EP3535189B1 - Verfahren und vorrichtung zur druckverpackung eines aufzubereitenden behälters und zugehörige druckverpackungsmaschine - Google Patents

Verfahren und vorrichtung zur druckverpackung eines aufzubereitenden behälters und zugehörige druckverpackungsmaschine Download PDF

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Publication number
EP3535189B1
EP3535189B1 EP17811983.0A EP17811983A EP3535189B1 EP 3535189 B1 EP3535189 B1 EP 3535189B1 EP 17811983 A EP17811983 A EP 17811983A EP 3535189 B1 EP3535189 B1 EP 3535189B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
stopper
container
pressure
fluid
cap
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EP17811983.0A
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English (en)
French (fr)
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EP3535189A1 (de
Inventor
Jean-guy DELAGE
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Jalca
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Jalca
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/006—Adding fluids for preventing deformation of filled and closed containers or wrappers
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/04—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied
    • B65B31/046—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied the nozzles co-operating, or being combined, with a device for opening or closing the container or wrapper
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/04—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied
    • B65B31/08—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied the nozzle being adapted to pierce the container or wrapper
    • 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
    • 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
    • B67C2003/226—Additional process steps or apparatuses related to filling with hot liquids, e.g. after-treatment
    • 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
    • B67C2003/228—Aseptic features

Definitions

  • the present invention relates to the field of bottling, and relates in particular to a method and a device for the pressure conditioning of a container to be treated at least partially filled with a content and sealed with a stopper placed above. a head space of the container, and on an associated pressure packaging machine.
  • content is meant a liquid or semi-liquid food product intended to be marketed outside the cold chain such as an acid fruit juice, in a container, a container within the meaning of the present invention being an envelope.
  • a liquid or semi-liquid food product intended to be marketed outside the cold chain such as an acid fruit juice
  • a container within the meaning of the present invention being an envelope.
  • made of polymer material such as a bottle, provided with a stopper of known type, intended to hermetically seal the bottle after filling, generally with a screw.
  • liquid or semi-liquid food contents are sensitive to microbial development and the organoleptic qualities are very quickly modified in the absence of a sterilization treatment of pathogenic organisms and / or the presence of oxygen.
  • the heat treatment at high temperature of the order of 90 ° C for a few seconds also referred to as flash pasteurization
  • the liquid is treated in a specific unit, prior to filling, which must be carried out in a sterile manner. It is therefore necessary to ensure that the chain remains sterile.
  • This known filling process consists in cold filling in a sterile environment, the container and its stopper being cold sterilized by means of a sterilization liquid followed by rinsing and the contents then being introduced into this container in an aseptic atmosphere.
  • the advantage is to use packaging which requires little material because the necessary mechanical properties are limited. The process does not generate volume variations linked to temperature variations. In addition, the necessary mechanical properties being limited, the exterior aesthetic forms are more free. However, the oxygen contained in the head space can be consumed and a vacuum occurs in the cylinder. It is therefore necessary to provide either a bottle resistant to this depression, or compensation for this depression.
  • a final solution among the main solutions known from the prior art consists in hot filling a package, that is to say in introducing the content brought to a high temperature directly into the container without the latter having undergone a sterilization treatment.
  • it is the content itself which ensures the sterilization of the container because it is introduced at a temperature allowing the destruction of pathogenic organisms, therefore above 73 ° C, generally 85 ° C.
  • the package is closed and then immediately agitated, generally by inversion, in order to heat treat all internal surfaces of the container, including the interior face of the stopper.
  • the plug in the case of hot plugging is a plug of known type, single material, obtained by molding, checked before fitting in order to avoid any fitting of a defective plug.
  • Such plugs are extremely inexpensive.
  • the drawback of hot filling is that it requires packaging which is resistant to temperature on the one hand and to the phenomenon of collapsing linked to the shrinkage of the volume of the liquid during cooling, on the other hand. which places the interior of said container in depression.
  • the oxygen in the air trapped during filling is also "consumed" after cooling by the liquid or semi-liquid food composition, which causes a delayed depression which may also cause additional deformation of the container.
  • the packaging which must therefore be mechanically resistant and / or deformable, requires a large amount of material and often a specific architecture with panels to resist the deformations of this packaging and / or to compensate for the depression by appropriate deformations.
  • funds can take two positions, one of which deformation inward under the effect of the depression so as to compensate for said depression.
  • the deformation of the bottom being under the bottle, this does not cause a problem with the stability of the bottle when it is placed on said bottom, only the hollowing out of the bottom is more pronounced, which is invisible, except when looking from below.
  • We understand that such a background must be sophisticated, is complex to produce and induces an obvious additional cost.
  • the aim which is also that of the present invention, is to be able to proceed in particular with hot filling using bottles having as little material excess weight as possible compared to the containers used for filling in a sterile environment, cold. .
