EP4660084A2 - Device and method for dispensing a liquefied fluid into a container - Google Patents

Abstract

The invention relates, inter alia, to a device (10) for dispensing a liquefied fluid (F1) into a container (12). The device (10) has a cooling vessel (14) for receiving a cooling medium (K1). The device (10) has a liquefaction unit (26) arranged in the cooling vessel (14) for cooling and liquefying a gaseous fluid. The device (10) has a storage container (32) connected to the liquefaction unit (26) for receiving the liquefied fluid (F1) from the liquefaction unit (26) and arranged in the cooling vessel (14) for cooling the liquefied fluid (F1). The device (10) has a metering device (38) for dispensing the liquefied fluid (F1) into the container (12), wherein the metering device (38) is connected to the storage container (32) for receiving the liquefied fluid (F1) from the storage container (32).

Description

Technical field

The invention relates to a device for dispensing a liquefied fluid into a container and to a container treatment system comprising the device. The invention further relates to a method for dispensing a liquefied fluid into a container.

Technical background

Systems with devices for filling containers have long been known in the art. Typically, the containers are transported along a predetermined path, for example, a circular arc, and filled with a pasty or liquid product, such as a beverage, during this transport. Liquid nitrogen can also be introduced into the containers. This can improve various properties of a plastic container, such as its mechanical strength (load capacity, transportability on conveyor belts, handling, etc.). The shelf life of the filled product can also be improved by displacing oxygen from the headspace of the container. The haptics, i.e., the feel of the container, and other properties can also be enhanced. Such devices for introducing liquid nitrogen are referred to, for example, as "nitrogen droppers," and the process itself as "dropping."

For example, the DE 10 2010 051 543 A1 A device for filling containers with liquids. A filling element fills the containers with the liquid. A transport device moves the containers along a predetermined transport path. An application device applies another flowable medium to the containers filled with the liquid. The flowable medium contains, for example, nitrogen.

Disadvantages of conventional devices for dispensing a liquefied fluid into a container can include, for example, their complexity, the large amount of installation space required, and the comparatively high effort involved in maintenance and repair.

The invention is based on the objective of creating an improved technique for dispensing a liquefied fluid into a container. Preferably, the associated device should be particularly compact.

Summary of the invention

The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims and the description.

One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a device, preferably a nitrogen dropper, for dispensing a liquefied (e.g., sterile) fluid, preferably (e.g., sterile) nitrogen or (e.g., sterile) oxygen, into a container. The device comprises a (e.g., unpressurized or vacuum) cooling vessel for receiving a cooling medium, preferably a liquid. The device further comprises a liquefaction unit arranged in the cooling vessel for cooling and liquefying a gaseous fluid (preferably (e.g., sterile) nitrogen or (e.g., sterile) oxygen). The device further comprises a storage container connected to the liquefaction unit for receiving the liquefied fluid from the liquefaction unit and arranged in the cooling vessel for cooling the liquefied fluid. The device further comprises a metering device for dispensing the liquefied fluid into the container (e.g. positioned under the metering device), wherein the metering device is connected to the reservoir for receiving the liquefied fluid from the reservoir.

Advantageously, the device allows for a particularly compact design. The condensing unit and the storage tank can be arranged together within the cooling tank, thus sharing the coolant contained within to cool the fluid. This also simplifies the internal piping. Furthermore, the otherwise critical interface between the condensing unit and the storage tank can be safely located within the cooling tank and therefore within the coolant itself. Operation of the device is also simplified, as, for example, only one coolant level needs to be monitored (rather than two).

Preferably, the storage container can be arranged below the liquefaction device, the dosing device can be arranged below the storage container and/or the container can be positioned below the dosing device.

In one embodiment, the device further comprises a fluid gas source, preferably a sterile fluid gas source, particularly preferably a sterile nitrogen gas source or a sterile oxygen gas source, wherein the fluid gas source is connected to the liquefaction unit for supplying the gaseous fluid to the liquefaction unit. Advantageously, this ensures a reliable supply of gaseous fluid to the liquefaction unit.

In a further embodiment, the device also includes a cooling medium source, preferably a cooling liquid source, particularly preferably (e.g., a non-sterile) liquid nitrogen source, wherein the cooling medium source is connected to the cooling container for supplying the cooling medium to the cooling container. Advantageously, this ensures a reliable supply of cooling medium to the cooling container.

In one embodiment, the device further comprises a cooling medium level sensor, preferably thermosensitive, which is arranged in the cooling vessel to detect the level of the cooling medium. Advantageously, the level of the cooling medium and thus the cooling capacity provided by it can be monitored.

In a further embodiment, the device also includes a, preferably thermosensitive, liquefied fluid level sensor, which is arranged in the storage container to detect the fill level of the liquefied fluid. Advantageously, this allows the fill level of the liquefied fluid to be monitored, thus ensuring a reliable supply of the liquefied fluid to the containers.

• eine Zuführung des Kühlmediums von der Kühlmediumquelle zu dem Kühlbehälter abhängig von einer Signalausgabe des Kühlmedium-Füllstandsensors anzupassen, vorzugsweise zum Einhalten eines vorgegebenen Kühlmedium-Füllstands, bei dem der Vorratsbehälter zumindest teilweise, vorzugsweise vollständig, und die Verflüssigungseinrichtung zumindest teilweise in dem Kühlmedium eingetaucht sind; und/oder
• eine Zuführung des gasförmigen Fluids von der Fluidgasquelle zu der Verflüssigungseinrichtung abhängig von einer Signalausgabe des Verflüssigtes-Fluid-Füllstandsensors anzupassen, vorzugsweise zum Einhalten eines vorgegebenen Verflüssigtes-Fluid-Mindestfüllstands im Vorratsbehälter.

