JP2015009849A - Aseptic packaging and method of aseptic packaging - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problems of residue of chemicals, cleansing and waste liquid treatment although aseptic packaging by which foods and beverages can be distributed at normal temperature is performed for the treatment of a container before filling by spraying of sterilizing chemicals and cleansing by the sterilizing chemicals, and the problem that electron beams transmitting a packaging material from an external surface and high voltage electron beams having transmitting power are not popular yet due to inconvenience of an operation and a device.SOLUTION: Low energy electron beams of 100 kV or less being convenient for electron beams are used. A thin film transmitting electron beams whose transmission power is little is used and, at first, irradiated with the electron beams from a rear surface, an internal surface is sterilized and filling is performed. An outer layer member is attached to the thin film and a package having a strength suitable for distribution and being aseptic packaging is obtained.

Description

In the conventional aseptic packaging, the present invention does not spray the sterilizing liquid on the inner surface, does not irradiate an electron beam from the inner surface, and does not irradiate an electron beam or radiation stronger than the outer surface. Before the thin film to be integrally sealed with the outer layer, the inner surface is sterilized by irradiation with an electron beam from the outside, and the inner surface is sterilized before being filled with the sterilized beverage liquid. Aseptic packaging is performed by filling the sterilized beverage liquid in the atmosphere and sealing the nadir, minimizing the impact on the packaging material and food and beverage, and a simple device and The present invention relates to aseptic packaging and methods for doing so.

Conventional aseptic packaging is mainly filled and sealed after spraying and drying with hydrogen peroxide and sterilization of the package, cleaning with peracetic acid, internal sterilization with UV irradiation, overheating It was a method of sterilizing with steam, or a method of sterilizing the inside by irradiating from the outside of the package before filling using a high energy electron beam of 300 kV or higher, 1 MV or higher.

However, each of these has a problem, that is, when a drug such as peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide is used, the drug may remain. One of them may be due to a process error such as poor drying or poor cleaning, and the other is a problem that there may be a trace amount of residue that cannot be detected. These chemicals oxidize the food of the contents and disappear, and even with the current technology, they are not detected, but the detection technology will eventually improve. There were also problems with the release of drugs into the environment and waste liquid treatment.

In the case of ultraviolet rays, it is used because it is simple, but the character of light cannot be escaped, and a portion that cannot be sterilized remains behind the shadow of a small dust, which is inappropriate when complete sterilization is required.

Attempts have also been made to use steam heated to 100 ° C. or higher, but there is a problem of heat resistance of the container body, and it has not yet spread.

A high energy electron beam of 1 MV or more can penetrate the outer wall of the container to completely sterilize the inner surface. However, there are many problems due to the high voltage, the qualification of the radiation handling chief is necessary for notification of use, the device is huge and expensive, and the resin that has transmitted the electron beam has an influence such as odor. That is. Even in the case of a medium energy electron beam of 300 kV or more, there are problems such as an increase in equipment size and exhaust gas treatment.

In response to these problems, chemical sterilization is to reduce the amount of spray mist to a small level and to ensure sufficient washing. In the case of ultraviolet rays, washing with wind washing is not sufficient. In the case of steam, there is a problem that it is difficult to disseminate high-energy electron beams and medium-energy electron beams in huge devices due to restrictions on packaging materials.

Patent Document 1 irradiates an electron beam from the outer periphery before filling a tube-shaped package, but uses a packaging material having a thickness of 170 to 600 μm, and 50 to 500 kV, preferably 200, for this. An electron beam of ˜400 kV is used. Although it is 50 to 500 kV, as shown in FIG. 1, an electron beam of 200 kV or more is necessary in order to transmit the minimum 170 μm necessary for maintaining the strength as a package. However, there is a problem that the apparatus becomes large and expensive.

In Patent Document 2, both surfaces of a packaging material are sterilized with an electron beam inside an aseptic chamber, and filling and nadir sealing are performed while forming this into a cylindrical shape in the aseptic chamber. Since this method is a surface sterilization, a low energy electron beam can be used, but there is a problem that an aseptic chamber is required.

