EP4001206B1 - Dispositif multifonction permettant de remplir des récipients d'un produit de remplissage - Google Patents

Dispositif multifonction permettant de remplir des récipients d'un produit de remplissage Download PDF

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Publication number
EP4001206B1
EP4001206B1 EP21209176.3A EP21209176A EP4001206B1 EP 4001206 B1 EP4001206 B1 EP 4001206B1 EP 21209176 A EP21209176 A EP 21209176A EP 4001206 B1 EP4001206 B1 EP 4001206B1
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EP
European Patent Office
Prior art keywords
process gas
line
filling
sterile medium
product
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Application number
EP21209176.3A
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German (de)
English (en)
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EP4001206A1 (fr
EP4001206C0 (fr
Inventor
Juergen Soellner
Bernd SCHAFACZEK
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Krones AG
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Krones AG
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Publication of EP4001206C0 publication Critical patent/EP4001206C0/fr
Publication of EP4001206B1 publication Critical patent/EP4001206B1/fr
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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/04—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus without applying pressure
    • 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
    • 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
    • B67C3/001—Cleaning of filling devices
    • 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
    • B67C3/06—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus using counterpressure, i.e. filling while the container is under pressure
    • B67C3/10—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus using counterpressure, i.e. filling while the container is under pressure preliminary filling with inert gases, e.g. carbon dioxide
    • 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 a device for filling containers with a filling product, preferably in a beverage bottling plant, and a method for operating such a device.
  • the filling system For the supply of the process gas, the discharge of the same and any relief, the filling system requires appropriate lines and connections to the filling device.
  • the filling system In order to be able to use the filling system for different types of filling and different filling products, for example to be able to fill carbonated and non-carbonated drinks with the same filling system, it is desirable that both filling processes that require treatment of the containers with a process gas , as well as those that do not require such a treatment can be carried out on one and the same machine.
  • U.S. 2020/180929 A1 and U.S. 2005/241726 A1 describe devices for filling containers with a filling product in beverage bottling plants, the devices being operable in one operating mode with process gas treatment and one operating mode without process gas treatment, according to the preamble of claim 1. These devices each also have a process gas line that is set up to To apply a process gas to the container in the operating mode with process gas treatment.
  • One object of the present invention is to improve the process reliability of a device for filling containers with a filling product.
  • the device according to the invention is used for filling containers with a filling product.
  • the device is particularly preferably used in the food industry, since process reliability and hygiene are of great importance in this case. Beverages such as water (still or carbonated), soft drinks, beer, wine, juices or mixed drinks are preferably considered as filling products.
  • the device is suitable for different types of filling and different filling products;
  • the device can be operated in an operating mode with process gas treatment and an operating mode without process gas treatment.
  • Such treatment before and/or after filling the container with the filling product can be carried out for the purpose of rinsing the container (cleaning, disinfection, etc.), for prestressing the container or for other reasons, which are referred to herein generally under the term "process gas treatment". be subsumed.
  • a gas preferably an inert gas
  • oxygen-sensitive products for example, can be protected.
  • Gases such as CO2 or nitrogen can be considered for process gas treatment.
  • the device has at least one process gas line which is set up in order to apply a process gas to the containers in the operating mode with process gas treatment, preferably to purge and/or prestress them.
  • the device also has at least one sterile medium inlet, which is set up to introduce a sterile medium into the process gas line, and one or more shut-off valves, which are set up to shut off the process gas line in the operating mode without process gas treatment in such a way that the sterile medium introduced via the sterile medium inlet of the process gas line remains.
  • the one or more shut-off valves are provided in order to close the process gas line against the external environment in the operating mode without process gas treatment, the term "external environment" in this case being relative to the interior of the process gas line; i.e. any device components such as a product tank or another process gas source to which the process gas line can be connected are to be regarded as the external environment with regard to the process gas line.
  • the sterile medium is introduced into the process gas line via the aforementioned sterile medium inlet, which can have its own valve, for example designed as a shut-off valve.
  • the sterile medium can also be introduced via existing connections. Even with such a synergetic use of a connection, this falls under the designation "sterile medium inlet”.
