EP2361873A2 - Method and device for sterile filling of one container with two different product flows - Google Patents

Method and device for sterile filling of one container with two different product flows Download PDF

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Publication number
EP2361873A2
EP2361873A2 EP20110150972 EP11150972A EP2361873A2 EP 2361873 A2 EP2361873 A2 EP 2361873A2 EP 20110150972 EP20110150972 EP 20110150972 EP 11150972 A EP11150972 A EP 11150972A EP 2361873 A2 EP2361873 A2 EP 2361873A2
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
product stream
product
filling valve
line
mixing chamber
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
EP20110150972
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German (de)
French (fr)
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EP2361873B1 (en
EP2361873A3 (en
Inventor
Roland Feilner
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Krones AG
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Krones AG
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Publication of EP2361873A3 publication Critical patent/EP2361873A3/en
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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
    • B67C3/26—Filling-heads; Means for engaging filling-heads with bottle necks
    • 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
    • B65B3/04—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles
    • B65B3/06—Methods of, or means for, filling the material into the containers or receptacles by gravity flow
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
    • B65B55/02—Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages
    • B65B55/12—Sterilising contents prior to, or during, packaging
    • B65B55/14—Sterilising contents prior to, or during, packaging by heat
    • 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
    • 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
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B2220/00—Specific aspects of the packaging operation
    • B65B2220/14—Adding more than one type of material or article to the same package

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a method and a device for the sterile filling of two different product streams into a container.
  • two different product streams eg. B. a first product stream of water or juice and a second product stream, for example, juice with pieces of fruit, filled into a container.
  • Both product streams can be thermally treated and each hot fed to a filler where the product streams are separately filled into a container.
  • the bottled product takes a relatively long time to cool, but the product, z. B. the fruit pieces, heavily loaded.
  • the present invention has the object to provide a method and an apparatus for the sterile filling of two different product streams in a container, which allow a simpler and yet more gentle product filling.
  • a first product stream for pasteurization / sterilization is now thermally treated, cooled and fed to a filling valve, while the second product stream is thermally treated and then hot blended into the first product stream before or in the filling valve.
  • "Before the filling valveā€ here means without interposition of a cooling device or a buffer tank.
  • the second product stream containing, for example, pieces of fruit, etc. can be cooled rapidly by the first product stream, which is particularly gentle on the product.
  • the second product stream in the filling valve is mixed with the first product stream hot, since then the entire product path of the second hot product stream is kept sterile until the filling valve due to the high temperature of the second product flow without further measures.
  • the mixing temperature then sets during filling.
  • the temperature of the first product stream during mixing in a range of 3 - 30 Ā° C and the temperature of the second product stream is in a temperature range of 72 - 98 Ā° C. This means that the second product stream can be cooled rapidly.
  • the volume flow of the first product stream is greater than that of the second product stream.
  • the second product stream can be cooled very quickly.
  • the second product stream after the thermal treatment in particular after a short-term heating or hot holding, is fed directly before or in the filling valve to the first product stream P1.
  • the system can be further simplified.
  • the second product stream is at least partially and / or temporarily recycled via a bypass line of a device for the thermal treatment of the second product stream. That is, a portion of the second product stream is not mixed with the first product stream or is not directed to the fill valve and that an overcurrent, i. an excess of the second product, which is not filled by the filling valve, can be recirculated back to a means for thermally treating the second product stream.
  • This bypass guide makes it possible to dispense with a sterile buffer tank.
  • the first product has a lower viscosity than the second.
  • a means for cooling can be realized more easily and inexpensively.
  • the first product may be a substantially homogeneous liquid, in particular water, juice or milk, while the second product is an inhomogeneous solid laden with liquid, in particular juice with pulp, juice with fibers or cells, syrup or cream.
  • a device for the sterile filling of two different product streams in a container comprises a device for the thermal treatment of a first product stream and a device for cooling the first product stream.
  • the device for cooling can be designed, for example, in the form of a heat exchanger, preferably a plate heat exchanger.
  • the already cooled product can then be stored temporarily in the subsequent sterile buffer tank.
  • the second product stream is added to the first product stream in a mixing chamber, i. mixed into a mixing area.
  • a mixing chamber i. mixed into a mixing area.
  • the mixing chamber it is particularly advantageous if the filling valve itself has this mixing chamber.
  • the mixing chamber it is also possible for the mixing chamber to be arranged upstream of the filling valve in the direction of the flow of the product, the product product stream then being fed to the filling valve.
  • the filling valve In front of the filling valve means, in a region or line section between a device for the thermal treatment of the second product flow and the filling valve, wherein no cooling device is provided in this section.
  • the means for thermally treating the second product stream is a sterilization / pasteurization plant comprising a feed tank, a heat exchanger, preferably a tube heat exchanger, and a heat retention line, e.g. B. in the form of coils, may be, wherein the warming line is connected directly via a line to the mixing chamber.
  • a sterilization / pasteurization plant comprising a feed tank, a heat exchanger, preferably a tube heat exchanger, and a heat retention line, e.g. B. in the form of coils, may be, wherein the warming line is connected directly via a line to the mixing chamber.
  • no sterile buffer tank between the device for thermal treatment, d. H. is provided in particular between the heat retention section and the mixing chamber or the filling valve.
  • a bypass line is provided between the device for the thermal treatment of the second product stream and the mixing chamber or the filling valve, via which the second product stream is at least partially and / or temporarily traceable to the device for the thermal treatment of the product stream, in particular to the feed tank.
  • the conduit section between the means for cooling the first product flow and The filling valve is preferably designed as a sterile line section. Thus it can be ensured that the cold product stream does not germinate in this area.
  • the invention has the advantage that only this small line section must be formed as a sterile line section and the product can still be filled in total only with minimal thermal stress necessary.
  • the volume flow in the bypass line can be adjusted by a corresponding device.
  • a corresponding device may, for. B. be a control valve in the bypass line and / or in the line to the mixing chamber or to the filling valve and / or be integrated in the mixing chamber or the valve.
  • Fig. 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of the present invention.
  • the device comprises a supply line 22 via which, for example, from a mixing tank 15 via a pumping device, not shown, a second product flow P2 of the device can be supplied.
  • the apparatus further comprises a device 4 for the thermal aseptic treatment of the second product stream P2.
  • this device 4 is a KZE system (short-term heating), which in particular, as in Fig. 1 is represented, a feed tank 4a, a heat exchanger 4b (plate or tube) and a heat retaining plug 4c, for example in the form of coils, comprises.
  • KZE system short-term heating
  • a line section 17, 19 is provided, via which the second product stream P2 can be supplied to a filling valve 1.
  • no further cooling device is provided, so that the product flow P2 can be supplied to the valve 1 hot.
  • the line section 17, 19 there is a branch 16, from which leads away a bypass line 18, via which the second product stream P2 is at least partially and / or temporarily traceable to the device 4 for thermal treatment. This means that a freely adjustable overcurrent can be recirculated via the bypass line 18.
  • this bypass line 18 and the fact that the second product flow P2 is supplied hot to the filling valve 1, is here no sterile buffer tank and no further cooling equipment necessary.
  • the second product stream P2 is returned via the bypass line 18 to the buffer tank 4a.
  • To set the respective volume flows are provided as an example corresponding control valves 20a, 20b, 20c, the z. B. in the lines 17, 19 and 20 are arranged.
  • the device comprises a device 6 for the thermal aseptic treatment of a first product flow P1.
  • This device 6 may for example also be a KZE system, which is constructed, for example, as explained in connection with Appendix 4.
  • the hot product stream P1 is then cooled by means for cooling.
  • This device can be formed from a heat exchanger 7 and / or a sterile buffer tank 7a.
  • the section between the device 7, 7 a for cooling the first product stream P 1 is designed as a sterile line section 8.
  • the line section as well as all components are to be carried out advantageously in accordance with the guidelines of the hygienic design. That In terms of design, the design must be space-minimized, surface-optimized and, for example, equipped with aseptic valves and control valves. In addition, it is advantageous that the line section can be sterilized.
  • a control valve 21 may be located to adjust the volume flow.
  • the product stream is generated via a pumping device, not shown.
  • the first product stream P1 is fed to the filling valve 1 cold.
  • the control valves 20c and 21 are provided here in the lines, but may also be integrated in the valve 1. It is essential that the ratio of the volume flows, which are mixed together, is adjustable.
  • the second product stream P2 is added to the first product stream P1 hot.
  • the filling valve 1 comprises a mixing chamber 14, which has a z. B. upper inlet 23 for the second product flow P2 and a further inlet 10 for the first product flow P1, wherein in this area the two streams are merged.
  • the hot product stream P2 With the cold product stream P1, the product stream P3 is filled at a mixing temperature during filling, with the product stream P3 then being able to enter the container.
  • an upwardly and downwardly movable valve body 11 and a valve seat 12 are shown here.
  • valve is not limited to this embodiment and, in particular, as in the German patent applications with the Anmeldeakten Kunststoff 102009032791.6 . 102009032794.0 . 102009032795.9 . 102009050388.9 described, be constructed.
  • the first product is a substantially homogeneous liquid which is particularly transparent.
  • the first product may be, for example, water, juice or even milk.
  • the second product is z.
  • As an inhomogeneous loaded with solids liquid such as in particular juice with pulp, juice with fibers, juice with cells or z.
  • solids liquid such as in particular juice with pulp, juice with fibers, juice with cells or z.
  • the viscosity of the first product is less than the viscosity of the second product.
  • the first product may be cooled more easily than the second product could be cooled, so that it is favorable if the first product stream P1 is cooled and the second product stream P2 is not cooled.
  • the first product is milk and, for example, cream as a second product.
  • Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to the in Fig. 1 shown embodiment, with the exception that here the second product stream P2 is the first product stream P1 before the filling valve 1 is mixed hot.
  • the filling valve 1 does not include the mixing chamber 14, but a mixing chamber 14 is provided in the flow direction in front of the filling valve 1.
  • an inline blender fulfills this task.
  • the mixing chamber comprises an inlet for the first product stream P1 and an inlet for the second product stream P2, and an outlet via which the mixed product stream P3 can be supplied to the filling valve 1, which then feeds the product stream P3 to the container 3.
  • the mixing chamber 14 can directly adjoin the valve 1, ie, the outlet of the mixing chamber is adjacent to the inlet of the valve. However, it may also be provided a line section between the mixing chamber 14 and the valve 1.
  • the second product stream P2 is supplied for example from a mixing tank 15 via the line 22 of the device 4 for thermal aseptic treatment.
  • the second product P2 is sterilized and leaves this device 4 with a temperature in a range of 72 to 98 Ā° C, here for example 90 Ā° C.
  • the volume flow is, for example, in a range of 10 to 20% of the total flow P3, here in this embodiment 2 m 3 / h.
  • the second product stream then passes via line 17 and 19 to the filling valve 1, with valves 20a, 20c open. When entering the filling valve 1, the product flow still has the aforementioned high temperature.
  • An overflow, ie a part of the second product stream P2 can be recycled via the bypass line 18 of the device 4 for thermal aseptic treatment, ie here in the buffer tank 4a, to be reheated.
  • the overcurrent, which is recycled in the bypass line 18, is about 1 to 5% of the volume flow of the second product stream P2 in the line 17th
  • a first product stream of the device 6 for thermal aseptic treatment is supplied. Again, the product stream is heated and made sterile and leaves, for example, at a temperature of 72 to 140 Ā° C, the device 6. This hot first product stream P1 is then cooled to a temperature of 3 to 30 Ā°, with which he the filling valve 1 on the Line section 8 is supplied.
  • the first product stream P1 can be cooled via a heat exchanger 7 and / or stored in a sterile buffer tank 7a, in which the product cools or cools further.
  • the control valve 21 When the control valve 21 is open, the first product flow can then be supplied to the valve 1 at a flow rate of 6 to 60 m 3 / h.
  • the first product stream P1 for example, has a temperature of 15 Ā° C and a flow rate of 23 m 3 / h.
  • the second product stream P2 By hot mixing the second product stream P2 with the first product stream P1, the second product stream can be cooled by the first product stream P1. This results in a mixed flow P3 with a mixing temperature. Since the volume flow of the first product stream P1 is greater than that of the second product stream P2, the hot product stream P2 can be cooled particularly quickly. Because the hot second product stream P2 can cool relatively quickly, for example, pieces of fruit pieces or thermally sensitive components can be filled particularly gently.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Confectionery (AREA)
  • Food Preservation Except Freezing, Refrigeration, And Drying (AREA)