In one embodiment, the device further includes a processing unit. Preferably, the processing unit can be configured as follows:

• to adjust the supply of the cooling medium from the cooling medium source to the cooling tank depending on a signal output from the cooling medium level sensor, preferably to maintain a predetermined cooling medium level, at which the storage tank is at least partially, preferably completely, immersed in the cooling medium and the condensing device is at least partially immersed; and/or
• to adjust the supply of the gaseous fluid from the fluid gas source to the liquefaction device depending on a signal output from the liquefied fluid level sensor, preferably to maintain a predetermined minimum liquefied fluid level in the storage tank.

This makes it advantageous to ensure safe and continuous operation of the device in a simple way.

Preferably, the term "processing device" can refer to electronics (e.g., implemented as a driver circuit or with microprocessor(s) and data storage) and/or mechanical, pneumatic, and/or hydraulic control systems, which, depending on their design, can perform control tasks, regulation tasks, and/or processing tasks. Although the term "control" is used here, it can also appropriately encompass or refer to "regulation" or "control with feedback" and/or "processing."

In another embodiment, the condensing unit has a helical pipe and/or the condensing unit is arranged, preferably directly, above the storage tank in the cooling tank and/or the condensing unit, the storage tank, the cooling tank and the dosing unit form a single unit. This advantageously allows for a particularly compact design.

In one embodiment, the metering device has a dispensing nozzle for dispensing the liquefied fluid into the container. Preferably, the device can further include a treatment chamber in which the dispensing nozzle is at least partially arranged for treatment, preferably tempering and/or rinsing, and the treatment chamber is particularly preferably located outside the cooling container. This advantageously prevents, for example, the dispensing nozzle from icing up unintentionally.

In a further embodiment, the device also has a treatment medium line that opens into the treatment chamber for supplying a (e.g., gaseous) treatment medium to the treatment chamber for treating the dispensing nozzle, wherein the treatment medium line is preferably arranged outside of the cooling container. Preferably, a treatment medium for treating the dispensing nozzle can be introduced into the treatment chamber, so that, for example, it can be ensured with particular certainty that the dispensing nozzle does not ice up unintentionally.

In one embodiment, the device comprises a heating device connected to the treatment medium line for heating the treatment medium, and/or a temperature sensor connected to the treatment medium line for detecting the temperature of the treatment medium, and/or a treatment medium source, preferably (e.g., sterile) nitrogen gas source, wherein the treatment medium source is connected via the treatment medium line. The treatment chamber is connected to a device for supplying at least part of the treatment medium to the treatment chamber. This advantageously ensures a reliable supply of the treatment medium to the treatment chamber at the desired temperature.

In a further embodiment, the device also features a fluid gas discharge line connected to the reservoir for the discharge of a fluid, preferably gaseous, from the reservoir. Optionally, the fluid gas discharge line can be connected via the treatment medium line to the treatment chamber for the supply of the discharged fluid, at least as a portion of the treatment medium, to the treatment chamber. Advantageously, this allows the gaseous fluid from the reservoir to be used for treating the dispensing nozzle.

In one embodiment, a liquefied fluid level sensor extends through the fluid gas discharge line into the storage tank. This advantageously allows for a particularly space-saving arrangement. Furthermore, for example, when using an insulated container in which the cooling tank is located, the number of access points/penetrations in/on the insulated container can be kept to a minimum.

In one embodiment, the device further comprises a cooling medium discharge line connected to the cooling vessel for the removal of the, preferably evaporated, cooling medium from the cooling vessel, preferably projecting into the cooling vessel from above. This advantageously allows for the expansion of the liquid cooling medium within the cooling vessel.

In a further embodiment, the device also includes an insulated container, preferably a vacuum insulated container, wherein the cooling container, the condensing unit, and the storage container are arranged within the insulated container. This advantageously prevents the cooling medium in the container from being heated by the surrounding environment.

In one embodiment, the device further comprises a cap assembly with a cap that is selectively movable, preferably pivotable, to block or release a dispensing opening of the dosing device. This advantageously allows, for example, cleaning of the device (e.g., CIP or SIP).

In another embodiment, the metering device has a (e.g., elongated) valve element. Preferably, the valve element can be used for metered dispensing of the liquefied fluid into the container. The valve element may be movable (e.g., for selectively blocking or releasing a dispensing nozzle of the metering device). Alternatively or additionally, the valve element may be arranged to partially block a fluid connection between the liquefaction device and the storage container to slow down the fluid flowing through the liquefaction device, preferably with a valve seat for the valve element in or on the fluid connection. Particularly preferably, the valve element can thus combine several functions: on the one hand, the metered dispensing of the liquefied fluid into the container, and on the other hand, its action as a flow restrictor to improve the liquefaction of the gaseous fluid in the liquefaction device.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a container treatment plant comprising a filling device, preferably a rotary filling device, for filling containers with a (e.g., liquid or pasty) material. The container treatment plant further comprises a device as disclosed herein, which is arranged for dispensing the liquefied fluid into the containers filled with the material.

Optionally, the container treatment system may also include a closing device, for example, which is arranged for closing the filled containers that are pressurized with the liquefied fluid.

Preferably, the container treatment system can be configured for tempering, manufacturing, cleaning, coating, testing, filling, closing, pasteurizing, labeling, printing, marking, laser marking and/or packaging containers for liquid or pasty media, preferably beverages, liquid food products or products from the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry.

