EP3959167A1

EP3959167A1 - Method for the cip cleaning of a filling element of a filling machine, and filling machine

Info

Publication number: EP3959167A1
Application number: EP20716419.5A
Authority: EP
Inventors: Ludwig Clüsserath; Achim Kunz
Original assignee: KHS GmbH
Current assignee: KHS GmbH
Priority date: 2019-04-25
Filing date: 2020-03-30
Publication date: 2022-03-02
Anticipated expiration: 2040-03-30
Also published as: US11427452B2; CN113727939B; SI3959167T1; EP3959167B1; WO2020216579A1; CN113727939A; US20220041424A1; DE102019110665A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for the CIP cleaning of at least one filling element (1) of a filling machine for filling containers with liquid contents, wherein the filling machine has a multiplicity of filling positions on a circulating transporting element, wherein each filling position has a filling element (1) with a filling valve (2) and an electric filling-level probe (7), and ,for the CIP cleaning operation, the filling valve (2) and the electric filling-level probe (7) are accommodated in a flushing chamber (13), which is provided by a closure element (12), in particular a flushing cap or flushing sleeve, and at least one cleaning medium is directed into the flushing chamber (13). The method is distinguished in particular in that, during the CIP cleaning operation, at least one measurement is carried out using the electric filling-level probe (7). The invention also relates to a filling machine which is intended for filling containers with liquid contents and has a control means designed to implement the method according to the description above.

Description

Method for CIP cleaning a filling element of a filling machine and

Filling machine

The invention relates to a method for CIP cleaning at least one

Filling element of a filling machine according to the preamble of patent claim 1 and a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid filling material according to the preamble of patent claim 12.

Filling machines for filling containers with a liquid filling material have filling elements that have to be cleaned, disinfected or sterilized, for example after a certain time or when the filling material is changed. This serves the flygiene resp.

prevents a product from being contaminated with remnants of the previous product. CIP cleaning (“Cleaning in Place”), which is well known from the state of the art, has proven itself for cleaning the filling elements.

For example, the document DE 100 61 491 A1 describes a filling machine in which a flushing cap is placed on each filling element for CIP cleaning and accommodates the respective filling tube in a flushing space that is sealed off from the outside. With CIP cleaning, cleaning agents then flow through an annular channel, through open liquid channels of the filling elements, past liquid valves and their valve seats, through the filling tube channel of each filling tube, through the flushing chamber and past the outside of the filling tube through a gas path into another ring channel .

The disadvantage of the solution mentioned is that it is not checked whether every

Filling element has been cleaned and that it is therefore also impossible to provide evidence of a complete cleaning of the filling machine.

Proceeding from this, the present invention is based on the object of a

To provide an improved method for CIP cleaning of filling elements of a filling machine and a corresponding improved filling machine, which in particular check the cleaning and / or sterilization of the filling elements and thus enable proof of complete cleaning of the filling machine.

The object is achieved by a method for CIP cleaning at least one filling element of a filling machine according to the features of independent claims 1 and 2 solved by a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid product according to the features of the independent claim 12. The respective

Subclaims relate to particularly preferred variants of the

Invention.

A method for CIP cleaning (cleaning in place cleaning) is proposed at least one filling element of a filling machine. CIP cleaning also includes SIP cleaning (Sterilization in Place cleaning), as the latter is a special case of CIP cleaning. With CIP cleaning, the filling element is cleaned locally without it having to be dismantled.

The filling machine is designed to fill containers with a liquid product. In this context, containers are understood to mean, for example, bottles, other bottle-like containers, cans, party cans or kegs. The filling machine has a plurality of filling positions on a revolving transport element. Each filling position has a filling element with a filling valve. In addition, the filling element can also have an electrical filling level probe or also a long filling tube designed as an electrical probe. In the following, both the electrical filling level probe and the long filling tube designed as an electrical probe are described as electrical

Labeled level probe. Furthermore, the filling position can also have a container carrier for carrying the container. Via the filling valve on which a filling tube

can be connected, the liquid product passes from the filling machine into the

Container. The electric level probe checks which fleas have reached the liquid product in the container. As soon as a predetermined fleas is reached, the filling of the container is stopped. The electric fill level probe works on the principle that an electric circuit is closed via the liquid filling material, this closing of the electric circuit being recognized by appropriate measuring devices.

