EP2463229B1 - Method and device for aseptic filling - Google Patents

Description

The invention relates to a method and apparatus for aseptically filling liquid food products containing solid particles.

There is a growing market for liquid food products, such as fruit juice drinks, which contain solid particles, e.g. whole pieces of fruit, especially aloe vera, coconut, pineapple, peach or mandarin sacs. These fruit pieces are mixed in the carrier fruit juice in up to 50 wt .-% and can have dimensions of up to 1 cm x 1 cm x 1 cm.

In conventional bottling plants, such food products are placed in containers such as e.g. Bottled glass bottles, PET or polyolefin bottles, or pouches, wherein the carrier fruit juice and the fruit pieces are filled separately in the container. The fruit pieces are usually delivered to the bottling plants in pasteurized and autoclaved containers, primarily tinplate cans with 5 to 10 kg packaging sizes. The containers are opened shortly before filling, emptied and possibly suspended in a carrier liquid before the filling process. Subsequently, the pasteurized fruit pulp suspension is fed to a predosing system and then filled together with a second fruit juice stream, which may have been subjected to a separate thermal treatment.

In the opening of the autoclaved containers for removing the fruit pieces there is a recontamination with various microorganisms, so that the fruit pieces, or the suspension of the fruit pieces in the carrier liquid, need to be pasteurized again. The pasteurization usually takes place via a thermal treatment in a short-time heating plant. In addition to the thermal stress, the fruit pieces are mechanically stressed by the required repeated pasteurization step, such as by the action of pumps, control valves, etc. This thermal and mechanical stress in turn leads to undesirable product damage, such as a reduction in particle sizes and a widened particle size distribution solid particles. Further, the conventional methods and devices are very costly and inefficient due to this additional pasteurization step.

The object of the present invention is to provide a cost effective and effective method and apparatus for the aseptic filling of liquid food products containing solid particles in which the solid particles are subjected to the lowest possible thermal and mechanical stress, thus ensuring a high quality of the food product becomes.

This object is achieved by the method according to claim 1 according to the invention. Preferred embodiments of the method are described in claims 2 to 8, wherein all combinations of these embodiments are also included.

• Desinfizieren von zumindest einem Teil der äußeren Oberfläche von mindestens einem ersten Behälter, der den Feststoffpartikel umfasst, sowie Desinfizieren von mindestens einem zweiten Behälter,
• Öffnen des desinfizierten ersten Behälters und Entfernen des Feststoffpartikels,
• Befüllen eines desinfizierten zweiten Behälters mit dem Feststoffpartikel und einem flüssigen Lebensmittel.

The method according to the invention according to claim 1 for the aseptic filling of a liquid food product which contains at least one solid particle, comprises the steps:

• Disinfecting at least part of the outer surface of at least one first container comprising the solid particles and disinfecting at least one second container,
• Opening the disinfected first container and removing the solid particle,
• Filling a disinfected second container with the solid particles and a liquid food.

The term "disinfecting" means treating the container with suitable disinfectants, e.g. Peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide or hot steam, wherein according to the invention occurring on the container surfaces microorganisms at least by a factor of log 3, preferably log 5, more preferably log 7, i. by a factor of 1,000, 100,000 or 10,000,000. Suitable disinfection methods are known in the art and will not be further explained here.

The term "first container" according to the invention refers to the container in which the solid particles are delivered. The term "second container" refers to the container in which the liquid food product is dispensed. The outer surface of the first container is completely or at least partially disinfected. In the empty second container, both the outer surface and the inner surface of the container are completely disinfected.

Due to the prior disinfection of the first container before the opening and removal of the solid particles may be due to a repeated pasteurization of the solid particles be dispensed with, since the opening and removal process of the solid particles from the first container is performed aseptically, and thus a recontamination with microorganisms is excluded. Thereby, the thermal and mechanical stress of the solid particles can be minimized, whereby the size and the particle size distribution of the solid particles is not adversely affected, which requires a high quality of the food product. At the same time, the process is inexpensive and effective due to the lack of the repeated pasteurization step of the solid particles.

In particular, in the method it is preferred that the outer surface of the first container comprising the solid particles is completely disinfected, and the disinfected container is transferred to a clean room prior to the opening step. By opening the first container and the removal of the solid particles from the first container within a clean room is particularly effective ensures that the opening and emptying process takes place aseptically and hygienically, so that a recontamination of the solid particles is excluded. The filling step can take place inside or outside the clean room.