  • the fact of injecting the gaseous fluid into the head space while the needle is still introduced through the stopper member can cause a projection of liquid contained in the container on the needle and thus cause a problem of needle sterility.
  • the piercing needle used is a hollow hypodermic needle with a bevelled end which is liable to break when piercing and which is also liable to create waste of stopper plastic in the contents when piercing the stopper, which would make the contents unfit for human consumption.
  • WO 2009142510 A1 Another device also uses an even more specific plug, that described in the patent application.
  • This cap comes from manufacturing with an opening. After filling, the headspace is placed in a pressurized enclosure, a plugging pin is introduced into the hole made for this purpose, said plug being immobilized in the hole by mechanical means.
  • a plugging pin is introduced into the hole made for this purpose, said plug being immobilized in the hole by mechanical means.
  • the present invention aims to resolve the drawbacks of the prior state of the art, by proposing a method and a device for the pressure conditioning of a container to be treated at least partially filled with a content and sealed with a stopper placed above a headspace of the container, said method comprising, inter alia, a step of sealingly docking a cover on the outer surface of the stopper, a step of drilling a hole through the stopper by lowering the piercing means towards the stopper, a step of raising the piercing means and a step of introducing a fluid into the head space of the container via said hole, which makes it possible to proceed in particular hot filling using bottles having as little material excess weight as possible compared to containers used for filling in a cold sterile environment, and which also makes it possible to compensate for the depression in cold-filled containers which can undergo deformation by depression, especially if the containers themselves have low mechanical strength.
  • the drilling means can be reassembled, before the fluid injection step, while maintaining the pressure between the cover and the stopper, which allows to guarantee the sterility of the piercing means during the fluid injection step.
  • the subject of the present invention is therefore a process for the pressure conditioning of a container to be treated at least partially filled with a content and sealed by a stopper placed above a head space of the container, characterized by the that it comprises the following steps: sealingly docking a cover on the outer surface of the stopper, said cover comprising inside the latter piercing means, fluid injection means and sealing means by fusion; drilling a hole through the plug by lowering the piercing means towards the plug; raising the drilling means out of the stopper; the introduction of a fluid into the head space of the container via said hole, made through the stopper, using the fluid injection means, so as to obtain a residual pressure at least equal at atmospheric pressure in the headspace of the container; sealing said stopper hole by melting the material of the stopper by lowering the fusion sealing means towards the stopper; raising the closure means by fusion; and removing the cover.
  • said method of pressure conditioning a container to be treated makes it possible in particular to carry out a hot filling using bottles having as little material excess weight as possible compared to the containers used for filling in a cold sterile environment, and also makes it possible to compensate for the depression in cold-filled containers which can undergo deformation by depression, especially if the containers themselves have low mechanical strength.
  • the drilling means can be reassembled, before the fluid injection step, while maintaining the pressure between the cover and the stopper, the drilling is carried out. Therefore "clean" without chips or waste by pushing back the plastic material of the stopper only, the withdrawal of the piercing means out of the stopper during the injection of fluid also making it possible to avoid any splashing of the contents on the piercing means when introducing fluid that creates turbulence on the surface of the contents, for improved hygiene.
  • This method is preferably used for hot content filling, but can also be used for cold content filling.
  • the sealing means by fusion make it possible to re-seal, by fusion of the plastic material of the stopper, the hole formed in the stopper by the piercing means, which makes it possible to guarantee the final sealing of the container, while compensating for the vacuum in container.
  • the container thus contains a content with a balanced pressure at least and preferably under a slight pressure so that the internal pressure difference with the external pressure of the container avoids generating any collapsing of the container.
  • the step of introducing fluid into the head space comprises an introduction of fluid in an initial phase at a first pressure value, then an introduction of fluid in a final phase at a second pressure value lower than the first pressure value.
  • the method further comprises a step of verifying, using an optical or inductive means arranged in the cover, the integrity of the drilling means after the step of raising the means of drilling.
  • the optical means can be a camera or an optical fiber connected to an optical sensor.
  • An optical camera remote from the cover can monitor the filling level of the container at the end of the pressure conditioning process to detect any breakage of the piercing means. Indeed, during normal treatment, the content level must drop to a certain predetermined level, whereas in the event of no drilling and therefore no introduction of fluid, the content level will not drop.
  • a proximity detector system could also check for the presence of complete and unbroken drilling means, for example a photoelectric or magnetic cell.
  • the method further comprises a step of verifying, using an optical camera arranged inside the cover, the quality of the hole being blocked by the closure means. by merger.
  • An optical camera located on a downstream station on a production line implementing the method is also envisaged within the scope of the present invention.
  • the fluid in the case of hot filling at a temperature above 73 ° C, the fluid is introduced into the head space after cooling the contents to a temperature below 45 ° C. .
  • the fluid introduction pressure is configured to generate a residual pressure in the container, between 1.01 bars and 2.5 bars, and preferably between 1.01 bars and 1, 4 bars.