  • sterile medium for example sterile air, sterile water, steam, condensate and the like.
  • the sterile medium preferably remains in the process gas line as long as the device is in the operating mode without process gas treatment. However, if necessary, sterile medium can also be refilled and/or exchanged while the device is in the operating mode without process gas treatment.
  • the device for filling containers with a filling product makes no reference to any filling elements, since these are not required for the definition of the process gas line and those technical means that put them in a defined, sterile state when not in use. It is understood, however, that the device at least one Filling element (usually a multiplicity of filling elements), which is set up to introduce the filling product into a corresponding container to be filled.
  • the described structure of the process gas line with at least one sterile medium inlet and at least one shut-off valve allows the process gas-carrying components of the device to be placed in a defined, sterile state when they are not required, i.e. when the device is in the operating mode without process gas treatment located. This minimizes the risk of contamination, in particular nucleation, inside the process gas line, which improves the overall process reliability of the device.
  • connection means a fluid-carrying component to / in another fluid-carrying component that there is a mechanical connection between the two components and a fluid exchange in at least one direction, preferably in both directions, between these components is possible.
  • the device also has: a product tank for receiving the filling product, which is then present in the product tank up to a filling level, wherein the product tank has a headspace filled with the process gas above the filling level and the process gas line is connected to the product tank and set up to Process gas to be drawn from the headspace of the product tank in the operating mode with process gas treatment.
  • a product tank for receiving the filling product, which is then present in the product tank up to a filling level
  • the product tank has a headspace filled with the process gas above the filling level and the process gas line is connected to the product tank and set up to Process gas to be drawn from the headspace of the product tank in the operating mode with process gas treatment.
  • at least one of the shut-off valves is preferably installed in the area where the process gas line is connected to the product tank.
  • the corresponding shut-off valve is preferably mounted in such a way that it can separate or shut off the process gas line from the inside of the product tank when it is not in use.
  • the product tank serves synergistically as a source of process gas in addition to providing the filling product, as a result of which the device can be designed to be particularly compact.
  • this can also counteract the release of CO2 from the filling product, particularly if the gas atmosphere in the headspace of the product tank is at overpressure compared to the ambient pressure, ie normal pressure or atmospheric pressure.
  • the device also has: at least one filling element, which is connected to the product tank via a product line and set up to draw the filling product from the product tank via the product line and to introduce it into a corresponding container to be filled, with the process gas line being connected to the filling element and the filling element is set up to introduce the process gas (in the operating mode with process gas treatment) into a corresponding container.
  • another of the shut-off valves is preferably formed by the filling element or is integrated into it or connected to it. The filling element itself or its valve structure can thus be used as a shut-off valve for the operating mode without process gas treatment, which reduces the outlay on mechanical engineering of the device.
  • the device preferably has a carousel which can be rotated in relation to a stationary part of the plant, with the filling elements being mounted on an outer circumference of the carousel.
  • the device is preferably designed as a rotary design.
  • the filling and/or treatment process then takes place while the containers are being transported along a circular trajectory over a specific treatment angle.
  • the containers are received in the usual way by container receptacles and are placed with the container mouth below a corresponding filling member.
  • the filling element and the mouth of the corresponding filling element are preferably brought into pressure-tight, i.e. at least liquid-tight and preferably gas-tight, contact.
  • the container can be flushed and/or preloaded with a process gas and filled under positive or negative pressure.
  • the filling elements can each be equipped with a centering bell in order to more easily achieve a defined relative position between the container and the outlet of the filling element for the treatment and/or filling process. If the device provides an operating mode of free jet filling, a pressure-tight contact between the filling element and the container is not absolutely necessary.
  • the at least one process gas line preferably comprises: a process gas supply line which is set up to introduce process gas into a corresponding container; and a process gas discharge line that is set up to discharge process gas from the corresponding container.
  • a process gas supply line which is set up to introduce process gas into a corresponding container
  • a process gas discharge line that is set up to discharge process gas from the corresponding container.
