JP2014500830A - System for producing aseptic beverages and containers using electrolyzed water - Google Patents

Abstract

  A system for producing sterile beverages and containers, for example using electrolyzed water to wash, sterilize and pre-sterilize bottles (102), caps (104) and critical surfaces (162, 168, 166) 100) and methods are disclosed. The sterilization system (100) may include a mechanical sprayer (132, 148, 170) that sprays electrolyzed water onto bottles, caps, and critical surfaces. In another embodiment, the sterilization system includes an electrolyzed water generator (110, 210, 310, 410) that generates mist in a closed sterilization enclosure (380, 480) to sterilize bottles, caps, and critical surfaces. , 510) may include a fog generator (332, 352). Moreover, in yet another embodiment, the sterilization system (100) includes an electrolyzed water generator (110, 210, 310, 310) that produces a positively charged mist in a closed sterilization enclosure (380, 480). 410, 510) may be provided with an electrostatic fog generator (332, 352). The positively charged mist is attracted to negatively charged or grounded bottles, caps and critical surfaces to sterilize the bottles, caps and critical surfaces.

Description

Explanation of related applications

  This application claims priority to US patent application Ser. No. 12 / 998,882, filed Nov. 3, 2010, the disclosure of which is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

  The present invention relates generally to methods and systems for manufacturing sterile beverages and containers, such as cleaning, sterilizing, and pre-sterilizing containers, caps, and critical surfaces, and more particularly, electrolysis It relates to the sterilization of containers, caps and critical surfaces using water.

  The two most common processes for producing sterile acidic non-carbonated beverages without preservatives are the hot fill process and the aseptic process. Both of these processes have their own cost disadvantages and are not sustainable at all. High temperature filling requires heavy bottles and excessive use of water resources. Moreover, the high temperature filling method is not economical due to the cost of the petroleum-based resin used to make the bottle. Aseptic methods are inherently capital intensive and inefficient as compared to hot-fill methods because they require built-in cycles and high levels of sophistication associated with increased line downtime.

  In addition, one of the major drawbacks of current aseptic methods is that in a controlled environment during bottle filling to sterilize all components of the package (caps, bottles) and prevent cross-contamination. It is necessary to assemble. Critical surfaces exposed to the product are also sterilized before the start of the manufacturing cycle. If sterility is compromised due to violation of critical control points, these surfaces must be sterilized again before production begins. The current state of the art uses chemicals to sterilize caps, bottles and critical surfaces. Currently used chemicals need to be rinsed with water to remove residual chemicals to prevent impurity incorporation problems. Recently, there has been the development of sterilizing caps and bottles with an electron beam (E-beam) based system. However, these systems are expensive and require more thorough health and safety requirements.

  Thus, although various methods and systems for producing sterile beverages and containers according to the prior art provide a number of advantageous features, they still have certain limitations. The present invention seeks to overcome these limitations and other shortcomings of the prior art and provide novel features not previously obtained.

  Accordingly, a bottle sterilizer for sterilizing a bottle in a sterilization system used for obtaining a sterile beverage and sterilizing a bottle containing the sterile beverage and a cap covering the bottle, and discharging electrolyzed water to the bottle A bottle sterilizer for sterilizing a cap, a cap sterilizer for discharging electrolyzed water to the cap; and a filling machine sterilizer, and a filling machine for filling a bottle with a beverage and capping the bottle A sterilization system with a filling station, wherein the filling machine sterilizer sterilizes the filling station before the start of production by discharging electrolyzed water onto the product contact surface. Provided. Moreover, the bottle sterilizer, cap sterilizer, and filling machine sterilizer may each include a mechanical sprayer with a nozzle that discharges splashes of electrolyzed water onto the bottle, cap, and product contact surfaces. The bottle sterilizer, cap sterilizer, and filling machine sterilizer may also include a mechanical mist generator that emits a fog of electrolyzed water to the bottle, cap, and product contact surfaces, respectively. Further, the bottle sterilizer, cap sterilizer, and filling machine sterilizer may include electrostatic mist generators that discharge a charged mist of electrolyzed water to the bottle, cap, and product contact surfaces, respectively.

  In another embodiment according to the present invention, an electrolyzed water generator for producing electrolyzed water in a sterilization system used to obtain an aseptic beverage and sterilize a bottle containing the aseptic beverage and a cap covering the bottle; Bottle station for sterilizing bottles, a bottle loading machine for loading bottles, a bottle conveyor for transporting bottles, and a bottle rinsing machine connected to an electrolyzed water generator for spraying electrolyzed water onto the bottles A cap station for sterilizing the cap, a cap loader for loading the cap, a cap conveyor for transporting the cap, and an electrolyzed water generator for spraying electrolyzed water onto the cap A cap station including a cap rinsing machine connected to a bottle station and a cap stay A filling station connected to the container having an important surface that can contact the product during the filling operation and after the bottle is filled with a beverage and the bottle is filled with the beverage A sterilization system is provided that includes a filling station that includes a filling machine that caps the bottle and a spraying device connected to an electrolyzed water generator that sprays electrolyzed water onto critical surfaces of the filling machine. The sterilization system further includes a sterilization enclosure that completely surrounds the filling machine, maintaining sterility with respect to bottles, caps, and critical surfaces, the sterilization enclosure having a positive air pressure and appropriate airflow configuration throughout the sterilization enclosure. A HEPA air filter for providing may be included.

  In another embodiment according to the present invention, a bottle loader and bottle for loading a bottle in a sterilization system used to obtain a sterile beverage and sterilize a bottle containing the sterile beverage and a cap covering the bottle A bottle station including a bottle conveyor for transporting a cap; a cap station including a cap loader for loading caps and a cap conveyor for transporting caps; a filling station connected to the bottle station and the cap station; A filling station comprising a filling machine having a critical surface, which is a surface that may come into contact with the product during a filling operation, and filling the bottle with a beverage and capping the bottle after the bottle has been filled with the beverage; A sterilization enclosure completely surrounding the filling machine, A sterilization enclosure that maintains sterility with respect to the cap, and critical surfaces; an electrolyzed water generator that generates electrolyzed water; a mist generator connected to the electrolyzed water generator, wherein the bottle is dispersed within the sterilizing enclosure; A sterilization system is provided that includes a cap and a mist generator for generating a mist of electrolyzed water that sterilizes critical surfaces. In addition, the mist generator may generate a positively charged mist of electrolyzed water, with the bottle, cap, and critical surfaces being negatively charged or grounded, so that the bottle, cap, And critical surfaces attract positively charged mist of electrolyzed water.