For example, the containers can be designed as bottles, cans, canisters, cartons, vials, tubes, etc.

• Verflüssigen eines gasförmigen Fluids in einer Verflüssigungseinrichtung, die zumindest abschnittsweise (z. B. mit einer wendelförmigen Rohrleitung) in einem Kühlmediumbad eines (z. B. Drucklos- oder Unterdruck-) Kühlbehälters eingetaucht ist;
• Speichern des verflüssigten Fluids von der Verflüssigungseinrichtung in einem Vorratsbehälter (z. B. direkt unterhalb der Verflüssigungseinrichtung), der zumindest abschnittsweise, vorzugsweise vollständig, in dem Kühlmediumbad des Kühlbehälters eingetaucht ist; und
• Abgeben des verflüssigten Fluids aus dem Vorratsbehälter mittels einer Dosiereinrichtung in das (z. B. unter der Dosiereinrichtung positionierte) Behältnis.

Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for dispensing a liquefied (e.g., sterile) fluid, preferably liquefied (e.g., sterile) nitrogen or liquefied (e.g., sterile) oxygen, into a container, preferably by means of a device as disclosed herein (e.g., in a container treatment system as disclosed herein). The method comprises:

• Liquefaction of a gaseous fluid in a liquefaction device that is immersed at least partially (e.g. with a helical pipe) in a cooling medium bath of a (e.g. unpressurized or vacuum) cooling vessel;
• Storing the liquefied fluid from the liquefaction device in a storage container (e.g., directly below the liquefaction device) which is immersed at least partially, preferably completely, in the cooling medium bath of the cooling container; and
• Dispensing the liquefied fluid from the storage tank into the container (e.g. positioned under the dosing device) using a metering device.

Advantageously, the same advantages can be achieved with this method as have already been described with reference to the apparatus. The same applies to the preferred embodiments of the method described below.

• Zuführen des gasförmigen Fluids von einer Fluidgasquelle, vorzugsweise Sterilfluidgasquelle, besonders bevorzugt Sterilstickstoffgasquelle oder Sterilsauerstoffgasquelle, zu der Verflüssigungseinrichtung, vorzugsweise abhängig von einer Signalausgabe eines (z. B. thermosensitiven) Verflüssigtes-Fluid-Füllstandsensors, der einen Füllstand des verflüssigten Fluids in dem Vorratsbehälter erfasst;
• Zuführen eines Kühlmediums von einer Kühlmediumquelle, vorzugsweise Kühlflüssigkeitsquelle, besonders bevorzugt (z. B. unsterile) Flüssigstickstoffquelle, zu dem Kühlbehälter, vorzugsweise abhängig von einer Signalausgabe eines (z. B. thermosensitiven) Kühlmedium-Füllstandsensors, der einen Füllstand des Kühlmediumbads erfasst;
• Isolieren des Kühlbehälters in einem Isolierbehälter, vorzugsweise Vakuumisolierbehälter;
• Bewegen eines Ventilglieds der Dosiereinrichtung zum dosierten Abgeben des verflüssigten Fluids in das Behältnis; und
• Abbremsen des verflüssigten Fluids in der Verflüssigungseinrichtung mittels eines Ventilglieds der Dosiereinrichtung, das eine Fluidverbindung zwischen der Verflüssigungseinrichtung und dem Vorratsbehälter teilweise blockiert, vorzugsweise mit einem Ventilsitz für das Ventilglied in oder an der Fluidverbindung.

In one embodiment, the method further comprises at least one of:

• Supply of the gaseous fluid from a fluid gas source, preferably a sterile fluid gas source, particularly preferably a sterile nitrogen gas source or sterile oxygen gas source, to the liquefaction device, preferably dependent on a signal output from a (e.g. thermosensitive) liquefied fluid level sensor that detects a level of the liquefied fluid in the storage container;
• Supply of a cooling medium from a cooling medium source, preferably a cooling liquid source, particularly preferably (e.g., a non-sterile) liquid nitrogen source, to the cooling vessel, preferably dependent on a signal output from a (e.g., thermosensitive) cooling medium level sensor that detects a level of the cooling medium bath;
• Insulating the cooling container in an insulated container, preferably a vacuum insulated container;
• Moving a valve element of the metering device to dispense the liquefied fluid in a metered manner into the container; and
• Slowing down the liquefied fluid in the liquefaction device by means of a valve element of the metering device, which partially blocks a fluid connection between the liquefaction device and the storage container, preferably with a valve seat for the valve element in or on the fluid connection.

• Behandeln, vorzugsweise Temperieren und/oder Spülen, einer Abgabedüse der Dosiereinrichtung in einer Behandlungskammer, die mit einem (z. B. gasförmigen) Behandlungsmedium gefüllt ist.

In a further embodiment, the method also features:

• Treating, preferably tempering and/or rinsing, a dispensing nozzle of the dosing device in a treatment chamber filled with a (e.g. gaseous) treatment medium.

• Heizen des Behandlungsmediums beim Zuführen zu der Behandlungskammer mittels einer Heizeinrichtung, vorzugsweise abhängig von einer Signalausgabe eines Temperatursensors, der eine Temperatur des Behandlungsmediums erfasst;
• Zuführen zumindest eines Teils des Behandlungsmediums von einer Behandlungsmediumquelle, vorzugsweise (z. B. Steril-) Stickstoffgasquelle, zu der Behandlungskammer; und
• Zuführen von, vorzugsweise gasförmigem, Fluid aus dem Vorratsbehälter als zumindest ein Teil des Behandlungsmediums zu der Behandlungskammer (z. B. über eine Behandlungsmediumleitung extern von dem Kühlbehälter).