  • the fluid is an inert and sterile gas such as nitrogen, in particular in gaseous form.
  • the inert and sterile gas makes it possible to avoid causing subsequent oxidation of the content, after bottling. This prevents over-collapsing due to the subsequent consumption of oxygen since there is no or very little oxygen, the inert gas having largely replaced the air initially confined.
  • the method further comprises, before, during and / or after the step of docking the cover on the stopper, a step of circulating sterile fluid between the cover and the stopper, preferably an inert gas, more preferably nitrogen.
  • this circulation of sterile fluid preferably at low pressure, makes it possible to prevent bacteria from entering the space between the cover and the stopper from the outside, in order to ensure the sterility of the container.
  • An overpressure is created between the stopper and the cap to maintain a positive pressure greater than or equal to the internal pressure of the container until sealing by fusion.
  • the method further comprises, before the step of docking the cap on the stopper, a step of sterilizing the outer surface of the stopper by one or more of point heating, chemical sterilization. , vapor, pulsed light emission or the like.
  • spot heating or chemical sterilization using a sterilizing liquid ensures the destruction of pathogenic organisms present on the outer surface of the cap.
  • the present invention also relates to a device for pressure conditioning a container to be treated at least partially filled with a content and sealed with a stopper placed above a head space of the container, said device comprising a cover which comprises inside the latter drilling means, fluid injection means and sealing means by fusion, said device being configured to implement the pressure conditioning process as described above.
  • the drilling means and the fusion closure means are arranged in the cover so that their respective axes of movement intersect at a point situated in the material of the stopper or beyond. top of the plug material when the cover is docked on the plug.
  • Those skilled in the art will know how to position the axes in the cover as a function of the shape of the closure means in order to ensure that the closure means close the hole created by the drilling means.
  • the piercing means and the fusion closure means are inclined with respect to one another so that their respective longitudinal axes of movement intersect at the same point in the material of the plug or at- above this one.
  • said point is located at the level of the center of the upper surface of the stopper.
  • the piercing means are movable, in the position of docking of the cap on the cap, between a retracted position and a piercing position for piercing the cap.
  • the fusion closure means are movable, in the position of docking of the cover on the stopper, between a rest position and a closure position to close by fusion the hole formed in the stopper.
  • the piercing means comprise a needle capable of moving linearly.
  • the needle is configured to pierce the stopper in its piercing position.
  • the needle is never in contact with the contents when piercing.
  • the needle is solid and has a pointed end in the shape of a cone.
  • said needle is stronger compared to a hollow hypodermic needle with a bevelled end, which makes it possible to prevent said needle from breaking during the piercing step.
  • Said needle provides a hole by penetrating the plastic material of the stopper, by deformation and pushing back of the material, without tearing of material. No waste of plastic plug material thus falls into the contents of the container.
  • the diameter of the drill hole must allow a combination of rapid inflation (largest possible diameter) and weld safety (smallest possible diameter).
  • a needle with a diameter of 0.7 mm seems to constitute a good compromise.
  • the diameter of the needle possibly being between 0.3 and 0.8 times the thickness of the stopper.
  • the thickness of the stopper is defined as the maximum thickness of the flat surface of the stopper from which the skirt of the stopper carrying the screw thread extends.
  • the needle is heated by a heating means.
  • the needle can thus be thermally connected to a resistance type heating element.
  • heating the needle makes it possible both to sterilize the needle and to facilitate piercing of the plastic material of the stopper.
  • the needle is, of preferably heated to a temperature above 95 ° C for sterilization and below 130 ° C to avoid possible melting of the plastic material of the stopper during piercing and a sticking of plastic particles on the needle which could then come off when piercing the stopper of another container in a next cycle.
  • the temperature of the needle is preferably continuously maintained and controlled by a resistor / probe placed in the needle holder.
  • the fusion closure means comprise a heating cannula capable of moving linearly.
  • said heating cannula is configured to close by fusion the hole formed in the stopper in its closed position, the plastic material of the stopper melting in contact with the heating cannula.
  • the heating cannula preferably has a convex shape, more preferably a hemispherical shape.
  • the respective longitudinal axes of movement of the piercing and sealing means are thus secant so that the top of the convex shape on the heating cannula touches the hole pierced by the needle in the stopper, when the heating cannula touches the stopper .
  • the fluid injection means comprise at least one fluid inlet capable of receiving a pressurized fluid and of injecting the latter inside the cover docked in a sealed manner on the plug.
  • the present invention further relates to a pressure conditioning machine comprising at least one pressure conditioning device as described.
  • said pressure conditioning machine further comprising a means for holding the container in position relative to which the cover of the at least one pressure conditioning device is movable between a rest position remote from the holding means in container position and a docking position in which the cover is docked in a sealed manner on the stopper of the container to be treated.