Explanatory drawing of the sterilization system by this invention 1 is an enlarged view of the bottle station of the sterilization system shown in FIG. 1A according to the present invention. Magnified view of the cap station of the sterilization system shown in FIG. 1A according to the present invention. 1 is an enlarged view of the filling station of the sterilization system shown in FIG. 1A according to the present invention. Side view of the bottle station of the sterilization system shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B according to the present invention. Side view of the cap station of the sterilization system shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C according to the present invention. Illustration of an alternative embodiment of the cap station of the sterilization system shown in FIG. 1A Side view of the cap station shown in FIG. 4A. Illustration of an alternative embodiment of a sterilization system according to the present invention Illustration of an alternative embodiment of a sterilization system according to the present invention Illustration of an alternative embodiment of a sterilization system according to the present invention Illustration of an alternative embodiment of a sterilization system according to the present invention

  FIG. 1A shows a first embodiment of the present invention, a sterilization system 100 used to prepare a sterile beverage and sterilize containers or bottles 102, caps 104, and critical surfaces. The bottle 102 can contain a sterile beverage and the cap 104 can cover the bottle 102. Critical surfaces generally include equipment surfaces that come into contact with the product, i.e., product contact surfaces, and therefore must be sterile to store and produce sterile beverages. In one exemplary embodiment, the sterilization system 100 generally includes a bottle station 120, a cap station 140, and a filling station 160. Sterilization system 100 can utilize electrolyzed water to sterilize bottle 102, cap 104, and critical surfaces.

  The electrolyzed water may be produced by an electrolyzed water system or electrolyzed water generator 110 known and used in the art, such as those provided by various suppliers and / or manufacturers. For example, the electrolyzed water generator 110 may be Ecaflo ™ (such as AQ50) manufactured and / or sold by Trustwater ™ for producing electrolyzed water. In general, one exemplary process for generating electrolyzed water consists of flowing various mineralized waters through an electrochemical cell, thereby providing two separate processes, a negatively charged solution and a positively charged solution. Electrically opposite flow occurs. The negatively charged solution and the positively charged solution may be mixed to adjust the pH and affect the function of purifying the electrolyzed water for sterilization. Moreover, there are other methods, processes, and / or systems that can generate electrolyzed water for the sterilization system 100 without departing from the present invention. The electrolyzed water generator 110 should be capable of producing electrolyzed water in a concentration range of about 50 to 1000 parts per million (ppm) measured as free chlorine and a temperature range of about 10 to 65 degrees Celsius. The electrolyzed water generator 110 will provide high conversion of sodium chloride in the electrolysis process and produce electrolyzed water with reduced chloride concentration. In order to minimize corrosion problems in beverage filling systems, lower chloride concentrations are required.

  As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the sterilization system 100 will include a bottle station 120. The bottle station 120 may include a bottle loader 122, a bottle conveyor 124, and a bottle rinser 126. The bottle loader 122 may consist of a container that holds a fully formed, non-sterilized or non-sterilized empty bottle 102. Further, the bottle loader 122 may include a device (not shown) that automatically loads the bottles 102 onto the bottle conveyor 124 in its container. An exemplary configuration of the bottle station 120 is described below. The bottle station 120 may be other types and / or configurations of bottle stations without departing from the invention.

  The bottle rinser 126 may include a bottle sprayer 128 and a bottle rinser conveyor 130. A side view of the bottle rinsing machine 126 is shown in FIG. In general, the bottle rinsing machine 126 sprays or dispenses liquid on the bottle 102 as the bottle 102 passes through a predetermined position. Specifically, the bottle rinsing machine 126 sprays electrolytic water onto the bottle 102 as the bottle 102 passes through the bottle enclosure 134. The bottle spraying device 128 may include one or more nozzles 132 for spraying electrolyzed water both inside and outside the bottle 102.

  The bottle rinsing machine 126 may spray electrolyzed water on the bottle 102 to sterilize or disinfect the bottle 102 internally and externally before filling the bottle 102. Specifically, the nozzle 132 sprays a set amount of electrolyzed water onto the bottle 102. The bottle sprayer 128 of the bottle rinser 126 will be connected to or associated with the electrolyzed water generator 110. In one embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle 132 may be sprayed with electrolyzed water at a low concentration, low temperature, and long dwell time. For example, the nozzle 132 may spray electrolyzed water in a concentration range of about 50 to 100 ppm measured as free chlorine, a temperature range of about 10 to 30 degrees Celsius, and a duration range of about 5 to 30 minutes. . In another embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle 132 may spray electrolyzed water at high concentrations, high temperatures, and short durations. For example, nozzle 132 may spray electrolyzed water in a concentration range of about 100 to 1000 ppm measured as free chlorine, a temperature range of about 25 to 65 degrees Celsius, and a duration range of about 5 to 30 seconds duration. .

  The bottle rinser conveyor 130, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, may be a straight conveyor. The linear bottle rinser conveyor 130 is in series with the other conveyors leading to the filling station 160. Moreover, the bottle rinser conveyor 130 can be configured to reverse the position of the bottles 102 so that when the bottles 102 pass the nozzles 132, the opening of the bottles 102 is directed downward or sideways. At this point, the bottle 102 may then be sprayed by the nozzle 132. Once electrolyzed water is sprayed on the bottles 102, the bottle rinser conveyor 130 may then reverse the position of the bottles 102 back to the upright position so that the opening is facing up.

  Moreover, the bottle rinser 126 may include a bottle enclosure 134 without departing from the present invention. A bottle enclosure 134 may be used to accommodate the electrolyzed water sprayer. The bottle enclosure 134 may include a panel surrounding or associated with the area surrounding the bottle sprayer 128 and the bottle rinser conveyor 130. The bottle enclosure 134 may be a cabinet surrounding the spray area of the bottle 102.

  While spraying the bottle 102 with electrolyzed water, the bottle 102 may contain a small amount of electrolyzed water residue that may remain after the bottle 102 is sterilized. The electrolyzed water in the bottle 102 is neither an impurity mixing problem nor a product safety problem. In many cases, there is no significant sensory effect. However, a sterile blower 136 may be included in the bottle rinser 126 to help remove this electrolyzed water residue without departing from the present invention. The sterile blower 136 will provide a pressurized flow of sterile air inside the bottle 102. The sterile blower 136 may provide a flow of sterile air when the bottle 102 is inverted so that the opening is facing down or when the bottle is upright so that the opening is facing up. This flow of sterile air will be sufficient to remove most of the remaining electrolyzed water.

  Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1C, the sterilization system 100 may include a cap station 140. Cap station 140 may include a cap loader 142, a cap conveyor 144, and a cap rinser 146. The cap loader 142 may include a container that holds the cap 104 that has not been sterilized or sterilized. In addition, the cap loader 142 may include a device (not shown) that automatically loads the cap 104 onto the cap conveyor 144 within its container. An exemplary configuration of the cap station 140 is described below. The cap station 140 may be other types and / or configurations of cap stations without departing from the invention.

  As further shown in FIG. 1C, the cap rinser 146 may include a cap sprayer 148 and a cap rinser conveyor 150. A side view of the cap rinsing machine 146 is shown in FIG. In general, the cap rinser 146 sprays or dispenses liquid on the cap 104 as the cap 104 passes through a predetermined position. Specifically, the cap rinsing machine 146 sprays electrolyzed water onto the cap 104 as the cap 104 passes through the cap enclosure 154. The cap sprayer 148 may include one or more nozzles 152 for spraying electrolyzed water onto the cap 104.

  The cap rinsing machine 146 may spray electrolytic water on the cap 104 to sterilize or disinfect the cap 104. Specifically, the nozzle 152 sprays a set amount of electrolyzed water onto the cap 104. The cap sprayer 148 will be connected to or associated with the electrolyzed water generator 110. In one embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle 152 may spray electrolyzed water at low concentrations, low temperatures, and long durations. For example, the nozzle 152 may spray electrolyzed water in a concentration range of about 50 to 100 ppm, a temperature range of about 10 to 30 degrees Celsius, and a duration range of about 5 to 30 minutes, measured as free chlorine. . In another embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle 152 may spray electrolyzed water at high concentrations, high temperatures, and short durations. For example, nozzle 152 may spray electrolyzed water in a concentration range of about 100 to 1000 ppm measured as free chlorine, a temperature range of about 25 to 65 degrees Celsius, and a duration range of about 5 to 30 seconds duration. .

  The cap rinser conveyor 150, as shown in FIG. 1C, may be a straight conveyor. The linear cap rinse machine conveyor 150 is in series with the other conveyors leading to the filling station 160. Moreover, the cap rinser conveyor 150 can be configured to reverse the position of the cap 104, so that the cap 104 is directed downward or sideways as the cap 104 passes the cap sprayer 148. At this point, the cap 104 may then be sprayed by the nozzle 152. Once electrolyzed water is sprayed on the cap 104, the cap rinser conveyor 150 may then reverse the position of the cap 104 back to the upright position so that the cap is facing up.

  Moreover, the cap rinser 146 may include a cap enclosure 154 without departing from the present invention. A cap enclosure 154 may be used to accommodate the electrolyzed water sprayer. The cap enclosure 154 may include a panel surrounding or associated with the area around the cap sprayer 148 and the cap rinser conveyor 150. The cap enclosure 154 may be a cabinet that surrounds the spray area of the cap 104.

  During the spraying of electrolyzed water onto the cap 104, the cap 104 may contain a small amount of electrolyzed water residue that may remain after the cap 104 is sterilized. The electrolyzed water in the cap 104 is neither an impurity mixing problem nor a product safety problem. In many cases, there is no significant sensory effect. However, a sterile blower 156 may be included in the cap rinser to help remove this electrolyzed water residue without departing from the present invention. A sterile blower 156 will provide a pressurized flow of sterile air on or within the cap 104. The sterile blower 156 may provide a flow of sterile air when the cap 104 is inverted so that the opening is facing down or when the cap is upright so that the opening is facing up. This flow of sterile air will be sufficient to remove most of the remaining electrolyzed water.

  In another embodiment of the sterilization system, the cap station 140 may include multiple cap loaders 142. Moreover, the cap rinser 146 may be supplemented or replaced by immersing the cap 104 in the electrolytic water while in the cap loader 142. The cap loader 142 is measured from about 50, measured as free chlorine, to disinfect or disinfect the cap 104 while the cap 104 is being loaded and before the cap 104 is loaded onto the cap conveyor 144. Electrolyzed water may be filled at low concentrations, such as 100 ppm, and at low temperatures, such as about 10-30 degrees Celsius.

  In yet another embodiment of the sterilization system, as shown in FIGS. 4A and 4B, the cap station 140 may include an immersion station 147. The dipping station 147 may supplement or replace the cap rinser 146. The immersion station 147 may be in the form of a tank, vat or container filled with electrolyzed water. The immersion station 147 may be connected in series with the cap conveyor 144. For example, when the cap 104 is being transported along the cap conveyor 144, the cap 104 is directed to or transported into the dipping station 147 where the cap 104 is completely immersed in the electrolyzed water. The cap 104 is then directed or conveyed out of the dipping station and returned to the cap conveyor 144 toward the filling station 160. Immersion station 147 has a low concentration, such as about 50 to 100 ppm, measured as free chlorine, and about 10 to 30 to disinfect or disinfect cap 104 while cap 104 is being transported and immersed through immersion station 147. The electrolyzed water may be filled at a low temperature such as degrees Celsius. Moreover, the immersion station 147 may be filled with electrolyzed water at higher concentrations and higher temperatures as described above. As described above, a sterile blower may be included after the immersion station 147 to assist in removing residual electrolyzed water.

  Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 1A and 1D, the sterilization system may include a filling station 160. The filling station 160 may consist of a filling machine 162 and a filling machine conveyor system 164. Filler 162 may be a rotary filler as shown in FIG. 1D. Moreover, the filling machine 162 may be other types and / or configurations of filling systems without departing from the invention. The filling machine 162 receives the bottles 102 from the bottle conveyor 124 and uses the filling head 168 provided in the filling machine 162 to fill the bottles 102 with a beverage. The filling machine 162 may also include a cap attachment machine that receives the cap 104 from the cap conveyor 144 and places the cap 104 on the bottle 102 after the bottle 102 is filled. Moreover, there may be a cap clamping device 166 in the filling machine 162 to ensure that the cap 104 is sealed and tightened to the bottle 102. The filling machine 162 performs other operations without departing from the invention, such as sealing the bottle along the edge of the bottle after filling and before the cap 104 is placed on the bottle 102. May be. The filling station 160 also includes a filling machine conveyor system 164 that may transport the filled and capped bottles 102 from the filling machine 162 to a location where the bottles 102 are packaged and ready for shipment.

  In embodiments of the present invention, electrolyzed water may be used to pre-sterilize the system 100 prior to the start of manufacture and prior to loading and filling of the bottle 102 and cap 104. In addition, electrolyzed water may be used to sterilize the system 100 if sterility is lost, such as for equipment maintenance or component issues that require intervention by an operator or technician. . For example, electrolyzed water may be used to sterilize critical surfaces of the system. The critical surfaces include a filling chamber (inner chamber of the filling machine 162), a filling head 168 (connected to or associated with the bottle 102 to fill the bottle 102 with a beverage), a cap clamping device 166 (cap 104 to the bottle 102). C) or any other surface that may come into contact with the area of the bottle 102 or cap 104 that will come into contact with the beverage.

