JP2010189069A - Method for making fluid barrier and connecting section - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a method for making a temporary fluid barrier in a connected section between a filling system and a product feeding pipe line of a food packaging machine. <P>SOLUTION: The connected section 10 is equipped with a chamber 16 which has an inlet section 16a and a product section 16b. The inlet section 16a has an inlet 18 which is connected with a fluid system equipped with an air feeding section and a vapor feeding section. The product section 16b has an inlet 20 which is connected with the product feeding pipe line 14, and an outlet 22 which is connected with a filling system 12. The vapor feeding section is used under a sterilized state, and the air feeding section is used under a cooled state and a manufacturing state. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a method and a fluid system for creating a fluid barrier at a connection between a filling system of a food packaging machine and a product supply pipeline.

  A food packaging machine for packaging products, for example liquid food products such as beverages, includes a product filling system coupled to a food processing system. For example, dairy factories have processing systems that pasteurize dairy products. The processing system usually has an outlet in the form of a product supply pipeline connected to the filling system of one or several packaging machines in the production line.

  There are several methods of packaging machine cleaning and filling systems to maintain the desired hygiene. One conventional cleaning process is performed by circulating a detergent solution at an appropriate flow and temperature through the parts to be cleaned. For this purpose, the filling system of the packaging machine and the product supply pipeline of the processing system are equipped with a cleaning system.

  The cleaning system includes a device that dispenses the detergent solution, brings it to operating temperature and circulates it through the parts to be cleaned. Both this device and the detergent solution are commercially available and will not be described in detail here.

  If the product supply pipeline is empty and the packaging machine in the line is not in operation, the entire filling system of the packaging machine and at least the product supply pipeline of the processing system can be cleaned simultaneously. However, the present specification will focus on the case where the rest of the packaging machine in the line is in operation and the product supply pipeline is filled and the packaging system of the packaging machine is to be cleaned in the middle. In such cases, it is desirable to be able to ensure that the detergent solution does not come into contact with the product in the product supply pipeline. For this reason, a connection is provided between the product supply pipeline and the filling system of the packaging machine, and this connection comprises a chamber with a valve. The chamber is also connected to a steam supply system that, together with the valve, can create a steam barrier between the filling system and the product supply pipeline. In many countries, government regulations require such a vapor barrier. Also, steam is typically used for sterilization purposes after the steam intermediate cleaning process with the detergent solution described above, for example to ensure that the system is free of detergent residues before resuming production. However, while using steam in the connection, some parts are heated, and in some situations these heated parts can heat the product when production resumes. This avoids any problems when packaging food in hygienic conditions for outdoor air circulation. However, some products, such as pasteurized products for refrigerated distribution, are sensitive to heat. At present, there is government regulation that heating pasteurized products above 6 ° C should be avoided. Thus, intermediate cleaning and sterilization processes performed in packaging machine filling systems that handle heat sensitive products such as pasteurized products, for example, are currently safe in some cases against undesirable heating of the product. Is an insufficient design.

  The object of the present invention is therefore to minimize the risk of the product being heated by heating the parts of the packaging machine and the product supply pipeline, as well as ensuring a safety barrier between the product supply pipeline and the filling system. Thus, it is an object of the present invention to provide a method for intermediate cleaning and sterilization of the filling system of a packaging machine, which can eliminate the risk of the detergent solution coming into contact with the product.

