JP2020183233A - Beverage filling system and CIP processing method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a beverage filling system and a CIP processing method capable of shortening a CIP processing time in a beverage filling system for both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages.SOLUTION: A beverage filling system 10 for both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages of this invention comprises: a carbonated beverage exclusive flow channel to be used only for charging a carbonated beverage; a carbonated/non-carbonated beverage dual-use flow channel to be used for charging a carbonated beverage and a non-carbonated beverage; and a control unit 60 that controls the beverage filling system 10. The control unit 60, in a case where a beverage that is charged into a bottle 30 immediately before a CIP cleaning is the carbonated beverage, performs the CIP cleaning to both the carbonated beverage exclusive flow channel and the carbonated/non-carbonated beverage dual-use flow channel. And the control section 60, in a case where a beverage that is charged into a bottle 30 immediately before a CIP cleaning is the non-carbonated beverage, performs the CIP cleaning only to the carbonated/non-carbonated beverage dual-use flow channel.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

The present disclosure relates to beverage filling systems and CIP processing methods.

Conventionally, a large number of plastic bottles transported at high speed have been continuously aseptically filled with contents such as sparkling beverages by using a filling machine for fillers and the like provided in a sparkling beverage aseptic filling device. ing.

In such a sparkling beverage aseptic filling device, a filling nozzle for filling a plastic bottle with a sparkling beverage is rotatably arranged in the aseptic chamber. Therefore, the sparkling beverage supply line, the counter gas line, the snift line, and the like connected to the filling nozzle are each attached to the sterile chamber by a rotary joint (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

JP-A-2007-302325 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2008-105699 Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2005-14918

In recent years, there is also a beverage filling system for both carbonated beverages and non-carbonated beverages. In such a beverage filling system, some users may fill carbonated beverages less frequently and non-carbonated beverages more frequently. Even in such a case, it is common to perform CIP treatment every time for a route that is usually used only when filling a carbonated beverage. For this reason, in the beverage filling system for both sparkling beverages and non-sparkling beverages, it takes more time for CIP processing than the filling system for non-sparkling beverages, resulting in a decrease in productivity and energy loss.

The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such a point, and in a beverage filling system for both carbonated beverages and non-carbonated beverages, a beverage filling system and a CIP processing method capable of shortening the CIP processing time are provided. provide.

The beverage aseptic filling system according to one embodiment is a beverage filling system for both sparkling beverages and non-sparkling beverages, and has a dedicated flow path for sparkling beverages used only for filling the sparkling beverages, and the sparkling beverages and the non-sparkling beverages. The control unit includes a flow path for both sparkling and non-sparkling beverages used for filling both of the above and a control unit for controlling the beverage filling system. The control unit comprises a sparkling beverage filled in a bottle immediately before CIP cleaning. In this case, CIP cleaning is performed on both the sparkling beverage dedicated channel and the sparkling / non-sparkling beverage combined channel, and the beverage filled in the bottle immediately before the CIP cleaning is a non-sparkling beverage. CIP cleaning is performed only on the channels for both sparkling and non-sparkling beverages.

In the beverage sterile filling system according to one embodiment, a filling nozzle for filling the carbonated beverage or the non-sparkling beverage, a beverage filling tank connected to the filling nozzle via a beverage supply line and a counter gas line, and the filling A snift line connected to a nozzle is further provided, the dedicated sparkling beverage flow path includes the counter gas line and the snift line, and the carbonated / non-sparkling beverage combined flow path includes the filling nozzle and the beverage filling. It may include a tank.

In the beverage aseptic filling system according to one embodiment, the control unit sterilizes the liquid contact portion with the carbonated / non-sparkling beverage combined flow path by flowing steam through the carbonated beverage dedicated channel after CIP cleaning. Cleaning may be performed at the same time.

The CIP treatment method according to one embodiment is a CIP treatment method for CIP-treating a beverage filling system for both carbonated beverages and non-carbonated beverages, wherein the beverage filling system is exclusively for carbonated beverages used only for filling the carbonated beverages. It has a flow path and a flow path for both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages used for filling both the carbonated beverage and the non-carbonated beverage. In the CIP treatment method, the beverage filled in the bottle immediately before is the carbonated beverage. A step of determining whether the beverage is a non-carbonated beverage, a step of selecting a flow path for CIP cleaning according to the beverage filled in the bottle immediately before, and a step of CIP cleaning the selected flow path. When the beverage filled in the bottle immediately before is a carbonated beverage, CIP cleaning is performed on both the carbonated beverage dedicated channel and the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage combined channel immediately before. When the beverage filled in the bottle is a non-carbonated beverage, CIP cleaning is performed only on the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage combined flow path.

According to the present disclosure, the time of CIP processing can be shortened in a beverage filling system for both carbonated beverages and non-carbonated beverages.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a beverage aseptic filling system according to one embodiment. FIG. 2 is a schematic view showing a fluid flow in and around a beverage filling portion of a beverage aseptic filling system according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a filling nozzle of a beverage filling portion of a beverage aseptic filling system according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a schematic view showing a flow path for CIP cleaning after filling a carbonated beverage in and around the beverage filling portion. FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a flow path for CIP cleaning after filling a carbonated beverage in a filling nozzle. FIG. 6 is a schematic view showing a flow path for CIP cleaning after filling a non-carbonated beverage in the beverage filling portion and its surroundings. FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a flow path for CIP cleaning after filling a non-carbonated beverage in a filling nozzle.

Hereinafter, one embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 7. 1 to 7 are diagrams showing one embodiment. In each of the following figures, the same parts are designated by the same reference numerals, and some detailed description may be omitted.

(Beverage aseptic filling system)
First, the entire beverage aseptic filling system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

The beverage sterile filling system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for both carbonated beverages and non-sparkling beverages, that is, a beverage composed of a carbonated beverage and a beverage composed of a non-sparkling beverage can be selectively selected for a bottle (container) 30. It is a sterile filling system that can be filled. The bottle 30 can be produced by biaxially stretching blow molding a preform produced by injection molding a synthetic resin material. As the material of the bottle 30, it is preferable to use a thermoplastic resin, particularly PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or PEN (polyethylene naphthalate). In addition, the container may be a paper container, a glass bottle, a can, or the like. In the present embodiment, a case where a plastic bottle is used as a container will be described as an example.