Patent Document 3 is a low-energy electron beam irradiation device made for the purpose of surface modification of plastics, and is preferably completed as shown in Non-Patent Document 2. The appearance is as shown in FIG. 2, and the recommended usage is surface irradiation as shown in FIG.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 11-35015 JP-A-7-13000 JP 2013-24557 A

Technology and application of low-energy electron beam irradiation, supervision: Kazuo Hagio, page 90 Hamamatsu Photonics Catalog, BE-ENGINE line irradiation type low energy electron beam irradiation source

The present invention is intended to carry out aseptic filling easily and safely, and eliminates the risk that the aseptic package product will become defective after manufacturing, there is a risk of corruption during normal temperature distribution, and the facilities and work are complicated. It is an object of the present invention to provide means capable of producing foods that can be easily distributed at room temperature.

The present invention
(1) The innermost layer member in contact with the beverage or food is 10 to 40 μm, and this member is irradiated with an electron beam from the outer surface, and the electron beam passes through the inner layer member to sterilize the entire inner surface of the member. Aseptic packaging of food or beverage, characterized in that another member of the outer layer is added, side seal and bottom seal are filled together with the inner layer member, and then nadir seal is performed together with the previous bottom seal.
(2) One of the two front and back components made by joining the bag body is made into a thin film of 10 to 40 μm, and the thin film member is irradiated with an electron beam from the outer surface, and the electron beam becomes a thin film material. After penetrating and sterilizing the entire inner surface of the member, another member of the outer layer is layered on this and integrated with the inner layer member to fill the side seal and bottom seal, and then the nadir seal with the previous bottom seal. Aseptic packaging of food or beverage, characterized in that it is performed.
(3) The filling pipe that passes through the flat cylindrical body is shaped so as to cross the cylindrical body, and the electron beam irradiated from two places eliminates the shadow of the back of the pipe and the entire surface is irradiated. The aseptic packaging of food or beverage according to (1), which is sterilized.
(4) The filling pipe that passes through the flat cylindrical body has a shape that crosses the cylindrical body, and the entire surface is irradiated regardless of the back surface of the pipe with an electron beam irradiated from two places, and sterilized. The aseptic packaging of food or beverage according to (2), wherein
(5) The outer side of the filling nozzle is a mechanism that sends a thin film in the direction of the nozzle tip, the side edge is sealed at the front of the filling nozzle, and the electron beam is irradiated to the thin film at the front of the filling nozzle. Then, the thin film is sterilized, and the outer layer member is added thereto to seal the side edges together, and the inside is filled into a sterilized cylindrical body to seal the nadir. (6) Aseptic filling and packaging method (6) The outside of the filling nozzle has a mechanism in which a thin film is fed in the direction of the nozzle tip, and one of the thin films is sealed with a spout or drinking mouth from the outside, and from the other thin film side The method of aseptic packaging according to (2), wherein the sterilizing line is irradiated and then filled and sealed in a sterile atmosphere.

The present invention uses a low-energy electron beam so that aseptic packaging can be carried out simply, safely and completely, and the low-energy electron beam device used is small and simple, but it is transparent. To solve the problem of weakness, the problem is to solve the problem by separating the thin packaging material on the inner surface from the outer layer, first sterilizing and filling the thin layer from the outer surface, and then matching it with the outer layer. It has been made.

For low-energy electron beams of 100 kV or less, the switch is small, the equipment is small, it can be used by ordinary people with safety considerations for ordinary equipment, and the radiation source is a radioactive material. It is safe to stop the generation of radiation just by cutting off. However, the transmission power with respect to the output changes significantly corresponding to the voltage as shown in FIG.

The transmission power of an electron beam of 70 kV can be estimated from this chart. In terms of the specific gravity of the material 1, it is about 40μ. On the other hand, a PP film having a thickness of 10 to 30 μm has a sufficient filling impact and holding strength of the content liquid. It combines these two properties.

The 70 kV electron beam irradiation device guides the electron beam generated by the electron gun by spreading it in a vacuum like a television cathode ray tube and radiates it into the air from the window of the beryllium foil, which penetrates the air and the packaging material. The energy is consumed and disappears. Originally, an electron beam irradiation apparatus of 70 kV is made for surface modification of a polymer material, and a shallow penetration depth is not a problem for the purpose of use thereof.

However, in the case of aseptic packaging, it is necessary to reach the inner surface of the packaging material. Therefore, the packaging material is thinned, and the electron beam transmitted from the front surface reaches the back surface of the packaging material, and energy is consumed for sterilization of the back surface and the facing surface.