  • the container to be treated 2 is at least partially filled with a content and sealed by a stopper 3 placed above a container headspace 2.
  • the container 2 undergoes hot filling, and is a bottle, in particular made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), of low weight, with a content, such as a fruit juice, brought to a temperature capable of destroying pathogenic organisms, namely a temperature above 73 ° C, in this case 85 ° C.
  • PET polyethylene terephthalate
  • a content such as a fruit juice
  • the container 2 is filled with the hot contents, it is stoppered by the stopper 3 of known type, namely an injection or compression molded screw cap, monolithic and single-material, free from any additional sealing element.
  • the stopper 3 of known type, namely an injection or compression molded screw cap, monolithic and single-material, free from any additional sealing element.
  • Sealing is obtained by contact under mechanical pressure of the material of the stopper 3, in this case of its inner face, on the material of the peripheral edge of the neck 2a of the container 2, the screwing making it possible to exert said necessary mechanical pressure.
  • the plug 3 is free from any mechanism or any other pressure compensation accessory.
  • the air trapped in the headspace is hot but at atmospheric pressure.
  • caps commonly used, in particular in the United States which are of the bi-material type with an internal membrane used to ensure only the seal between the surface of the neck of the container 2. and the cap 3 by compression during screwing, unlike the inner lip for single-material type caps.
  • this inner membrane for such a bi-material stopper does not have the characteristics necessary to ensure self-sealing of the stopper in the case of piercing using a needle and then removing the needle. out of the cap.
  • the container 2 is suitable for receiving a content at the sterilization temperature retained without degradation but is free of negative pressure compensation means.
  • the container 2 is set in motion immediately after filling with the contents, in order to bring all the internal surfaces of the container 2 into contact with the contents brought to the sterilizing temperature.
  • the container 2 and its contents are then cooled in a cooling tunnel by spraying water, for example to bring the assembly close to ambient temperature.
  • container 2 When container 2 reaches a temperature below 75 ° C, due to the material which constitutes it, said container 2 collapses because the volume of gas and liquid is reduced by up to 3 to 5% inside the container 2. This reduction increases as it cools. The collapsing phenomenon is close to its maximum at a temperature less than or equal to 45 ° C.
  • the pressure conditioning device 1 comprises a cover 4, also called the docking head, which comprises inside the latter drilling means 5, fluid injection means 6 and sealing means by merger 7.
  • the pressure conditioning device 1 further comprises a horizontal lower support 8 on which the container 2 is positioned, an upper horizontal support 9 comprising a notch 9a in which the neck 2a of the container 2 is inserted, and a vertical support 10 in which are connected the lower support 8 and the upper support 9.
  • the cover 4 is vertically movable, by means of a vertical displacement motor 11, between a rest position remote from the upper support 9 and a docking position in which the cover 4 is docked in a sealed manner on the plug 3 of the container to be treated 2. It is understood that the invention is not limited in this regard: either the cover is movable, docked on the container brought under the cover, or the cover is fixed, the container being brought into the hood.
  • the pressure conditioning device 1 is configured to implement a pressure conditioning method of the container to be treated 2 which comprises the following steps: sealingly docking the cover 4 on the outer surface of the stopper 3; drilling a hole through the stopper 3 by lowering the drilling means 5 towards the stopper 3; the raising of the drilling means 5 out of the stopper 3; the introduction of a fluid into the head space of container 2 by the intermediary of said hole, made through the plug 3, with the aid of the fluid injection means 6, so as to obtain a residual pressure at least equal to atmospheric pressure in the head space of the container 2; closing said hole in the plug 3 by melting the material of the plug 3 by lowering the fusion closure means 7 towards the plug 3; the raising of the closure means by fusion 7; and the removal of the cover 4.
  • the different steps of the process will be described in more detail in Figures 2 to 6 .
  • the method according to the invention can be implemented in a production line, with one or more stations upstream or downstream, in which case a conveying device will transport the container to the station of the production line implementing the method according to the invention.
  • the pressure conditioning process according to the invention makes it possible in particular to carry out hot filling using bottles having as little material excess weight as possible compared to the containers used for filling in a cold sterile environment, and also makes it possible to compensate for vacuum in cold-filled containers which can undergo deformation by vacuum, especially if the containers themselves have low mechanical strength.
  • the drilling means 5 can be reassembled, before the fluid injection step, while maintaining the pressure between the cover 4 and the stopper. 3, the drilling is therefore "clean" without chips or waste by pushing back the plastic material from the stopper 3 only, the withdrawal of the drilling means 5 during the injection of fluid also making it possible to avoid any splashing of the contents on the piercing means 5 for improved hygiene.
  • the stopper 3 used in this process is a conventional one-piece stopper, without an internal membrane and therefore inexpensive.
  • the container 2 thus contains a content with a balanced pressure at least and preferably under a slight pressure so that the internal pressure difference with the external pressure of the container 2 avoids generating any collapsing of the container 2.