Abstract

The method involves chilling and treating thermally a product stream (P1) for pasteurization or sterilization and feeding a filling valve (1). Another product stream (P2) is thermally treated for pasteurization or sterilization and then the former product stream is added before or at the filling valve. An independent claim is also included for a device for sterile filling of two different product streams in a container.

Description

Die Erfindung betrifft ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung zum sterilen AbfĆ¼llen von zwei unterschiedlichen Produktstrƶmen in einen BehƤlter.The invention relates to a method and a device for the sterile filling of two different product streams into a container.

Beim AbfĆ¼llen von stĆ¼ckhaltigen Produkten, wie z. B. SƤften mit FruchtstĆ¼ckanteilen, werden zwei unterschiedliche Produktstrƶme, z. B. ein erster Produktstrom aus Wasser oder Saft und ein zweiter Produktstrom, beispielsweise aus Saft mit FruchtstĆ¼ckchen, in einen BehƤlter abgefĆ¼llt. Dabei gibt es grundsƤtzlich zwei Mƶglichkeiten zum sterilen AbfĆ¼llen. Beide Produktstrƶme kƶnnen thermisch behandelt werden und jeweils heiƟ zu einem FĆ¼ller gefƶrdert werden, wo die Produktstrƶme getrennt in einen BehƤlter gefĆ¼llt werden. In diesem Fall braucht das abgefĆ¼llte Produkt relativ lange bis es abgekĆ¼hlt ist, was aber das Produkt, z. B. die FruchtstĆ¼ckchen, stark belastet.When filling products containing products, such. As juices with fruit pieces, two different product streams, eg. B. a first product stream of water or juice and a second product stream, for example, juice with pieces of fruit, filled into a container. There are basically two options for sterile filling. Both product streams can be thermally treated and each hot fed to a filler where the product streams are separately filled into a container. In this case, the bottled product takes a relatively long time to cool, but the product, z. B. the fruit pieces, heavily loaded.