For CIP cleaning, the filling valve and the electrical filling level probe are now accommodated in a washing area provided by a closing element. In which

Closing element is in particular a rinsing cap or a rinsing sleeve. The washing area is sealed off from the outside by the closing element. At least one cleaning medium, via which the filling element is cleaned, is then passed into the washing area. In particular, the filling valve is cleaned both from the outside and from the inside. A wide variety of cleaning liquids can be used as the cleaning medium, including disinfectants, acids and alkalis. It is possible to use different cleaning media in different cleaning steps. Water is also understood as a cleaning medium, which is used in particular as the last cleaning medium for rinsing.

According to the invention, at least one measurement is carried out with the electrical filling level probe during the CIP cleaning. The cleaning medium closes a circuit of the electrical filling level probe, whereby it is recognized that

Cleaning agent is in the wash cabinet. It can thus be checked for each filling element whether or not there is cleaning medium in the washing area and thus the proper execution of the cleaning itself can be checked. If this check is carried out for all cleaning steps and on all filling elements, proof of complete cleaning of the filling machine is possible. The method according to the invention significantly improves the CIP cleaning of the filling element, and that even without the need for additional components.

The closing element is advantageously hung manually at the filling position and / or activated automatically. When the closing element is hung in manually, it is possible to store the closing element away from the filling machine and only use it for CIP cleaning when required. Furthermore, manual hanging does not require a complex mechanism to hang the closing element. However, if the closing element is activated automatically, CIP cleaning can be carried out more quickly and less personnel is required. In addition, there is no risk of the closing element or the filling machine being contaminated by the personnel. Finally, it is also conceivable that the closing element is hung up manually and then activated automatically.

It is advantageous if in gas and / or liquid channels of the filling machine

arranged and controllable valves are opened and / or closed such that the cleaning medium is circulated through the filling valve. At least a partial flow of the cleaning medium then also goes through the flushing sleeve. In this way, the cleaning medium is repeatedly driven past the filling valve and can be passed through the

Flow to further improve cleaning. It is also advantageous if the measurement is between a measuring range of

Level probe and a mass range is performed. Both the measuring area and the ground area are designed to be electrically conductive and are electrically isolated from one another. The mass range can, but does not have to be, the electrical

Have a potential of 0 V. In particular, the measurement is carried out between the measuring range and a mass range of the filling level probe and / or a mass range of the

Closing element carried out. For this purpose, an electrical voltage is applied between the measuring area and the mass area and the resulting electrical current flow is measured directly or indirectly. A current flow indicates the presence of an electrically conductive liquid between the measuring area and the ground area, while a non-existent electric current means that the measuring area is still electrically isolated from the ground area.

Advantageously, for the measurement in the measuring area of the filling level probe, a

periodic voltage is applied. This prevents electrolysis from occurring in the measuring area and / or mass area, as could be the case with direct voltage. This periodic voltage is preferably a square-wave voltage, which allows easy measurement of the level of the electrical current flow.

It is advantageous if the presence of a cleaning medium is checked, since this checks the cleaning of the filling element and enables proof of complete cleaning of the filling machine. The presence of a cleaning medium is assumed if the electrical current flow between the measuring area and the mass area exceeds a certain, relatively low, limit. Such a measurement can be carried out particularly easily. However, it is also advantageous if the size of the electrical conductivity of the medium located between the measuring area and the mass area is measured. If this conductivity is compatible with the conductivity of the cleaning medium within a certain tolerance, then successful cleaning of the filling element is assumed. Although this measurement is more complex than the above-mentioned measurement only for the presence of a cleaning medium, further valuable information is obtained by measuring the electrical conductivity. Instead of the electrical conductivity, the level of an electrical current flow between the measuring area of the filling level probe and a mass area, the level of a voltage drop in the measuring circuit and / or the height of an electrical resistance between the measuring area of the filling level probe and a mass area, since these measurements are in principle equivalent to one another, provided the geometry between the measuring area and the mass area is known.