In an alternative embodiment of the method, the first container is only partially disinfected and then a disinfected part of this first container is docked to an opening unit and opened. In this embodiment, the step of docking the disinfected part of the first container to the opening unit ensures that the removal of the solid particle from the first container takes place under aseptic conditions. The advantage of this embodiment is that the process does not have to take place within a clean room, i. that no clean room is needed, and only a part of the first container containing the solid particles, must be disinfected. As a result, a particularly cost-effective embodiment of the method is possible. In this case, the case in which the solid particles are delivered in a cylindrical can is particularly preferred, and only the bottom or the lid of the can is disinfected and opened.

In a further preferred embodiment, the method between the step of opening and the step of filling further comprises the step of preparing a mixture (ie a suspension) of the solid particle with a liquid carrier, and / or the step of pre-metering the solid particle and / or the Mixture of the solid particle with a liquid carrier. As a liquid carrier, for example, the liquid food, ie in particular the fruit juice can be used. According to the invention but also includes the use of other carrier liquids. By suspending the solid particles, especially when the solid particles are present in the first containers as pure solids, the handling of the solid particles during the filling process is simplified. However, it is also possible for the solid particles in the first container to already be present as a suspension, ie as a mixture with a carrier liquid, so that the step of producing the mixture is omitted. About the step of predosing the solid particle and / or the mixture of the solid particle with the liquid carrier, the filling into the second container is simplified and thus a particularly effective process management possible.

It is particularly preferred that the solid particles after removal from the first container successively through an opening unit, a dilution unit and a predosing unit in the vertical direction from top to bottom. Such a process control further minimizes the mechanical stress on the solid particles. Particularly preferably, the downward movement of the solid particles takes place due to gravity, so that a transport by means of pumps o.ä. can be omitted, which additionally reduces the mechanical stress of the solid particles.

In particular, the step of opening comprises piercing the first container with a plunger, wherein the plunger particularly preferably penetrates the container in a vertical direction from top to bottom. Preferably, the plunger can thus have two openings in the first container, i. an outlet and a compensation opening, generate. The opening generated by the plunger must be so large that the solid particles escape from the opening of the container and the container runs as fast as possible and completely empty. In this case, a funnel shape is particularly preferably generated in the outlet by the plunger, so that the container does not have to be turned.

Preferably, the method further comprises the step of checking the tightness of the first container comprising the solid particles. The tightness is determined in particular via a pressure test, wherein the containers are set by means of a device under pressure (negative or positive) and checked for pressure stability out. Alternatively, the leak test can be carried out by means of an ultrasound measurement, in which the containers are subjected to ultrasound waves which are generated by means of an ultrasound wave device. In leaky containers, the product exits, which can be detected by means of a sensor. Leaky and insufficiently autoclaved containers can thus be sorted out of the process, and thus the process can be carried out effectively and with high quality of the resulting food product.

Alternatively, or in combination, in a further preferred embodiment, the method comprises the step of detecting metal with a metal detector in a second container filled with liquid food product. Thereby, the presence of metal residues, e.g. can occur during the opening process of the first container, are detected, and so contaminated containers are sorted out. Thus, the effectiveness of the process and quality of the resulting food product is further enhanced.

In particular, it is preferred that the method comprises the step of pasteurizing the liquid food and / or the liquid carrier with a pasteurization unit. This ensures that the resulting food product meets the hygienic requirements. The pasteurization step in the process according to the invention is preferably carried out so that the solid particles are not treated. Such an embodiment of the method can ensure that aseptic filling and thus high hygienic purity of the food product is ensured without the solid particles being subjected to excessive mechanical and / or thermal stress. Pasteurization processes and systems are known in the art and will not be discussed further here.

Preferably, the method comprises the step of introducing the first container which comprises the solid particles and / or the empty second container into the clean room via at least one lock device and / or the method comprises the step of discharging the empty first container and / or with the liquid food product filled second container from the clean room via at least one second lock device. By introducing / removing the containers from the clean room, aseptic filling and thus high hygiene of the food product is ensured.

