measuring the total real flow rate of the product comprise a multiplicity of individual flowmeters (17) associated respectively with the filling spouts (4) and summing means (18) determining the sum ∑qi individual flow rates qi detected.
6. Installation selon l'une quelconque des revendications 2 à 5, caractérisée en ce que l'unité de remplissage ( 3 ) est agencée sous forme d ' un carrousel tournant avec les becs de remplissage (4) répartis périphériquement , le remplissage des récipients (5) s 'effectuant sur un secteur angulaire prédéterminé de la trajectoire circulaire suivie par les becs.6. Installation according to any one of claims 2 to 5, characterized in that the filling unit (3) is arranged in the form of a rotating carousel with the filling spouts (4) distributed peripherally, filling the containers (5) taking place over a predetermined angular sector of the circular path followed by the nozzles.
7. Installation selon l'une quelconque des revendi- cations 2 à 6, caractérisée en ce qu'elle est agencée pour assurer un remplissage des récipients en milieu stérile. 7. Installation according to any one of claims 2 to 6, characterized in that it is arranged to ensure filling of the containers in a sterile environment.
EP99947563A 1998-10-16 1999-10-13 Method for controlling the filling of containers with a flowable product and filling installation implementing said method Expired - Lifetime EP1123251B1 (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (3)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR9813008 1998-10-16
FR9813008A FR2784669B1 (en) 1998-10-16 1998-10-16 METHOD FOR CONTROLLING THE FILLING OF CONTAINERS WITH A FLOWING PRODUCT AND FILLING INSTALLATION USING THE SAME
PCT/FR1999/002475 WO2000023373A1 (en) 1998-10-16 1999-10-13 Method for controlling the filling of containers with a flowable product and filling installation implementing said method

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EP1123251A1 true EP1123251A1 (en) 2001-08-16
EP1123251B1 EP1123251B1 (en) 2004-01-07

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EP (1) EP1123251B1 (en)
JP (1) JP3663131B2 (en)
KR (1) KR100411942B1 (en)
CN (1) CN1094894C (en)
AT (1) ATE257462T1 (en)
AU (1) AU757058B2 (en)
BR (1) BR9914533A (en)
CA (1) CA2346557C (en)
DE (1) DE69914094T2 (en)
DK (1) DK1123251T3 (en)
ES (1) ES2213386T3 (en)
FR (1) FR2784669B1 (en)
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WO (1) WO2000023373A1 (en)

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ES2213386T3 (en) 2004-08-16
FR2784669A1 (en) 2000-04-21
WO2000023373A1 (en) 2000-04-27
KR20010080100A (en) 2001-08-22
CA2346557C (en) 2005-07-12
CA2346557A1 (en) 2000-04-27
DE69914094D1 (en) 2004-02-12
JP3663131B2 (en) 2005-06-22
DK1123251T3 (en) 2004-04-26
CN1323275A (en) 2001-11-21
ATE257462T1 (en) 2004-01-15
BR9914533A (en) 2001-07-03
AU757058B2 (en) 2003-01-30
FR2784669B1 (en) 2001-01-05
CN1094894C (en) 2002-11-27
DE69914094T2 (en) 2004-10-21
JP2002527313A (en) 2002-08-27
US6378575B1 (en) 2002-04-30
EP1123251B1 (en) 2004-01-07
PT1123251E (en) 2004-05-31
AU6096499A (en) 2000-05-08
KR100411942B1 (en) 2003-12-18

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