Es ist auch mƶglich die beiden Produktstrƶme erst thermisch zu behandeln und abzukĆ¼hlen bevor man sie zu den FĆ¼llern fƶrdert. Man braucht aber dann vom Sterilisator bzw. Pasteur bis zum FĆ¼ller eine sterile Strecke, damit das Produkt nicht wieder neu kontaminiert wird. Diese Lƶsung ist jedoch technisch aufwendig.It is also possible to first thermally treat and cool the two product streams before adding them to the fillers. But then you need from the sterilizer or Pasteur to the filler a sterile route, so that the product is not re-contaminated again. However, this solution is technically complicated.

Hiervon ausgehend liegt der vorliegenden Erfindung die Aufgabe zugrunde, ein Verfahren und eine Vorrichtung zum sterilen AbfĆ¼llen von zwei unterschiedlichen Produktstrƶmen in einem BehƤlter bereitzustellen, die ein apparativ einfacheres und trotzdem produktschonenderes AbfĆ¼llen ermƶglichen.Proceeding from this, the present invention has the object to provide a method and an apparatus for the sterile filling of two different product streams in a container, which allow a simpler and yet more gentle product filling.

ErfindungsgemƤƟ wird diese Aufgabe durch die Merkmale der AnsprĆ¼che 1 und 7 gelƶst.According to the invention this object is solved by the features of claims 1 and 7.

GemƤƟ der vorliegenden Erfindung wird nun also ein erster Produktstrom zur Pasteurisierung/Sterilisierung thermisch behandelt, abgekĆ¼hlt und einem AbfĆ¼llventil zugefĆ¼hrt, wƤhrend der zweite Produktstrom thermisch behandelt und dann dem ersten Produktstrom vor oder im AbfĆ¼llventil heiƟ zugemischt wird. "Vor dem AbfĆ¼llventil" bedeutet hier ohne Zwischenschalten einer KĆ¼hleinrichtung oder eines Puffertanks.Thus, according to the present invention, a first product stream for pasteurization / sterilization is now thermally treated, cooled and fed to a filling valve, while the second product stream is thermally treated and then hot blended into the first product stream before or in the filling valve. "Before the filling valve" here means without interposition of a cooling device or a buffer tank.

Dies bringt den Vorteil mit sich, dass der zweite heiƟe Produktstrom durch den ersten Produktstrom gekĆ¼hlt werden kann und fĆ¼r den zweiten Produktstrom keine separate KĆ¼hlsektion notwendig ist. AuƟerdem ist fĆ¼r den zweiten Produktstrom bis zur AbfĆ¼llung keine sterile Produktstrecke notwendig, da der zweite Produktstrom heiƟ zum AbfĆ¼llventil gefĆ¼hrt wird. Somit ergibt sich eine kompakte und kostengĆ¼nstige Anlage.This has the advantage that the second hot product stream can be cooled by the first product stream and no separate cooling section is necessary for the second product stream. In addition, no sterile product line is necessary for the second product stream until it is filled, as the second product stream is conducted hot to the filling valve. This results in a compact and cost-effective system.

Weiter ergibt sich der Vorteil, dass der zweite Produktstrom, der beispielsweise FruchtstĆ¼ckchen etc. enthƤlt, rasch durch den ersten Produktstrom abgekĆ¼hlt werden kann, was besonders produktschonend ist.Next there is the advantage that the second product stream containing, for example, pieces of fruit, etc., can be cooled rapidly by the first product stream, which is particularly gentle on the product.

Es ist besonders vorteilhaft, wenn der zweite Produktstrom im AbfĆ¼llventil dem ersten Produktstrom heiƟ zugemischt wird, da dann der gesamte Produktweg des zweiten heiƟen Produktstroms bis ins AbfĆ¼llventil aufgrund der hohen Temperatur des zweiten Produktstroms ohne weitere MaƟnahmen steril gehalten wird. Die Mischtemperatur stellt sich dann wƤhrend des FĆ¼llens ein. Eine solche Anordnung ist apparativ besonders einfach.It is particularly advantageous if the second product stream in the filling valve is mixed with the first product stream hot, since then the entire product path of the second hot product stream is kept sterile until the filling valve due to the high temperature of the second product flow without further measures. The mixing temperature then sets during filling. Such an arrangement is particularly simple in terms of apparatus.

Vorteilhafterweise liegt die Temperatur des ersten Produktstroms beim Zusammenmischen in einen Bereich von 3 - 30 Ā°C und die Temperatur des zweiten Produktstroms liegt in einem Temperaturbereich von 72 - 98Ā°C. Das bedeutet, dass der zweite Produktstrom rasch abgekĆ¼hlt werden kann.Advantageously, the temperature of the first product stream during mixing in a range of 3 - 30 Ā° C and the temperature of the second product stream is in a temperature range of 72 - 98 Ā° C. This means that the second product stream can be cooled rapidly.

Besonders vorteilhaft ist es, wenn der Volumenstrom des ersten Produktstroms grĆ¶ĆŸer ist, als der des zweiten Produktstroms. Somit kann der zweite Produktstrom sehr rasch abgekĆ¼hlt werden. GemƤƟ einer bevorzugten AusfĆ¼hrungsform wird der zweite Produktstrom nach der thermischen Behandlung, insbesondere nach einer Kurzzeiterhitzung oder HeiƟhaltung, direkt vor oder im AbfĆ¼llventil dem ersten Produktstrom P1 zugefĆ¼hrt. Somit kann die Anlage weiter vereinfacht werden.It is particularly advantageous if the volume flow of the first product stream is greater than that of the second product stream. Thus, the second product stream can be cooled very quickly. According to a preferred embodiment, the second product stream after the thermal treatment, in particular after a short-term heating or hot holding, is fed directly before or in the filling valve to the first product stream P1. Thus, the system can be further simplified.

Es ist dann vorteilhaft, wenn der zweite Produktstrom zumindest teilweise und/oder zeitweise Ć¼ber eine Bypassleitung einer Einrichtung zur thermischen Behandlung des zweiten Produktstroms rĆ¼ckgefĆ¼hrt wird. Das heiƟt, dass ein Teil des zweiten Produktstroms nicht dem ersten Produktstrom zugemischt wird bzw. nicht zu dem AbfĆ¼llventil geleitet wird und, dass ein Ɯberstrom, d.h. ein Ɯberschuss des zweiten Produkts, der nicht durch das AbfĆ¼llventil abgefĆ¼llt wird, im Kreislauf zurĆ¼ck zu einer Einrichtung zur thermischen Behandlung des zweiten Produktstroms rĆ¼ckgefĆ¼hrt werden kann. Diese BypassfĆ¼hrung ermƶglicht, dass auf einen Sterilpuffertank verzichtet werden kann.It is advantageous if the second product stream is at least partially and / or temporarily recycled via a bypass line of a device for the thermal treatment of the second product stream. That is, a portion of the second product stream is not mixed with the first product stream or is not directed to the fill valve and that an overcurrent, i. an excess of the second product, which is not filled by the filling valve, can be recirculated back to a means for thermally treating the second product stream. This bypass guide makes it possible to dispense with a sterile buffer tank.