The above-described objects are further achieved by a device according to claim 9. Preferred embodiments of the device are described in claims 10 to 15, wherein all combinations of these embodiments are also included.

• mindestens eine Desinfektionseinheit zum Desinfizieren von zumindest einem Teil der äußeren Oberfläche von mindestens einem ersten Behälter, der den Feststoffpartikel umfasst, und in dem der Feststoffpartikel angeliefert wird, sowie zum Desinfizieren von mindestens einem zweiten Behälter,
• mindestens eine Öffnungseinheit zum Öffnen des desinfizierten ersten Behälters und zum Entfernen des Feststoffpartikels,
• mindestens eine Fülleinheit zum Befüllen eines desinfizierten zweiten Behälters mit einem flüssigen Lebensmittel und dem Feststoffpartikel.

The apparatus of claim 9 for aseptically filling a liquid food product containing at least one solid particle comprises:

• at least one disinfecting unit for disinfecting at least a part of the outer surface of at least one first container, which contains the Solid particles, and in which the solid particles are delivered, and for disinfecting at least one second container,
• at least one opening unit for opening the disinfected first container and for removing the solid particle,
• at least one filling unit for filling a disinfected second container with a liquid food and the solid particles.

The disinfecting unit according to the invention is capable of reducing the microorganisms occurring on the disinfected surfaces by at least the factor of log 3.

The presence of the disinfection unit for disinfecting at least part of the outer surface of the first container ensures that the liquid food product is filled aseptically, wherein at the same time a repeated pasteurization of solid particles can be dispensed with, so that the thermal and mechanical loading of the solid particles is minimized , As a result, a high quality of the liquid food product with regard to the hygienic requirements and the size and size distribution of the solid particles can be ensured. Furthermore, the device can be operated effectively and inexpensively, since the device does not comprise any additional pasteurization device of the solid particles after removal from the first container.

The term "filling unit" according to the invention comprises the following embodiments: (a) a filler; (b) a blender and a filler; (c) two fillers (i.e., a predose unit and a filler); (d) a double aseptic filling valve that mixes two or more components in the valve. Corresponding embodiments are known in the prior art and will not be further explained here.

Preferably, the device further comprises a clean room in which the opening unit is located, and in which a completely disinfected first container is opened. As a result of this arrangement within a clean room, aseptic opening and filling of the first container are particularly well ensured, since this prevents recontamination of the solid particles. The filling unit can be located inside or outside the clean room.

Alternatively, the device may preferably comprise a docking unit, which is located at the opening unit, particularly preferably directly above the opening unit. To the docking unit, a disinfected part of the container is docked prior to opening in such a way that when opening the first container, the solid particles are transferred directly and without recontamination in the opening unit. Thus, the device is special effective and cost effective. In this embodiment of the device, it is ensured via the docking unit that the removal of the solid particle from the first container takes place under aseptic conditions. The advantage of this embodiment is that the device does not have to include a clean room, and only a part of the first container, which contains the solid particles, must be disinfected, and so the device can be made particularly inexpensive.

In particular, it is preferred that the device further comprises a dilution unit for producing a mixture of the solid particle with a liquid carrier. By this dilution or suspension of the solid particles with the liquid carrier, the handling of the solid particles within the device can be facilitated.

Alternatively or in combination, the device further comprises a predosing unit for predosing the solid particle and / or the mixture of the solid particle with the liquid carrier. Pre-dosed portions of the solid particles which can be transferred to the second container in a particularly effective manner can be generated via this predosing unit.

It is particularly preferred that the opening unit, the dilution unit and the predosing unit are arranged in the vertical direction from top to bottom. As a result of this arrangement, after the removal of the solid particles, the passage through the opening unit, the dilution unit and the predosing unit can be carried out with the least possible mechanical loading of the solid particles, which further improves the quality of the food product.

Particularly preferably, the opening unit comprises a plunger, which is particularly preferably arranged relative to the first container so that the plunger can pierce the first container in the vertical direction from top to bottom. The shape of the plunger is preferably designed so that an easy cleaning is possible, ie it should not undercuts o.ä. exhibit. Furthermore, the shape of the plunger should preferably have the smallest possible displacement volume in order to mechanically stress the solid particles in the container as little as possible. In this case, a funnel is preferably produced on the lower surface of the container, from which the solid particles can escape, without which a further mechanical stress by means of pumps or the like. is necessary.