  This object is achieved by a method for creating a fluid barrier at a connection between a filling system of a food packaging machine and a product supply pipeline, the connection comprising a chamber having an inlet part and a product part, the inlet part being an air supply And an inlet connected to a fluid system comprising a steam supply and a product part having an inlet connected to a product supply pipeline and an outlet connected to a filling system. The connection further comprises a first valve that is in a manufacturing position that allows fluid connection between the product supply pipeline and the chamber and a cleaning position that prevents fluid connection between the product supply pipeline and the chamber. It can be moved between. The connection further comprises a second valve, which prevents a fluid connection between the production position preventing fluid connection between the inlet part and the product part and the outlet to the filling system of the product part and the packaging machine. It can be moved between cleaning positions. The method includes providing a sterilization condition in which the steam supply is in fluid communication with the chamber, wherein the first valve is in the cleaning position and the second valve is in the cleaning position, whereby the product supply pipeline and Providing a vapor barrier between the filling system of the packaging machine and providing a cooling state in which the air supply is fluidly connected to the chamber, wherein the first valve is in the wash position, whereby the product supply pipe Providing an air barrier between the line and the filling system of the packaging machine and providing a manufacturing state in which the air supply is in fluid communication with the chamber, wherein the first valve is in the manufacturing position and the second valve The valve includes a stage that is in a manufacturing position. In this way, normal intermediate cleaning can be performed in the filling system using a vapor barrier between the product supply pipeline and the filling system. Furthermore, a cleaning procedure can be performed after sterilization using steam. Before resuming production, the connecting part with the valve is cooled in a cooled state with air, preferably sterilizing air, thus ensuring that the product will not be heated when supplied to the connecting part. Is done. In addition, since the sterilization air, rather than steam, is provided to the inlet of the connection chamber during manufacture, the connection and filling system are not heated. Therefore, if it is necessary to temporarily stop the operation of the packaging machine for some reason, there is no risk of the product being heated during the stoppage, thereby resuming production without stopping the washing in advance or spilling the product. be able to.

  In the dependent claims, the presently preferred embodiments are described. In a first embodiment, the method includes providing a second valve in the wash position in the cooled state. In this way, the entire chamber can be in communication with the air supply, thereby efficiently cooling the chamber and valves.

  Preferably, the method includes providing a second valve at a position between the cleaning position and the manufacturing position in the cooled state. In this way, an air flow can pass through the filling system and thereby effectively cool the chamber, valve, and filling system.

  In another embodiment, the method provides an outlet at the inlet so that a vapor stream can be obtained through the fluid system and chamber in a sterilized state and an air stream can be obtained through at least the fluid system and chamber in a cooled state. Includes possible steps. The steam flow effectively forms a barrier between the product supply pipeline and the packaging machine filling system to ensure that no detergent solution reaches the product supply pipeline during cleaning of the packaging machine filling system. To do. The vapor barrier also applies force to the second valve to help hold it in the cleaning position. Further, if the temperature is sufficient, the vapor stream can be used as a sterilization medium to sterilize the fluid system and the interior of the chamber. As explained before, the method according to the invention can be cooled after washing and sterilization before starting production. An air stream, preferably sterilizing air, is used to effectively cool the first and second valves and chamber, thereby heating the product passing through the connection to the filling system during manufacture. Can be minimized.

  The method advantageously includes the step of closing the outlet in the manufacturing state to retain the desired amount of air in the fluid system and the inlet. During production, air, preferably sterilization air, is present at the inlet of the fluid system and chamber instead of steam so that no heat is transferred to the product during production. As explained earlier, this is advantageous when the packaging machine needs to be stopped for a short time during production, for example. There is also a cost problem. It is cheaper to keep a certain amount of sterilizing air in the system than to flow sterilizing air.

  The method preferably includes providing a valve at the outlet. Providing a conventional valve at the outlet is a simple and inexpensive way to keep a certain amount of air in the system instead of providing a constant air flow.

  In another embodiment, the method includes providing a steam trap at the outlet. In this way, the concentrate that accumulates in the system can be withdrawn in a simple and inexpensive manner, whereby new vapor can be supplied to the system.

  The invention also relates to a fluid system for creating a fluid barrier in the connection between the filling system of the packaging machine and the product supply pipeline. The system is an air pipe with an air supply connected to an air supply valve and then connected to a first side of the air filter, the second side of the air filter being connected to the connection. And an air pipe connected to the steam supply valve, and then a steam pipe provided with a steam supply part connected to the connection part. In this way, it is possible to easily switch between supplying steam and supplying air to the connecting portion. Furthermore, when using steam at a temperature sufficient to obtain the desired sterilization level, the air filter can be easily sterilized using steam.