  • the process gas discharge can discharge the used process gas, for example, to the external environment or to a treatment facility for complete or partial reuse.
  • the process gas supply line preferably comprises: one or more radial supply lines, which are connected to the product tank in such a way that they draw the process gas from the headspace of the product tank in the operating mode with process gas treatment, with the at least one sterile medium supply preferably being installed on one of the radial supply lines, and a ring supply line , into which the radial feed lines open, the at least one filling element being connected to the ring feed line in such a way that it is supplied with process gas from the ring feed line.
  • the radial feed lines thus run radially outwards, starting from the product tank, and open into a ring feed line, which preferably runs concentrically to the circumference of the carousel.
  • one of the shut-off valves is preferably installed in the area where the corresponding radial feed line is connected to the product tank.
  • one or more of the shut-off valves are preferably mounted in such a way that they can isolate or shut off the process gas line from the interior of the product tank when not in use by shutting off the corresponding radial feed lines relative to the product tank. In this way, a reliable and mechanically compact line structure for the process gas supply line is constructed, which can be isolated with a few additional measures in the operating mode without process gas treatment and placed in a defined, sterile state.
  • the process gas discharge line preferably comprises: one or more radial discharge lines and a ring discharge line, into which the radial discharge lines open, with the at least one filling element being connected to the ring discharge line in such a way that the process gas is introduced from the corresponding container into the ring discharge line via the filling element and from there via the Radial derivatives is transported away.
  • a reliable and mechanically compact line structure for the process gas discharge is set up, which can be isolated with a few additional measures in the operating mode without process gas treatment and placed in a defined, sterile state.
  • the ring inlet and the ring outlet are connected to each other via a connection that includes a shut-off valve.
  • the connection between the two ring lines makes it easy to clean the lines.
  • the connection be used to apply sterile medium to the ring lines in a simple manner, as they form a connected space instead of two separate lines in the case of the process gas supply and process gas discharge.
  • the radial discharges are preferably connected to a distributor, preferably a rotary distributor, which is set up to collect or combine and discharge the process gas from the radial discharges, the distributor having at least one of the shut-off valves set up in such a way that the radial discharges from a drainage to the environment can be separated. It is thus possible to reliably prevent contaminants from the environment from penetrating the process gas line via the process gas discharge line, in particular if the process gas discharge takes place via a rotary distributor in the case of the rotary design.
  • the object mentioned above is also achieved by a method for operating a device according to one of the embodiment variants described above.
  • the method includes: switching the device to the operating mode without process gas treatment by closing the one or more shut-off valves and introducing the sterile medium into the process gas line via the at least one sterile medium inlet, so that the sterile medium remains in the process gas line, preferably as long as the device is in is in the operating mode without process gas treatment.
  • the sterile medium can be refilled and/or exchanged while the device is in the operating mode without process gas treatment.
  • the sterile medium is preferably pressurized so that it has an overpressure in the process gas line relative to the ambient pressure, i.e. atmospheric pressure or normal pressure. In this way, the risk of contamination and/or germ formation can be reduced even further, since any particles or germs tend to be flushed out in the event of a leak.
  • the pressure and/or the temperature of the sterile medium in the process gas line are preferably monitored by means of one or more sensors. In this way, maintenance of the defined, sterile state of the process gas line can be monitored. In particular, the occurrence of any leakage can be detected and appropriate measures (inspection, repair, maintenance, cleaning of the device and/or the like) are made.
  • Existing sensors for example a temperature sensor on the filling element, can be used synergistically to monitor the sterile medium, or a separate sensor can be installed.
  • the sterile medium preferably comprises steam, in particular food-safe steam. Impairment of the properties of the filling product in the event of any leakage can be ruled out or at least minimized in this way.
  • the sterile medium is preferably introduced in such a way that the process gas line is subjected to (hot) steam and gradually filled with condensate as the steam cools.
  • the vapor pressure preferably remains permanently and thereby puts the process gas line under pressure. The combination of steam pressure and condensate allows the process gas line to be kept sterile reliably and gently.
  • the sterile medium is preferably introduced in such a way that the process gas line is filled with a condensate and then subjected to steam pressure. This reduces the thermal input into the filling product.