In another embodiment, the method further comprises at least one of the following:

• Heating the treatment medium during feeding into the treatment chamber by means of a heating device, preferably dependent on a signal output from a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the treatment medium;
• Supplying at least a portion of the treatment medium from a treatment medium source, preferably (e.g., sterile) nitrogen gas source, to the treatment chamber; and
• Supplying fluid, preferably gaseous, from the storage container as at least part of the treatment medium to the treatment chamber (e.g. via a treatment medium line external to the cooling container).

The previously described preferred embodiments and features of the invention can be combined with one another in any way.

Brief description of the characters

Figur 1

eine schematische Darstellung (vereinfachtes PID / Rohrleitungs- und Instrumentierungsdiagramm) einer Vorrichtung gemäß einem Ausführungsbeispiel der vorliegenden Offenbarung;

Figur 2

eine Prinzipdarstellung / Schnittansicht einer beispielhaften Vorrichtung;

Figur 3

eine Detailansicht eines Abschnitts von Figur 2; und

Figur 4

eine Detailansicht eines weiteren Abschnitts von Figur 2.

Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show:

Figure 1

a schematic representation (simplified PID / piping and instrumentation diagram) of a device according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

Figure 2

a schematic diagram / sectional view of an exemplary device;

Figure 3

a detailed view of a section of Figure 2 ; and

Figure 4

a detailed view of another section of Figure 2 .

The embodiments shown in the figures are at least partially identical, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals and, to avoid repetition, reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures for their explanation.

Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

The Figures 1 to 4 Figure 10 shows a device 10 for dispensing a liquefied fluid into a container 12. Preferably, the device 10 is used as a so-called nitrogen dropper for dispensing liquefied nitrogen, preferably sterile nitrogen, into containers 12. However, it is For example, it is also possible that the device 10 is used to dispense liquefied oxygen, preferably sterile oxygen or pure oxygen, into the containers 12.

Preferably, the device 10 can be included in a container treatment system (not shown in the figures). For example, the container treatment system can include a filling device and/or a closing device.

The filling device can fill the containers 12, preferably with a liquid or pasty medium. The filling device is preferably designed as a rotary filling device. The filling device can have several filling valves for the simultaneous or overlapping filling of several containers 12. For example, the filling valves can be arranged around the circumference of a filling carousel of the rotary filling device.

The sealing device can close the containers 12, for example with a lid, a cork, a crown cap, or a screw cap. The sealing device can preferably be designed as a rotary sealing device. The sealing device can have several sealing stations for simultaneously or overlappingly sealing several containers 12. For example, the sealing stations can be arranged around the circumference of a sealing carousel of the rotary sealing device. The sealing device can be arranged downstream of the filling device with respect to a container flow.

The device 10, in turn, can be arranged to dispense the liquefied fluid into the containers 12 filled with the product. For example, the device 10 can be arranged in the area of the filling device, in the area of the closing device, or in the area of a container transport device that connects the filling device and the closing device.

The device 10 comprises a cooling vessel 14, a liquefaction unit 26, a storage vessel 32, and a metering unit 38. Furthermore, the device 10 may, for example, comprise a cooling medium source 18, a cooling medium level sensor 22, an insulated vessel 24, a fluid gas source 30, a liquefied fluid level sensor 36, a treatment chamber 52, a heating unit 56, a temperature sensor 58, a treatment medium source 60, a capping unit 66, and/or a processing unit 72.

Preferably, the cooling tank 14, the condensing unit 26, the storage tank 32, and the dosing unit 38 form a single assembly. This single assembly may contain further components, such as component 22, 24, 34, 36, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 64, 66, 68, 70 and/or 72.

The cooling container 14 is designed to hold a cooling medium, preferably a liquid. Preferably, the cooling medium can be liquid nitrogen. Preferably, the liquid nitrogen is non-sterile.

Preferably, the cooling vessel 14 is partially filled with a liquid, preferably unpressurized, cooling medium (cooling medium bath) K1, e.g., liquid nitrogen. The cooling medium K1 can, for example, have a temperature of at least -196°C (77 K). Cooling medium K2, which evaporates from the liquid cooling medium K1, can collect in an upper section of the cooling vessel 14. For better differentiation, the liquid cooling medium K1 and the evaporated cooling medium K2 are each shown with different hatching in the figures.

It is also conceivable that the temperature of the cooling medium K1 could be significantly lower than -196°C. For example, a vacuum could be created in the gas space of cooling vessel 14, i.e., above the cooling medium K1 or where the cooling medium K2 is located, e.g., by means of a connected vacuum pump. This could, for example, allow a temperature limit of -210°C for the cooling medium K1 to be reached before the nitrogen freezes.

The cooling vessel 14 can have any shape to receive the cooling medium K1. For example, the cooling vessel 14 can be essentially cylindrical, e.g., with a convex or flat lower part and/or with a convex or flat upper part. Alternatively, the cooling vessel 14 can be, for example, essentially spherical or essentially cuboid.

Preferably, the cooling vessel 14 can be connected to a cooling medium source 18 via a cooling medium supply line 16. The cooling medium source 18 is preferably a cooling liquid source, e.g., a non-sterile liquid nitrogen source. The cooling medium supply line 16 can open into an upper section of the cooling vessel 14, e.g., project into it.