  • the container 2 is partially filled with a content 12 such that a head space 13 without content remains at the level of the neck 2a of the container 2, the container 2 being sealed by the stopper 3 placed above the headspace 13 of container 2.
  • the drilling means 5 comprise a piston 14 at the end of which is fixed a needle 15, said piston 14 being able to move linearly in a cylinder 16 formed on the cover 4, the stroke of the piston 14 being limited by a chamber of piston 17 formed in the upper end of cylinder 16.
  • the needle 15 is configured to pierce the stopper 3 when the cover 4 is docked on the stopper 3 and the piston 14 is in its deployed position.
  • the fusion closure means 7 comprise a piston 18 at the end of which is fixed a heating cannula 19, said piston 18 being able to move linearly in a cylinder 20 formed on the cover 4, the stroke of the piston 18 being limited. by a piston chamber 21 formed in the upper end of the cylinder 20.
  • the pistons 14 and 18 can be actuated electrically or hydraulically.
  • the wires for the electrical power supply or for hydraulic actuation of the pistons 14 and 18 have not been shown in the figures.
  • the heating elements making it possible to heat the needle 15 or the heating cannula 19, as well as their respective electrical supplies, have not been shown so as not to overload the figures.
  • the heating cannula 19 is configured to close by fusion the hole formed in the stopper 3 by the needle 15 when the cover 4 is docked on the stopper 3 and the piston 18 is in its deployed position, the plastic material of the stopper 3 melts on contact with the heating cannula 19.
  • the needle 15 and the heating cannula 19 are located in an internal cavity 22 of the cover 4.
  • the fluid injection means 6 comprise several fluid inlets capable of receiving a pressurized fluid and of injecting the latter inside the internal cavity 22 of the cover 4, the cover 4 being able to contain up to five inlets of fluid 6.
  • the pressure conditioning process also comprises, before the step of docking the cover 4 on the stopper 3, a step of sterilizing the outer surface of the stopper 3 by spot heating, by chemical sterilization using a liquid. sterilizing, by steam, by pulsed light emission or by another similar process, in order to ensure the destruction of pathogenic organisms present on the outer surface of the stopper 3.
  • the internal cavity 22 of the cover 4 is still in excess pressure of sterile gas by a first inlet of fluid 6, even before docking to maintain the sterility of the plug 3 previously performed.
  • the last two fluid inlets 6 could be used for the injection of a sterilizing fluid after docking and piercing and a rapid evacuation by suction of the sterilizing fluid before piercing.
  • the pistons 14 and 18 respectively of the needle 15 and of the heating cannula 19 are in their retracted positions, also called rest positions.
  • the cover 4 is docked in a sealed manner on the outer surface of the plug 3 such that at least part of the plug 3 is inserted into at least part of the internal cavity 22 of the cover 4.
  • the pistons 14 and 18 are arranged in the cover 4 so that their respective axes of movement intersect at a point situated in the material of the plug 3 or slightly above it when the cover 4 is docked on the stopper 3, said point preferably being located at the level of the center of the upper surface of stopper 3, or slightly above, off-center, depending on the shape of the heating cannula 19.
  • the pressure conditioning method can also comprise, after the step of docking the cover 4 on the stopper 3, a step of circulating sterile fluid, preferably an inert gas such as nitrogen, in the internal cavity. 22 of the cover 4 by through some of the fluid inlets 6. An overpressure is thus created between the stopper 3 and the cover 4 to maintain a positive pressure greater than or equal to the internal pressure of the container 2 until sealing by fusion.
  • a step of circulating sterile fluid preferably an inert gas such as nitrogen
  • the piston 14 of the needle 15 is in its deployed position, so that the needle 15 is lowered to the stopper 3 and pierces a hole 23 through the material of the stopper 3.
  • the needle 15 is never in contact with the content 12 during the piercing.
  • the needle 15 produces the hole 23 by penetrating the plastic material of the stopper 3, by deformation and pushing back of the material, without tearing of material.
  • This piercing step is immediately followed by a step of raising the needle 15 to the rest position of the piston 14.
  • the pressure conditioning method can also include a verification step, using an optical camera or optical fiber connected to an optical sensor (not shown in Figure 4 ) disposed in the cover 4, the integrity of the needle 15 after the step of raising the needle 15, thus making it possible to optically verify whether the needle 15 is broken or not after the piercing step.
  • An optical camera remote from the cover can monitor the filling level of the container 2 at the end of the pressure conditioning process to detect a possible breakage of the needle 15. In fact, during normal treatment, the level of the contents 12 must drop up to a predetermined level, whereas in the event of no drilling and therefore no introduction of fluid, the level of the content 12 will not drop.
  • a proximity detector system could also monitor for the presence of the complete and unbroken needle, without departing from the scope of the present invention.