  In a preferred embodiment of the fluid system, in the sterilized state, the steam supply valve is opened and the air supply valve is closed so that the steam can flow through the steam line to the connection and the air filter. As previously described, steam can be used to sterilize the filter.

  In another embodiment of the fluid system, in the cooling and manufacturing states, the steam supply valve is closed and the air supply valve is opened, so that air can flow through the air line and air filter to the connection. Thus, and as previously described, the system can be easily cooled, for example after sterilization, and can be held at a constant temperature during manufacture.

  It is preferable that a connecting pipe is provided between the air pipe and the steam pipe, and this connecting pipe includes a connecting valve and is connected to the air pipe at a position between the air supply valve and the air filter. In this way, the risk of damaging the filter is minimized. During the start of cleaning or sterilization, if steam is supplied to the fluid system, there is a risk of shock due to vapor pressure that can damage the air filter. This risk is eliminated by designing the fluid system with a connecting tube. This is because the steam then reaches the first and second sides of the air filter at the same time.

  Advantageously, in the sterilized state, the steam supply valve and the connecting valve are opened and the air supply valve is closed, whereby a part of the steam can flow through the steam pipe to the pipe, and a part of the steam is connected It can flow through the tube and air filter to the connection. As already explained, steam can be used to sterilize the air filter. Opening the valve with a connecting tube eliminates the risk of damaging the filter and eliminates the need for a control system that gently supplies steam to the fluid system to prevent shock due to vapor pressure.

  In a preferred embodiment of the fluid system, in the cooling and manufacturing states, the steam supply valve and the connection valve are closed and the air supply valve is opened, so that air flows through the air line and air filter to the connection. Is possible. Thus, and as previously described, the system can be simply cooled, for example after sterilization, and kept at a constant temperature during manufacture.

  The steam supply valve is preferably provided between the connecting pipe and the connecting portion. For safety reasons, it is advantageous to have steam on the steam side of the interconnect valve in the interconnect pipe to prevent non-sterile air from escaping into the chamber if the valve fails.

FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view of a connection between a filling system and a product supply pipeline in a manufacturing state. FIG. 2 is a schematic cross-sectional view similar to FIG. 1 but with the connecting portion in a cleaning or cooling state. 1 is a schematic diagram of piping of a fluid system according to the present invention.

  The presently preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described in more detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  1 and 2 show a connection between a filling system 12 of a food packaging machine (not shown) and a product supply pipeline 14 connected to a processing system (not shown), generally designated 10 in the figure. Show.

  The connecting portion 10 includes a chamber 16 having an inlet portion 16a and a product portion 16b. The inlet portion 16a has an inlet 18 connected to a fluid system (not shown in FIGS. 1-2). In the described embodiment, the inlet portion 16a is formed in a chamber-like shape, but depending on whether one or several additional inlets and / or outlets are present in the inlet portion 16a, the inlet portion 16a is also a pipe or It should be understood that it can be formed as a conduit. The product portion 16 b has an inlet 20 connected to the product supply pipeline 14 and an outlet 22 connected to the filling system 12.

  Furthermore, the connection part 10 is provided with the 1st valve 24 which can move between the manufacturing position shown in FIG. 1, and the washing | cleaning position shown in FIG. In the production position, the first valve 24 allows a fluid connection between the product supply pipeline 14 and the chamber 16, i.e. the product can flow from the product supply pipeline 14 into the chamber 16 and thereafter from there. Normally it will be possible to flow into the filling system 12 of the packaging machine. This product flow is represented by the arrows shown in pipeline 14, chamber 16 and filling system 12 of FIG. However, in the cleaning position, the first valve 24 prevents fluid connection between the product supply pipeline 14 and the chamber 16, ie, no product can flow from the product supply pipeline 14. If several packaging machines are connected to the same product supply pipeline 14, the product passes through this closed first valve 24 and opens the next packaging machine (opens the valve in the product supply pipeline). Continue to work.