The cooling vessel 14 can preferably be connected to a cooling medium discharge line 20. Evaporated cooling medium K2 can be discharged from the cooling vessel 14 via the cooling medium discharge line 20. Preferably, the cooling medium discharge line 20 projects into the cooling vessel 14 from above. Thus, the cooling medium K1 can advantageously be depressurized via the cooling medium discharge line 20.

The coolant level sensor 22 can preferably be arranged in the cooling vessel 14, e.g., projecting into it. The coolant level sensor 22 can detect the level of the liquid coolant K1 in the cooling vessel 14. The coolant level sensor 22 can also be referred to as a coolant level probe.

The coolant level sensor 22 can use any known measuring principle to detect the fill level. Preferably, the coolant level sensor 22 can be thermosensitive.

Preferably, the cooling medium level sensor 22 projects from above into the cooling tank 14. For example, the cooling medium level sensor 22 can be surrounded by the condensing unit 26 in the cooling tank 14.

Preferably, the cooling vessel 14, together with the condensing unit 26 and the storage container 32, is arranged in an insulated container 24. The insulated container 24 is preferably a vacuum insulated container. A vacuum can prevail essentially inside the insulated container 24 in which the cooling vessel 14 is arranged. An outer circumferential surface of the cooling vessel 14 can be spaced apart from an inner circumferential surface of the cooling vessel 14.

The insulated container 24 can have any shape to accommodate the cooling container 14, etc. For example, the insulated container 24 can be essentially cylindrical, e.g., with a convex or flat bottom and/or with a convex or flat top. Alternatively, the insulated container 24 can be, for example, essentially spherical or essentially cuboid.

The condensing unit 26 is arranged in the cooling tank 14. For example, the condensing unit 26 can be arranged in an upper section of the cooling tank 14. Preferably, the condensing unit 26 is arranged in the cooling tank 14 directly above the storage tank 32.

Cooled by the cooling medium K1, K2 in the cooling vessel 14, the liquefaction device 26 liquefies a gaseous fluid that flows through the liquefaction device 26. The gaseous fluid is preferably sterile gaseous nitrogen or oxygen.

Preferably, the condensing device 26 has a helical (helical) pipe. The gaseous fluid can flow through the helical pipe and be cooled and liquefied in the process. Preferably, the condensing device 26 or the helical pipe is at least partially immersed in the liquid cooling medium K1.

Instead of the helical pipe, other shapes and configurations for the liquefaction device 26 or its pipe for the fluid are also conceivable, which enable effective heat exchange with the cooling medium K1, K2 in the cooling tank 14 for liquefying the gaseous fluid.

Preferably, the liquefaction unit 26 can be connected to a fluid gas source 30 via a fluid gas supply line 28. The fluid gas source 30 can supply the gaseous fluid to the liquefaction unit 26 via the fluid gas supply line 28. The fluid gas source 30 is preferably a sterile fluid gas source. Particularly preferably, the fluid gas source 30 is a sterile nitrogen gas source. However, it is also possible that the fluid gas source 30 is, for example, a sterile oxygen gas source / pure oxygen gas source. Preferably, the fluid gas supply line 28 can extend from above into the cooling vessel 14 and be connected to the liquefaction unit 26.

The storage tank 32 is connected to the liquefaction unit 26 for receiving the liquefied fluid from the liquefaction unit 26, e.g., via a fluid connection 48. The storage tank 32 is arranged in the cooling tank 14 for cooling the received, liquefied fluid. For example, the storage tank 32 can be arranged in a lower section of the cooling tank 14. Preferably, the storage tank 32 is arranged in the cooling tank 14 directly below the liquefaction unit 26.

The liquefied fluid can be (temporarily) stored or buffered in the storage container 32. Preferably, the storage container 32 is partially filled with liquefied fluid (fluid bath) F1, e.g., liquid sterile nitrogen or liquid sterile oxygen. Fluid F2, which evaporates from the liquefied fluid F1 as it flows into the storage container 32, or still gaseous fluid F2 from the liquefaction device 26, can collect in an upper section of the storage container 32. The liquefied fluid F1 can expand in the storage container 32, e.g., to the ambient pressure of the device 10 (e.g., the isolator pressure of a cleanroom in which the device 10 is located). For better differentiation, the liquefied fluid F1 and the evaporated fluid F2 are each shown with different hatching in the figures.

Since the storage container 32 with the (sterile) liquefied fluid F1 is located in the (non-sterile) liquid cooling medium K1 of preferably at least -196°C or colder, this is referred to as subcooled liquid or so-called liquid subcooling.

The reservoir 32 can have any shape for storing the fluid F1, F2. For example, the reservoir 32 can be essentially cylindrical, e.g., with curved or flat surfaces. The lower part and/or the upper part can be curved or flat. Alternatively, the storage container 32 can, for example, be essentially spherical or essentially cuboid.

Preferably, a fluid gas discharge line 34 can be connected to the storage container 32 for the purpose of discharging the fluid F2 from the storage container 32. For example, the fluid gas discharge line 34 can be connected to an upper section of the storage container 32.

The fluid gas discharge line 34 can, for example, extend upwards from the storage tank 32. The fluid gas discharge line 34 can preferably extend out of the cooling tank 14. Preferably, at least a section of the fluid gas discharge line 34 can be surrounded by the liquefaction unit 26 (for example, its helical pipe).

The liquefied fluid level sensor 36 can preferably be arranged in the storage container 32, e.g., projecting into it. The liquefied fluid level sensor 36 can detect the level of the liquefied fluid F1 in the storage container 32. The liquefied fluid level sensor 36 can also be referred to as a liquefied fluid level probe.