  • the pistons 14 and 18 respectively of the needle 15 and of the heating cannula 19 are in their rest positions.
  • a fluid 24 is introduced into the internal cavity 22 of the cover 4 then into the head space 13 of the container 2 through the hole 23, made through the stopper 3, using one of the inlets of fluid 6, so as to obtain a residual pressure at least equal to atmospheric pressure in the head space 13 of the container 2.
  • the fluid 24 is an inert and sterile gas such as nitrogen, in particular in gaseous form, which makes it possible not to cause subsequent oxidation of the content 12, after bottling. This prevents over-collapsing due to the subsequent consumption of oxygen since there is no or very little oxygen, the inert gas having largely replaced the air initially confined.
  • an inert and sterile gas such as nitrogen, in particular in gaseous form, which makes it possible not to cause subsequent oxidation of the content 12, after bottling. This prevents over-collapsing due to the subsequent consumption of oxygen since there is no or very little oxygen, the inert gas having largely replaced the air initially confined.
  • the fluid 24 is introduced into the head space 13 after cooling the contents 12 to a temperature below 45 ° C.
  • the introduction pressure of the fluid 24 is configured to generate a residual pressure in the containing 2, between 1.01 bar and 2.5 bar, and preferably between 1.01 bar and 1.4 bar.
  • the step of introducing the fluid 24 into the headspace 13 preferably comprises an introduction of fluid 24 in an initial phase at a first pressure value, then an introduction of fluid 24 in a final phase at a second. pressure value lower than the first pressure value. It is thus possible to greatly increase the pressure in the initial phase of pressurization immediately after drilling, and to have less pressure in the final phase in order to adjust the final pressure just before the fusion sealing. .
  • the piston 18 of the heating cannula 19 is in its deployed position, so that the heating cannula 19 is lowered to the hole 23 formed in the stopper 3 by the needle 15.
  • the heating cannula 19 makes it possible to recap, by melting the plastic material of the stopper 3, the hole 23 formed in the stopper 3, which makes it possible to guarantee the final sealing of the container 2 while compensating for the depression in the container 2.
  • the shutter step is carried out within a period of between 0 and 5 seconds.
  • the pressure conditioning process can also include a verification step, using an optical camera (not shown in Figure 6 ) disposed in the internal cavity 22 of the cover 4, the quality of the closure of the hole 23 by the heating cannula 19, which thus makes it possible to check optically whether the quality of the closure of the hole 23 by the heating cannula 19 is good or bad.
  • a verification step using an optical camera (not shown in Figure 6 ) disposed in the internal cavity 22 of the cover 4, the quality of the closure of the hole 23 by the heating cannula 19, which thus makes it possible to check optically whether the quality of the closure of the hole 23 by the heating cannula 19 is good or bad.
  • the closing step is followed by a step of raising the heating cannula 19 to the rest position of the piston 18, then by a step of removing the cover 4 from the stopper 3.
  • the method according to the present invention allows hot filling in containers 2, for example made of PET, with reduced grammages of the order of 15% compared to the hot filling process with deformation of the container, which is a reduction of considerable material in view of the multiplying coefficient of the number of containers 2 products.
  • the container shapes 2 are in fact much more free and sober, and recycling is less expensive since the quantity of material used is less.
  • the method according to the present invention applies to all the filling methods and even to pressurizing containers 2 cold filled in a sterile environment, which one would not only want to compensate for a possible decrease in the volume of the head space 13 by consumption of oxygen, but also put a slight overpressure to strengthen the mechanical strength, or even inject a neutral gas to replace the air confined in the head space 13 in order to preserve all the organoleptic qualities of the products that the oxidation may alter.
  • the needle 15 is force-fitted into a needle holder 25 of substantially cylindrical shape, said needle holder 25 comprising an end 25a, opposite the needle 15, configured to force-fit into the end of the needle. piston 14.
  • the needle 15 is cylindrical and solid and has a pointed end in the shape of a cone.
  • the needle 15 is stronger compared to the hollow hypodermic needle with bevelled end of the prior art, which makes it possible to prevent the needle 15 from breaking during the piercing step.
  • the needle 15 is preferably heated by heating means (not shown in Figure 7 ), the heating of the needle 15 making it possible both to sterilize the needle 15 and to facilitate the piercing of the plastic material of the stopper 3.
  • the needle 15 is preferably heated to a temperature above 95 ° C. for sterilization and below 130 ° C to avoid possible melting of the plastic material of the stopper 3 during piercing and a sticking of plastic particles on the needle 15 which could then come off during the piercing of the stopper 3 of a other container 2.
  • the temperature of needle 15 is preferably continuously maintained and controlled by a resistor / probe placed in needle holder 25.
  • the diameter of the drill hole must allow a combination of rapid inflation (largest possible diameter) and weld safety (smallest possible diameter).