Furthermore, the device preferably comprises a test unit for checking the tightness of the first container, which comprises the solid particles. Alternatively, or in combination, the apparatus may include a metal detector for detecting metal in a second container filled with liquid food. Leaking and / or insufficiently autoclaved containers can thus be sorted out of the process, thus effectively operating the device with high quality of the resulting food product.

In particular, it is preferred that the device comprises at least one pasteurization unit for pasteurizing the liquid food and / or the liquid carrier, wherein the pasteurization unit is preferably arranged so that the solid particles are not treated. As a result, the quality of the resulting food product can be further increased, as a result aseptic filling and thus high hygienic purity of the food product is ensured without the solid particles being subjected to excessive mechanical and / or thermal stress.

The device may preferably comprise at least one first lock device for introducing the first container comprising the solid particles and / or an empty second container into the clean room. Alternatively or in combination, the device may comprise at least one second lock device for introducing an empty first container and / or a second container filled with the liquid food product from the clean room. The lock devices ensure aseptic filling and thus high hygiene of the food product, which enables a particularly effective device design.

Fig. 1:

eine schematische Schnittzeichnung einer Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit Reinraum;

Fig. 2:

eine schematische Schnittzeichnung einer weiteren bevorzugten Ausführungs-form einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit Reinraum;

Fig. 3:

eine schematische Schnittzeichnung einer alternativen Ausführungsform einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit Andockvorrichtung;

Fig. 4:

ein Teil einer erfindungsgemäßen Vorrichtung mit einer kombinierten Öffnungseinheit, Verdünnungseinheit und Vordosierungseinheit;

Fig. 5:

eine schematische Ausführungsform eines Stößels zur Öffnung eines ersten Behälters.

The invention and its advantages will be further explained with reference to the embodiments illustrated in the following drawings. Showing:

Fig. 1:

a schematic sectional view of an embodiment of a device according to the invention with clean room;

Fig. 2:

a schematic sectional view of another preferred embodiment of a device according to the invention with clean room;

3:

a schematic sectional view of an alternative embodiment of a device according to the invention with docking device;

4:

a part of a device according to the invention with a combined opening unit, dilution unit and predosing unit;

Fig. 5:

a schematic embodiment of a plunger for opening a first container.

Fig. 1 shows a device with a test unit 40 for checking the tightness of a first container 6, and a disinfection unit 20 for disinfecting the outer surface of the first container 6. Further, the device comprises a clean room 22 with lock device 46 for introducing full first containers 6, and a second lock device 48 for discharging empty first containers 10. The clean room 22 comprises an opening unit 24 for opening the disinfected first container 16, as well as for removing the solid particles 4 from the containers 16. Furthermore, the device comprises a second disinfection unit 20 for disinfecting the empty second Container 8, in which the food product 2 is filled, and a filling unit 26. This is connected via pipelines to the opening unit 24, and a pasteurization unit 44, via which the solid particles 4, or the liquid food 18 of the filling unit 26 zugefü be heard. In addition, the apparatus includes a metal detector 42 for detecting metal in a second container 12 filled with liquid food product 2.

• Erste Behälter 6, die Feststoffpartikel 4 umfassen, werden nach der Anlieferung zunächst in der Prüfeinheit 40 auf Dichtigkeit hin überprüft. Undichte Behälter 50 werden aus der Prüfeinheit 40 aussortiert. Nach der Dichtigkeitsprüfung werden die dichten ersten Behälter 6 in der ersten Desinfektionseinheit 20 desinfiziert, wobei hier die gesamte äußere Oberfläche der Behälter 6 behandelt wird. Nach der Desinfizierung werden die desinfizierten ersten Behälter 16 über die erste Schleusenvorrichtung 46 in den Reinraum 22 überführt, und mittels der darin befindlichen Öffnungseinheit 24 geöffnet. Nach dem Öffnen und nach dem Entfernen der Feststoffpartikel 4 werden die leeren Behälter 10 über die zweite Schleusenvorrichtung 48 aus dem Reinraum 22 entfernt. Parallel dazu werden in der zweiten Desinfektionseinheit 20 leere zweite Behälter 8 desinfiziert und in die Fülleinheit 26 überführt, sowie mittels der Pasteurisierungseinheit 44 flüssiges Lebensmittel 18 pasteurisiert. Danach werden die entnommenen Feststoffpartikel 4 aus der Öffnungseinheit 24, sowie das flüssige Lebensmittel 18 aus der Pasteurisierungseinheit 44 über Rohrleitungen in die Fülleinheit 26 überführt und dort in die sterilisierten zweiten Behälter 14 abgefüllt. Die so mit dem Lebensmittelprodukt 2 befüllten zweiten Behälter 12 werden anschließend mit dem Metalldetektor 42 auf das Vorhandensein von Metall hin überprüft und ggf. kontaminierte Behälter 50 ausgeschleust.