The liquefied fluid level sensor 36 can use any known measuring principle to detect the fill level. Preferably, the liquefied fluid level sensor 36 can be thermosensitive.

Preferably, the liquefied fluid level sensor 36 projects from above into the storage container 32. Particularly preferably, the liquefied fluid level sensor 36 can extend through the fluid gas discharge line 34 into the storage container 32. Preferably, at least a section of the liquefied fluid level sensor 36 can be surrounded by the liquefaction device 26 (for example, its helical pipe).

The metering device 38 is designed to dispense the liquefied fluid F1 into the container 12. The container 12 can be arranged below the metering device 38.

The dosing unit 38 is connected to the storage container 32. The dosing unit 38 receives the liquefied fluid F1 from the storage container 32.

Preferably, the metering device 38 has a dispensing nozzle 40 and a valve element 44.

The dispensing nozzle 40 can discharge the liquefied fluid F1 into the container 12. Preferably, the dispensing nozzle 40 can be connected to the storage container 32 via an outlet line 42. Preferably, the outlet line 42 can extend vertically. For example, the outlet line 42 can be connected to a lower section of the reservoir 32 and connected to an upper section of the dispensing nozzle 40.

Preferably, the outlet line 42 is surrounded by a section of the cooling vessel 14 and thus by liquid cooling medium K1. This section of the cooling vessel 14 can preferably in turn be surrounded by a section of the insulated container 24.

The valve element 44 is preferably movable for metered dispensing of the liquefied fluid F1 into the container 12. For example, the valve element 44 can selectively open or block an inlet of the dispensing nozzle 40. Dosing by means of the valve element 44 and the dispensing nozzle 40 can be carried out either continuously or discontinuously.

The movement of the valve element 44 can be driven in any way. For example, a drive unit 46 of the device 10 can drive the valve element 44 to move. The drive unit 46 can be, for example, a mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic, pneumatic, or hydraulic drive unit. The drive unit 46 can, for example, be arranged above the insulated container 24.

Preferably, the valve element 44 can be elongated, for example rod-shaped. The valve element 44 preferably extends through the insulated container 24, the cooling container 14, the storage container 32 and/or the outlet line 42. Preferably, a section of the valve element 44 can be surrounded by the condensing device 26 (e.g., its helical pipe).

The valve element 44 can preferably also serve as an (active) flow restrictor for the liquefied fluid in the liquefaction unit 26 before it flows into the storage container 32. Preferably, the valve element 44 is arranged to partially block a fluid connection 48 between the liquefaction unit 26 and the storage container 32 (see in particular...). Fig. 3 ).

The valve element 44 can be designed such that its effect as a flow brake or for slowing down the liquefied fluid in the liquefaction device 26 is achieved independently of whether the valve element 44 is blocking or releasing the dispensing nozzle 40 for metered dispensing of the liquefied fluid F1. Specifically, the valve element 44 can preferably have a thickened section 44A that is dimensioned (long) such that it completely or partially blocks the fluid connection 48 both when the valve element 44 blocks the dispensing nozzle 40 and when the valve element 44 releases the dispensing nozzle 40.

It is possible that the valve element 44 additionally has a thinned section 44B. The thinned section 44B can provide a larger flow cross-section for the fluid connection 48 compared to the thickened section 44A when it is positioned within the fluid connection 48 by a corresponding movement of the valve element 44. This may be desirable, for example, if the flow restrictor needs to be deactivated in other necessary process steps (e.g., sterilization, drying, emptying), thus allowing a larger volume flow through the fluid connection 48.

Particularly preferably, a valve seat 50 of the valve element 44 can be arranged directly in or adjacent to the fluid connection 48 in order to enable partial blocking of the flow or the effect as a flow brake.

Preferably, the dispensing nozzle 40 can be at least partially arranged in the treatment chamber/nozzle chamber 52. The dispensing nozzle 40 can be treated in the treatment chamber 52. For example, the dispensing nozzle 40 can be temperature-controlled and/or rinsed in the treatment chamber 52.

A treatment medium line 54 can open into the treatment chamber 52 to supply a treatment medium B to the treatment chamber 52. Preferably, the treatment medium line 54 can be arranged outside of the cooling container 14 and/or the insulating container 24. For example, a section of the treatment medium line 54 can extend parallel to a vertical axis of the cooling container 14.

Preferably, the heating device 56 can be connected to the treatment medium line 54 for heating the treatment medium B. For example, the heating device 56 can heat the treatment medium B while it flows through the treatment medium line 54.

Preferably, the temperature sensor 58 can be connected to the treatment medium line 54 to detect the temperature of the treatment medium B. Preferably, the temperature sensor 58 can be arranged adjacent to the heating device 56.

The treatment medium source 60 can, for example, be a sterile treatment medium source, e.g., a sterile nitrogen gas source. Preferably, the treatment medium source 60 can be connected to the treatment chamber 52 via the treatment medium line 54 to supply at least a portion of the treatment medium B to the treatment chamber 52.

Preferably, the fluid gas discharge line 34 is connected to the treatment chamber 52 via the treatment medium line 54. Vaporized/gaseous fluid F2 from the storage container 32 can be supplied to the treatment chamber 52 via the fluid gas discharge line 34 as at least a portion of the treatment medium B. Preferably, the treatment medium B can thus originate partly from the treatment medium source 60 and partly from the storage container 32.

For example, a supply line 62 from the treatment medium source 60 and the fluid gas discharge line 34 can open into at least one inlet section 64 of the treatment medium line 54. Preferably, the fluid gas discharge line 34 and the supply line 62 open together into the same inlet section 64. Preferably, the inlet section 64 can be arranged in the insulated container 24 and/or outside of the cooling container 14. For example, the inlet section 64 can be arranged above the cooling container 14 in the insulated container 24.