As shown in FIG. 1, the beverage aseptic filling system 10 includes a bottle supply unit 21, a bottle sterilization unit 11, an air rinse unit 14, a sterile water rinse unit 15, a beverage filling unit (filler) 20, and a cap mounting unit. It is provided with (capper, winding and stoppering machine) 16 and a product bottle carry-out unit 22. The bottle supply unit 21, the bottle sterilization unit 11, the air rinse unit 14, the sterile water rinse unit 15, the beverage filling unit 20, the cap mounting unit 16, and the product bottle carry-out unit 22 are upstream along the transport direction of the bottle 30. They are arranged in this order from the side to the downstream side. Further, between the bottle sterilizing section 11, the air rinsing section 14, the sterile water rinsing section 15, the beverage filling section 20, and the cap mounting section 16, a plurality of transport wheels 12 for transporting the bottle 30 between these devices are provided. Has been done.

The bottle supply unit 21 sequentially receives empty bottles 30 from the outside into the beverage aseptic filling system 10 and conveys the received bottles 30 toward the bottle sterilization unit 11.

A bottle molding section (not shown) for molding the bottle 30 by biaxially stretching blow molding the preform may be provided on the upstream side of the bottle supply section 21. In this way, the steps from the supply of the preform to the molding of the bottle 30 to the filling and closing of the beverage in the bottle 30 may be continuously performed. In this case, since it can be transported from the outside to the beverage aseptic filling system 10 in the form of a small volume preform instead of the large volume bottle 30, the equipment constituting the beverage aseptic filling system 10 should be made compact. Can be done.

The bottle sterilizing unit 11 sterilizes the inside of the bottle 30 by injecting a sterilizing agent onto the bottle 30. As the disinfectant, for example, an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is used. In the bottle sterilizer 11, a condensed mist or gas is generated after once vaporizing an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution having a concentration of 1% by weight or more, preferably 35% by weight, and the mist or gas is applied to the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 30. Be sprayed. Since the inside of the bottle 30 is sterilized with the mist or gas of the hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution in this way, the inner surface of the bottle 30 is sterilized evenly.

The air rinse unit 14 supplies sterile heated air or room temperature air to the bottle 30 to activate hydrogen peroxide and remove foreign substances, hydrogen peroxide, and the like from the inside of the bottle 30.

The sterile water rinse unit 15 cleans the bottle 30 sterilized with hydrogen peroxide, which is a sterilizing agent, with sterile water at 15 ° C. or higher and 85 ° C. or lower. As a result, the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the bottle 30 is washed away and the foreign matter is removed. The sterile water rinse portion 15 does not necessarily have to be provided.

The beverage filling unit 20 is a sterile carbonated beverage or a sterile non-carbonated beverage that has been sterilized in advance from the mouth of the bottle 30 into the bottle 30, or a non-sterilized carbonated beverage that does not require sterilization (hereinafter, also simply referred to as “beverage”). It is to fill. In the beverage filling section 20, the beverage is filled into the empty bottle 30. In the beverage filling section 20, the beverage is filled inside the bottle 30 while the plurality of bottles 30 are rotated (revolved).

When the beverage filled in the bottle 30 is a carbonated beverage (sterile carbonated beverage or non-sterilized carbonated beverage), the carbonated beverage is in the bottle 30 at a filling temperature of 1 ° C. or higher and 40 ° C. or lower, preferably 5 ° C. or higher and 10 ° C. or lower. Is filled with. The reason why the filling temperature of the carbonated beverage is set to, for example, 1 ° C. or higher and 10 ° C. or lower is that if the liquid temperature of the carbonated beverage exceeds 10 ° C., carbon dioxide gas is easily released from the carbonated beverage. Examples of the carbonated beverage filled in the beverage filling unit 20 include various beverages containing carbon dioxide gas, for example, carbonated soft drinks such as cider and cola, and alcoholic beverages such as beer.

When the beverage filled in the bottle 30 is a sterile non-carbonated beverage, the beverage is filled in the bottle 30 at a filling temperature of 1 ° C. or higher and 40 ° C. or lower, preferably 10 ° C. or higher and 30 ° C. or lower. Examples of the aseptic non-carbonated beverage filled by the beverage filling unit 20 include non-carbonated beverages containing animal and plant-derived components such as fruit juice and milk components.

The cap mounting portion 16 closes the bottle 30 by mounting the cap 33 on the mouth portion of the bottle 30. In the cap mounting portion 16, the mouth portion of the bottle 30 is closed by the cap 33 and sealed so that outside air and microorganisms do not enter the bottle 30. In the cap mounting portion 16, the cap 33 is mounted on the mouth portion of the plurality of bottles 30 filled with the beverage while rotating (revolving). By attaching the cap 33 to the mouth of the bottle 30 in this way, the product bottle 35 can be obtained.

The cap 33 is sterilized in advance by the cap sterilizing unit 25. The cap sterilizing unit 25 is arranged, for example, outside the sterile chamber 13 (described later) and in the vicinity of the cap mounting unit 16. In the cap sterilizing section 25, a large number of caps 33 carried in from the outside are collected in advance and transported in a row toward the cap mounting section 16. On the way of the cap 33 toward the cap mounting portion 16, hydrogen peroxide mist or gas is sprayed toward the inner and outer surfaces of the cap 33, and then dried with hot air and sterilized.

The product bottle unloading unit 22 continuously unloads the product bottle 35 to which the cap 33 is attached by the cap mounting portion 16 toward the outside of the beverage aseptic filling system 10.

In addition, the beverage aseptic filling system 10 has an aseptic chamber 13. Inside the sterile chamber 13, the bottle sterilizing section 11, the air rinsing section 14, the sterile water rinsing section 15, the beverage filling section 20, and the cap mounting section 16 are housed. The inside of the sterile chamber 13 is kept sterile.