In the device according to Fig. 1 For example, a method according to the present invention may be carried out as follows:

• First containers 6, which comprise solid particles 4, are first checked after delivery in the test unit 40 for tightness. Leaking containers 50 are sorted out of the test unit 40. After the leak test, the sealed first container 6 are disinfected in the first disinfection unit 20, in which case the entire outer surface of the container 6 is treated. After disinfection, the disinfected first container 16 are transferred via the first lock device 46 into the clean room 22, and opened by means of the opening unit 24 therein. After opening and after removal of the solid particles 4, the empty containers 10 are removed via the second lock device 48 from the clean room 22. Parallel to this, in the second disinfection unit 20, empty second containers 8 are disinfected and transferred into the filling unit 26, and pasteurized by means of the pasteurization unit 44 liquid foodstuffs 18. Thereafter, the removed solid particles 4 from the opening unit 24, and the liquid food 18 are transferred from the pasteurization unit 44 via pipelines in the filling unit 26 and filled there into the sterilized second container 14. The so filled with the food product 2 second container 12 are then checked with the metal detector 42 for the presence of metal out and possibly contaminated container 50 discharged.

Another embodiment of the device is in Fig. 2 described. This is analogous to the device according to Fig. 1 constructed, with the difference that in this embodiment, the filling unit 26 is in the clean room 22. In addition, this embodiment comprises two first lock devices 46 and two second lock devices 48 for introducing and removing the first container and the second container from the clean room 22.

In the device according to Fig. 2 For example, a method according to the present invention may be carried out in an analogous manner as described above. The only difference in the embodiment according to Fig. 2 is that the step of filling takes place in the clean room 22, wherein the empty second container 8 are introduced into the clean room 22, and the filled second container 12 are discharged from the clean room 22.

An alternative embodiment of a device is in Fig. 3 shown. This device comprises a test unit 40 for checking the tightness of a first container 6, which comprises the solid particles 4, and a disinfection unit 20 for disinfecting a part of the outer surface of a first container 6. Disposed directly to the disinfection unit 20 is a docking unit 28, which in turn is directly connected to the opening unit 24. The device further comprises a filling unit 26, and a second disinfecting unit 20 directly connected thereto for disinfecting the empty second containers 8. The filling unit 26 is connected by piping to the opening unit 24 and a pasteurizing unit 44 via the solid particles 4 or pasteurized liquid foodstuff 18 can enter the filling unit 26. The apparatus further comprises a metal detector 42 for detecting metal in a second container 12 filled with liquid food product 2.

• Nach Anlieferung von autoklavierten ersten Behältern 6, die Feststoffpartikel 4 umfassen, werden diese in der Prüfeinheit 40 auf Dichtigkeit hin überprüft und ggf. aus dem Verfahren ausgeschleust 50. Nach der Dichtigkeitsprüfung werden die Behälter 6 in der ersten Desinfektionseinheit 20 desinfiziert, wobei die Behälter nur teilweise, hier nur an der unteren Oberfläche 17, desinfiziert werden. Danach werden die zum Teil desinfizierten ersten Behälter 15 in die Andockeinheit 28 überführt. In der Andockeinheit 28 wird der desinfizierte Teil 17 des ersten Behälters 15 so geöffnet, dass sich der desinfizierte Teil 17 direkt über der Öffnungseinheit 24 befindet, damit nicht desinfizierte Teile des ersten Behälters nicht in Kontakt den Feststoffpartikeln 4 oder mit der Öffnungseinheit 24 kommen. Nach der Öffnung der ersten Behälter 15 und der Entnahme der Feststoffpartikel 4 werden die leeren ersten Behälter 10 aus der Andockeinheit 28 entfernt. Parallel dazu werden in der zweiten Desinfektionseinheit 20 leere zweite Behälter 8 desinfiziert und anschließend in die Fülleinheit 26 überführt. Weiter erfolgt die Pasteurisierung des flüssiges Lebensmittels 18. Die entnommenen Feststoffpartikel 4 und das flüssiges Lebensmittel 18 werden anschließend über eine Rohrleitung in die Fülleinheit 26 überführt. In der Fülleinheit 26 wird der desinfizierte zweite Behälter 14 mit dem Feststoffpartikel 4, sowie dem flüssigen Lebensmittel 18 gefüllt. Nach Austritt aus der Fülleinheit 26 wird der mit dem flüssigen Lebensmittelprodukt 2 befüllte zweite Behälter 12 mittels des Metalldetektors 24 auf Metall hin untersucht und ggf. kontaminierte Behälter 50 ausgeschleust.