Vorteilhafterweise hat das erste Produkt eine niedrigere ViskositƤt als das zweite. Dadurch, dass das erste Produkt eine kleinere ViskositƤt als das zweite Produkt hat, und das erste Produkt und nicht das zweite Produkt gekĆ¼hlt wird, kann eine Einrichtung zum KĆ¼hlen einfacher und kostengĆ¼nstiger realisiert werden. In vorteilhafter Weise kann das erste Produkt eine im wesentlichen homogene FlĆ¼ssigkeit, insbesondere Wasser, Saft oder Milch sein, wƤhrend das zweite Produkt eine inhomogene mit FeststoffstĆ¼ckchen beladene FlĆ¼ssigkeit, insbesondere Saft mit Pulpe, Saft mit Fasern oder Zellen, Sirup oder aber Rahm ist. Das heiƟt, dass beispielsweise jeweils folgende unterschiedliche Produktstrompaare in einen BehƤlter gefĆ¼llt werden kƶnnen, Saft/Saft mit Pulpe, Saft/Saft mit Fasern oder Zellen, Wasser/Sirup, Milch/Rahm.Advantageously, the first product has a lower viscosity than the second. By having the first product having a lower viscosity than the second product and cooling the first product and not the second product, a means for cooling can be realized more easily and inexpensively. Advantageously, the first product may be a substantially homogeneous liquid, in particular water, juice or milk, while the second product is an inhomogeneous solid laden with liquid, in particular juice with pulp, juice with fibers or cells, syrup or cream. The means that, for example, in each case the following different product stream pairs can be filled into a container, juice / juice with pulp, juice / juice with fibers or cells, water / syrup, milk / cream.

Eine Vorrichtung zum sterilen AbfĆ¼llen von zwei unterschiedlichen Produktstrƶmen in einem BehƤlter umfasst eine Einrichtung zur thermischen Behandlung eines ersten Produktstroms und eine Einrichtung zum AbkĆ¼hlen des ersten Produktstroms. Die Einrichtung zum AbkĆ¼hlen kann dabei beispielsweise in Form eines WƤrmetauschers bevorzugter Weise eines PlattenwƤrmetauschers ausgebildet sein. In dem nachfolgenden Sterilpuffertank kann dann das bereits gekĆ¼hlte Produkt zwischengelagert werden.A device for the sterile filling of two different product streams in a container comprises a device for the thermal treatment of a first product stream and a device for cooling the first product stream. The device for cooling can be designed, for example, in the form of a heat exchanger, preferably a plate heat exchanger. The already cooled product can then be stored temporarily in the subsequent sterile buffer tank.

Der zweite Produktstrom wird dem ersten Produktstrom in einer Mischkammer, d.h. einem Mischbereich zugemischt. Wie bereits erwƤhnt, ist es besonders vorteilhaft, wenn das AbfĆ¼llventil selbst diese Mischkammer aufweist. Es ist jedoch auch mƶglich, dass die Mischkammer in Produktstromrichtung vor dem AbfĆ¼llventil angeordnet ist, wobei dann dem AbfĆ¼llventil der zusammengemischte Produktstrom zugefĆ¼hrt wird. Vor dem AbfĆ¼llventil bedeutet, in einem Bereich bzw. Leitungsabschnitt zwischen einer Einrichtung zur thermischen Behandlung des zweiten Produktstroms und dem AbfĆ¼llventil, wobei in diesem Abschnitt keine KĆ¼hleinrichtung vorgesehen ist.The second product stream is added to the first product stream in a mixing chamber, i. mixed into a mixing area. As already mentioned, it is particularly advantageous if the filling valve itself has this mixing chamber. However, it is also possible for the mixing chamber to be arranged upstream of the filling valve in the direction of the flow of the product, the product product stream then being fed to the filling valve. In front of the filling valve means, in a region or line section between a device for the thermal treatment of the second product flow and the filling valve, wherein no cooling device is provided in this section.

Vorteilhafterweise ist die Einrichtung zur thermischen Behandlung des zweiten Produktstroms eine Sterilisation/Pasteurisationsanlage, die einen Vorlauftank, einen WƤrmetauscher, bevorzugter Weise eines RƶhrenwƤrmetauschers und eine Warmhaltestrecke, z. B. in Form von Rohrschlangen, aufweisen kann, wobei die Warmhaltestrecke direkt Ć¼ber eine Leitung mit der Mischkammer verbunden ist. Das bedeutet, dass kein Sterilpuffertank zwischen der Einrichtung zur thermischen Behandlung, d. h. insbesondere zwischen der Warmhaltestrecke und der Mischkammer bzw. dem AbfĆ¼llventil, vorgesehen ist.Advantageously, the means for thermally treating the second product stream is a sterilization / pasteurization plant comprising a feed tank, a heat exchanger, preferably a tube heat exchanger, and a heat retention line, e.g. B. in the form of coils, may be, wherein the warming line is connected directly via a line to the mixing chamber. This means that no sterile buffer tank between the device for thermal treatment, d. H. is provided in particular between the heat retention section and the mixing chamber or the filling valve.

Dann ist vorteilhafterweise zwischen der Einrichtung zur thermischen Behandlung des zweiten Produktstroms und der Mischkammer bzw. dem AbfĆ¼llventil eine Bypassleitung vorgesehen, Ć¼ber die der zweite Produktstrom zumindest teilweise und/oder zeitweise zur Einrichtung zur thermischen Behandlung des Produktstroms, insbesondere zum Vorlauftank rĆ¼ckfĆ¼hrbar ist. Somit kann ein Ɯberstrom (1 bis 100 % vorteilhafterweise 5 % des gesamten zweiten Produktstroms vor dem Abzweigen des Bypassstroms) wirksam rĆ¼ckgefĆ¼hrt und erneut dem zweiten Produktstrom zur ErwƤrmung zugefĆ¼hrt werden.Then, advantageously, a bypass line is provided between the device for the thermal treatment of the second product stream and the mixing chamber or the filling valve, via which the second product stream is at least partially and / or temporarily traceable to the device for the thermal treatment of the product stream, in particular to the feed tank. Thus, an overcurrent (1 to 100%, advantageously, 5% of the total second product stream prior to bypassing the bypass stream) can be efficiently recycled and re-supplied to the second product stream for heating.

Der Leitungsabschnitt zwischen der Einrichtung zum KĆ¼hlen des ersten Produktstroms und dem AbfĆ¼llventil ist vorzugsweise als steriler Leitungsabschnitt ausgebildet. Somit kann sichergestellt werden, dass der kalte Produktstrom in diesem Bereich nicht verkeimt.The conduit section between the means for cooling the first product flow and The filling valve is preferably designed as a sterile line section. Thus it can be ensured that the cold product stream does not germinate in this area.

Die Erfindung bringt den Vorteil mit sich, dass nur dieser kleine Leitungsabschnitt als steriler Leitungsabschnitt ausgebildet werden muss und das Produkt insgesamt dennoch nur mit minimal notwendiger thermischer Belastung abgefĆ¼llt werden kann.The invention has the advantage that only this small line section must be formed as a sterile line section and the product can still be filled in total only with minimal thermal stress necessary.

Der Volumenstrom in der Bypassleitung ist durch eine entsprechende Einrichtung einstellbar. Eine solche Einrichtung kann z. B. ein Stellventil in der Bypassleitung und/oder in der Leitung zur Mischkammer bzw. zum AbfĆ¼llventil sein und/oder in der Mischkammer bzw. dem Ventil integriert sein.The volume flow in the bypass line can be adjusted by a corresponding device. Such a device may, for. B. be a control valve in the bypass line and / or in the line to the mixing chamber or to the filling valve and / or be integrated in the mixing chamber or the valve.