The cap assembly 66 can have a movable cap 68. The cap 68 is preferably movable such that it can selectively block or release a dispensing opening 70 of the metering device 38. Preferably, the dispensing opening 70 can correspond to an outlet of the dispensing nozzle 40 or be located directly below the dispensing nozzle 40. It is possible that the dispensing opening 70 is a bottom opening of the treatment chamber 52.

Preferably, the cap 68 is pivotable between the release position and the blocking position. The cap 68 can be a cleaning cap, e.g., a CIP cap (Cleaning-In-Place cap) or a SIP cap (Sterilizing-In-Place cap), with which the dispensing opening 70 can be closed for cleaning the device 10 or for other process steps.

The processing unit 72 (only schematically shown in Figure 1 (shown) can be configured to operate device 10.

For example, the processing unit 72 can be configured to operate the drive unit 46 to move the valve element 44 to discharge the liquefied fluid F1 from the device 10 into the container 12.

For example, the processing device 72 can be configured to adjust the supply of the cooling medium from the cooling medium source 18 to the cooling tank 14 depending on a signal output from the cooling medium level sensor 22. Preferably, a predefined The cooling medium level is maintained when the storage container 32 is at least partially, preferably completely, immersed in the cooling medium K1 and the condensing device 26 is at least partially immersed.

For example, the processing unit 72 can be configured to adjust the supply of the gaseous fluid from the fluid gas source 30 to the liquefaction unit 26 depending on a signal output from the liquefied fluid level sensor 36. Preferably, a predetermined minimum liquefied fluid level can thus be maintained in the storage container 32.

For example, the processing unit 72 can be configured to operate the heating unit 56 to heat the treatment medium B, which flows through the treatment medium line 54, depending on a signal output from the temperature sensor 58. Preferably, a minimum temperature for the treatment medium B can be achieved in this way.

The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a multitude of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and the features of the dependent claims independently of the referenced claims. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. In addition, the features of the dependent claims are also disclosed independently of all features of independent claim 1 and, for example, independently of the features relating to the presence and/or configuration of the cooling vessel, the condensing device, the storage container, and/or the metering device of independent claim 1. All range specifications herein are to be understood as disclosed in such a way that all values falling within the respective range are disclosed individually, e.g., also as preferred narrower outer limits of the respective range.

Reference symbol list

10 device 48 Fluid connection 12 container 50 valve seat 14 Cooling container 52 Treatment chamber 16 Cooling medium supply line 54 Treatment medium management 18 Cooling medium source 56 Heating system 20 Cooling medium discharge line 58 temperature sensor 22 Coolant level sensor 60 Treatment medium source 24 Insulated container 62 Supply line 26 Liquefaction plant 64 Entrance section 28 Fluid gas supply line 66 Cap device 30 Fluid gas source 68 cap 32 Storage container 70 Drop-off opening 34 Fluid gas discharge line 72 Processing facility 36 Liquefied fluid level sensor 38 Dosing device B Treatment medium 40 Delivery nozzle F1 liquefied fluid / fluid bath 42 outlet pipe F2 evaporated / gaseous fluid 44 Valve member K1 liquid cooling medium / cooling medium- 44A thickened section bad 44B diluted section K2 evaporated cooling medium 46 drive unit

Claims (15)