In the device according to Fig. 3 a process according to the invention can be carried out as follows:

• After delivery of autoclaved first containers 6, which include solid particles 4, they are checked for leaks in the test unit 40 and optionally discharged from the process 50. After the leak test, the containers 6 are disinfected in the first disinfection unit 20, the containers only partially, here only on the lower surface 17, to be disinfected. After that, some of them will be disinfected transferred first container 15 in the docking unit 28. In the docking unit 28, the disinfected part 17 of the first container 15 is opened so that the disinfected part 17 is directly above the opening unit 24 so that non-disinfected parts of the first container do not come into contact with the solid particles 4 or with the opening unit 24. After opening the first container 15 and the removal of the solid particles 4, the empty first container 10 are removed from the docking unit 28. In parallel, 20 empty second container 8 are disinfected in the second disinfection unit and then transferred to the filling unit 26. Next is the pasteurization of the liquid food 18. The removed solid particles 4 and the liquid food 18 are then transferred via a pipeline into the filling unit 26. In the filling unit 26, the disinfected second container 14 is filled with the solid particles 4, as well as the liquid food 18. After exiting the filling unit 26, the second container 12 filled with the liquid food product 2 is examined for metal by means of the metal detector 24 and any contaminated containers 50 are discharged.

Fig. 4 shows a preferred embodiment of a portion of a device according to the invention comprising a combined opening unit 24, dilution unit 30 and predosing unit 36. In this case, the opening unit 24, the dilution unit and the pre-metering unit 36 are arranged in the vertical direction from top to bottom so that after emptying the first container 15/16, the solid particles 4 are moved from top to bottom only by gravity. The embodiment further includes a feed line 31 for producing a mixture 34 of the solid particle 4 with a liquid carrier 32.

Within a method according to the invention according to this embodiment, the opening of the first container 15/16 takes place in the opening unit 24, the removed solid particles 4 moving in a vertical direction from top to bottom and entering the dilution unit 30. There, the addition of the liquid carrier 32 via the supply line 31 whereby the mixture 34 is produced. Mixture 34 subsequently moves into pre-metering unit 36, which produces pre-metered units, which are then transferred to filling unit 26 and filled into second containers 14.

In Fig. 5 is a section of a preferred embodiment of the opening unit 24, which includes a plunger 38, shown schematically. Within the opening step, a first container 15/16 is opened with plunger 38, in which plunger 38 pierces the closed container from top to bottom in the vertical direction, so that the solid particles 4 emerge from the resulting funnel-shaped opening on the lower side of the container 15/16 in the arrow direction.

Claims (15)

1. Method for aseptically filling a liquid food product (2) which contains at least one solid particle (4), comprising the steps:

   - disinfecting at least one part of the outer surface of at least one first container (6), which comprises the solid particle (4) and in which the solid particle (4) is delivered, and disinfecting at least one second container (8),

   - opening the disinfected first container (15; 16) and removing the solid particle (4),