  • a 0.7 mm diameter needle seems to be a good compromise. It is understood that the invention is not limited in this regard, the diameter of the needle possibly being between 0.3 and 0.8 times the thickness of the stopper.

Landscapes

  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)
  • Vacuum Packaging (AREA)
  • Basic Packing Technique (AREA)
  • Closing Of Containers (AREA)

Claims (17)

  1. Verfahren zur Druckverpackung eines aufzubereitenden Behälters (2), der mindestens zum Teil mit einem Inhalt (12) gefüllt und mit einem Stopfen (3) dicht verschlossen ist, der über einem Kopfbereich (13) des Behälters (2) angeordnet ist, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es die folgenden Schritte umfasst:
    - das dichte Anlegen einer Abdeckung (4) auf der Außenfläche des Stopfens (3), wobei die Abdeckung (4) im Inneren derselben Durchstechmittel (5), Fluideinleitungsmittel (6) und Verschlussmittel durch Schmelzen (7) umfasst;
    - das Stechen eines Lochs (23) durch den Stopfen (3) durch Absenken der Durchstechmittel (5) in Richtung des Stopfens (3);
    - das Hochholen der Durchstechmittel (5) aus dem Stopfen (3);
    - das Einleiten eines Fluids (24) in den Kopfbereich (13) des Behälters (2) durch das durch den Stopfen (3) ausgebildete Loch (23) mit Hilfe der Fluideinleitungsmittel (6), um einen Restdruck zu erhalten, der mindestens gleich dem atmosphärischen Druck im Kopfbereich (13) des Behälters (2) ist;
    - das Verschließen des Lochs (23) des Stopfens (3) durch Schmelzen des Materials des Stopfens (3) durch Absenken der Verschlussmittel durch Schmelzen (7) in Richtung des Stopfens (3);
    - das Hochholen der Verschlussmittel durch Schmelzen (7); und
    - das Abnehmen der Abdeckung (4).
  2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Schritt des Einleitens von Fluid in den Kopfbereich (13) ein Einleiten von Fluid (24) in einer Anfangsphase mit einem ersten Druckwert, dann ein Einleiten von Fluid (24) in einer Endphase mit einem zweiten Druckwert unter dem ersten Druckwert umfasst.
  3. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 und 2, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es ferner einen Schritt des Überprüfens, mit Hilfe eines optischen oder induktiven Mittels, das in der Abdeckung (4) angeordnet ist, der Unversehrtheit der Durchstechmittel (5) nach dem Schritt des Hochholens der Durchstechmittel (5) umfasst.
  4. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 3, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es ferner einen Schritt des Überprüfens, mit Hilfe einer optischen Kamera, die im Inneren der Abdeckung (4) angeordnet ist, der Qualität des Verschlusses des Lochs (23) durch die Verschlussmittel durch Schmelzen (7) umfasst.
  5. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 4, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass bei einer Warmfüllung bei einer Temperatur von über 73 °C das Fluid (24) in den Kopfbereich (13) nach einem Abkühlen des Inhalts (12) auf eine Temperatur von unter 45 °C eingeleitet wird.
  6. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 5, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass der Einleitdruck des Fluids (24) ausgelegt ist, um einen Restdruck in dem Behälter (2) zu erzeugen, der zwischen 1,01 bar und 2,5 bar und vorzugsweise zwischen 1,01 bar und 1,4 bar liegt.
  7. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Fluid (24) ein steriles Inertgas wie Stickstoff insbesondere in gasförmiger Form ist.
  8. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 7, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es ferner vor, während und/oder nach dem Anlegeschritt der Abdeckung (4) auf dem Stopfen (3) einen Schritt des Inzirkulationversetzens von sterilem Fluid zwischen der Abdeckung (4) und dem Stopfen (3) vorzugsweise eines Inertgases, in noch bevorzugter Form von Stickstoff, umfasst.
  9. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 8, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass es ferner vor dem Anlegeschritt der Abdeckung (4) auf dem Stopfen (3) einen Sterilisationsschritt der Außenfläche des Stopfens (3) durch eine oder mehrere Maßnahmen von einem punktuellen Erhitzen, einer chemischen Sterilisation, einem Dampf oder einem Senden von gepulstem Licht umfasst.
  10. Vorrichtung zur Druckverpackung (1) eines aufzubereitenden Behälters (2), der mindestens teilweise mit einem Inhalt (12) gefüllt und mit einem Stopfen (3) dicht verschlossen ist, der über einem Kopfbereich (13) des Behälters (2) angeordnet ist, wobei die Vorrichtung (1) eine Abdeckung (4) umfasst, die im Inneren derselben Durchstechmittel (5), Fluideinleitungsmittel (6) umfasst und dadurch gekennzeichnet ist, dass sie ferner Verschlussmittel durch Schmelzen (7) umfasst, wobei die Vorrichtung (1) ausgelegt ist, um das Druckverpackungsverfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9 durchzuführen.