It is particularly advantageous if a series resistor is used for measurements. Via the voltage drop at the series resistor or between the measuring range and the mass range and if the applied voltage is known, the between the

Calculate the electrical resistance lying in the measuring range and mass range and thus the electrical conductivity of the cleaning medium. The series resistor is preferably adjusted so that the most accurate possible measurement of the between the

Measuring range and mass range lying resistance is made possible.

A reference measurement of the electrical conductivity of the

Cleaning medium carried out, in particular by means of a conductivity measuring device installed in a gas and / or liquid channel. This reference measurement is then used as the basis for checking whether the medium measured by the filling level probe has approximately the same conductivity as that

Cleaning medium. In addition, the temperature of the cleaning medium is preferably measured at the point at which the reference measurement of the electrical conductivity is carried out.

It is advantageous if the temperature of the cleaning medium is determined from the electrical conductivity measured by the filling level probe. Due to the temperature dependency of the electrical conductivity of liquids, the conductivity measured by the level probe together with the reference measurement of the electrical conductivity and the temperature in this reference measurement can be used to determine the

Determine the temperature of the cleaning medium in the area of the level probe.

Deviations of this temperature from an expected temperature can indicate problems in cleaning the filling element.

It is advantageous if at least some measurement results are forwarded, for example to a central data processing system, and / or recorded. The cleaning of the filling machine can be checked in the central data processing system. By recording the measurement results, the cleaning of the filling machine can also be verified afterwards or possible errors recognized.

A subsequent cleaning step is advantageously initiated a predetermined time after the cleaning medium has been detected by at least one filling level probe, or - if it was the last cleaning medium in the cleaning process, preferably water for rinsing - cleaning is completed. This predetermined time can be zero if it is only important that the cleaning medium has reached the filling element. The predetermined time can, however, also be greater than zero if the cleaning medium is to act on the filling element for a certain period of time.

In particular, the predetermined time can be different depending on the cleaning medium. The predetermined time preferably only begins to run when the

Level probes of all filling elements to be cleaned have recognized the cleaning medium. Without any recognition of the cleaning medium, CIP cleaning becomes like this

carried out that the cleaning medium has safely reached all filling elements, so a certain time buffer is built in so that safe cleaning of the filling elements is guaranteed. This time buffer can be accessed by recognizing the

Cleaning medium can be dispensed with by filling level probes, which speeds up CIP cleaning.

A filling machine for filling containers with a liquid filling material is also proposed. Bottles and more are, for example, under containers

Bottle-like containers, cans, party tins or kegs. The filling machine has a plurality of filling positions on a revolving transport element. Each filling position has a filling element with a filling valve and an electric one

Filling level probe or with a long filling pipe designed as an electrical probe. In addition, the filling position can also have a container carrier for carrying the container. The liquid filling material reaches the container from the filling machine via the filling valve, to which a filling pipe can be connected. The electric level probe checks which fleas have reached the liquid product in the container. As soon as a predetermined fleas is reached, the filling of the container is stopped. The electric fill level probe works on the principle that an electric circuit is closed via the liquid filling material, this closing of the electric circuit being recognized by appropriate measuring devices. For CIP cleaning of the filling element, the filling valve and the electric filling level probe are in one of a closing element provided washing area can be accommodated. The closing element can be manually attached to the filling position and / or activated automatically. During CIP cleaning, at least one cleaning medium is then fed into the wash cabinet so that the

Filling element is cleaned.

According to the invention, the filling machine has a control which is designed to carry out the method according to the preceding description. In particular, at least one measurement is made with the electrical during CIP cleaning

Level probe carried out. The cleaning medium closes the circuit of the filling level probe, which means that it is recognized that there is cleaning medium in the wash cabinet. It can thus be checked for each filling element whether or not there is cleaning medium in the washing area and thus the cleaning itself can be checked.

If this check is carried out for all cleaning steps and on all filling elements, proof of complete cleaning of the filling machine is possible.