  In this embodiment, the valve 24 is a seat valve (seat valve) and has a valve body 24a positioned in the inlet 20 to the valve seat 24b around the inlet 20 when the valve 24 is in the wash position. It is displaced and sealed. Seat valves are commercially available and will not be described in detail. However, it should be understood that other types of valves can be selected as long as they are suitable for reliably opening and closing the inlet.

  The connecting portion 10 also includes a second valve 26 that is movable between the manufacturing position shown in FIG. 1 and the cleaning position shown in FIG. In the production position, the second valve 26 prevents fluid connection between the inlet 16a and the product 16b of the chamber 16, ie any fluid present in the inlet 16a flows through the product 16b and the final product flowing therethrough. Cannot touch. In the cleaning position, the second valve 26 prevents fluid connection between the product portion 16b and the outlet 22 to the filling machine 12 of the packaging machine. In this position, the inlet portion 16a and the product portion 16b are fluidly connected to each other so that the product portion 16b is fluidly connected to an inlet 18 connected to the fluid system. This fluid system is described below.

  Similar to the first valve 24, the second valve 26 is a seat valve. The valve 26 has a valve body 26 a positioned in the product portion 16 b of the chamber 16. The valve body 26a is displaced and sealed around the outlet 22 toward the valve seat 26b when the valve 26 is in the cleaning position, and when the valve 26 is in the manufacturing position, the inlet portion Around the interface between 16a and the product part 16b, it is displaced toward the valve seat 26b and sealed.

  The inlet portion 16 a of the chamber 16 includes an outlet 28. The outlet 28 works with the inlet 18 and the fluid system to create a fluid flow through the chamber 16. This fluid flow is described in detail below.

  In order to ensure that the fluid flow reaches the bottom of the product part 16b, the inlet part 16a can be provided with a partition wall 30 between the inlet 18 on one side, the outlet 28 on the other side and the valve body 26a, so that the valve 26 is washed When in position, this septum 30 can be closed by a flange 32 on the valve piston 34. The valve piston 34 can then be provided with an internal fluid path 36, fluidly connected to the inlet 18 and fluidly connected to the opening 38 in the valve body 16a. For example, and as can be seen in FIG. 2, the valve body 26a can be divided into two parts, which can be moved relative to each other so as to form an opening 38 therebetween, with the valve 26 in the cleaning position. The fluid can flow through this opening 38. In the manufacturing position, the opening 38 is closed and the flange 32 is displaced from the sealed position within the septum 30 so that fluid can flow therethrough.

  As can be seen from the drawing, the filling system 12 is also coupled to a cleaning system 40 to supply a detergent solution to the filling system 12. A valve 42 is provided between the filling system 12 and the cleaning system 40.

  In FIG. 3, a fluid system is shown. The function of the fluid system is to create a fluid barrier between the filling machine 12 of the packaging machine and the product supply pipeline 14. First, the system includes an air pipe generally indicated by 44, which includes an air supply 46 connected to an air supply valve 48. The air supply 46 provides air filtered in a pre-filter (not shown) to clean rather than sterilize. This air is compressed and supplied from a conventional compressed air system. Usually, such air is at a temperature somewhat below the temperature of the ambient environment, such as the temperature in a dairy factory, or about the same as the ambient temperature.

  The air supply valve 48 is a commercially available valve suitable for opening and sealing a pipe. Further, the air supply valve 48 is then connected to the first side 50a of the air filter 50 through piping. The air filter 50 is a conventional sterilizing air filter for sterilizing clean air provided by the air supply unit 46. The second side portion 50 b of the air filter 50 is connected to the connecting portion 10 through the inlet 18.

  The fluid system further comprises a steam line, indicated generally at 52, comprising a steam supply 54 connected to the steam supply valve 56, and then connected to the connection via the inlet 18. Similar to the air supply valve 48, the steam supply valve 56 is a commercially available valve suitable for opening and sealing pipes. The steam supplied to the steam line 52 is preferably at a temperature high enough to obtain the desired sterilization level of the system. In this example, the steam temperature is about 125 ° C. A conventional steam filter 58 may be provided between the steam supply unit 54 and the steam supply valve 56 in order to reliably clean the steam.