  • the sterile medium preferably comprises sterile gas, for example sterile filtered air.
  • sterile gas for example sterile filtered air.
  • the sterile medium inlet is closed and the pressure in the process gas line is preferably monitored. If the pressure drops too much, i.e. if it falls below a threshold value, this indicates a leak, whereupon appropriate measures (inspection, repair, maintenance, cleaning of the device and/or the like) can be taken.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic, three-dimensional representation of a device 1 for filling containers in the figure 1 are not shown, with a filling product.
  • the device 1 is shown in several sections in order to enable a glimpse into the interior of the same.
  • the device 1 is embodied as a rotary design and for this purpose comprises a carousel 10 which is rotatably mounted relative to a stationary plant part not shown in detail and can be set in rotation by a drive also not shown.
  • the device 1 comprises a plurality of filling elements 20, in which figure 1 for the sake of clarity, only two filling elements 20 are shown, which are mounted on an outer circumference of the carousel 10 and set up to introduce the filling product into a container in each case.
  • the containers are replaced by container receptacles (in the figure 1 not shown) and placed with the container mouth below a corresponding filling element 20.
  • Beverages such as water (still or carbonated), soft drinks, beer, wine, juices or mixed drinks are particularly suitable as filling products.
  • Each filling element 20 has a filling valve 21 and an outlet 22 .
  • the outlet 22 of the filling member 20 and the container mouth are preferably brought into pressure-tight, i.e. at least liquid-tight and preferably also gas-tight, contact. This can be done by lowering the filling member 20 onto the container and/or lifting the container against the filling member 20. In this case, the container can be flushed and/or preloaded with a process gas and filled under positive or negative pressure.
  • the filling elements 20 can each be equipped with a centering bell in order to more easily achieve a defined relative position between the container and the outlet 22 of the filling element 20 for the treatment and/or filling process.
  • the device 1 provides an operating mode of free jet filling, a pressure-tight contact between the filling element 20 and the container is not absolutely necessary.
  • the free jet filling typically does not require the containers to be pretreated with a process gas by the device 1 .
  • the device 1 also has a product tank 30, which can be designed as a stationary or rotatable central tank.
  • the product tank 30 includes a distributor device 31, via which the product tank 30 is supplied with the filling product to be filled.
  • the distribution device 31 includes a product feed line 31a.
  • the product feed line 31a can have an essentially constant flow cross section or diameter over the entire length. Alternatively, the product feed line 31a can widen in the lower area, as a result of which a diffuser 31b is formed, which reduces the tendency of the filling product to foam when it is introduced into the product tank 30 .
  • the distribution device 31 can include a sterile barrier 31c, preferably a vapor barrier.
  • the product tank 30 has a head space 30a above the filling level of the filling product, in which there is preferably a gas atmosphere which has little or no effect on the desired properties of the filling product.
  • the product tank 30 is preferably subjected to an overpressure via the media supply line by introduced gas in order to counteract the release of the CO2 from the filling product.
  • the product tank 30 is preferably cylindrical in shape and has a bottom in which figure 1 partially omitted for the sake of clarity, a jacket-shaped side wall and a cover, which form the wall of the product tank 30 in one piece or in several pieces.
  • the base can be at least partially curved inwards in order to guide the filling product in the direction of connections 41 of product lines 40, via which the filling elements 20 are supplied with the filling product.
  • the connections 41 are preferably located in a radially outer area of the product tank 30, ie in the vicinity of the side wall.
  • the product lines 40 can be equipped with sensors such as a flow meter, a temperature sensor, etc., valves, feed lines for dosing components and the like, which are described in FIG figure 1 are partially shown.
  • the device 1 is also equipped to treat the containers with a process gas before filling them with the filling product.
  • treatment can also take place after filling, in which case not the entire container but only the headspace of the container is then exposed to the process gas.
  • Such treatment before and/or after filling can be carried out for the purpose of flushing the container (cleaning, disinfection, etc.), for prestressing the container or for other reasons, which are generally subsumed under the term "process gas treatment” herein.