The measuring electronics of the filling level probe advantageously have an adjustable series resistor. Since the electrical conductivity of water used for rinsing, for example, on the one hand, and alkalis or acids used for cleaning on the other hand, sometimes more than two orders of magnitude

are apart, the adjustable series resistor makes it possible to obtain a precise measurement result over this range of conductivities.

It is also advantageous if the filling machine has at least one conductivity measuring device installed in a gas and / or liquid channel for measuring a

Reference conductivity. From the comparison of the reference conductivity with the conductivity measured by the filling level probe, it can be concluded whether the medium measured by the filling level probe is the desired cleaning medium or not.

Developments, advantages and possible applications of the invention also emerge from the following description of exemplary embodiments and from the figures. In this case, all of the features described and / or shown in the figures, individually or in any combination, are fundamentally the subject of the invention, regardless of their

Summary in the claims or their reference back. The content of the claims is also made part of the description. The invention is explained in more detail below with reference to the figures using exemplary embodiments. It shows as an example:

1 a shows a schematic section through a filling element according to the invention,

1 b shows a schematic section through the filling element from FIG. 1 a

connected irrigation sleeve and

2 shows a measuring circuit.

Identical reference symbols are used in the figures for elements of the invention that are the same or have the same effect. Furthermore, for the sake of clarity, only reference symbols are shown in the individual figures that are necessary for the description of the respective figure.

FIG. 1 a shows a schematic section through a filling element 1 of a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid filling material. The filling element 1 has a filling valve 2, which is represented here by a cone 3 which interacts with a conical recess 4 in the filling element 1. This representation of the filling valve 2 is only to be understood as an example and schematically. Many other forms of a filling valve 2 are conceivable and possible and these have no influence on the present invention.

When filling a container, not shown here, which is preferably located below the filling valve 2, the filling valve 2 is opened so that the liquid filling material can flow into the container via the filling valve 2 and a fluid channel 5 in fluid communication with it. Air escaping from the container during filling is discharged via a gas duct 6.

Furthermore, a filling level probe 7 is arranged centrally, which is preferably designed in the form of a rod and preferably adjoins the filling valve 2 in the direction of the container. The filling level probe 7 has an electrically conductive measuring area 8 at its lower end, ie opposite the filling valve 2. This measuring area 8 is separated from a likewise electrically conductive ground area 10 of the filling level probe 7 by an insulating area 9. When filling containers, the How such a filling level probe 7 works in such a way that an electrical, preferably periodic voltage U is first applied between the measuring area 8 and the mass area 10. Since the measuring area 8 and the mass area 10 are separated from one another by the insulating area 9, the first flows in

The associated circuit does not have any current, since there is no electrically conductive connection between the measuring area 8 and the mass area 10 of the filling level probe 7.

In the case of application known per se, the filling level probe 7 extends into the container to be filled, namely the transition between the insulating area 9 and the mass area 10 lies in the area of the desired filling level of the product in the container. Then the filling valve 2 is opened and the filling material is filled into the container via the filling valve 2 and the fluid channel 5 connected to it.

If the liquid level or the filling level of the filling material in the container rises so far that it exceeds the transition between the insulating area 9 and the mass area 10, then the circuit between the

Measuring range 8 and the mass range 10 are closed. Due to the attached

Voltage U can now flow current in the circuit. The desired filling level of the filling material in the container has thus been reached and the filling valve 2 can be closed again.

Furthermore, the filling element 1 has a connection device 11 for connecting a closing element 12 to the filling element 1.

FIG. 1b shows a schematic section through the filling element 1 according to FIG. 1a with a closure element 12 connected to it, which is designed here as a flushing sleeve, for example. The closing element 12 closes tightly with the

Filling element 1 and thus forms a flushing space 13 in which in particular the filling valve 2 and the filling level probe 7 are accommodated, i.e. the closing element 12 forms a fluid-tight flushing space 13 with the filling element 1, which adjoins the liquid channel 5 on the underside of the closing element 12 and in which at least the free end of the filling level probe 7 is received. The gas channel 6 is also in fluid connection with the washing chamber 13.