  A connecting pipe 60 is provided between the steam pipe 52 and the air pipe 44. The connection pipe 60 includes a connection valve 62 and is connected to the air pipe 44 at a position between the air supply valve 48 and the first side 50 a of the air filter 50. The connecting pipe 60 is connected to the steam pipe 52 at a position where the steam supply valve 56 is disposed between the connecting pipe 60 and the inlet 18 of the connecting portion 10.

  There are three conventional steam traps 64, 66, 68 that are located as low as possible relative to the other parts of the fluid system in order to remove the concentrate that accumulates in the piping due to steam cooling. The first steam trap 64 is connected to the steam filter 58, the second steam trap 66 is connected to the first side 50 a of the sterilizing air filter 50, and the third steam trap 68 is provided at the outlet 28. .

  The steam trap used is of the type that prevents the passage of steam but allows the air and concentrate used to pass. This function can be achieved, for example, by a conventional steam trap with a temperature dependent membrane. This type of steam trap is commercially available and will not be described in detail.

  Further, a valve 70 is provided between the first side 50 a of the air filter 50 and the second steam trap 66. This valve 70 is closed when supplying air to the fluid system to prevent air from escaping from the steam trap 66. When steam is supplied to the fluid system, the valve 70 is opened so that the steam trap 66 can function. A valve 72 is preferably provided between the outlet 28 and the steam trap 68. Although sterilization air flow through the system is undesirable, this valve 72 can be closed if a certain amount of air is desired to be retained in the fluid system.

  The present invention also relates to a method of creating a fluid barrier in the connection 10 between the filling system 12 and the product supply pipeline 14. The method includes providing a sterilized condition in which the vapor supply 54 is in fluid communication with the chamber 16, the first valve 24 in the cleaning position, and the second valve 26 in the cleaning position.

  Since the first valve 24 is in the wash position and the second valve 26 is in the wash position, the inlet 20 of the product supply pipeline 14 is closed so that no product can enter the chamber 16 and the filling The outlet 22 to the system 12 is closed so that washing with the detergent solution can take place in the filling system 12 if desired. In order to obtain a fluid connection between the steam supply 54 and the chamber 16, the steam supply 56 and the connection valve 62 are opened and the air supply valve 48 is closed. A part of the steam can then flow directly to the connecting part 10 through the steam pipe 52, and a part of the steam can flow to the connecting part 10 through the connecting pipe 60 and the air filter 50. Vapor enters chamber 16 via inlet 18, flows through both inlet portion 16 a and product portion 16 b, and exits chamber 16 at outlet 28. Valves 70, 72 are open and concentrate can be withdrawn through vapor traps 66, 68, thereby providing additional vapor to the fluid system. Since a part of the steam passes through the sterilizing air filter 50, the steam can be sterilized.

  In this way, a vapor barrier is obtained between the product supply pipeline 14 and the filling system 12 of the packaging machine. As previously mentioned, a vapor barrier can be used in connection 10 during the intermediate cleaning process in filling system 12 to ensure that the detergent solution does not contact the product. In addition, the steam barrier can be used to sterilize the connecting part 10 before starting the packaging machine.

  The method further includes providing a cooling condition in which the air supply 46 is in fluid communication with the chamber 16 and the first valve 24 in the wash position. Also in this embodiment, the second valve 26 is in the cleaning position. The position of the valves 24, 26 is therefore similar to the sterilized state. However, the air supply 46 is in fluid communication with the chamber 16. To obtain this fluid connection, the steam supply valve 56 and the connection valve 62 are closed and the air supply valve 48 is opened, whereby the connection 10 through the air line 44 and the sterilizing air filter 50 sterilizing the air. Can flow up to. The sterilizing air enters the chamber 16 via the inlet 18, flows through both the inlet portion 16 a and the product portion 16 b, and exits the chamber 16 at the outlet 28. If sterilizing air flow is desired, valve 72 is opened and air is exhausted through steam strap 68.