  • a gas preferably an inert gas
  • oxygen-sensitive products for example, can be protected.
  • Gases such as CO2 or nitrogen can be considered for process gas treatment.
  • the process gas is also introduced into the corresponding container via the filling elements 20 .
  • the filling elements 20 are supplied with the process gas via process gas supply lines 51 .
  • the process gas feed lines 51 include a plurality of radial feed lines 52 and a ring feed line 53, into which the radial feed lines 52 open.
  • the filling elements 20 are supplied with process gas from the ring feed line 53 .
  • the radial feed lines 52 draw the process gas from the head space 30a of the process tank 30 and for this purpose are connected to the process tank 30 via the cover thereof.
  • this line scheme according to the figure 1 for supplying the filling elements 20 with process gas is only an example.
  • the process gas can also be drawn from another process gas source and/or fed to the filling elements 20 or the containers via differently structured lines.
  • the process gas to be removed from the containers which is to be discharged after flushing, for example, while being displaced by the filling product during filling and/or is to be discharged in the case of overpressure filling during relief, is transported away via process gas discharge lines 54 .
  • the process gas discharge lines 54 are set up in order to transport away the process gas that is no longer required, for example to release it into the environment or to feed it to a treatment for complete or partial reuse.
  • the process gas discharge lines 54 include a plurality of radial discharge lines 55 and a ring discharge line 56, into which the radial discharge lines 55 open.
  • the process gas is introduced from the containers into the annular discharge line 56 and transported away from it via the radial discharge lines 55 .
  • the radial discharge lines 55 are connected to a rotary distributor 57, which includes a shut-off valve 59 for the process gas discharge line.
  • the process gas outlets 54 can thus be separated from any drainage into the environment via the rotary distributor 57 .
  • this line scheme according to the figure 1 for relieving the pressure on the containers or for transporting away the process gas is only an example.
  • the process gas can also be transported away in other ways and via differently structured lines.
  • process gas supply lines 51 and process gas discharge lines 54 including the corresponding radial and ring lines 52, 53, 55, 56, as well as connections, branches and the like are referred to herein under the designation "process gas line(s) 50" or “process gas-carrying components", which are figure 1 are shown hatched, subsumed.
  • the ring lines 53 and 56 are connected to one another via a connection 60 with a shut-off valve 61 .
  • the connection 60 between the two ring lines 53 and 56 enables the lines to be cleaned.
  • the connection 60 can be used to apply sterile medium to the ring lines 53 and 56 in a simple manner, since they thereby form a connected space instead of two separate lines in the case of the process gas supply and process gas discharge.
  • Filling processes without process gas treatment this applies for example to the bottling of non-carbonated beverages, are carried out by the device 1 in an operating mode without process gas treatment.
  • filling processes with process gas treatment this applies, for example, to the bottling of carbonated beverages, are carried out by the device 1 in an operating mode with process gas treatment.
  • Shutoff valves are provided for this purpose, which are set up to shut off the process gas supply lines 51 and/or process gas discharge lines 54 from the process gas source and the external environment in the operating mode without process gas treatment.
  • the shut-off on the side of the filling elements 20 can be effected by the filling elements 20 themselves, ie by valves integrated therein or connected thereto.
  • the process gas feed lines 51 on the side of the process gas source are shut off by one or more Valves 58 of the process gas supply line.
  • the process gas discharge line is shut off by means of the aforementioned valve 59 of the process gas discharge line or a plurality of such valves.
  • valve 58 of the process gas feed line is provided on each radial feed line 52 in the area of the connection to the product tank 30, so that the radial feed lines 52 can be separated or blocked from the head space 30a of the product tank 30.
  • the sterile medium is introduced into the process gas lines 50 via a sterile medium inlet.
  • the sterile medium can take place from below, between the valve 59 and rotary distributor 57 with an additional valve, or alternatively via the distributor device 31, for example between the shut-off valve 58 and the ring line 53 via an additional valve.
  • the sterile medium can also be introduced via existing connections, such as the filling elements 20, the valve(s) 59 of the process gas discharge line and the like. Even with such a synergetic use of a connection, this falls under the designation "sterile medium inlet".