Die Erfindung wird nachfolgend unter Bezugnahme folgender Figuren nƤher erlƤutert.

  • Fig. 1 zeigt schematisch den Aufbau einer Vorrichtung gemƤƟ einer AusfĆ¼hrungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung.
  • Fig. 2 zeigt schematisch den Aufbau eines AbfĆ¼llventils gemƤƟ der vorliegenden Erfindung.
  • Fig. 3 zeigt eine weitere AusfĆ¼hrungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung.
The invention will be explained in more detail below with reference to the following figures.
  • Fig. 1 schematically shows the structure of a device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
  • Fig. 2 schematically shows the structure of a filling valve according to the present invention.
  • Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of the present invention.

Fig. 1 zeigt schematisch eine erste AusfĆ¼hrungsform der vorliegenden Erfindung. Die Vorrichtung umfasst eine Zuleitung 22 Ć¼ber die beispielsweise von einem Ausmischtank 15 Ć¼ber eine nicht dargestellte Pumpeinrichtung ein zweiter Produktstrom P2 der Vorrichtung zugefĆ¼hrt werden kann. Die Vorrichtung umfasst weiter eine Einrichtung 4 zum thermischen aseptischen Behandeln des zweiten Produktstroms P2. Vorteilhafterweise ist diese Einrichtung 4 eine KZE-Anlage (Kurzzeiterhitzung), die insbesondere, wie in Fig. 1 dargestellt ist, einen Vorlauftank 4a, einen WƤrmetauscher 4b (Platte oder Rƶhre) sowie eine WƤrmehaltestecke 4c, beispielsweise in Form von Rohrschlangen, umfasst. In Stromrichtung nach der Einrichtung zur thermischen aseptischen Behandlung des zweiten Produktstroms P2 ist ein Leitungsabschnitt 17, 19 vorgesehen, Ć¼ber den der zweite Produktstrom P2 einem AbfĆ¼llventil 1 zugefĆ¼hrt werden kann. In dem Leitungsabschnitt 17 und 19 ist keine weitere KĆ¼hleinrichtung vorgesehen, so dass der Produktstrom P2 dem Ventil 1 heiƟ zugefĆ¼hrt werden kann. In dem Leitungsabschnitt 17, 19 befindet sich eine Abzweigung 16, von der aus eine Bypassleitung 18 wegfĆ¼hrt, Ć¼ber die der zweite Produktstrom P2 zumindest teilweise und/oder zeitweise zur Einrichtung 4 zur thermischen Behandlung rĆ¼ckfĆ¼hrbar ist. Das heiƟt, dass ein frei einstellbarer Ɯberstrom Ć¼ber die Bypassleitung 18 im Kreis rĆ¼ckgefĆ¼hrt werden kann. Durch diese Bypassleitung 18 sowie die Tatsache, dass der zweite Produktstrom P2 dem AbfĆ¼llventil 1 heiƟ zugefĆ¼hrt wird, ist hier kein Sterilpuffertank und keine weitere KĆ¼hleinrichtung notwendig. In diesem AusfĆ¼hrungsbeispiel wird der zweite Produktstrom P2 Ć¼ber die Bypassleitung 18 dem Puffertank 4a rĆ¼ckgefĆ¼hrt. Zum Einstellen der jeweiligen Volumenstrƶme sind als Beispiel entsprechende Stellventile 20a, 20b, 20c vorgesehen, die z. B. in den Leitungen 17, 19 und 20 angeordnet sind. Fig. 1 schematically shows a first embodiment of the present invention. The device comprises a supply line 22 via which, for example, from a mixing tank 15 via a pumping device, not shown, a second product flow P2 of the device can be supplied. The apparatus further comprises a device 4 for the thermal aseptic treatment of the second product stream P2. Advantageously, this device 4 is a KZE system (short-term heating), which in particular, as in Fig. 1 is represented, a feed tank 4a, a heat exchanger 4b (plate or tube) and a heat retaining plug 4c, for example in the form of coils, comprises. In the direction of flow after the device for the thermal aseptic treatment of the second product stream P2, a line section 17, 19 is provided, via which the second product stream P2 can be supplied to a filling valve 1. In the line section 17 and 19 no further cooling device is provided, so that the product flow P2 can be supplied to the valve 1 hot. In the line section 17, 19 there is a branch 16, from which leads away a bypass line 18, via which the second product stream P2 is at least partially and / or temporarily traceable to the device 4 for thermal treatment. This means that a freely adjustable overcurrent can be recirculated via the bypass line 18. Through this bypass line 18 and the fact that the second product flow P2 is supplied hot to the filling valve 1, is here no sterile buffer tank and no further cooling equipment necessary. In this embodiment, the second product stream P2 is returned via the bypass line 18 to the buffer tank 4a. To set the respective volume flows are provided as an example corresponding control valves 20a, 20b, 20c, the z. B. in the lines 17, 19 and 20 are arranged.

Ferner umfasst die Vorrichtung eine Einrichtung 6 zur thermischen aseptischen Behandlung eines ersten Produktstroms P1. Diese Einrichtung 6 kann beispielsweise ebenfalls eine KZE-Anlage sein, die beispielsweise so aufgebaut ist wie im Zusammenhang mit der Anlage 4 erlƤutert wurde. Der heiƟe Produktstrom P1 wird dann Ć¼ber eine Einrichtung zum AbkĆ¼hlen abgekĆ¼hlt. Diese Einrichtung kann aus einem WƤrmetauscher 7 und/oder einen sterilen Puffertank 7a gebildet sein. Der Abschnitt zwischen der Einrichtung 7, 7a zum AbkĆ¼hlen des ersten Produktstroms P1 ist als steriler Leitungsabschnitt 8 ausgebildet. Um einen sterilen Leitungsabschnitt bereitzustellen werden beispielsweise folgende MaƟnahmen getroffen. Der Leitungsabschnitt sowie alle Komponenten sind in vorteilhafter Weise gemƤƟ der Richtlinien des hygienischen Designs auszufĆ¼hren. D.h. konstruktiv muss die AusfĆ¼hrung totraumminimiert, oberflƤchenoptimiert sowie beispielsweise mit aseptisch ausgefĆ¼hrten Ventilen und Regelventilen ausgestattet sein. AuƟerdem ist es vorteilhaft, dass der Leitungsabschnitt sterilisierbar ist.Furthermore, the device comprises a device 6 for the thermal aseptic treatment of a first product flow P1. This device 6 may for example also be a KZE system, which is constructed, for example, as explained in connection with Appendix 4. The hot product stream P1 is then cooled by means for cooling. This device can be formed from a heat exchanger 7 and / or a sterile buffer tank 7a. The section between the device 7, 7 a for cooling the first product stream P 1 is designed as a sterile line section 8. To provide a sterile line section, for example, the following measures are taken. The line section as well as all components are to be carried out advantageously in accordance with the guidelines of the hygienic design. That In terms of design, the design must be space-minimized, surface-optimized and, for example, equipped with aseptic valves and control valves. In addition, it is advantageous that the line section can be sterilized.