  In this way, an air barrier is obtained between the product supply pipeline 14 and the filling system 12 of the packaging machine. An air barrier can be used to cool the valves 24, 26 and the connection 10 after, for example, a cleaning or sterilization process.

  The method also includes providing a manufacturing state in which the air supply 46 is in fluid communication with the chamber 16, the first valve 24 in the manufacturing position, and the second valve 26 in the manufacturing position.

  Since the first valve 24 is in the manufacturing position and the second valve 26 is in the manufacturing position, the inlet 20 of the product supply pipeline 14 is opened, thereby allowing the product to flow into the product portion 16b of the chamber 16. The outlet 22 to the filling system 12 can be opened, so that the product can continue to flow into the filling system 12 of the packaging machine. The fluid connection between the air supply 46 and the connection 10 is obtained in the same way as in the cooled state. However, the method includes the step of closing the outlet 28 in the manufacturing state to retain the desired amount of air in the fluid system and the inlet 16a of the chamber 16. This is accomplished by closing valve 72 within outlet 28.

  The fluid system can be controlled, for example, by any of a number of sensors shown at A to F in FIG.

  Preferably, the air pressure used is higher than the vapor pressure, thereby minimizing the risk of warm steam leaking into the chamber 16 in the cooled and / or manufactured state, for example if the valve 56 fails.

  Although the invention has been described with reference to the presently preferred embodiment, it is to be understood that various modifications and changes can be made without departing from the object and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. .

  For example, in the described embodiment, the valve 26 is in the cleaning position in the cooled state. In another preferred embodiment, the second valve 26 is in a position between the cleaning position and the manufacturing position in the cooled state, i.e. the valve body 26a is displaced to a position somewhere in the middle of the product portion 16b of the chamber 16. Thereby being in some fluid connection with the filling system. This position can be used when the filling system is empty, i.e. when there is no product inside and it is desired to supply sterilizing air inside. Valve 72 is then preferably closed to increase air flow through the chamber.

  Furthermore, as explained, both the second side 50b of the air filter 50 and the steam supply valve 56 are connected to the connection via the inlet 18. Two tubes can be merged into a single tube before the inlet 18, or the inlet 18 can comprise two separate inlets into the chamber.

  Three states of cleaning, sterilization, and cooling were described in order. However, these conditions can be provided separately, for example using only cleaning conditions or according to specific requirements or according to the operation of the filling system, the packaging machine and the processing system. it can.

  Three steam traps 64, 66, 68 are provided. Depending on the design of the fluid system, as well as the fluid system, a somewhat different number of traps can be provided.

  In the described embodiment, a connecting tube 60 is provided to ensure that the sterilizing air filter 50 is not damaged when steam is supplied to the fluid system. However, in another embodiment, the connecting tube 60 can be omitted and the steam supply 54 can include a control system that can silently supply steam to the fluid system to avoid impact due to steam pressure. it can. In the sterilized state, the steam supply valve 56 is opened and the air supply valve 48 is closed so that steam can flow through the steam line 52 to the line 10 and the air filter 50. In the cooling state and the manufacturing state, the steam supply valve 56 is closed and the air supply valve 48 is opened, so that air can flow through the air pipe 44 and the air filter 50 to the connection 10.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Connection part 12 Filling system 14 Product supply pipeline 16 Chamber 16a Inlet part 16b Product part 18, 20, 22 Inlet 24 1st valve 24a, 26a Valve body 24b, 26b Valve seat 26 2nd valve 28 Outlet 34 Valve piston 36 Internal Fluid Path 40 Cleaning System 44 Air Pipe 46 Air Supply Part 48 Air Supply Valve 52 Steam Pipe 54 Steam Supply Part 56 Steam Supply Valve 58 Steam Filter 60 Connection Pipe 62 Connection Valve 64, 66, 68 Steam Trap

Claims (8)