  Moreover, electrolyzed water may be used to help maintain the sterility of the system 100 and critical surfaces during the filling process. For example, as described above with respect to the bottle rinser 126 and the cap rinser 146, the filling station 160 may include a filler sprayer 170. Filler sprayer 170 may consist of one or more nozzles 172. The nozzle 172 may spray electrolyzed water onto the bottle 102 and / or cap 104 throughout the filling process. For example, the nozzle 172 may spray electrolyzed water onto the bottle 102 when the bottle 102 is lifted or connected to the fill head 168. In addition, when the cap 104 is placed on the bottle 102, the nozzle 172 may spray electrolyzed water onto the lidding area. This electrolyzed water spray may be necessary to maintain sterilization / cleanliness in the product path until a hermetic seal is achieved. The nozzle 172 may continuously spray electrolyzed water onto the critical surface of the system. Moreover, the spraying of electrolyzed water onto the critical surface can occur approximately once every 15 seconds, once every 30 seconds, or once every minute, or other time range required to maintain the sterility of the critical surface. It may be intermittent, such as a single spray. Without departing from the invention, the filling station may include a separate capper or capping station that receives the cap 104, places the cap 104 on the bottle 102, and clamps or seals the cap 104 to the bottle 102. The capping station may be a rotating capper as is known and used in the art. The capping station may include a nozzle that sprays electrolyzed water onto a capping area where a cap 104 is placed on the bottle 102 and tightened.

  As noted above, a small amount of residue may remain in the bottle 102 and / or cap 104 after sterilization. This electrolyzed water that may remain in the bottle 102 and / or cap 104 after sterilization is neither an impurity incorporation problem nor a product safety problem. In many cases, there is no significant sensory effect. However, a sterile blower 174 may be included in the filler sprayer 170 to help remove this electrolyzed water residue without departing from the present invention. Sterile blower 174 will provide a pressurized flow of sterile air over or within bottle 102 and / or cap 104 during the filling and / or capping process. This flow of sterile air will be sufficient to remove most of the remaining electrolyzed water.

  Specifically, the nozzle 172 sprays a set amount of electrolyzed water onto the bottle 102 and / or cap 104 during the filling process. Filler sprayer 170 may be connected to or associated with electrolyzed water generator 110. In one embodiment of the invention, the nozzle 172 may spray electrolyzed water at low concentrations, low temperatures, and long durations. For example, the nozzle 172 may spray electrolyzed water in a concentration range of about 50 to 200 ppm, measured as free chlorine, a temperature range of about 10 to 30 degrees Celsius, and a duration range of about 5 to 30 minutes. . In another embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle 172 may spray electrolyzed water at high concentrations, high temperatures, and short durations. For example, the nozzle 172 may spray electrolyzed water in a concentration range of about 200 to 1000 ppm measured as free chlorine, a temperature range of about 25 to 60 degrees Celsius, and a duration range of about 5 to 30 seconds duration. .

  FIG. 1A also includes a sterilization enclosure 180 as part of the sterilization system described above. This sterilization enclosure 180 may be used to maintain sterility with respect to the bottle 102, cap 104, and critical surfaces throughout the filling process. The sterilization enclosure 180 will provide a controlled environment of clean / sterilization areas within the sterilization enclosure 180. The sterilization enclosure 180 maintains sterility from unclean / unsterilized areas outside the sterilization enclosure 180. The sterilization enclosure 180 may be one of many different structures known and used in the art. For example, the sterilization enclosure 180 may be a cabinet that encloses clean equipment and is sealed to prevent external contaminants. In addition, a HEPA air filter 182 may be included in the sterilization enclosure 180 to help ensure a clean sterilized control area within the sterilization enclosure 180. The HEPA air filter 182 will provide positive air pressure and a suitable airflow configuration to help maintain the sterility of the bottle 102, cap 104, product, and critical surfaces.

  The operation of the sterilization system 100 shown in FIG. 1A may be performed in many different ways. For example, first, the system 100 will be pre-sterilized before the start of manufacture. The electrolyzed water from the electrolyzed water generator 110 may be used to sterilize the critical surface of the system 100 by spraying electrolyzed water over the critical surface and throughout the system 100 in the sterilization enclosure 180.

  After the system 100 and critical surfaces have been pre-sterilized, the bottle 102 may be loaded into the bottle loader 122. Bottle 102 may be loaded into bottle loader 122 automatically by a mechanical system or manually by an operator. The bottle 102 is then transported to the bottle rinsing machine 126 through the bottle conveyor 124. During this transport, the bottles 102 will move along the bottle conveyor 124 from a non-sterile or unclean non-sterile area into the sterilization enclosure 180 to a sterilized aseptic / clean aseptic area. .

  Once the bottle 102 reaches the bottle rinser 126, the bottle 102 is loaded onto the bottle rinser conveyor 130. The bottle 102 enters a bottle enclosure 134 where electrolyzed water is sprayed onto the bottle 102. In addition, the bottle rinser conveyor 130 inverts the bottle 102 so that the opening of the bottle 102 is directed downward or sideways. The bottle rinser conveyor 130 will invert the bottle 102 and the bottle sprayer 128 will spray electrolytic water on the bottle 102 as described above. After the bottle 102 has been sprayed, the bottle rinser conveyor 130 may then flip the bottle 102 to an upright position so that the opening is facing up. The bottles 102 are then returned to the bottle conveyor 124 and transported to the filling station 160.

  In addition, the cap 104 may be loaded into the cap loader 142 simultaneously with the bottle operation described above. Similarly, the cap 104 may be loaded into the cap loader 142 automatically by a mechanical system or manually by an operator. Cap 104 may be transported to cap rinser 146 through cap conveyor 144. During this transportation, the cap 104 will move along the cap conveyor 144 from a non-sterile or unclean non-sterile area into the sterilization enclosure 180 to a sterilized aseptic / clean aseptic area. .

  Once the cap 104 reaches the cap rinser 146, the cap 104 is loaded onto the cap rinser conveyor 150. The cap 104 enters the cap enclosure 154 where electrolyzed water is sprayed onto the cap 104. In addition, the cap rinser conveyor 150 inverts the cap 104 so that the cap 104 faces downward. After the cap 104 is inverted, the cap sprayer 148 will spray electrolyzed water onto the cap 104 as described above. After spraying the cap 104, the cap rinser conveyor 150 may then flip the cap 104 to an upright position so that the opening is facing up. The cap 104 is then returned to the cap conveyor 144 and transported to the filling station 160.