The locking element 12 shown in Figure 1b is for example manually in the

Connection device 11 hooked in or releasably connected to it. It is also possible that the closing element 12 is activated automatically. For example, the closing element 12 can be designed as a flushing cap. The respective embodiment of the closing element 12, however, has no influence on the present invention.

For CIP cleaning, a cleaning medium is now fed through the filling valve 2 and the

Liquid channel 5 introduced into the washing chamber 13. The cleaning medium thus reaches both the filling valve 2 and the filling level probe 7. The cleaning medium is preferably diverted again from the washing chamber 13 via the gas channel 6, so that the cleaning medium is routed in a circular manner. Of course, the cleaning medium can also be conducted in the opposite direction, so that it enters the flushing space 13 via the gas channel 6 and leaves the flushing space 13 again via the liquid channel 5 and the filling valve 2.

A wide variety of cleaning liquids can be used as the cleaning medium, including very strong cleaning liquids such as acids and alkalis or water that is used for rinsing. Usually different

Cleaning fluids used in a row. It could be cleaned first with an acid and then with an alkali and then rinsed with water.

It is of particular importance that it is ensured that all filling elements 1 of a filling machine are cleaned and / or rinsed. The method according to the invention is used for this purpose. When the cleaning medium fills the washing space 13, the cleaning medium then establishes an electrical connection between the measuring area 8 of the filling level probe 7 and the mass area 14 of the electrically conductive closing element 12. About this produced by the cleaning medium electrically conductive

Connection closes a circuit, whereby current flows in the circuit. This current flow is measured and an existing current flow indicates that the

Cleaning medium has reached the filling element 1.

As an alternative or in addition to this, the circuit can also be closed via the mass area 10 of the filling level probe 7. Whether the circuit is closed via the ground area 14 of the closing element 12, the ground area 10 of the filling level probe 7 or via both ground areas 14 and 10 depends on the details of the used

Circuit off. In the case of an electrically insulated closing element 12, the closing of the Circuit via the ground area 14 of the closing element 12, for example, not possible.

A control, not shown here, registers that a current flow has been detected via the filling level probe 7. This is advantageously recorded on a storage medium, together with the date and time, so that the cleaning of the filling element 1 that has taken place can also be verified subsequently. The recording can be done directly via the control or via a central one

Data processing system of the filling machine to which the measurement result was forwarded.

In addition to determining that there is a current flow in the circuit, in a preferred embodiment variant the resistance between the measuring area 8 and the mass area 14 and / or 10 is also determined. The electrical conductivity of the cleaning medium can thus be calculated using a known factor, which results from the known geometry of the filling level probe 7 and the closing element 12 or is determined experimentally.

The electrical conductivity of the determined via the level probe 7

The cleaning medium is compared with the known value of the electrical conductivity of the cleaning medium. If the values match within a certain tolerance, there is a high probability that the correct cleaning medium is in the

Wash cabinet 13 arrived. These values can also be recorded in order to enable later verification.

In addition or as an alternative to the known value of the electrical conductivity, the electrical conductivity of the cleaning medium can also be measured with a value in the gas duct 6

arranged conductivity measuring device 15 are measured. The conductivity measuring device 15 can of course also be in the liquid channel 5 or in a

be arranged more central gas or liquid channel.

If the temperature of the cleaning medium is also measured in the vicinity of the conductivity measuring device 15, the known temperature dependency of the conductivity and the conductivity measured at the filling level probe 7 can also be used for the

Temperature of the cleaning medium at the filling level probe 7 can be calculated. The controller records at least the point in time at which the cleaning medium has arrived at all of the filling elements 1 to be cleaned. From this point on, the next cleaning step is initiated - if necessary after a predetermined exposure time for the cleaning medium.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary measuring circuit 16. A voltage U is applied between measuring area 8 and ground area 10 or 14 via a series resistor Rv. The voltage U is preferably a periodic voltage, so that electrolysis at the measuring area 8 and / or mass area 10 or 14 can be avoided. To make the measurement easier, the voltage U can be a square-wave voltage or square-wave voltage. Alternatively, a sinusoidal

Find alternating voltage use.