Since this thin packaging material (hereinafter referred to as “thin film”) does not have the strength required for distribution as it is, it is integrated with the packaging material (hereinafter referred to as “outer layer member”) that becomes the outer layer after sterilization. Complete the package.

The thin film may be any of PP, PE, PVC, NY, PVDC, PVA, or a composite film having two or more layers. The outer layer member is preferably a back surface laminate or coated paper capable of heat sealing with a thin film, but is not limited thereto. Those with AL foil laminated are suitable for long-term storage.

A method of irradiating two thin films around a filling pipe as shown in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 5, two thin films are held together and irradiated from one side to sterilize the inner surfaces of the two sheets at the same time. As shown in FIG. 9, when the inflation tube is held together, the side edges are cut off. .
As shown in FIG. 6, a method of sterilizing by using two electron beam irradiation devices to irradiate at two positions on each of the filled pipes bent from one side.
A method of irradiating only one surface as a thin film from one side before filling as shown in FIGS. There is.

This method of sterilization by low-energy electron beam irradiation using a thin film of the present invention, and then integrally sealing with an outer layer member makes it possible to use a simple high-frequency generator, which is safe. Low-cost aseptic filling packaging is possible, and it is possible to distribute perishable foods and beverages in developed countries at room temperature with low energy consumption, and in developing countries even in areas where chilled chains are not available at room temperature. It is.

In the present invention, a thin film of 10 to 30 μm is filled by sterilizing the inner surface of the packaging material from the outside using a low energy electron beam of 100 kV or less that is easy to use, and a strong outer layer member is added to the outer layer. By sealing together, the aseptic filling packaging is completed. In addition, you can put on a spout and other drinks. Since the cylindrical shape is completed immediately after sterilization and the filled pipe is in the aseptic atmosphere, aseptic filling is performed with peace of mind, and there is an effect that aseptic filling packaging with low energy consumption can be spread.

Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings which are recommended implementation examples. In the drawings, common portions are described with the same reference numerals, and a part of the description is omitted.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of the simplest mechanism. The thin film 2 fed out from the thin film roll 1 at a constant speed is 10 to 30 μm, and the two side edges are sealed by the side edge seal bar 3. The side edge seal bar 3 reciprocates away from the pressurization as indicated by a symbol 4 indicating movement, and is adapted to the movement of the thin film fed at a constant speed.

The low-energy electron beam irradiation device 5 is similar to FIG. 2 or similar, and it is important to perform continuous irradiation and to have a constant speed so that the sterilization level is constant. Since a sterilization defect occurs in this case, a power failure detector is provided. Below the low energy electron beam irradiation device 5, the inner surface of the packaging material is sterile.

The sheet of the outer layer roll 6 is laminated or coated with a sealing material on the inner surface. The outer layer member 7 fed out from here is sealed together with a thin film by the side edge silver 8, and a cylindrical body 9 is formed here. The side edge seal bar 8 is a 4 movement.

The filling liquid is filled from the nozzle 13. In this filling, the filling liquid is discharged and stopped by the metering and filling device 14, and metering and filling is performed. Since this device is a general-purpose product, its shape is omitted.

The top seal bar 10 performs the same movement as the symbol 4 indicating movement, and simultaneously performs the bottom seal of the unfilled upper cylindrical body and the top seal of the filled lower package. The cutting bar 11 separates the container, and the filling product 12 is completed.

FIG. 5 shows a method in which a single thin film is folded by the folding guide plate 15 so as to join the palm. In this case, since the nozzle 13 is inserted between the thin films immediately after sterilization by the low energy electron beam irradiation device 5, it is necessary to make a clean box between the side edge seal bar 3 and the cylindrical shape. is there.

Since the following is similar to the first embodiment, the description is omitted.

  FIG. 6 shows a method of irradiating two low-energy electron beam irradiation devices 5 from one direction. After the side edge seal is finished, the rear cylindrical body is formed and then sterilized by irradiation, and sterilized by the shadow of the nozzle. It is an attempt to prevent things from being done. In this case, the nozzle is bent as shown in the right figure of FIG. 3 so that the irradiated portions overlap. Although the nozzle is shown thick in the figure, it is desirable to make it thin or flat so that the distance between the thin films is close.