In dem Leitungsabschnitt 8 kann sich zum Einstellen des Volumenstroms beispielsweise ein Stellventil 21 befinden. Der Produktstrom wird Ć¼ber eine nicht dargestellte Pumpeinrichtung erzeugt. Der erste Produktstrom P1 wird dem AbfĆ¼llventil 1 kalt zugefĆ¼hrt. Die Stellventile 20c und 21 sind hier in den Leitungen vorgesehen, kƶnnen aber auch in dem Ventil 1 integriert sein. Wesentlich ist, dass das VerhƤltnis der Volumenstrƶme, die zusammengemischt werden, einstellbar ist.In the line section 8, for example, a control valve 21 may be located to adjust the volume flow. The product stream is generated via a pumping device, not shown. The first product stream P1 is fed to the filling valve 1 cold. The control valves 20c and 21 are provided here in the lines, but may also be integrated in the valve 1. It is essential that the ratio of the volume flows, which are mixed together, is adjustable.

In dem AbfĆ¼llventil 1 wird der zweite Produktstrom P2 dem ersten Produktstrom P1 heiƟ zugemischt. Dazu kann beispielsweise das in Fig. 2 grob schematisch gezeigte AbfĆ¼llventil verwendet werden. Das AbfĆ¼llventil 1 umfasst eine Mischkammer 14, die einen z. B. oberen Zulauf 23 fĆ¼r den zweiten Produktstrom P2 und einen weiteren Zulauf 10 fĆ¼r den ersten Produktstrom P1 aufweist, wobei in diesem Bereich die beiden Strƶme zusammengefĆ¼hrt werden. Durch das ZusammenfĆ¼hren des heiƟen Produktstroms P2 mit dem kalten Produktstrom P1 ergibt sich beim FĆ¼llen der Produktstrom P3 mit einer Mischtemperatur, wobei der Produktstrom P3 dann in den BehƤlter einlaufen kann. Nur grob schematisch sind hier ein auf- und ab beweglicher Ventilkƶrper 11 und ein Ventilsitz 12 dargestellt. Das Ventil ist selbstverstƤndlich nicht auf diese AusfĆ¼hrungsform beschrƤnkt und kann insbesondere, wie in den deutschen Patentanmeldungen mit den Anmeldeaktenzeichen 102009032791.6 , 102009032794.0 , 102009032795.9 , 102009050388.9 beschrieben ist, aufgebaut sein.In the filling valve 1, the second product stream P2 is added to the first product stream P1 hot. For example, the in Fig. 2 roughly schematically shown filling valve can be used. The filling valve 1 comprises a mixing chamber 14, which has a z. B. upper inlet 23 for the second product flow P2 and a further inlet 10 for the first product flow P1, wherein in this area the two streams are merged. By combining the hot product stream P2 with the cold product stream P1, the product stream P3 is filled at a mixing temperature during filling, with the product stream P3 then being able to enter the container. Only roughly schematically, an upwardly and downwardly movable valve body 11 and a valve seat 12 are shown here. Of course, the valve is not limited to this embodiment and, in particular, as in the German patent applications with the Anmeldeaktenzeichen 102009032791.6 . 102009032794.0 . 102009032795.9 . 102009050388.9 described, be constructed.

Das erste Produkt ist eine im Wesentlichen homogene FlĆ¼ssigkeit, die insbesondere transparent ist. Das erste Produkt kann beispielsweise Wasser, Saft oder aber auch Milch sein. Das zweite Produkt ist z. B. eine inhomogene mit Feststoffen beladene FlĆ¼ssigkeit, wie insbesondere Saft mit Pulpe, Saft mit Fasern, Saft mit Zellen oder z. B. Sirup. Die ViskositƤt des ersten Produkts ist kleiner als die ViskositƤt des zweiten Produkts. Demnach kann das erste Produkt einfacher gekĆ¼hlt werden als das zweite Produkt gekĆ¼hlt werden kƶnnte, so dass es gĆ¼nstig ist, wenn der erste Produktstrom P1 gekĆ¼hlt wird und der zweite Produktstrom P2 nicht gekĆ¼hlt wird. Als erstes Produkt kommt jedoch auch Milch und als zweites Produkt beispielsweise Sahne in Frage.The first product is a substantially homogeneous liquid which is particularly transparent. The first product may be, for example, water, juice or even milk. The second product is z. As an inhomogeneous loaded with solids liquid, such as in particular juice with pulp, juice with fibers, juice with cells or z. For example, syrup. The viscosity of the first product is less than the viscosity of the second product. Thus, the first product may be cooled more easily than the second product could be cooled, so that it is favorable if the first product stream P1 is cooled and the second product stream P2 is not cooled. The first product, however, is milk and, for example, cream as a second product.

Fig. 3 zeigt ein weiteres AusfĆ¼hrungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Erfindung, das dem in Fig. 1 gezeigten AusfĆ¼hrungsbeispiel entspricht, mit der Ausnahme, dass hier der zweite Produktstrom P2 dem ersten Produktstrom P1 vor dem AbfĆ¼llventil 1 heiƟ zugemischt wird. Das bedeutet, dass hier das AbfĆ¼llventil 1 die Mischkammer 14 nicht umfasst, sondern eine Mischkammer 14 in Stromrichtung vor dem AbfĆ¼llventil 1 vorgesehen ist. Beispielsweise erfĆ¼llt ein Inline Blender diese Aufgabe. Die Mischkammer umfasst auch hier einen Zulauf fĆ¼r den ersten Produktstrom P1 sowie einen Zulauf fĆ¼r den zweiten Produktstrom P2, und einen Auslauf, Ć¼ber den der gemischte Produktstrom P3 dem AbfĆ¼llventil 1 zugefĆ¼hrt werden kann, welches dann den Produktstrom P3 dem BehƤlter 3 zufĆ¼hrt. Die Mischkammer 14 kann direkt an das Ventil 1 angrenzen, d. h., der Auslauf der Mischkammer grenzt an den Einlauf des Ventils. Es kann jedoch auch ein Leitungsabschnitt zwischen der Mischkammer 14 und dem Ventil 1 vorgesehen sein. Fig. 3 shows a further embodiment of the present invention, which corresponds to the in Fig. 1 shown embodiment, with the exception that here the second product stream P2 is the first product stream P1 before the filling valve 1 is mixed hot. This means that here the filling valve 1 does not include the mixing chamber 14, but a mixing chamber 14 is provided in the flow direction in front of the filling valve 1. For example, an inline blender fulfills this task. Here, too, the mixing chamber comprises an inlet for the first product stream P1 and an inlet for the second product stream P2, and an outlet via which the mixed product stream P3 can be supplied to the filling valve 1, which then feeds the product stream P3 to the container 3. The mixing chamber 14 can directly adjoin the valve 1, ie, the outlet of the mixing chamber is adjacent to the inlet of the valve. However, it may also be provided a line section between the mixing chamber 14 and the valve 1.

Es ist jedoch vorteilhaft, die Produktstrƶme direkt in dem Ventil 1 zusammenzufĆ¼hren, da eine entsprechende Anordnung einfacher ist und darĆ¼ber hinaus sichergestellt ist, dass die Leitungsabschnitte 17 und 19 zwischen der Einrichtung 4 zur thermischen aseptischen Behandlung und dem AbfĆ¼llventil 1 auf mƶglichst hoher Temperatur gehalten werden kƶnnen. Auch wird das AbfĆ¼llventil 1 durch den heiƟen Produktstrom P2 steril gehalten.However, it is advantageous to merge the product streams directly in the valve 1, as a corresponding arrangement is simpler and moreover it is ensured that the line sections 17 and 19 between the device 4 for thermal aseptic treatment and the filling valve 1 are kept at the highest possible temperature can. Also, the filling valve 1 is kept sterile by the hot product stream P2.