  11. Vorrichtung (1) nach Anspruch 10, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Durchstechmittel (5) et und die Verschlussmittel durch Schmelzen (7) in der Abdeckung (4) derart angeordnet sind, dass ihre jeweiligen Verlagerungsachsen in einem Punkt schneidend sind, der sich in dem Material des Stopfens (3) oder über dem Material des Stopfens (3) befindet, wenn die Abdeckung (4) auf dem Stopfen (3) anliegt.
  12. Vorrichtung (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 10 und 11, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Durchstechmittel (5) eine Nadel (15) umfassen, die imstande ist, sich linear zu verlagern.
  13. Vorrichtung (1) nach Anspruch 12, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Nadel (15) voll ist und ein spitzes Ende in Konusform besitzt.
  14. Vorrichtung (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 12 und 13, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Nadel (15) durch ein Heizmittel erwärmt wird.
  15. Vorrichtung (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 10 bis 14, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Verschlussmittel durch Schmelzen (7) eine Heizkanüle (19) umfassen, die imstande ist, sich linear zu verlagern.
  16. Vorrichtung (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 10 bis 15, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die Fluideinleitungsmittel (6) mindestens einen Fluideinlass umfassen, der imstande ist, ein Fluid unter Druck zu empfangen und dieses in die Abdeckung (4) einzuleiten, die dicht auf dem Stopfen (3) anliegt.
  17. Druckverpackungsmaschine, umfassend mindestens eine Druckverpackungsvorrichtung (1) nach einem der Ansprüche 10 bis 16, wobei die Druckverpackungsmaschine ferner ein Behälterpositionshaltemittel (9) umfasst, in Bezug zu dem die Abdeckung (4) der mindestens einen Druckverpackungsvorrichtung (1) zwischen einer von dem Behälterpositionshaltemittel (9) beabstandeten Ruheposition und einer Anlegeposition, in welcher die Abdeckung (4) dicht auf dem Stopfen (3) des aufzubereitenden Behälters (2) angelegt ist, verlagerbar ist.
EP17811983.0A 2016-11-04 2017-11-02 Verfahren und vorrichtung zur druckverpackung eines aufzubereitenden behälters und zugehörige druckverpackungsmaschine Active EP3535189B1 (de)

Applications Claiming Priority (2)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
FR1660719A FR3058395B1 (fr) 2016-11-04 2016-11-04 Procede et dispositif de conditionnement en pression d'un contenant a traiter et machine de conditionnement en pression associee
PCT/FR2017/053003 WO2018083418A1 (fr) 2016-11-04 2017-11-02 Procede et dispositif de conditionnement en pression d'un contenant a traiter et machine de conditionnement en pression associee

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EP3535189B1 true EP3535189B1 (de) 2021-01-06

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BR (1) BR112019008990A2 (de)
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DE102016119890A1 (de) * 2016-10-19 2018-04-19 Krones Aktiengesellschaft Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Herstellen von Getränkebehältnissen mit Rückkühlung und Gaszufuhr
JP7260121B2 (ja) * 2019-06-26 2023-04-18 積水メディカル株式会社 体液採取容器の製造方法及び打栓装置

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FR2322062A1 (fr) 1975-08-28 1977-03-25 Carnaud Total Interplastic Procede et dispositif de bouchage pour recipients en matiere deformable
US6604561B2 (en) * 2000-02-11 2003-08-12 Medical Instill Technologies, Inc. Medicament vial having a heat-sealable cap, and apparatus and method for filling the vial
CN1269696C (zh) * 2003-04-18 2006-08-16 诺亚公司 无封嘴封口的容器与其制造方法
KR20060028571A (ko) * 2004-09-25 2006-03-30 주식회사리팩 백 포장기
TWI472459B (zh) * 2008-05-19 2015-02-11 Melrose David 移除真空壓力之頂部空間改性方法及其裝置
CN102686484A (zh) * 2009-11-18 2012-09-19 大卫·默里·梅尔罗斯 用于顶部空间修改的压力密封方法
US20150121807A1 (en) * 2013-11-04 2015-05-07 Silgan White Cap LLC Fluid injection system and method for scavenging oxygen in a container
FR3035876B1 (fr) * 2015-05-05 2019-04-19 Jalca Procede de traitement en surpression d'un contenant avec son contenu apres remplissage et bouchage

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WO2018083418A1 (fr) 2018-05-11
JP6952771B2 (ja) 2021-10-20
CN109923042A (zh) 2019-06-21
EP3535189A1 (de) 2019-09-11
FR3058395B1 (fr) 2018-11-09
BR112019008990A2 (pt) 2019-07-16
US20190283911A1 (en) 2019-09-19
CN109923042B (zh) 2021-07-02
JP2019536700A (ja) 2019-12-19
FR3058395A1 (fr) 2018-05-11

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