  • sterile medium for example sterile air, sterile water, steam, condensate and the like.
  • the process gas lines 50 i.e. the areas unused during the operating mode without process gas treatment, are subjected to food-safe steam.
  • the steam cools down over time and the process gas lines 50 are filled with condensate.
  • the steam pressure remains permanently present and thereby puts the process gas lines 50 under pressure. Any leaks can be monitored, for example, by monitoring the temperature.
  • an existing sensor system for example a temperature sensor on the filling element 20, can be used synergistically, or a separate sensor system can be installed.
  • the process gas lines 50 are filled with condensate and then subjected to steam pressure.
  • the thermal input into the filling product is reduced in comparison to the exemplary embodiment mentioned above. Any leaks can be monitored again by monitoring the temperature.
  • the process gas lines 50 can be charged with a sterile gas, for example sterile-filtered air.
  • a sterile gas for example sterile-filtered air.
  • the valve of the sterile medium inlet is then closed and the pressure in the line system of the components carrying the process gas is monitored. If the pressure drops too much, ie if it falls below a threshold value, this indicates a leak, whereupon appropriate measures (inspection, repair, maintenance, cleaning of the device 1 and/or the like) can be taken. Due to the described structure of the process gas lines 50 and the method of applying a sterile medium to them during the operating mode without process gas treatment, the process gas-carrying components are placed in a defined, sterile state, even if they are not required.

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  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Chemical Kinetics & Catalysis (AREA)
  • Filling Of Jars Or Cans And Processes For Cleaning And Sealing Jars (AREA)

Claims (15)

  1. Dispositif (1) pour remplir des récipients avec un produit de remplissage, de préférence dans une installation de remplissage de boissons, le dispositif (1) pouvant fonctionner dans un mode de fonctionnement avec traitement de gaz de procédé et dans un mode de fonctionnement sans traitement de gaz de procédé, et présentant :
    au moins une conduite de gaz de procédé (50), qui est conçue pour alimenter les récipients avec un gaz de procédé dans le mode de fonctionnement avec traitement de gaz de procédé, de préférence pour les rincer et/ou les précontraindre ;
    une ou plusieurs vannes d'arrêt (58, 59) qui sont adaptées pour fermer la conduite de gaz de procédé (50) dans le mode de fonctionnement sans traitement de gaz de procédé,
    caractérisé en ce que le dispositif présente au moins une entrée de milieu stérile qui est conçue pour introduire un milieu stérile dans la conduite de gaz de procédé (50) ; et
    en ce que l'une ou les plusieurs vannes d'arrêt (58, 59) sont conçues pour fermer la conduite de gaz de procédé (50) dans le mode de fonctionnement sans traitement de gaz de procédé de sorte que le milieu stérile introduit via l'entrée de milieu stérile reste dans la conduite de gaz de procédé (50).
  2. Dispositif (1) selon la revendication 1, caractérisé en ce qu'il présente en outre :
    un réservoir de produit (30) pour recevoir le produit de remplissage qui se trouve dans le réservoir de produit (30) jusqu'à un niveau de remplissage, dans lequel le réservoir de produit (30) présente, au-dessus du niveau de remplissage, un espace de tête (30a) rempli du gaz de traitement et la conduite de gaz de procédé (50) est raccordée au réservoir de produit (30) et conçue pour prélever le gaz de procédé dans le mode de fonctionnement avec traitement du gaz de procédé à partir de l'espace de tête (30a) du réservoir de produit (30), dans lequel de préférence au moins une des vannes d'arrêt (58) est installée dans la zone du raccordement de la conduite de gaz de procédé (50) au réservoir de produit (30).