Nachfolgend wird das erfindungsgemƤƟe Verfahren im Zusammenhang mit der Fig. 1 nƤher erlƤutert.Hereinafter, the inventive method in connection with the Fig. 1 explained in more detail.

Der zweite Produktstrom P2 wird beispielsweise von einem Ausmischtank 15 Ć¼ber die Leitung 22 der Einrichtung 4 zur thermischen aseptischen Behandlung zugefĆ¼hrt. In dieser Einrichtung 4 wird das zweite Produkt P2 sterilisiert und verlƤsst diese Einrichtung 4 mit einer Temperatur in einem Bereich von 72 bis 98 Ā°C, hier beispielsweise 90 Ā°C. Der Volumenstrom liegt beispielsweise in einem Bereich von 10 - 20% vom Gesamtstrom P3, hier bei diesem AusfĆ¼hrungsbeispiel 2 m3/h. Der zweite Produktstrom lƤuft dann Ć¼ber die Leitung 17 und 19 zu dem AbfĆ¼llventil 1, bei geƶffneten Ventilen 20a, 20c. Beim Eintritt in das AbfĆ¼llventil 1 weist der Produktstrom immer noch die zuvor genannte hohe Temperatur auf. Ein Ɯberstrom, d. h. ein Teil des zweiten Produktstroms P2, kann Ć¼ber die Bypassleitung 18 der Einrichtung 4 zur thermischen aseptischen Behandlung rĆ¼ckgefĆ¼hrt werden, d. h. hier in dem Puffertank 4a, um erneut erwƤrmt zu werden. Der Ɯberstrom, der in der Bypassleitung 18 rĆ¼ckgefĆ¼hrt wird, betrƤgt etwa 1 bis 5 % des Volumenstroms des zweiten Produktstroms P2 in der Leitung 17.The second product stream P2 is supplied for example from a mixing tank 15 via the line 22 of the device 4 for thermal aseptic treatment. In this device 4, the second product P2 is sterilized and leaves this device 4 with a temperature in a range of 72 to 98 Ā° C, here for example 90 Ā° C. The volume flow is, for example, in a range of 10 to 20% of the total flow P3, here in this embodiment 2 m 3 / h. The second product stream then passes via line 17 and 19 to the filling valve 1, with valves 20a, 20c open. When entering the filling valve 1, the product flow still has the aforementioned high temperature. An overflow, ie a part of the second product stream P2, can be recycled via the bypass line 18 of the device 4 for thermal aseptic treatment, ie here in the buffer tank 4a, to be reheated. The overcurrent, which is recycled in the bypass line 18, is about 1 to 5% of the volume flow of the second product stream P2 in the line 17th

Ɯber die Leitung 23 wird ein erster Produktstrom der Einrichtung 6 zur thermischen aseptischen Behandlung zugefĆ¼hrt. Auch hier wird der Produktstrom erhitzt und steril gemacht und verlƤsst beispielsweise mit einer Temperatur von 72 bis 140 Ā°C die Einrichtung 6. Dieser heiƟe erste Produktstrom P1 wird dann auf eine Temperatur von 3 bis 30Ā° abgekĆ¼hlt, mit der er dem AbfĆ¼llventil 1 Ć¼ber den Leitungsabschnitt 8 zugefĆ¼hrt wird. Der erste Produktstrom P1 kann Ć¼ber einen WƤrmetauscher 7 abgekĆ¼hlt und/oder in einen sterilen Puffertank 7a eingelagert werden, in dem das Produkt abkĆ¼hlt oder weiter abkĆ¼hlt. Bei geƶffnetem Stellventil 21 kann der erste Produktstrom dann mit einem Volumenstrom von 6 bis 60 m3/h dem Ventil 1 zugefĆ¼hrt werden. Hier hat der erste Produktstrom P1 beispielsweise eine Temperatur von 15 Ā°C und einen Volumenstrom von 23 m3/h.Via the line 23, a first product stream of the device 6 for thermal aseptic treatment is supplied. Again, the product stream is heated and made sterile and leaves, for example, at a temperature of 72 to 140 Ā° C, the device 6. This hot first product stream P1 is then cooled to a temperature of 3 to 30 Ā°, with which he the filling valve 1 on the Line section 8 is supplied. The first product stream P1 can be cooled via a heat exchanger 7 and / or stored in a sterile buffer tank 7a, in which the product cools or cools further. When the control valve 21 is open, the first product flow can then be supplied to the valve 1 at a flow rate of 6 to 60 m 3 / h. Here, the first product stream P1, for example, has a temperature of 15 Ā° C and a flow rate of 23 m 3 / h.

Indem der zweite Produktstrom P2 dem ersten Produktstrom P1 heiƟ zugemischt wird, kann der zweite Produktstrom durch den ersten Produktstrom P1 abgekĆ¼hlt werden. Es ergibt sich ein Mischstrom P3 mit einer Mischtemperatur. Da der Volumenstrom des ersten Produktstroms P1 grĆ¶ĆŸer als der des zweiten Produktstroms P2 ist, kann der heiƟe Produktstrom P2 besonders schnell gekĆ¼hlt werden. Dadurch, dass der heiƟe zweite Produktstrom P2 relativ schnell abkĆ¼hlen kann, kƶnnen beispielsweise FruchtstĆ¼ckanteile oder thermisch empfindliche Bestandteile besonders schonend abgefĆ¼llt werden.By hot mixing the second product stream P2 with the first product stream P1, the second product stream can be cooled by the first product stream P1. This results in a mixed flow P3 with a mixing temperature. Since the volume flow of the first product stream P1 is greater than that of the second product stream P2, the hot product stream P2 can be cooled particularly quickly. Because the hot second product stream P2 can cool relatively quickly, for example, pieces of fruit pieces or thermally sensitive components can be filled particularly gently.

Das Verfahren wurde im Zusammenhang mit dem ersten AusfĆ¼hrungsbeispiel erlƤutert. Das erfindungsgemƤƟe Verfahren funktioniert auf gleicher Weise mit dem zweiten in Fig. 3 gezeigten AusfĆ¼hrungsbeispiel, nur dass hier die Produktstrƶme in einer Mischkammer 14 zusammengefĆ¼gt werden, die sich in Strƶmungsrichtung vor dem AbfĆ¼llventil 1 befindet.The method has been explained in connection with the first embodiment. The inventive method works in the same way with the second in Fig. 3 shown embodiment, except that here the product streams are joined together in a mixing chamber 14, which is located in the flow direction in front of the filling valve 1.