Further, the aseptic chamber 13 is divided into a bottle sterilization chamber 13a and a filling / winding chamber 13b. A chamber wall 13c is provided between the bottle sterilization chamber 13a and the filling / packing chamber 13b, and the bottle sterilizing chamber 13a and the filling / packing chamber 13b are separated from each other via the chamber wall 13c. Inside the bottle sterilization chamber 13a, a bottle sterilization unit 11, an air rinse unit 14, and a sterile water rinse unit 15 are arranged. On the other hand, a beverage filling portion 20 and a cap mounting portion 16 are arranged inside the filling / winding chamber 13b.

Next, the structure of the beverage filling portion 20 of the beverage aseptic filling system 10 and its surroundings will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 2, the beverage filling section 20 is provided in the sterile chamber 13. Further, a beverage filling tank (filling head tank, buffer tank) 75 is arranged outside the sterile chamber 13 and above the beverage filling unit 20. Beverages are filled inside the beverage filling tank 75. The beverage filling tank 75 is connected to the aseptic carbon dioxide supply unit 63 via a carbon dioxide gas supply line 61. The carbon dioxide gas supply line 61 is provided with a first valve 62, and by opening the first valve 62, the aseptic carbon dioxide gas is supplied from the aseptic carbon dioxide supply unit 63 to the beverage filling tank 75. The carbon dioxide gas supply line 61, the first valve 62, and the aseptic carbon dioxide supply unit 63 are used when the beverage to be filled is a carbon dioxide beverage. By pressurizing the sterile carbonated beverage in the beverage filling tank 75 with this sterile carbon dioxide gas, the carbon dioxide gas dissolved in the carbonated beverage is prevented from being released into the gas phase. It is preferable to pressurize at a pressure higher than the carbon dioxide gas pressure of the production standard. As a result, the concentration of carbon dioxide gas in the carbonated beverage in the beverage filling tank 75 is kept constant. The pressure P1 in the beverage filling tank 75 is measured by a first pressure gauge 64 provided in the beverage filling tank 75.

A beverage introduction line 65 is connected to the beverage filling tank 75. The beverage introduction line 65 is connected to a beverage production device (not shown). A second valve 66 is provided on the beverage introduction line 65. By opening the second valve 66, the beverage from the beverage production apparatus passes through the beverage introduction line 65 and is filled in the beverage filling tank 75. Further, the beverage introduction line 65 is connected to a CIP circulation line 81, which will be described later. A cleaning liquid for CIP treatment and heated steam or hot water for SIP treatment are also flowed through the portion of the beverage introduction line 65 on the side of the beverage filling tank 75.

A carbon dioxide gas discharge line 86 is connected to the beverage filling tank 75. The carbon dioxide gas discharge line 86 is used when the beverage to be filled is a carbonated beverage, and is connected to a discharge tank 85 described later. Further, the carbon dioxide gas discharge line 86 is provided with a third valve 87. When the third valve 87 is opened, the carbon dioxide gas in the beverage filling tank 75 can be discharged toward the discharge tank 85. Further, the pressure P2 in the carbon dioxide gas discharge line 86 is measured by a second pressure gauge 88 provided in the carbon dioxide gas discharge line 86. This pressure P2 is equal to the pressure in the discharge tank 85.

In this case, the first valve 62 and the third valve 87 are controlled by the control unit 60, whereby the pressure in the beverage filling tank 75 is controlled. Specifically, between the pressure P1 in the beverage filling tank 75 measured by the first pressure gauge 64 and the pressure P2 in the carbon dioxide gas discharge line 86 measured by the second pressure gauge 88, P1> P2. The relationship has come to hold. The pressure P1 in the beverage filling tank 75 may be controlled to be, for example, 0.01 MPa or more and 1.0 MPa or less. Further, the pressure P2 in the carbon dioxide gas discharge line 86 may be controlled to be a pressure slightly higher than 0 MPa, for example, 0.0001 MPa or more and 0.01 MPa or less. This makes it possible to prevent non-sterile gas from entering the beverage filling tank 75 from the outside of the sterile chamber 13. Therefore, as the discharge tank 85, a non-sterile tank that is not controlled to be aseptic can be used. In this case, since it is not necessary to connect the carbon dioxide gas discharge line 86 to the aseptic tank in the aseptic state, such an aseptic tank can be removed from the beverage aseptic filling system 10. As a result, the manufacturing cost of the beverage aseptic filling system 10 can be reduced. The control unit 60 is composed of a control unit that controls the entire beverage aseptic filling system 10, but the control unit 60 is not limited to this, and the control unit 60 may independently control the first valve 62 and the third valve 87. good. Further, it is also possible to perform control only by the first pressure gauge 64 without providing the second pressure gauge 88. Specifically, the opening degree of each of the first valve 62 and the third valve 87 is adjusted from the indicated value of the first pressure gauge 64, and the value of the first pressure gauge 64 is produced during the instrument sterilization (SIP) process. It may be controlled only by both valves 62 and 87 so that it becomes 0.01 MPa or more and 1.0 MPa or less until the end. Further, instead of providing the discharge tank 85, the carbon dioxide gas discharge line 86 may be provided with a sterilization filter (not shown) sterilized by steam before production to discharge carbon dioxide gas from the carbon dioxide gas discharge line 86. ..

A beverage supply line 73 is connected to the beverage filling tank 75. The beverage supply line 73 is a line for supplying the beverage filled in the beverage filling tank 75 toward the filling nozzle 72 described later. The beverage filling tank 75 is connected to the filling nozzle 72 via a beverage supply line 73.

Further, a counter gas line 74 is connected to the beverage filling tank 75. The counter gas line 74 is used when the beverage to be filled is a carbonated beverage, and is a line for supplying sterile carbon dioxide gas filled in the beverage filling tank 75 toward the filling nozzle 72 described later. The beverage filling tank 75 is connected to the filling nozzle 72 via a counter gas line 74.