  When the bottle 102 reaches the filling station 160, the bottle 102 is loaded into the filling machine 162 from the bottle conveyor 124. Each bottle 102 is then connected to, associated with, attached to, etc. one of the filling heads 168 of the filling machine 162. The filling machine spraying device 170 may spray electrolytic water to the bottle 102 when the bottle 102 is connected to the filling head 168. After the bottle 102 is connected to the fill head 168, a sterile blower 174 will provide a light flow of sterile air to the bottle area to remove residual electrolyzed water. As the bottle 102 rotates around the filling machine 162, the bottle 102 is filled with a beverage. After the bottles 102 are filled to the appropriate volume, one of the caps 104 from the cap conveyor 144 is placed on each of the bottles 102. Similar to the filling process, when the cap 104 is placed on the bottle 102, the filler sprayer 170 may spray electrolytic water on the bottle area / cap area. After the capping process, the sterile blower 174 may provide a pressurized sterile air flow to the bottle area / cap area to remove residual electrolyzed water. The filled and capped bottles 102 are then transferred from the filling machine 162 to the filling machine conveyor 164 where the filled and capped bottles 102 are transported from the filling machine 162 to a location where the bottles 102 can be packaged and ready for shipment. Is done.

  FIG. 5 shows a sterilization system 200 similar to the sterilization system 100 shown in FIGS. 1A-1D and described above. The sterilization system 200 includes a bottle station 220, a cap station 240, and a filling station 260, similar to the sterilization system 100 in FIGS. 1A-1D. However, instead of the straight bottle rinsing machine 126 as shown in FIG. 1B, the bottle rinsing machine 226 shown in FIG. 5 is a rotary bottle rinsing machine. The bottle rinsing machine 226 may include at least one bottle spraying device 228. In general, the bottle rinser 226 will spray or dispense electrolyzed water onto the bottle 102 as the bottle 102 passes a predetermined location on the rotating bottle rinser 226. The bottle rinsing machine 226 may include one or more nozzles 232 for spraying the bottle 102 with electrolyzed water. Specifically, the nozzle 232 sprays a set amount of electrolyzed water onto the bottle 102. The bottle sprayer 228 will be connected to or associated with the electrolyzed water generator 210. In one embodiment of the invention, the nozzle 232 may spray electrolyzed water at low concentrations, low temperatures, and long durations. For example, nozzle 232 may spray electrolyzed water in a concentration range of about 50 to 100 ppm measured as free chlorine, a temperature range of about 10 to 30 degrees Celsius, and a duration of about 5 to 30 minutes duration. . In another embodiment of the present invention, the nozzle 132 may spray electrolyzed water at high concentrations, high temperatures, and short durations. For example, the nozzle 232 may spray electrolyzed water in a concentration range of about 100 to 1000 ppm measured as free chlorine, a temperature range of about 25 to 60 degrees Celsius, and a duration of about 5 to 30 seconds duration. .

  The rotary bottle rinser 226 may be in series with other conveyors leading to the filling station 260. Moreover, the rotating bottle rinser 226 can be configured to reverse the position of the bottle 102 so that when the bottle 102 passes the bottle spraying device 228, the opening of the bottle 102 faces downward or sideways. It becomes. Once electrolyzed water is sprayed on the bottle 102, the rotary bottle rinser 226 may then reverse the position of the bottle 102 back to the upright position so that the opening is upward.

  In another embodiment that does not depart from the invention, as shown in FIG. 6, the sterilization system 300 may include a bottle station 320, a cap station 340, a filling station 360, and a sterilization enclosure 380. The bottle station 320 may include a mechanical mist generator 332 instead of a nozzle as shown in FIGS. 1A-1D. The mechanical mist generator 332 may be connected to the electrolyzed water generator 310. The mechanical mist generator 332 will generate small droplets or mists of electrolyzed water that are dispersed throughout the sterilization enclosure 380. The electrolyzed water mist will sterilize the bottle 102 using electrolyzed water in a concentration range of about 50 to 1000 ppm, measured as free chlorine, and a temperature range of about 10 to 65 degrees Celsius.

  As mentioned above, the bottle conveyor 324 can be configured to reverse the position of the bottles 102, so that when the bottles 102 pass through the mist of electrolytic water, the opening of the bottles 102 is directed downward or sideways. . After the bottles 102 are sufficiently fogged, the bottle conveyor 324 may reverse the position of the bottles 102 back to the upright position so that the opening is facing up.

  Moreover, the electrolyzed water mist may be dispersed within the bottle enclosure 334. As mentioned above, a bottle enclosure 334 may be used to accommodate the mist of electrolyzed water. Bottle enclosure 334 may include a panel surrounding or associated with the area surrounding mechanical mist generator 332 and bottle conveyor 324. The bottle enclosure 334 may be a cabinet that surrounds the fog area of the bottle 102.

  During the spraying of electrolytic water mist onto the bottle 102, the bottle 102 may contain a small amount of electrolytic water residue that may remain after sterilization of the bottle 102. The electrolyzed water in the bottle 102 is neither an impurity mixing problem nor a product safety problem. In many cases, there is no significant sensory effect. However, a sterile blower 336 may be included to help remove this electrolyzed water residue without departing from the invention. The sterile blower 336 may provide a pressurized flow of sterile air inside the bottle 102 when the bottle is flipped so that the opening is downward or when the bottle is upright so that the opening is upward. . This flow of sterile air will be sufficient to remove most of the remaining electrolyzed water.

  As further shown in FIG. 6, the cap station 340 may include a mechanical mist generator 352 instead of the nozzle as shown in FIG. The mechanical mist generator 352 may be connected to the electrolyzed water generator 310. Mechanical mist generator 352 will generate small droplets or mists of electrolyzed water that are dispersed throughout sterilization enclosure 380. The electrolyzed water mist will sterilize the bottle 102 using electrolyzed water in a concentration range of about 50 to 1000 ppm, measured as free chlorine, and a temperature range of about 10 to 65 degrees Celsius.

  As described above, the cap conveyor 344 can be configured to reverse the position of the cap 104 so that when the cap 104 passes through the mist of electrolyzed water, the cap 104 is directed downward or sideways. After the cap 104 is fully fogged, the cap conveyor 344 may reverse the position of the cap 104 back to the upright position so that the cap is facing up.

  Moreover, the electrolyzed water mist may be dispersed within the cap enclosure 354. As described above, cap enclosure 354 may be used to accommodate the mist of electrolyzed water. Cap enclosure 354 may include a panel surrounding or associated with the area around mechanical mist generator 352 and cap conveyor 344. The cap enclosure 354 may be a cabinet that surrounds the fog area of the cap 104.