Claims (12)

Verfahren zum sterilen AbfĆ¼llen von zwei unterschiedlichen Produktstrƶmen (P1, P2) in einen BehƤlter, wobei
der erste Produktstrom (P1) zum Pasteurisieren/Sterilisieren thermisch behandelt, abgekĆ¼hlt und einem AbfĆ¼llventil (1) zugefĆ¼hrt wird, und
der zweite Produktstrom (P2) zum Pasteurisieren/Sterilisieren thermisch behandelt und dann dem ersten Produktstrom (P1) vor oder im AbfĆ¼llventil (1) heiƟ zugemischt wird.Method for the sterile filling of two different product streams (P1, P2) into a container, wherein
the first product stream (P1) is thermally treated for pasteurization / sterilization, cooled and fed to a filling valve (1), and
the second product stream (P2) is thermally treated for pasteurisation / sterilization and then mixed hot with the first product stream (P1) before or in the filling valve (1). Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass beim Zusammenmischen die Temperatur des ersten Produktstroms (P1) in einem Bereich von 3 - 30Ā°C und die Temperatur des zweiten Produktstroms (P2) in einem Temperaturbereich von 72 bis 98 Ā°C liegt.A method according to claim 1, characterized in that during mixing, the temperature of the first product stream (P1) in a range of 3 - 30 Ā° C and the temperature of the second product stream (P2) in a temperature range of 72 to 98 Ā° C. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1 oder 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass beim Zusammenmischen der Volumenstrom des ersten Produktstroms (P1) grĆ¶ĆŸer als der des zweiten Produktstroms (P2) ist.A method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that during mixing, the volume flow of the first product stream (P1) is greater than that of the second product stream (P2). Verfahren nach mindestens einem der AnsprĆ¼che 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der zweite Produktstrom (P2) nach einer Kurzzeiterhitzung und HeiƟhaltung direkt vor oder im AbfĆ¼llventil (1) dem ersten Produktstrom (P1) zugemischt wird.Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the second product stream (P2) after a short-term heating and hot holding directly before or in the filling valve (1) is added to the first product stream (P1). Verfahren nach mindestens einem der AnsprĆ¼che 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der zweite Produktstrom (P2) zumindest teilweise und/oder zeitweise Ć¼ber eine Bypassleitung (18) einer Einrichtung zur thermischen Behandlung des ersten Produktstroms (P1) rĆ¼ckgefĆ¼hrt wird.Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that the second product stream (P2) is at least partially and / or temporarily recycled via a bypass line (18) of a device for the thermal treatment of the first product stream (P1). Verfahren nach mindestens einem der AnsprĆ¼che 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das erste Produkt eine niedrigere ViskositƤt aufweist als das zweite Produkt und das erste Produkt vorzugsweise eine im wesentlichen homogene FlĆ¼ssigkeit, insbesondere Wasser, Saft oder Milch, ist und das zweite Produkt eine inhomogene FlĆ¼ssigkeit mit FeststoffstĆ¼ckchen, insbesondere Saft mit Pulpe, mit Fasern oder mit Zellen, Sirup oder aber Rahm ist.Method according to at least one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that the first product has a lower viscosity than the second product and the first product is preferably a substantially homogeneous liquid, in particular water, juice or milk, and the second product is an inhomogeneous Liquid with particulate matter, especially juice with pulp, with fibers or with cells, syrup or cream. Vorrichtung zum sterilen AbfĆ¼llen von zwei unterschiedlichen Produktstrƶmen (P1, P2) in einen BehƤlter mit
einer Einrichtung (6) zum thermischen aseptischen Behandeln eines ersten Produktstroms (P1),
einer Einrichtung (7;7a) zum AbkĆ¼hlen des ersten Produktstroms (P1),
einer Einrichtung (4) zum thermischen aseptischen Behandeln eines zweiten Produktstroms (P2),
einem AbfĆ¼llventil (1), das eine Mischkammer (14) aufweist oder mit einer Mischkammer (14) verbunden ist, wobei die Mischkammer (14) derart angeordnet ist, dass der heiƟe zweite Produktstrom (P2) dem ersten abgekĆ¼hlten Produktstrom (P1) zugemischt werden kann und der zusammengemischte Produktstrom (P3) dem BehƤlter zugefĆ¼hrt werden kann.Device for the sterile filling of two different product streams (P1, P2) into a container with
a device (6) for the thermal aseptic treatment of a first product stream (P1),
means (7; 7a) for cooling the first product stream (P1),
a device (4) for the thermal aseptic treatment of a second product stream (P2),
a filling valve (1) having a mixing chamber (14) or connected to a mixing chamber (14), wherein the mixing chamber (14) is arranged to mix the hot second product stream (P2) with the first cooled product stream (P1) can and the mixed product stream (P3) can be supplied to the container. Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Einrichtung zur thermischen Behandlung (4) des zweiten Produktstroms eine Pasteurisations/Sterilisationsanlage ist, die einen Vorlauftank (4a), einen WƤrmetauscher (4b) und eine Warmhaltestrecke (4c) umfasst, wobei die Warmhaltestrecke (4c) direkt Ć¼ber eine Leitung (17, 19) mit der Mischkammer (14) verbunden ist.Apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that the means for thermal treatment (4) of the second product stream is a pasteurization / sterilization plant comprising a feed tank (4a), a heat exchanger (4b) and a heat retention line (4c), the heat retention stretch (4) 4c) is connected directly via a line (17, 19) with the mixing chamber (14). Vorrichtung nach Anspruch 7 oder 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass von einer Leitung (17, 19) zwischen der Einrichtung (4) zur thermischen Behandlung des zweiten Produktstroms (4) und der Mischkammer (14) bzw. dem AbfĆ¼llventil (1) eine Bypassleitung (18) vorgesehen ist, Ć¼ber die der zweite Produktstrom (P2) zumindest teilweise und/oder zeitweise zur Einrichtung zur thermischen Behandlung des zweiten Produktstroms (4) rĆ¼ckfĆ¼hrbar ist.Apparatus according to claim 7 or 8, characterized in that from a line (17, 19) between the means (4) for the thermal treatment of the second product stream (4) and the mixing chamber (14) or the filling valve (1) a bypass line ( 18) is provided, via which the second product stream (P2) at least partially and / or temporarily to the means for the thermal treatment of the second product stream (4) is traceable. Vorrichtung nach mindestens Anspruch 8 und 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Bypassleitung (18) in den Vorlauftank (4a) mĆ¼ndet.Device according to at least claims 8 and 9, characterized in that the bypass line (18) opens into the flow tank (4a). Vorrichtung nach mindestens einem der AnsprĆ¼che 7 bis 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass ein Leitungsabschnitt (8) zwischen der Einrichtung (7) zum KĆ¼hlen des ersten Produktstroms und dem AbfĆ¼llventil (1) als steriler Leitungsabschnitt (8) ausgebildet ist.Device according to at least one of claims 7 to 10, characterized in that a line section (8) between the means (7) for cooling the first product stream and the filling valve (1) is designed as a sterile line section (8). Vorrichtung nach mindestens Anspruch 9, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Vorrichtung eine Einrichtung (20b;20c) zum Einstellen des Volumenstroms in der Bypassleitung (18) umfasst.Device according to at least claim 9, characterized in that the device a device (20b, 20c) for adjusting the volume flow in the bypass line (18).
EP11150972.5A 2010-02-26 2011-01-14 Method and device for sterile filling of one container with two different product flows Active EP2361873B1 (en)

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CN102190100A (en) 2011-09-21
EP2361873A3 (en) 2015-05-27
BRPI1100345A2 (en) 2012-11-13
US20110209796A1 (en) 2011-09-01
DE102010002407A1 (en) 2011-09-01

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