A valve 67 for counter gas is provided on the counter gas line 74 at the connection portion between the beverage filling tank 75 and the counter gas line 74. The counter gas valve 67 is directly connected to the beverage filling tank 75. The counter gas valve 67 is opened when the beverage to be filled is a carbonated beverage and closed when the beverage to be filled is a non-carbonated beverage. Further, the counter gas valve 67 is opened when the beverage filled in the bottle 30 immediately before is a carbonated beverage when the CIP treatment is performed, and the beverage filled in the bottle 30 immediately before is a non-carbonated beverage. Will be closed.

In the beverage filling unit 20, the beverage filled in the beverage filling tank 75 is filled into the empty bottle 30. The beverage filling unit 20 has a transport wheel 71 that rotates about an axis parallel to the vertical direction. Beverages are filled inside the bottles 30 while the plurality of bottles 30 are rotated (revolved) by the transport wheel 71. Further, a plurality of filling nozzles 72 are arranged along the outer circumference of the transport wheel 71. One bottle 30 is attached to each filling nozzle 72, and a beverage is injected from the filling nozzle 72 into the inside of the bottle 30. The configuration of the filling nozzle 72 will be described later.

The transfer wheel 71, the filling nozzle 72, at least a portion of the beverage supply line 73, and at least a portion of the counter gas line 74 are surrounded by a cover 76 that forms part of the sterile chamber 13. A rotary joint 77 is attached to the upper part of the cover 76. The beverage supply line 73 and the counter gas line 74 are attached to the cover 76 of the sterile chamber 13 by a rotary joint 77. The rotary joint 77 includes a rotating body (conveying wheel 71, filling nozzle 72, and rotating pipe of the beverage supply line 73 and the counter gas line 74, etc.) and a non-rotating body (cover 76, and the beverage supply line 73 and the counter gas line 74). (Fixed piping, etc.) and seal in a sterile condition.

A beverage supply line 73 and a counter gas line 74 are connected to each filling nozzle 72. One end of the beverage supply line 73 is connected to the beverage filling tank 75 filled with the beverage, and the other end of the beverage supply line 73 communicates with the inside of the bottle 30. Then, the beverage supplied from the beverage filling tank 75 passes through the beverage supply line 73 and is injected into the inside of the bottle 30.

As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-105699, one end of the counter gas line 74 is connected to the beverage filling tank 75, and the other end is connected to the inside of the bottle 30. The gas for counter pressure made of sterile carbon dioxide supplied from the beverage filling tank 75 passes through the counter gas line 74 and is filled inside the bottle 30. A counter gas branch 53 is provided in the middle of the counter gas line 74, and the counter gas line 74 from the beverage filling tank 75 is branched into a plurality of counter gas lines 53 at the counter gas branch 53 and extends to each filling nozzle 72. Exists.

Further, a sniff line 78 is connected to each filling nozzle 72. The sniff line 78 is used when the beverage to be filled is a carbonated beverage. One end of the sniff line 78 is connected to the counter gas line 74, and the other end extends to the outside of the sterile chamber 13. The gas inside the bottle 30 can be discharged through the sniff line 78. A sniff line branch 56 is provided in the middle of the sniff line 78, and carbon dioxide gas from the sniff line 78 is collected at the sniff line branch 56 and discharged into the sterile chamber 13. .. The sniff line 78 in the sterile chamber 13 is provided with a discharge valve 79. Carbon dioxide gas from the sniff line 78 is discharged into the sterile chamber 13 by the discharge valve 79. The sniff line branch 56 and the counter gas branch 53 are connected by a first bypass line 54. A fourth valve 55 is provided on the first bypass line 54, and the fourth valve 55 is normally closed.

In this case, the sniff line 78 has an inner sniff line 78a and an outer sniff line 78b. One end of the inner sniff line 78a is connected to the filling nozzle 72, and the other end is connected to the discharge valve 79. The entire inner sniff line 78a is located in the sterile chamber 13, and the sniff line branch 56 described above is located in the middle of the inner sniff line 78a. Further, the inner sniff line 78a is a rotary type that rotates together with the filling nozzle 72.

One end of the outer sniff line 78b is connected to the discharge valve 79, and the other end is open to the outside of the sterile chamber 13. A part of the outer sniff line 78b is located inside the sterile chamber 13, and the remaining part is located outside the sterile chamber 13. Further, the outer sniff line 78b is a non-rotating type that does not rotate together with the filling nozzle 72.

The discharge valve 79 described above is located between the inner sniff line 78a and the outer sniff line 78b. The inner sniff line 78a and the outer sniff line 78b are detachable at the discharge valve 79. Further, the discharge valve 79 can be opened and closed, and is normally open. When the discharge valve 79 is open, the inner sniff line 78a is physically separated from the outer sniff line 78b, and the inner sniff line 78a communicates with the inside of the sterile chamber 13 at the discharge valve 79. When the discharge valve 79 is closed, the inner sniff line 78a is connected to the outer sniff line 78b and the inner sniff line 78a communicates with the outer sniff line 78b. At this time, the inner sniff line 78a does not communicate with the inside of the sterile chamber 13. Conventionally, as described in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2005-14918, the sniff line is opened to the atmosphere via a rotary joint and a sniff pipe.

Further, the outer sniff line 78b is expandable and contractible at the bellows portion 78c. When the discharge valve 79 is opened, the bellows portion 78c of the outer sniff line 78b contracts, and the outer sniff line 78b separates from the inner sniff line 78a. At this time, the inner sniff line 78a becomes rotatable and communicates with the sterile chamber 13 at the discharge valve 79. On the other hand, when the discharge valve 79 is closed, the rotation of the inner sniff line 78a is stopped, and the inner sniff line 78a and the outer sniff line 78b are positioned in the rotation direction. In this state, the bellows portion 78c of the outer sniff line 78b is extended, and the outer sniff line 78b is connected to the inner sniff line 78a at the discharge valve 79. At this time, the inner sniff line 78a is integrated with the outer sniff line 78b and communicates with the outer sniff line 78b.