  During spraying of electrolyzed water mist onto the cap 104, the cap 104 may contain a small amount of electrolyzed water residue that may remain after the cap 104 is sterilized. The electrolyzed water in the cap 104 is neither an impurity mixing problem nor a product safety problem. In many cases, there is no significant sensory effect. However, a sterile blower 356 may be included to assist in removing this electrolyzed water residue without departing from the present invention. The sterile blower 356 may provide a pressurized flow of sterile air inside the cap 104 when the cap is inverted so that the opening is downward or when the cap is upright so that the opening is upward. . This flow of sterile air will be sufficient to remove most of the remaining electrolyzed water.

  In another embodiment that does not depart from the present invention, the mechanical mist generators 332, 352 for the bottle 102 and cap 104 as shown in FIG. 6 may be replaced with charged mist generators. In this embodiment, the mist generator generates a positively charged mist of electrolyzed water. In addition, the bottle 102, cap 104, and critical surface may be negatively charged or grounded, thereby attracting a positively charged mist of electrolyzed water. Bottle 102, cap 104, and critical surface will function as a magnet that attracts a positively charged mist of electrolyzed water to help sterilize bottle 102, cap 104, and critical surface.

  FIG. 7 illustrates another embodiment of a sterilization system 400 used to obtain a sterile beverage and sterilize the bottle 102, cap 104, and critical surfaces. The bottle 102 can contain a sterile beverage and the cap 104 can cover the bottle 102. The sterilization system 400 may include a bottle station 420, a cap station 440, a filling station 460, and a sterilization enclosure 480. The sterilization system 400 may utilize electrolyzed water produced by the electrolyzed water generator 410 to sterilize the bottle 102, cap 104, and critical surfaces.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the sterilization system 400 may include a bottle station 420. Bottle station 420 may include a bottle loader 422 and a bottle conveyor 424. The bottle loader 422 may include a container that holds a fully formed, non-sterilized or non-sterilized empty bottle 102. Further, the bottle loader 422 may include a device (not shown) in the container that automatically loads the bottles 102 onto the bottle conveyor 424. An exemplary configuration of the bottle station 420 is shown in FIG. The bottle station 420 may be other types and / or configurations of bottle stations without departing from the invention.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7, the sterilization system 400 may include a cap station 440. Cap station 440 may include a cap loader 442 and a cap conveyor 444. In addition, the cap loader 442 may include a device (not shown) that automatically loads the cap 104 onto the cap conveyor 444 in its container. An exemplary configuration of the cap station 440 is shown in FIG. Cap station 440 may be other types and / or configurations of cap stations without departing from the invention.

  Moreover, as shown in FIG. 7, the sterilization system 400 may include a filling station 460. Filling station 460 may consist of a filling machine 462 and a filling machine conveyor system 464. The filling machine 462 may be a rotary filling machine. Moreover, the filling machine 462 may be other types and configurations of filling systems without departing from the present invention. Filler 462 may receive bottles 102 from bottle conveyor 424 and fill bottles 102 with a beverage. The filling machine 462 may also receive the cap 104 from the cap conveyor 444 and place the cap 104 on the bottle 102 after the bottle 102 is filled. In addition, there may be a cap clamping device 466 in the filling machine 462 to ensure that the cap 104 is sealed to the bottle 102. Filler 462 may perform other operations without departing from the present invention, such as placing a seal on the bottle after filling and before cap 104 is placed on bottle 102. The filling station 460 also includes a filling machine conveyor system 464 that may transport the filled and capped bottles 102 from the filling machine 462 to a location where the bottles 102 are packaged and ready for shipment.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 7, the sterilization system 400 may include a sterilization enclosure 480. This sterilization enclosure 480 will remain sterile with respect to the bottle 102, cap 104, and critical surfaces throughout the filling process. The sterilization enclosure 480 will provide a controlled environment of the clean / sterilization area within the sterilization enclosure 480. The sterilization enclosure 480 maintains sterility from unclean / unsterilized areas external to the sterilization enclosure 480. The sterilization enclosure 480 may be one of many different structures known and used in the art. For example, the sterilization enclosure 480 may be a cabinet that encloses clean equipment and is sealed to prevent external contaminants.

  In embodiments of the present invention, electrolyzed water may be used to pre-sterilize the system 400 prior to the start of manufacture and prior to loading and filling of the bottle 102 and cap 104. In addition, electrolyzed water may be used to sterilize the system 400 when sterility is lost, such as for equipment maintenance or component problems that require intervention by an operator or technician. . For example, electrolyzed water may be used to sterilize critical surfaces of the system 400. The critical surfaces include a filling chamber (inner chamber of the filling machine 462), a filling head 468 (connected or associated with the bottle 102 to fill the bottle 102 with beverage), a cap clamping device 466 (cap 104 to the bottle 102). It will include the surface or equipment of the filling machine 462, such as any other surface that may contact the area of the bottle 102 or cap 104 that will be in contact with the beverage or the beverage. To provide a mist of electrolyzed water that performs a pre-sterilization function, at least one mechanical mist generator 472 connected to the electrolyzed water generator 410 may be utilized.

  Moreover, electrolyzed water may be used to help maintain the sterility of system 400 and critical surfaces during the filling process. A mechanical fog generator 472 may be connected to the electrolyzed water generator 410. Mechanical mist generator 472 will generate small droplets or mists of electrolyzed water that are dispersed throughout sterilization enclosure 480. Electrolyzed water mist sterilizes bottle 102, cap 104, and critical surfaces using electrolyzed water in a concentration range of about 50 to 1000 ppm, measured as free chlorine, and a temperature range of about 10 to 65 degrees Celsius. And will maintain its sterility. As mentioned above, electrolyzed water will not cause product impurity problems and will not have a significant sensory effect.

  The operation of the sterilization system 400 as shown in FIG. 7 may be implemented in many different ways. For example, initially, the sterilization system 400 will be pre-sterilized before the start of manufacture. Electrolyzed water may be used to sterilize critical surfaces of the system by spraying electrolytic water on the system 400 and critical surfaces within the sterilization enclosure 480.

  After the system 400 and critical surfaces have been pre-sterilized, the bottle 102 may be loaded into the bottle loader 422. The bottle 102 may be loaded into the bottle loader 422 automatically by a mechanical system or manually by an operator. The bottles 102 are then transported through the bottle conveyor 424 to the filling station 460. During this transport, the bottle 102 will move along the bottle conveyor 424 to the sterilization enclosure 480.