This forms between the measuring area 8 and the mass area 10 or 14

Cleaning medium has a load resistance Rm. Using the voltage between measuring range 8 and mass range 10 or 14, the known voltage U and the known size of the series resistor Rv, the size of the load resistance Rm can be calculated and from this the conductivity of the cleaning medium can be calculated.

The determination of the load resistance Rm and thus the conductivity of the

The cleaning medium is most accurate when the series resistance Rv and the load resistance Rm are of the same order of magnitude. To for the most diverse

For cleaning media that have different conductivities to obtain accurate measurements, the series resistor Rv is designed to be adjustable. This setting of the

The series resistor Rv is preferably carried out automatically.

The invention was described above using exemplary embodiments. It goes without saying that a large number of changes or modifications are possible without thereby departing from the scope of protection of the invention defined by the patent claims. List of reference symbols

1 filling element

2 filling valve

3 cones

4 conical recess

5 fluid channel

6 gas duct

7 level probe

8 measuring range

9 insulating area

10 Mass range of the filling level probe 1 1 connection device

12 locking element

13 Wash cabinet

14 Mass range of the closing element

15 Conductivity meter

16 Measuring circuit Rm load resistance

Rv series resistor

U voltage

Claims

1. A method for CIP cleaning of at least one filling element (1) of a filling machine for filling containers with a liquid filling material, the filling machine having a plurality of filling positions on a rotating transport element, each filling position having a filling element (1) with a filling valve (2 ) and an electrical filling level probe (7), for CIP cleaning the filling valve (2) and the electrical filling level probe (7) are received in a washing chamber (13) provided by a closing element (12), in particular a washing cap or washing sleeve, and at least a cleaning medium is passed into the washing chamber (13), characterized in that at least one measurement is carried out with the electrical filling level probe (7) during the CIP cleaning.

2. The method according to claim 1, characterized in that the closing element (12) is manually hung in the filling position and / or activated automatically.

3. The method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that in gas and / or liquid channels (6; 5) of the filling machine arranged and controllable valves (2) are opened and / or closed in such a way that the cleaning medium circulates through the Filling valve (2) is driven.

4. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the measurement between a measuring area (8) of the level probe (7) and a mass area (10; 14), in particular the level probe (7) and / or the

Closing element (12) is carried out.

5. The method according to claim 4, characterized in that for measurement on

Measuring range (8) of the filling level probe (7) a periodic voltage (U),

in particular a square wave voltage is applied.

6. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the presence of a cleaning medium is checked and / or the size of the electrical conductivity of the cleaning medium, the level of an electrical current flow between the measuring area (8) of the filling level probe (7) and a mass area (10 ; 14), the level of a voltage drop in a measuring circuit (16) and / or the level of an electrical resistance (Rm) between the measuring area (8) of the filling level probe (7) and a mass area (10; 14), in particular the filling level probe (7) or the closing element (12), is measured.

7. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a series resistor (Rv) is measured, which is preferably adapted.

8. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a reference measurement of the electrical conductivity of the cleaning medium, in particular by means of one in a gas and / or liquid channel (6; 5)

installed conductivity measuring device (15), and preferably the temperature of the cleaning medium is measured at this point.

9. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that from the measured by the level probe (7) electrical conductivity

Temperature of the cleaning medium is determined.

10. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least some measurement results are forwarded and / or recorded.

11. The method according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a predetermined time after detection of the cleaning medium by at least one filling level probe (7), a subsequent cleaning step is initiated or the cleaning is completed.

12. Filling machine for filling containers with a liquid product, the

Filling machine a variety of filling positions on a rotating

Transport element, each filling position having a filling element (1) with a filling valve (2) and an electrical filling level probe (7) and the filling valve (2) and the electrical filling level probe (7) in a washing chamber (13) provided by a closing element (12) ) can be received, characterized in that the filling machine has a controller which is designed to carry out the method according to one of claims 1 to 11.

13. Filling machine according to claim 12, characterized in that measuring electronics of the filling level probe (7) have an adjustable series resistor (Rv).

14. Filling machine according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that the

The filling machine has at least one conductivity measuring device (15) installed in a gas and / or liquid channel (6; 5) for measuring a reference conductivity.