In this way, by discharging the carbon dioxide gas from the snift line 78 into the sterile chamber 13 using the discharge valve 79, the carbon dioxide gas in the bottle 30 is discharged into the sterile chamber 13 which is a sterile space without contamination of bacteria. can do. Further, it is not necessary to provide a rotary joint for connecting the rotating sniff line 78 to the outside of the sterile chamber 13. Such rotary joints generally have a complicated mechanism and are expensive. Therefore, by omitting the rotary joint for the sniff line 78, the mechanism of the beverage aseptic filling system 10 can be simplified and the manufacturing cost can be reduced.

By the way, in the beverage aseptic filling system 10, the flow path through which the beverage passes is subjected to CIP (Cleaning in Place) treatment on a regular basis or when the type of beverage is switched, and further, SIP (Sterilizing in Place) treatment. It is preferable to do. In the CIP treatment, a cleaning liquid prepared by adding an alkaline agent such as caustic soda to water is poured into water from the inside of the pipe of the raw material supply route to the filling nozzle 72 of the beverage filling unit 20. This is done by running a cleaning solution containing an acidic chemical. As a result, the residue of the previous beverage adhering to the flow path through which the beverage passes is removed. The SIP treatment is a treatment for sterilizing the inside of the flow path through which the beverage passes before starting the filling operation of the beverage. For example, heated steam or hot water is flowed through the flow path washed with the CIP. Is done by. As a result, the inside of the flow path through which the beverage passes is sterilized and made sterile.

In order to perform the CIP process described above, a CIP cup 82 that receives the cleaning liquid from the filling nozzle 72 is provided in the vicinity of the filling nozzle 72. A CIP line 83 is connected to the CIP cup 82. One end of the CIP line 83 is connected to the CIP cup 82, and the other end is connected to the discharge tank 85 arranged outside the sterile chamber 13. The cleaning liquid from the filling nozzle 72 can be discharged to the discharge tank 85 via the CIP line 83. A CIP line branch 59 is provided in the middle of the CIP line 83, and the cleaning liquid from the CIP line 83 is collectively collected by the CIP line branch 59 and discharged to the discharge tank 85. .. The CIP line branch 59 and the sniff line branch 56 are connected by a second bypass line 57. The second bypass line 57 is provided with a fifth valve 58. Normally, the fifth valve 58 is closed.

In this case, the CIP line 83 has an inner CIP line 83a and an outer CIP line 83b. One end of the inner CIP line 83a is connected to the CIP cup 82, and the other end is connected to the connection valve 84. The entire inner CIP line 83a is located in the sterile chamber 13, and the above-mentioned CIP line branch 59 is located in the middle of the inner CIP line 83a. Further, the inner CIP line 83a is a rotary type that rotates together with the filling nozzle 72.

One end of the outer CIP line 83b is connected to the connection valve 84, and the other end is connected to the discharge tank 85. A part of the outer CIP line 83b is located inside the sterile chamber 13, and the remaining part is located outside the sterile chamber 13. Further, the outer CIP line 83b is a non-rotating type that does not rotate together with the filling nozzle 72.

The connection valve 84 is located between the inner CIP line 83a and the outer CIP line 83b. The inner CIP line 83a and the outer CIP line 83b are detachable at the connection valve 84. Further, the connection valve 84 can be opened and closed, and is normally open. When the connection valve 84 is open, the inner CIP line 83a is physically separated from the outer CIP line 83b, and the inner CIP line 83a communicates with the inside of the sterile chamber 13 at the connection valve 84. When the connection valve 84 is closed, the inner CIP line 83a is connected to the outer CIP line 83b, and the inner CIP line 83a communicates with the discharge tank 85 via the outer CIP line 83b. The configuration of the connection valve 84 may be substantially the same as the configuration of the discharge valve 79 described above. By opening the fifth valve 58, the gas inside the bottle 30 sent from the sniff line 78 may be discharged from the connection valve 84 into the sterile chamber 13.

Further, the outer CIP line 83b is expandable and contractible at the bellows portion 83c. When the connection valve 84 is opened, the bellows portion 83c of the outer CIP line 83b contracts, and the outer CIP line 83b separates from the inner CIP line 83a in the connection valve 84. At this time, the inner CIP line 83a becomes rotatable and communicates with the inside of the sterile chamber 13. On the other hand, when the connection valve 84 is closed, the inner CIP line 83a and the outer CIP line 83b are positioned in the rotational direction. In this state, the bellows portion 83c of the outer CIP line 83b is extended, and the outer CIP line 83b is connected to the inner CIP line 83a at the connection valve 84. At this time, the inner CIP line 83a is integrated with the outer CIP line 83b and communicates with the outer CIP line 83b.

An exhaust line 89 for discharging the gas inside the discharge tank 85 is provided above the discharge tank 85. An exhaust line 89 is connected to a scrubber (not shown) that processes gas. Further, the above-mentioned CIP circulation line 81 is connected to the lower part of the discharge tank 85. The CIP circulation line 81 is a line that sends the cleaning liquid stored in the discharge tank 85 toward the beverage filling tank 75 side and circulates the liquid. The CIP circulation line 81 connects the discharge tank 85 and the middle of the beverage introduction line 65. The CIP circulation line 81 is provided with a cleaning liquid supply unit 94, a pump 91, a sixth valve 92, a heater 93, and a seventh valve 95 in this order from the discharge tank 85 side. A drainage line 96 is connected between the pump 91 and the sixth valve 92, and the drainage line 96 is provided with the eighth valve 97. The drainage line 96 may be provided between the heater 93 and the seventh valve 95, or may be added as appropriate as long as the residual water in each pipe can be quickly removed.

The cover 76 of the sterile chamber 13 is provided with a sterile air supply device 70 that sends a large amount of sterile air into the sterile chamber 13. By introducing sterile air into the sterile chamber 13, the sterile air supply device 70 keeps the inside of the sterile chamber 13 at a positive pressure and prevents outside air from entering the sterile chamber 13. Further, since a large amount of sterile air is sent into the sterile chamber 13 by the sterile air supply device 70, even when carbon dioxide gas is discharged into the sterile chamber 13 from the discharge valve 79 as described above, the inside of the sterile chamber 13 There is no risk of the carbon dioxide concentration rising excessively. The amount of sterile air supplied to satisfy the above object is 5 m ³ / min or more and 100 m ³ / min or less, preferably 10 m ³ / min or more and 50 m ³ / min or less.