  In addition, the cap 104 may be loaded into the cap loader 442 simultaneously with the bottle operation described above. Similarly, the cap 104 may be loaded into the cap loader 442 automatically by a mechanical system or manually by an operator. Cap 104 may be transported to filling station 460 through cap conveyor 444. During this transport, the cap 104 will move along the cap conveyor 444 to the sterilization enclosure 480.

  As the bottle 102 and cap 104 move into the sterilization enclosure 480, the mist of electrolyzed water generated by the electrolyzed water mist generator 472 sterilizes the bottle 102 and cap 104. When the bottle 102 reaches the filling machine, the bottle 102 is loaded into the filling machine 462 from the bottle conveyor 424. Each bottle 102 is connected to, associated with, attached to, etc. one of the filling heads 468 of the filling machine 462. As the bottle 102 rotates around the filling machine 462, the bottle 102 is filled with a beverage. After the bottles 102 are filled to the appropriate volume, one of the caps 104 from the cap conveyor 444 is placed on the bottles 102. Throughout the filling and capping process, a mist of electrolyzed water surrounds the process and maintains the sterility of the system. Filled and capped bottles 102 are transferred from a filling machine 462 to a filling machine conveyor 464 where the filled and capped bottles 102 are transported from the filling machine 462 to a place where the bottles 102 can be packaged and ready for shipment. .

  In another embodiment, the mechanical fog generator 472 shown in FIG. 7 may be replaced with an electrostatic fog generator as described above. In this embodiment, the mist generator generates a positively charged mist of electrolyzed water. In addition, the bottle 102, cap 104, and critical surface may be negatively charged or grounded, thereby attracting a positively charged mist of electrolyzed water. The bottle 102, cap 104, and critical surface function as a magnet that attracts a mist of positively charged electrolyzed water to help sterilize the bottle 102, cap 104, and critical surface and maintain sterility.

  FIG. 8 illustrates yet another embodiment of a portion of a sterilization system that includes an isolation chamber 590 around a critical surface of the filling machine 562. In this embodiment, the isolation chamber 590 surrounds the area surrounding the critical surface of the filling machine 562 and provides its controlled environment. Isolation chamber 590 may be one of many different structures known and used in the art. For example, the isolation chamber 590 may be a cabinet that surrounds critical surfaces and is sealed to prevent external contaminants. In addition, any of the methods described above for pre-sterilization and sterility maintenance may be used for isolation chamber 590 and used for sterilization / maintenance of critical surfaces. Pre-sterilization and maintaining sterility 1) provide intermittent spraying of electrolyzed water from filler nozzle 572 to critical surfaces within isolation chamber 590, 2) provide electrolysis water mist throughout isolation chamber 590 A mechanical mist generator 573 connected to an electrolyzed water generator 510, and 3) an electrostatic mist generator connected to an electrolyzed water source to provide a positively charged mist throughout the isolation chamber 590, Alternatively, it may be provided by an electrolyzed water generator 510 that provides any combination thereof. In this embodiment, the bottle 102 and / or cap 104 may be sterilized before reaching the isolation chamber 590. Moreover, the bottle 102 and / or cap 104 may not be sterilized before reaching the isolation chamber 590, and may be isolated using the means described above, intermittent spraying, mechanical mist, or charged mist. Bottle 102 and / or cap 104 may be sterilized in chamber 590.

  In another embodiment similar to the embodiment shown in FIG. 8, the sterilization system may include one or more small chambers or enclosures instead of the entire isolation chamber. One or more small chambers are caps that seal the bottle 102 and clamp the cap 104 to the bottle 102, or the area surrounding the filling head connected to or associated with the bottle 102 to fill the bottle 102 with a beverage It will surround or surround a critical surface or critical path area as described above, such as an area surrounding a clamping device. These small chambers or enclosures need not be completely closed around the area. Small chambers or enclosures may have a positive air flow to maintain sterility or disinfection at their critical surfaces and areas, such as by air filtered with a HEPA filter or by mist of electrolyzed water in the small chamber or enclosure. May provide protection by.

  The various embodiments of the invention described and illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1A-8 provide several benefits and advantages. First, the safety and health benefits of electrolyzed water are improved compared to the use of other disinfectants used in the prior art. Electrolyzed water is considered a very benign chemical substance compared to the use of other disinfectants used in the prior art. In addition, there are no food admixture problems, thereby minimizing potential consumer problems. Second, the sterilization system sterilizes at high speed under a series of conditions, thereby increasing the production system's output. Thirdly, electrolyzed water can be produced on site as needed. Other chemicals and disinfectants need to be ordered and delivered to the manufacturing facility. Fourth, when electrolyzed water is used, no rinsing step is required, thereby reducing water resource consumption. The rinsing process required for other disinfectants increases equipment costs, increases production time, and uses water (for rinsing). Fifth, during the switching operation or maintenance operation, the preliminary sterilization process using electrolyzed water takes less time than necessary for the switching operation and maintenance operation of chemical substances and other disinfectants. Moreover, when electrolyzed water is used for sterilization, a lightweight bottle can be used. Embodiments of the present invention of a sterilization system can be easily modified to existing hot-fill sterilization systems.

  Although the present invention has been described and illustrated with reference to FIGS. 1A-8, it will be understood that the features of the invention may be improved, modified, changed or replaced without significantly departing from the spirit of the invention. Should. For example, the dimensions, sizes and shapes of various bottles, caps, conveyors, and other equipment or components will be modified to suit a particular application. Accordingly, the specific embodiments illustrated and described herein are for illustrative purposes only and the invention is not limited except as by the following claims and their equivalents.

100, 200, 300, 400 Sterilization system 102 Bottle 104 Cap 110, 210, 310, 410, 510 Electrolyzed water generator 120, 220, 320, 420 Bottle station 122, 422 Bottle loading machine 124, 324, 424 Bottle conveyor 126, 226 Bottle rinsing machine 128,228 Bottle sprayer 132,152,232 Nozzle 134,334 Bottle enclosure 136,156,174,336 Aseptic blower 140,240,340,440 Cap station 142,442 Cap loading machine 144,344 444 Cap conveyor 146 Cap rinsing machine 148 Cap sprayer 154,354 Cap enclosure 160,260,360,460 Filling station 162,46 , 562 filling machine 166,466 cap tightening device 168 fill head 170 filling machine spraying device 180,380,480 sterilization enclosure 182 HEPA air filter 332,352,472 mechanical fog generator 590 isolates chamber

Claims (23)