FIG. 7 uses a material 16 in which an outer layer member and a thin film are integrated with one of the thin films to be held together. In this case, there is an advantage that the feeding of the thin film is stabilized.

In FIG. 5, a tubular thin film of inflation is used integrally with the outer layer member. In this case, the cylinder is cut open by the cutter 17, and the nozzle 13 enters here. The light gray portion 18 indicates a sterile atmosphere.

FIG. 6 is a method using a single inflation film as a thin film, and the use of the cutter 17 is the same as in Example 6.

FIG. 7 shows a method of attaching a spout. A hole is made in the outer layer member 18 with a puncher 19, and a spout 21 fed from the spout holder 20 is sealed to the outer layer member and a thin film with a spout sealer 22.
Sterilization by electron beam irradiation is performed after the film is joined with a thin film.
According to this method, it is possible to create a drinking mouth as well as a spout.

Diagram of the effects of low energy electron beam irradiation Low energy electron beam irradiation device Reference diagram of how to use low-energy electron beam irradiation equipment Basic diagram of aseptic filling equipment using low-energy electron beam irradiation Illustration of how to use one film Equipment that uses two low-energy electron beam irradiation devices Equipment that uses outer layer members one side ahead Equipment using outer layer members and blown film Equipment that uses blown film Equipment with spout attachment

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY The present invention can perform aseptic packaging safely and reliably using a low-energy electron beam irradiation device that can be used conveniently, and can sterilize the entire inner surface by irradiation from the outer surface of a thin film. . In the sterilization and filling, there is an easy management means against the absence of bacteria. Aseptic packaging increases circulation at room temperature and helps reduce energy consumption by chilled chains.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Thin film roll 2 Thin film 3 Side edge seal bar 4 Symbol indicating movement of seal 5 Low energy electron beam irradiation device 6 Outer layer roll 7 Outer layer member 8 Side edge silver 9 Cylindrical body 10 Nadir seal bar 11 Cutting bar 12 Filled product 13 Nozzle 14 Metering and filling device 15 Folding guide plate 16 Material in which outer layer member and thin film are integrated 17 Cutter 18 Outer layer member 19 Puncher 20 Spout holder 21 Spout 22 Spout sealer

Claims (6)

The innermost layer member in contact with the beverage or food is 10 to 40 μm, and this member is irradiated with an electron beam from the outer surface, and the electron beam passes through the inner layer member to sterilize the entire inner surface of the member. Aseptic packaging for food or beverage, characterized in that the side seal and bottom seal are filled together with the inner layer member and the bottom seal is filled together with the previous bottom seal. One of the two front and back structural members made by joining the bag body is made into a thin film of 10 to 40 μm, and the thin film member is irradiated with an electron beam from the outer surface, and the electron beam passes through the thin film material. After sterilizing the entire inner surface of the member, another member of the outer layer is layered on this, and this is integrated into the side layer and bottom seal together with the inner layer member, and then the nadir seal is performed together with the previous bottom seal Aseptic packaging of featured food or beverage. The filling pipe that passes through the flat cylindrical body has a shape that crosses the cylindrical body, and the electron beam irradiated from two places eliminates the shadow of the back of the pipe and the entire surface is irradiated and sterilized. The aseptic packaging of the food or beverage according to claim 1. The filling pipe that passes through the flat cylindrical body is shaped so as to cross the cylindrical body, and the entire surface is irradiated and sterilized regardless of the back surface of the pipe with an electron beam irradiated from two places. The aseptic packaging of the food or beverage according to claim 2. The outer side of the filling nozzle is a mechanism that sends a thin film in the direction of the nozzle tip, the side edge is sealed at the front of the filling nozzle, and the thin film is irradiated with an electron beam at the front of the tip of the filling nozzle. Aseptic filling, characterized in that the film is sterilized, the outer layer member is attached to it and the side edges are sealed together, the inside of the tube is filled aseptically, and the nadir is sealed Packaging method The outside of the filling nozzle is a mechanism that sends a thin film in the direction of the nozzle tip. One thin film is sealed with a spout or drinking mouth from the outside, irradiated with a sterilization line from the other thin film side, and then sterile. 3. The aseptic packaging method according to claim 2, wherein filling and sealing are performed in an atmosphere.