The control unit 60 controls the beverage aseptic filling system 10 and performs CIP processing and SIP processing on the flow path through which the beverage and carbon dioxide gas pass. As described above, the beverage sterile filling system 10 can selectively fill both the carbonated beverage and the non-sparkling beverage, that is, the bottle 30 with both the carbonated beverage and the non-sparkling beverage. It is a filling system.

In the present embodiment, when the CIP process is performed, the control unit 60 performs different control depending on whether the beverage filled in the bottle 30 immediately before is a carbonated beverage or a non-carbonated beverage.

Specifically, when the beverage filled in the bottle 30 immediately before the CIP treatment is a carbonated beverage, the control unit 60 applies the carbonated beverage and the carbon dioxide gas to all the channels used for filling the carbonated beverage. On the other hand, CIP processing is performed. Examples of such a flow path include a flow path dedicated to a carbonated beverage used only for filling a carbonated beverage and a channel for both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages used for filling both a carbonated beverage and a non-carbonated beverage.

On the other hand, when the beverage filled in the bottle 30 immediately before the CIP treatment is a non-carbonated beverage, the control unit 60 CIPs only the flow path through which the non-carbonated beverage passes, which is used for filling the non-carbonated beverage. Perform cleaning. Examples of such a flow path include a flow path for both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, which is shared for filling both carbonated beverages and non-carbonated beverages. In this case, CIP cleaning is not performed on the channel dedicated to carbonated beverages.

In the example shown in FIG. 2, the flow paths for both carbonated and non-sparkling beverages include a beverage introduction line 65, a second valve 66, a beverage filling tank 75, a beverage supply line 73, a rotary joint 77, a beverage supply line 73, and a filling nozzle 72. , CIP cup 82, CIP line 83, connection valve 84, CIP line branch 59, discharge tank 85, cleaning liquid supply unit 94, pump 91, 8th valve 97, drain line 96, 6th valve 92, heater 93, CIP Circulation line 81, 7th valve 95 and the like can be mentioned. Even if it is not shown, the flow path of the fluid (beverage, gas, etc.) used for filling both the carbonated beverage and the non-carbonated beverage, which requires CIP cleaning, is carbonated / non-carbonated. Included in the channel for both carbonated beverages.

Further, in the example shown in FIG. 2, as the flow path dedicated to the carbonated beverage, the counter gas valve 67, the counter gas line 74, the counter gas branch portion 53, the snift line 78, the fourth valve 55, the first bypass line 54, and the sniff Examples thereof include a trine branch 56, a fifth valve 58, a discharge valve 79, a carbon dioxide gas discharge line 86, and a third valve 87. Even if it is not shown, the flow path of the fluid (beverage, gas, etc.) used only for filling the carbonated beverage and which requires CIP cleaning corresponds to the flow path dedicated to the carbonated beverage. ..

(Filling nozzle)
Next, the configuration of the filling nozzle 72 of the beverage filling section 20 described above will be described with reference to FIG.

As shown in FIG. 3, the filling nozzle 72 has a main body portion 72a. A beverage supply line 73 and a counter gas line 74 are connected to the main body 72a, respectively. The upper end of the beverage supply line 73 is connected to the beverage filling tank 75, and the lower end of the beverage supply line 73 communicates with the inside of the bottle 30. Then, the beverage supplied from the beverage filling tank 75 passes through the beverage supply line 73 and is injected into the inside of the bottle 30.

The counter gas line 74 is used when the beverage to be filled is a carbonated beverage. As described in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2008-105699, the upper end of the counter gas line 74 is connected to the beverage filling tank 75, and the lower end thereof communicates with the inside of the bottle 30. The gas for counter pressure such as carbon dioxide supplied from the beverage filling tank 75 passes through the counter gas line 74 and is filled inside the bottle 30. A sniff line 78 is connected in the middle of the counter gas line 74, and carbon dioxide gas and the like inside the bottle 30 can be discharged via the sniff line 78.

The beverage supply line 73 and the counter gas line 74 pass through a rotary joint 77 provided on the cover 76. On the other hand, the sniff line 78 is adapted to discharge carbon dioxide gas from the sniff line 78 into the sterile chamber 13 without interposing a rotary joint as described above.

(Aseptic carbonated beverage filling method)
Next, a sterile carbonated beverage filling method using the above-mentioned beverage aseptic filling system 10 (FIG. 1) will be described. In the following, a method for filling a sterile sparkling beverage in a normal state, that is, a method for filling a bottle 30 with an aseptic sparkling beverage to produce a product bottle 35 will be described.

First, a plurality of empty bottles 30 are sequentially supplied to the bottle supply unit 21 from the outside of the beverage aseptic filling system 10. The bottle 30 is sent from the bottle supply unit 21 to the bottle sterilization unit 11 by the transfer wheel 12 (container supply process).

Next, in the bottle sterilization unit 11, a sterilization treatment is performed on the bottle 30 using a hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution which is a sterilizer (sterilization step). At this time, the hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution is a gas or mist that is condensed after once vaporizing the hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution having a concentration of 1% by weight or more, preferably 35% by weight, and the gas or mist is directed toward the bottle 30. Be supplied.

Subsequently, the bottle 30 is sent to the air rinse unit 14 by the transport wheel 12, and the air rinse unit 14 supplies sterile heated air or normal temperature air to activate hydrogen peroxide while activating foreign matter from the bottle 30. , Hydrogen peroxide, etc. are removed. The bottle 30 is then transported by the transport wheel 12 to the sterile water rinse section 15. The sterile water rinse unit 15 is washed with sterile water at 15 ° C. or higher and 85 ° C. or lower (rinse step). Specifically, sterile water of 15 ° C. or higher and 85 ° C. or lower is supplied into the bottle 30 at a flow rate of 5 L / min or higher and 15 L / min or lower. At that time, preferably, the bottle 30 is turned upside down, sterile water is supplied into the bottle 30 from the downward facing mouth portion, and the sterile water flows out from the mouth portion to the outside of the bottle 30. The sterile water is used to wash away hydrogen peroxide adhering to the bottle 30 and remove foreign substances. The step of supplying sterile water into the bottle 30 does not necessarily have to be provided.