  3. Dispositif (1) selon la revendication 2, caractérisé en ce que celui-ci présente en outre :
    au moins un organe de remplissage (20), lequel est raccordé au réservoir de produit (30) par une conduite de produit (40) et est conçu pour prélever le produit de remplissage à partir du réservoir de produit (30) par la conduite de produit (40) et pour l'introduire dans un récipient correspondant à remplir, dans lequel
    la conduite de gaz de procédé (50) est raccordée à l'organe de remplissage (20) et l'organe de remplissage (20) est conçu pour introduire le gaz de procédé dans le récipient correspondant, et une autre vanne d'arrêt est formée par l'organe de remplissage (20), intégrée dans celui-ci ou raccordée à celui-ci.
  4. Dispositif (1) selon la revendication 3, caractérisé en ce que celui-ci présente un carrousel (10) qui est rotatif par rapport à une partie d'installation stationnaire, et en ce qu'au moins un organe de remplissage (20) est monté sur une périphérie extérieure du carrousel (10), de sorte que le dispositif (1) est réalisé sous forme de construction rotative.
  5. Dispositif (1) selon la revendication 3 ou 4, caractérisé en ce que ledit au moins un conduit de gaz de traitement (50) comprend :
    une conduite d'alimentation en gaz de traitement (51) adaptée pour introduire du gaz de procédé dans un récipient correspondant ; et
    une conduite d'évacuation de gaz de traitement (54) qui est conçue pour évacuer le gaz de traitement du récipient correspondant.
  6. Dispositif (1) selon la revendication 5, caractérisé en ce que la conduite d'alimentation en gaz de traitement (51) comprend :
    une ou plusieurs conduites d'alimentation radiales (52), qui sont raccordées au réservoir de produit (30) et sont conçues pour prélever le gaz de procédé dans le mode de fonctionnement avec traitement de gaz de procédé à partir de l'espace de tête (30a) du réservoir de produit (30), dans lequel la au moins une entrée de milieu stérile est de préférence installée sur l'une des conduites d'alimentation radiales (52), et
    une conduite d'alimentation annulaire (53) dans laquelle débouchent les conduites d'alimentation radiales (52), dans lequel l'au moins un organe de remplissage (20) est raccordé à la conduite d'alimentation annulaire (53) de sorte qu'il est alimenté en gaz de procédé à partir de la conduite d'alimentation annulaire (53), et
    de préférence, chacune des vannes d'arrêt (58) est installée dans la zone de raccordement de la conduite d'alimentation radiale (52) correspondante au réservoir de produit (30).
  7. Dispositif (1) selon la revendication 5 ou 6, caractérisé en ce que la conduite d'évacuation de gaz de traitement (54) comprend :
    une ou plusieurs dérivations radiales (55) et une dérivation annulaire (56) dans laquelle débouchent les dérivations radiales (55), dans lequel l'au moins un organe de remplissage (20) est raccordé à la dérivation annulaire (56) et est conçu pour introduire le gaz de procédé du récipient correspondant dans la dérivation annulaire (56) via l'organe de remplissage (20) et pour l'évacuer de celle-ci via les dérivations radiales (55).
  8. Dispositif (1) selon la revendication 6 et 7, caractérisé en ce que la conduite d'alimentation annulaire (53) et la conduite d'évacuation annulaire (56) sont reliées entre elles par une liaison (60) qui comprend une vanne d'arrêt (61).
  9. Dispositif (1) selon la revendication 7, caractérisé en ce que les dérivations radiales (55) sont raccordées à un collecteur, de préférence un collecteur rotatif (57), lequel est conçu pour rassembler et évacuer le gaz de traitement provenant des dérivations radiales (55), dans lequel le collecteur présente au moins l'une des vannes d'arrêt (59) qui est conçue de sorte que les dérivations radiales (55) puissent être séparées d'un drainage vers l'environnement.
  10. Procédé de fonctionnement d'un dispositif (1) selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le procédé comprend :
    la commutation du dispositif (1) dans le mode de fonctionnement sans traitement de gaz de procédé par la fermeture de l'une ou des plusieurs vannes d'arrêt (58, 59) et l'introduction du milieu stérile dans la conduite de gaz de procédé (50) par l'intermédiaire de l'au moins une entrée de milieu stérile, de sorte que le milieu stérile reste dans la conduite de gaz de procédé (50), de préférence tant que le dispositif (1) se trouve dans le mode de fonctionnement sans traitement de gaz de procédé.