Device (10), preferably a nitrogen dropper, for dispensing a liquefied fluid (F1), preferably nitrogen or oxygen, into a container (12), wherein the device (10) comprises: a cooling container (14) for receiving a cooling medium (K1), preferably liquid; a liquefaction device (26) arranged in the cooling vessel (14) for cooling and liquefying a gaseous fluid; a storage container (32) which is connected to the liquefaction unit (26) for receiving the liquefied fluid (F1) from the liquefaction unit (26) and which is arranged in the cooling container (14) for cooling the liquefied fluid (F1); and a metering device (38) for dispensing the liquefied fluid (F1) into the container (12), wherein the metering device (38) is connected to the storage container (32) for receiving the liquefied fluid (F1) from the storage container (32). Device (10) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one of: a fluid gas source (30), preferably a sterile fluid gas source, particularly preferably a sterile nitrogen gas source or a sterile oxygen gas source, wherein the fluid gas source (30) is connected to the liquefaction device (26) for supplying the gaseous fluid to the liquefaction device (26); and a cooling medium source (18), preferably a cooling liquid source, particularly preferably a liquid nitrogen source, wherein the cooling medium source (18) is connected to the cooling container (14) for supplying the cooling medium (K1) to the cooling container (14). Device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, further comprising at least one of: a cooling medium level sensor (22), preferably thermosensitive, which is arranged in the cooling vessel (14) for detecting a level of the cooling medium (K1); and a preferably thermosensitive liquefied fluid level sensor (36) which is arranged in the storage container (32) for detecting a level of the liquefied fluid (F1). Device (10) according to claim 2 and claim 3, further comprising:
a processing unit (72) configured to: - to adjust the supply of the cooling medium (K1) from the cooling medium source (18) to the cooling container (14) depending on a signal output from the cooling medium level sensor (22), preferably to maintain a predetermined cooling medium level, at which the storage container (32) is at least partially, preferably completely, immersed in the cooling medium (K1), and the condensing device (26) is at least partially immersed in the cooling medium (K1); and/or - to adjust the supply of the gaseous fluid from the fluid gas source (30) to the liquefaction device (26) depending on a signal output of the liquefied fluid level sensor (36), preferably to maintain a predetermined minimum liquefied fluid level in the storage container (32). Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the following is satisfied: The liquefaction device (26) has a helical pipe; The condensing unit (26) is arranged, preferably directly, above the storage container (32) in the cooling container (14); and The liquefaction unit (26), the storage tank (32), the cooling tank (14) and the dosing unit (38) form a common assembly. Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the metering device (38) has a dispensing nozzle (40) for dispensing the liquefied fluid (F1) into the container (12), wherein the device (10) further comprises:
a treatment chamber (52) in which the dispensing nozzle (40) is at least partially arranged for treatment, preferably tempering and/or rinsing, the dispensing nozzle (40), wherein the treatment chamber (52) is preferably arranged outside of the cooling container (14). Device (10) according to claim 6, further comprising:
a treatment medium line (54) which opens into the treatment chamber (52) for supplying a treatment medium (B) to the treatment chamber (52) for treating the dispensing nozzle (40), wherein the treatment medium line (54) is preferably arranged outside of the cooling container (14),
wherein the device (10) further comprises at least one of: a heating device (56) which is connected to the treatment medium line (54) for heating the treatment medium (B); a temperature sensor (58) connected to the treatment medium line (54) for detecting the temperature of the treatment medium (B); and a treatment medium source (60), preferably a nitrogen gas source, wherein the treatment medium source (60) is connected to the treatment chamber (52) via the treatment medium line (54) for supplying at least a part of the treatment medium (B) to the treatment chamber (52). Device (10) according to claim 7, further comprising:
a fluid gas discharge line (34) which: - is connected to the storage container (32) for the discharge of a fluid (F2), preferably gaseous, from the storage container (32); and - is connected via the treatment medium line (54) to the treatment chamber (52) for the supply of the discharged fluid (F2) as at least a part of the treatment medium (B) to the treatment chamber (52). Device (10) according to claim 8, wherein:
a liquefied fluid level sensor (36) extends through the fluid gas discharge line (34) into the storage container (32). Device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one of: a cooling medium discharge line (20) which is connected to the cooling container (14) for the discharge of the, preferably evaporated, cooling medium (K2) from the cooling container (14), preferably projecting from above into the cooling container (14); an insulated container (24), preferably a vacuum insulated container, wherein the cooling container (14) and the condensing device (26) and the storage container (32) arranged therein are arranged in the insulated container (24); and a cap device (66) with a cap (68) which is optionally movable, preferably pivotable, to block or release a dispensing opening (70) of the dosing device (38). Device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein:
the dosing device (38) has a valve element (44) which: - is movable for metered dispensing of the liquefied fluid (F1) into the container (12); and/or - is arranged to partially block a fluid connection (48) between the liquefaction device (26) and the storage container (32) to slow down the fluid flowing through the liquefaction device (26), preferably with a valve seat (50) for the valve element (44) in or on the fluid connection (48). Equipped with a container treatment plant: a filling device, preferably a rotary filling device, for filling containers (12) with a filling material; and a device (10) according to one of the preceding claims, which is arranged for dispensing the liquefied fluid (F1) into the containers (12) filled with the filling material. Method for dispensing a liquefied fluid (F1), preferably liquefied nitrogen or liquefied oxygen, into a container (12), preferably by means of a device (10) according to one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the method comprises: Liquefaction of a gaseous fluid in a liquefaction device (26) which is immersed at least partially in a cooling medium bath (K1) of a cooling vessel (14); Storing the liquefied fluid (F1) from the liquefaction device (26) in a storage container (32) which is immersed at least partially, preferably completely, in the cooling medium bath (K1) of the cooling vessel (14); and Dispensing the liquefied fluid (F1) from the storage container (32) into the container (12) by means of a metering device (38). The method of claim 13, further comprising at least one of: Supply of the gaseous fluid from a fluid gas source (30), preferably a sterile fluid gas source, particularly preferably a sterile nitrogen gas source or a sterile oxygen gas source, to the liquefaction device (26), preferably dependent on a signal output from a liquefied fluid level sensor (36) which detects a level of the liquefied fluid (F1) in the storage container (32); Supply of a cooling medium (K1) from a cooling medium source (18), preferably a cooling liquid source, particularly preferably a liquid nitrogen source, to the cooling container (14), preferably dependent on a signal output from a cooling medium level sensor (22) that detects a level of the cooling medium bath (K1); Insulating the cooling container (14) in an insulated container (24), preferably a vacuum insulated container; Moving a valve element (44) of the metering device (38) to meter the liquefied fluid (F1) into the container (12); and Slowing down the liquefied fluid (F1) in the liquefaction device (26) by means of a valve element (44) of the metering device (38) which partially blocks a fluid connection (48) between the liquefaction device (26) and the storage container (32), preferably with a valve seat (50) for the valve element (44) in or on the fluid connection (48). Method according to claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising:
Treating, preferably tempering and/or rinsing, a dispensing nozzle (40) of the dosing device (38) in a treatment chamber (52) filled with a treatment medium (B); and
preferably at least one of: Heating the treatment medium (B) when it is supplied to the treatment chamber (52) by means of a heating device (56), preferably dependent on a signal output from a temperature sensor (58) that detects a temperature of the treatment medium (B); Supplying at least a portion of the treatment medium (B) from a treatment medium source (60), preferably a nitrogen gas source, to the treatment chamber (52); and Supply of, preferably gaseous, fluid (F2) from the storage container (32) as at least part of the treatment medium (B) to the treatment chamber (52).