Subsequently, the bottle 30 is conveyed to the beverage filling unit 20 by the transfer wheel 12. In the beverage filling portion 20, the bottle 30 is rotated (revolved), and the aseptic carbonated beverage is filled into the bottle 30 from the mouth portion (filling step). In the beverage filling unit 20, the sterilized bottle 30 is filled with the sterile carbonated beverage sent from the beverage filling tank 75 at a filling temperature of 1 ° C. or higher and 40 ° C. or lower, preferably 5 ° C. or higher and 10 ° C. or lower.

During this time, as shown in FIG. 3, in the beverage filling portion 20, the filling nozzle 72 is in close contact with the mouth portion of the bottle 30, and the counter gas line 74 and the bottle 30 communicate with each other. At this time, the sniff line 78 is closed. Next, aseptic carbon dioxide gas for counter pressure is supplied from the beverage filling tank 75 to the inside of the bottle 30 via the counter gas line 74. As a result, the internal pressure of the bottle 30 is higher than the atmospheric pressure, and the internal pressure of the bottle 30 becomes the same as the internal pressure of the beverage filling tank 75.

Next, a sterile carbonated beverage is filled into the bottle 30 from the beverage supply line 73. In this case, the sterile carbonated beverage is injected from the beverage filling tank 75 through the beverage supply line 73 into the inside of the bottle 30.

Subsequently, the supply of the sterile carbonated beverage from the beverage supply line 73 is stopped. Next, the beverage supply line 73 and the counter gas line 74 are closed, the sniff line 78 is opened, and the gas inside the bottle 30 is discharged from the sniff line 78. As a result, the pressure inside the bottle 30 becomes equal to the atmospheric pressure, and the filling of the bottle 30 with the sterile carbonated beverage is completed. At this time, the gas from the bottle 30 passes through the sniff line 78 and then is discharged from the discharge valve 79 into the sterile chamber 13.

Referring to FIG. 1 again, the bottle 30 filled with the sterile carbonated beverage in the beverage filling portion 20 is conveyed to the cap mounting portion 16 by the conveying wheel 12.

On the other hand, the cap 33 is sterilized in advance by the cap sterilizing unit 25 (cap sterilizing step). The cap 33 sterilized by the cap sterilization unit 25 is attached to the mouth of the bottle 30 conveyed from the beverage filling unit 20 in the cap attachment unit 16. As a result, a product bottle 35 having the bottle 30 and the cap 33 is obtained (cap mounting step).

After that, the product bottle 35 is transported from the cap mounting portion 16 to the product bottle carry-out portion 22, and is carried out to the outside of the beverage aseptic filling system 10.

Each step from the sterilization step to the cap mounting step is performed in a sterile atmosphere surrounded by a sterile chamber 13, that is, in a sterile environment. Positive pressure sterile air is supplied into the sterile chamber 13 from the sterile air supply device 70 so that the sterile air always blows out of the sterile chamber 13.

The production (transportation) speed of the bottle 30 in the beverage aseptic filling system 10 is preferably 100 bpm or more and 1500 bpm or less. Here, bpm (bottle per minute) means the transport speed of the bottle 30 per minute.

(Aseptic non-carbonated beverage filling method)
Next, a sterile non-carbonated beverage filling method using the beverage aseptic filling system 10 (FIG. 1) will be described. In the following, a method for filling a sterile non-sparkling beverage in a normal state, that is, a method for filling a bottle 30 with an aseptic non-sparkling beverage to produce a product bottle 35 will be described.

First, as in the case of the aseptic carbonated beverage filling method, the bottle supply section 21 (container supply step), the bottle sterilization section 11 (sterilization step), the air rinse section 14 and the sterile water rinse section 15 (rinse step) are sequentially passed through. The bottle 30 is transported to the beverage filling section 20. In the beverage filling section 20, a sterile non-carbonated beverage is filled into the bottle 30 (filling step).

During this period, as shown in FIG. 3, in the beverage filling portion 20, the sterile non-carbonated beverage is filled from the beverage supply line 73 into the inside of the bottle 30 in a state where the filling nozzle 72 does not adhere to the mouth portion of the bottle 30. The sterile non-carbonated beverage is injected from the beverage filling tank 75 through the beverage supply line 73 into the bottle 30. After that, the supply of the sterile non-carbonated beverage from the beverage supply line 73 is stopped. At this time, the counter gas line 74 and the sniff line 78 are closed by a valve for counter gas 67 and a valve (not shown), respectively.

The bottle 30 filled with the sterile non-carbonated beverage in the beverage filling portion 20 is conveyed to the cap mounting portion 16, and the cap 33 is attached to the mouth of the bottle 30 in the cap mounting portion 16. As a result, a product bottle 35 having the bottle 30 and the cap 33 is obtained (cap mounting step).

After that, the product bottle 35 is transported from the cap mounting portion 16 to the product bottle carry-out portion 22, and is carried out to the outside of the beverage aseptic filling system 10.

(CIP processing method)
Next, in the aseptic filling system 10, the operation when the CIP (Cleaning in Place) treatment is performed, for example, periodically or when switching the type of beverage, will be described.

First, the inside of the beverage supply system piping of the aseptic filling system 10 is CIP-treated. In this case, first, it is determined whether the beverage filled in the bottle 30 immediately before the CIP treatment is a carbonated beverage or a non-carbonated beverage. The control unit 60 selects a flow path for CIP cleaning according to the beverage filled in the bottle 30 immediately before, and CIP cleans the selected flow path.