In a method for creating a fluid barrier in a connection (10) between a filling system (12) of a food packaging machine and a product supply pipeline (14), the connection (10) comprises an inlet (16a) and a product ( 16b), said inlet part (16a) having an inlet (18) connected to a fluid system comprising an air supply part (46) and a vapor supply part (54), said product part (16b) has an inlet (20) connected to the product supply pipeline (14) and an outlet (22) connected to the filling system (12), the connecting part (10) being further first The first valve is a manufacturing location that allows fluid connection between the product supply pipeline (14) and the chamber, and the product supply pipeline (14) and chamber (16). Fluid connection between The connecting part (10) further comprises a second valve (26), which is movable between cleaning positions to prevent, the second valve of the inlet part (16a) and the product part (16b). Movable between a manufacturing position that prevents fluid connection between and a cleaning position that prevents fluid connection between the product part (16b) and the outlet (22) of the filling system (12) of the packaging machine. A way,
The vapor supply (54) is in fluid communication with the chamber (16), the first valve (24) is in a cleaning position, and the second valve (26) is in a cleaning position, thereby providing product supply Providing a sterilization condition that provides a vapor barrier between the pipeline (14) and the filling system (12) of the packaging machine;
The air supply (46) is in fluid communication with the chamber (16), and the first valve (24) is in a cleaning position, whereby the product supply pipeline (14) and the filling system of the packaging machine. Providing a cooling state in which an air barrier is obtained during (12);
The air supply (46) fluidly connects with the chamber (16), the first valve (24) is in a manufacturing position, and the second valve (26) provides a manufacturing state in a manufacturing position. A method comprising:   The method according to claim 1, comprising in the cooling state the second valve (26) is located in a cleaning position.   The method according to claim 1, comprising, in the cooling state, positioning the second valve (26) in a position between a cleaning position and a manufacturing position.   In the sterilization state, an outlet is provided so that a vapor flow can be obtained through the fluid system and the chamber (16), and in the cooling state, an air flow can be obtained at least through the fluid system and the chamber (16). The method according to claim 1, comprising the step of providing (28) at the inlet (16a).   The method of claim 4, comprising closing the outlet (28) in the manufacturing state to retain a desired amount of air in the fluid system and the inlet (16a).   The method of claim 5 comprising providing a valve (72) at the outlet (28).   The method of claim 4, comprising providing a steam trap (68) at the outlet (28). A connection (10) between a filling system (12) of a food packaging machine and a product supply pipeline (14) and adapted to create a fluid barrier therebetween, said connection (10) being an inlet A chamber (16) having a part (16a) and a product part (16b), said inlet part (16a) being connected to a fluid system comprising an air supply part (46) and a steam supply part (54) (18 The product part (16b) has an inlet (20) connected to the product supply pipeline (14) and an outlet (22) connected to the filling system (12), and the connection The section (10) further comprises a first valve (24), the first valve being a manufacturing location allowing fluid connection between the product supply pipeline (14) and the chamber, and a product supply pipeline. (14) and Cha Movable between cleaning positions preventing fluid connection between the bars (16), said connection (10) further comprising a second valve (26), said second valve being said inlet ( 16a) and a production position preventing fluid connection between the product part (16b) and a fluid connection between the product part (16b) and the outlet (22) of the filling system (12) of the packaging machine. It can be moved between cleaning positions to prevent,
The connecting portion (10) is in the following state, that is,
The vapor supply (54) is in fluid communication with the chamber (16), the first valve (24) is in a cleaning position and the second valve (26) is in a cleaning position, thereby providing product supply A sterilization condition in which a vapor barrier is obtained between the pipeline (14) and the filling system (12) of the packaging machine;
The air supply (46) is in fluid communication with the chamber (16) and the first valve (24) is in a cleaning position, whereby the product supply pipeline (14) and the filling system of the packaging machine A cooling state in which an air barrier is obtained during (12);
The air supply (46) is fluidly connected to the chamber (16), the first valve (24) is in a manufacturing position, and the second valve (26) is in a manufacturing position;
A connecting part configured to be able to provide.

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