  11. Procédé selon la revendication 10, caractérisé en ce que le milieu stérile est mis sous pression de sorte qu'il présente une surpression par rapport à la pression ambiante dans la conduite de gaz de traitement (50).
  12. Procédé selon la revendication 10 ou 11, caractérisé en ce que la pression et/ou la température du milieu stérile dans la conduite de gaz de procédé (50) sont surveillées au moyen d'un ou de plusieurs capteurs.
  13. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 à 12, caractérisé en ce que le milieu stérile comprend de la vapeur, de préférence de la vapeur de type alimentaire.
  14. Procédé selon la revendication 13, caractérisé en ce que l'introduction du milieu stérile est effectuée de sorte que la conduite de gaz de procédé (50) est alimentée en vapeur et remplie progressivement de condensat par refroidissement de la vapeur, dans lequel la pression de vapeur est maintenue de préférence en permanence, de préférence tant que le dispositif (1) se trouve dans le mode de fonctionnement sans traitement de gaz de traitement, ou
    l'introduction du milieu stérile s'effectue de sorte que la conduite de gaz de procédé (50) est remplie d'un condensat et est ensuite soumise à une pression de vapeur.
  15. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 10 à 14, caractérisé en ce que le milieu stérile comprend un gaz stérile, de préférence de l'air filtré stérilement, ou de l'eau forte.
EP21209176.3A 2020-11-19 2021-11-19 Dispositif multifonction permettant de remplir des récipients d'un produit de remplissage Active EP4001206B1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
DE102020130628.8A DE102020130628A1 (de) 2020-11-19 2020-11-19 Multifunktionale Vorrichtung zum Befüllen von Behältern mit einem Füllprodukt

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DE1432409A1 (de) * 1963-05-11 1969-03-13 Seitz Werke Gmbh Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Entfernen von Spanngas und/oder Fluessigkeit aus insbesondere in Gegendruck-Fuellmaschinen mit fuellrohrlosen Fuellelementen abgefuellten Flaschen
DE4036290A1 (de) 1990-06-06 1991-12-12 Kronseder Maschf Krones Verfahren und vorrichtung zum sterilen abfuellen von getraenkefluessigkeiten
DE29510860U1 (de) 1995-07-05 1995-10-12 Khs Masch & Anlagenbau Ag Füllelement
DE10064954A1 (de) 2000-12-23 2002-06-27 Khs Masch & Anlagenbau Ag Füllmaschine
DE102004017205A1 (de) * 2004-04-10 2005-10-27 Khs Maschinen- Und Anlagenbau Ag Füllmaschine umlaufender Bauart
ES2290822T3 (es) * 2005-06-10 2008-02-16 INDAG GESELLSCHAFT FUR INDUSTRIEBEDARF MBH & CO. BETRIEBS KG Procedimiento y dispositivo para llenar liquidos en bolsas de plastico con una boquilla.
DE102008030292A1 (de) * 2008-06-30 2009-12-31 Khs Ag Füllsystem
DE102010027623A1 (de) * 2010-07-19 2012-01-19 Krones Aktiengesellschaft Füllvorrichtung für Behältnisse mit Reinigungssystem
DE102013106934A1 (de) * 2013-07-02 2015-01-08 Krones Ag Vorrichtung zum Befüllen eines Behälters und Verfahren zum Sterilisieren einer Vorrichtung zum Befüllen eines Behälters
DE102014116463A1 (de) 2014-11-11 2016-05-12 Krones Aktiengesellschaft Vorrichtung und Verfahren zum Befüllen eines Behälters mit einem karbonisierten Füllprodukt
DE102014117279A1 (de) * 2014-11-25 2016-05-25 Krones Ag Vorrichtung zum Befüllen eines Behälters mit einem Füllprodukt
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CN114538353B (zh) 2024-03-29
EP4001206A1 (fr) 2022-05-25
EP4001206C0 (fr) 2023-09-06
DE102020130628A1 (de) 2022-05-19
CN114538353A (zh) 2022-05-27

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