   - filling a disinfected second container (14) with the solid particle (4) and a liquid food (18),

   wherein the micro-organisms occurring on the disinfected container surfaces are reduced by the disinfection process by at least the factor log 3.
2. Method according to Claim 1, wherein the outer surface of the first container (6) is fully disinfected and the disinfected container (16) is conveyed into a clean room (22) before the opening step; or wherein the first container (6) is only partly disinfected and subsequently a disinfected part (17) of the first container (15) is linked up to an opening unit (24) and opened.
3. Method according to either of Claims 1 and 2, wherein the method further comprises the following steps between the opening step in the opening unit (24) and the filling step: producing a mixture (34) of the solid particle (4) with a liquid carrier (32) in a dilution unit (3) and/or pre-batching the solid particle (4) and/or the mixture (34) of the solid particle (4) with the liquid carrier (32) in a pre-batching unit (36).
4. Method according to Claim 3, wherein the solid particle (4) taken out of the first container (15; 16) or the mixture (34) consecutively runs through the opening unit (24), the dilution unit (30) and the pre-batching unit (36) in the vertical direction from top to bottom, and wherein the downward movement preferably occurs due to gravity.
5. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 4, wherein the opening step comprises piercing the first container (15; 16) with a punch (38), wherein the punch (38) preferably pierces the container (15; 16) in the vertical direction from top to bottom.
6. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 5, further comprising the step of checking the leak tightness of the first container (6), which comprises the solid particle (4), and/or the step of detecting metal in a second container (12) filled with liquid food product (2) using a metal detector (42), wherein if there is a leak and/or if metal is present the containers (6) or (12) are rejected.
7. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 6, further comprising the step of pasteurising the liquid food (18) and/or the liquid carrier (32) using a pasteurising unit (44), wherein the pasteurising step is preferably carried out in such a way that the solid particle (4) is not treated.
8. Method according to any one of Claims 1 to 7, further comprising the step of channelling the first container (6), which comprises the solid particle (4), and/or the empty second container (8) into the clean room (22) via at least one first channelling device (46) and/or the step of channelling the empty first container (10) and/or the second container (12) filled with the liquid food product (2) out of the clean room (22) via at least one second channelling device (48).
9. Apparatus for aseptically filling a liquid food product (2) which contains at least one solid particle (4), comprising

   - at least one disinfection unit (20) for disinfecting at least one part of the outer surface of at least one first container (6), which comprises the solid particle (4) and in which the solid particle (4) is delivered, and for disinfecting at least one second container (8),

   - at least one opening unit (24) for opening the disinfected first container (15; 16) and for removing the solid particle (4),

   - at least one filling unit (26) for filling a disinfected second container (14) with a liquid food (18) and the solid particle (4),

   wherein the at least one disinfection unit (20) is able to reduce the micro-organisms occurring on the disinfected surfaces by at least the factor log 3.
10. Apparatus according to Claim 9, wherein the apparatus further comprises a clean room (22), in which the opening unit (24) is located and in which a fully disinfected first container (16) is opened, or wherein the apparatus further comprises a linking up unit (28) which is located on the opening unit (24) and which a disinfected part (17) of the container (15) is linked up to before opening.
11. Apparatus according to Claim 9 or 10 further comprising a dilution unit (30) for producing a mixture (34) of the solid particle (4) with a liquid carrier (30) and/or a pre-batching unit (36) for pre-batching the solid particle (4) and/or the mixture (34) of the solid particle (4) with the liquid carrier (30).
12. Apparatus according to Claim 11, wherein the opening unit (24), the dilution unit (30) and the pre-batching unit (36) are arranged in the vertical direction from top to bottom and the opening unit (24) preferably comprises a punch (38) which is particularly preferably arranged relative to the first container (15; 16) in such a way that the punch (38) can pierce the first container (15; 16) in the vertical direction from top to bottom.
13. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 9 to 12, further comprising a checking unit (40) for checking the leak tightness of the first container (6), which comprises the solid particle (4), and/or a metal detector (42) for detecting metal in a second container (12) filled with liquid food product (2).
14. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 9 to 13, further comprising at least one pasteurising unit (44) for pasteurising the liquid food (18) and/or the liquid carrier (30), wherein the pasteurising unit (44) is preferably arranged such that the solid particle (4) is not treated.
15. Apparatus according to any one of Claims 9 to 14, further comprising at least one first channelling device (46) for channelling the first container (6), which comprises the solid particle (4), and/or an empty second container (8) into the clean room (22) and/or at least one second channelling device (48) for channelling an empty first container (10) and/or a second container (12) filled with the liquid food product (2) out of the clean room (22).

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