In a sterilization system used to obtain a sterile beverage and sterilize a bottle containing the sterile beverage and a cap covering the bottle,
A bottle sterilizer for sterilizing the bottle, which discharges electrolyzed water to the bottle;
A cap sterilizer for sterilizing the cap, the cap sterilizer discharging electrolyzed water to the cap; and a filling station comprising a filling machine sterilizer and a filling machine including a product contact surface; The filling machine fills the bottle with a beverage, caps the bottle, and the filling machine sterilizer sterilizes the filling station before the start of production by discharging electrolyzed water to the product contact surface. Being a filling station;
Sterilization system equipped with.   The bottle sterilizer, the cap sterilizer, and the filling machine sterilizer each include a mechanical sprayer with a nozzle that discharges splashes of electrolytic water onto the bottle, the cap, and the product contact surface, respectively. The sterilization system according to claim 1.   The splash of electrolyzed water is released in a time range of a concentration range of about 50 to 100 ppm measured as free chlorine, a temperature range of about 10 to 30 degrees Celsius, and a duration of about 5 to 30 minutes. The sterilization system according to 2.   The electrolyzed water droplets are emitted in a time range of about 100 to 1000 ppm concentration measured as free chlorine, a temperature range of about 25 to 65 degrees Celsius, and a duration of about 5 to 30 seconds. The sterilization system according to 2.   The bottle sterilizer, the cap sterilizer, and the filling machine sterilizer each include a mist generator that discharges a mist of electrolyzed water to the bottle, the cap, and the product contact surface, respectively. Sterilization system.   6. The sterilization system of claim 5, wherein the electrolyzed water mist is emitted in a concentration range of about 50 to 100 ppm, measured as free chlorine, and in a temperature range of about 10 to 30 degrees Celsius.   6. The sterilization system of claim 5, wherein the electrolyzed water mist is emitted in a concentration range of about 100 to 1000 ppm, measured as free chlorine, and in a temperature range of about 25 to 65 degrees Celsius.   The bottle sterilizer, the cap sterilizer, and the filling machine sterilizer each include an electrostatic mist generator that discharges a charged mist of electrolyzed water to the bottle, the cap, and the product contact surface, respectively. Item 1. The sterilization system according to item 1.   9. The sterilization system of claim 8, wherein the charged mist of electrolyzed water is emitted in a concentration range of about 50 to 100 ppm, measured as free chlorine, and a temperature range of about 10 to 30 degrees Celsius.   The sterilization system of claim 8, wherein the charged mist of electrolyzed water is emitted in a concentration range of about 100 to 1000 ppm, measured as free chlorine, and in a temperature range of about 25 to 65 degrees Celsius.   The electrolyzed water has a first stream comprising a positively charged stream having bactericidal properties and a pH of about 6-8, and a negative having washing properties and a pH between about 11 and 13 The sterilization system of claim 1, wherein the sterilization system is produced by passing water through an electrochemical cell that produces two separate electrically opposite streams of a second stream comprising a charged stream. In a sterilization system used to obtain a sterile beverage and sterilize a bottle containing the sterile beverage and a cap covering the bottle,
An electrolyzed water generator for producing electrolyzed water;
A bottle station for sterilizing the bottles, a bottle loader for loading the bottles, a bottle conveyor for transporting the bottles, and the bottle conveyor, the electrolyzed water A bottle station comprising a bottle rinsing machine connected to a generator for spraying the electrolyzed water onto the bottle;
A cap station for sterilizing the cap, the cap loader for loading the cap, a cap conveyor for transporting the cap, and the electrolyzed water generator located along the cap conveyor A cap station connected to the cap, the cap rinsing machine spraying the electrolyzed water onto the cap; and a filling station connected to the bottle station and the cap station, capable of contacting the product during a filling operation A filling machine that has an important surface that is a sexual surface and fills the bottle with the beverage, and the cap is placed on the bottle after the bottle is filled with the beverage, and the important surface of the filling machine And a spraying device connected to the electrolyzed water generator. ;
Sterilization system equipped with.   The critical surface is one of an internal chamber of the filling machine, a filling head connected to or associated with the bottle for filling the bottle with the beverage, and a cap clamping device for clamping the cap to the bottle. The sterilization system of claim 12, comprising one or more.   13. The electrolyzed water is sprayed in a time range of a concentration range of about 50 to 100 ppm, measured as free chlorine, a temperature range of about 10 to 30 degrees Celsius, and a duration of about 5 to 30 minutes. Sterilization system.   13. The electrolyzed water is sprayed in a time range of a concentration range of about 100 to 1000 ppm measured as free chlorine, a temperature range of about 25 to 65 degrees Celsius, and a duration of about 5 to 30 seconds. Sterilization system.   The sterilization system of claim 12, further comprising a sterilization enclosure that completely surrounds the filling machine and that maintains sterility with respect to the bottle, the cap, and the critical surface.   17. The sterilization system of claim 16, wherein the sterilization enclosure includes a HEPA air filter for providing positive air pressure and an appropriate airflow configuration throughout the sterilization enclosure. In a sterilization system used for obtaining a sterile beverage and sterilizing a bottle containing the sterile beverage and a cap covering the bottle,
A bottle station comprising a bottle loader for loading the bottles and a bottle conveyor for transporting the bottles;
A cap station including a cap loader for loading the caps and a cap conveyor for transporting the caps;
A filling station connected to the bottle station and the cap station, having a critical surface that is a surface that may come into contact with a product during a filling operation, and filling the bottle with the beverage; A filling station including a filling machine that caps the bottle after the beverage is filled;
A sterilization enclosure that completely surrounds the filling machine and maintains sterility with respect to the bottle, the cap, and the critical surface;
An electrolyzed water generator for generating electrolyzed water; and a fog generator connected to the electrolyzed water generator, wherein the electrolyzer disinfects the bottle, the cap, and the critical surface dispersed within the sterilization enclosure. Fog generator to produce water mist;
Including sterilization system.   The critical surface is one of an internal chamber of the filling machine, a filling head connected to or associated with the bottle for filling the bottle with the beverage, and a cap clamping device for clamping the cap to the bottle. The sterilization system of claim 18 comprising one or more.   19. The sterilization system of claim 18, wherein the electrolyzed water generator produces electrolyzed water in a concentration range of about 50 to 1000 ppm measured as free chlorine.   The sterilization system of claim 18, wherein the mist generator produces a positively charged mist of electrolyzed water.   The bottle, the cap, and the critical surface are negatively charged or grounded, and the bottle, the cap, and the critical surface attract a positively charged mist of the electrolytic water, thereby The sterilization system of claim 21, wherein the bottle, the cap, and the critical surface are sterilized. A method for obtaining a sterile beverage and sterilizing bottles and caps,
Sterilizing the bottle by using electrolyzed water in the bottle;
Sterilizing the cap by using electrolyzed water in the cap, and sterilizing the filling machine with electrolyzed water before the start of production;
A method comprising:

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