(CIP treatment method after filling with carbonated beverage)
Specifically, when the beverage filled in the bottle 30 immediately before the CIP treatment is a carbonated beverage, the control unit 60 applies the beverage used for filling the carbonated beverage and all the channels through which the carbon dioxide gas passes. Perform CIP cleaning. In this case, a cleaning solution in which an alkaline agent such as caustic soda is added to water is flowed through all of the flow path dedicated to carbonated beverages and the flow path for both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, and then a cleaning solution in which an acidic agent is added to water is flowed.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, an alkaline cleaning liquid flows in from, for example, the beverage introduction line 65, and the beverage filling tank 75, the beverage supply line 73, the filling nozzle 72, the CIP line 83, the discharge tank 85, and the CIP circulation. It is discharged from the drainage line 96 via the line 81. Further, after the alkaline cleaning liquid is circulated and washed from the beverage filling tank 75, for example, through the counter gas line 74, the sniff line 78, the CIP line 83, the discharge tank 85 and the CIP circulation line 81, and from the drainage line 96 for a predetermined time. Let it leak. Further, the alkaline cleaning liquid is circulated and washed from the beverage filling tank 75 through the carbon dioxide gas discharge line 86, the discharge tank 85 and the CIP circulation line 81 for a predetermined time, and then discharged from the drainage line 96. Similarly, other channels dedicated to carbonated beverages and channels for both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages are also washed with an alkaline cleaning solution. In this way, the alkaline cleaning liquid is flowed through all of the sparkling beverage dedicated channel and the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage combined channel, and the entire carbonated beverage dedicated channel and the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage combined channel are alkaline-cleaned. ..

Subsequently, in the same manner, the acidic cleaning liquid is flowed through all of the carbonated beverage dedicated channel and the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage combined channel, and the entire carbonated beverage dedicated channel and the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage combined channel are passed. Acid wash. After that, sterile water is poured through all of the sparkling beverage dedicated channel and the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage combined channel, and the entire carbonated beverage dedicated channel and the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage combined channel are rinsed. In this way, the residue of the previous beverage adhering to the flow path through which the beverage passes is removed. In addition, in FIGS. 4 and 5, the CIP-cleaned flow path for carbonated beverages and the flow path for both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages are shown by thick lines and shading. The order in which the acidic cleaning solution and the alkaline cleaning solution are used may be appropriately determined in view of the cleaning property. For example, acid cleaning may be performed first, and then alkaline cleaning may be performed.

(CIP treatment method after filling non-carbonated beverage)
On the other hand, when the beverage filled in the bottle 30 immediately before the CIP treatment is a non-carbonated beverage, the control unit 60 performs CIP cleaning only on the flow path through which the beverage used for filling the non-carbonated beverage passes. .. Specifically, a cleaning solution in which an alkaline agent such as caustic soda is added to water is flowed only through a channel for both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, and then a cleaning solution in which an acidic agent is added to water is flowed. On the other hand, the channel dedicated to carbonated beverages is closed in advance with a valve or the like, and CIP cleaning is not performed.

That is, as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, an alkaline cleaning liquid flows in from, for example, the beverage introduction line 65, and the beverage filling tank 75, the beverage supply line 73, the filling nozzle 72, the CIP line 83, the discharge tank 85, and the CIP circulation. It is discharged from the drainage line 96 via the line 81. Similarly, other channels for both carbonated and non-sparkling beverages are also washed with an alkaline cleaning solution. In this way, the alkaline cleaning liquid is allowed to flow only through the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage channel, and only the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage channel is alkaline-cleaned.

Subsequently, in the same manner, the acidic cleaning liquid is flowed only through the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage channel, and only the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage channel is acid-cleaned. After that, water is poured only through the carbonated / non-sparkling beverage channel to rinse the carbonated / non-sparkling beverage channel. In this way, the residue of the previous beverage adhering to the flow path through which the beverage passes is removed. In addition, in FIG. 6 and FIG. 7, the flow path for both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages to be CIP-cleaned is shown by thick lines and shading. While rinsing the flow path for both carbonated and non-sparkling beverages, the valve for counter gas 67 and the valve on the snift line 78 are opened and closed intermittently for about 2 to 10 seconds per minute to open and close the O-ring and valve. It is also possible to clean the parts that may come into contact with the beverage, such as the valve sheet.

(SIP processing method)
Next, in the aseptic filling system 10, SIP (Sterilizing in Place) treatment is performed. This SIP treatment is a treatment for sterilizing the inside of the flow path through which the beverage passes in advance before starting the filling operation of the beverage. For example, heated steam or hot water is flowed through the flow path washed by the above-mentioned CIP washing. It is done by. As a result, the inside of the flow path through which the beverage passes is sterilized and made sterile.

In the present embodiment, the SIP treatment is used for both a sparkling drink and a sparkling / non-sparkling drink regardless of whether the drink filled in the bottle 30 immediately before the CIP treatment is a sparkling drink or a non-sparkling drink. Perform for all channels.

That is, when the beverage filled in the bottle 30 immediately before the CIP treatment is a carbonated beverage, the SIP treatment is performed as it is on both the CIP-treated carbonated beverage dedicated channel and the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage combined channel. On the other hand, when the beverage filled in the bottle 30 immediately before the CIP treatment is a non-sparkling beverage, the flow path dedicated to the carbonated beverage is opened after the CIP treatment, and not only the flow path dedicated to the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage but also the flow dedicated to the carbonated beverage. SIP processing is also performed on the road. As a result, all the channels are sterilized regardless of whether the beverage filled in the bottle 30 immediately before the CIP treatment is a carbonated beverage or a non-carbonated beverage, so that the entire aseptic filling system 10 is ensured. Can be sterilized. In addition, since the SIP treatment has a shorter treatment time than the CIP treatment, even if the SIP treatment is performed on all of the flow paths dedicated to carbonated beverages and the channels for both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, the productivity may be significantly reduced. Absent. In addition, the control unit 60 simultaneously sterilizes and cleans the valve and the like of the liquid contact portion with the flow path for both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages by flowing steam through the flow path dedicated to carbonated beverages. That is, when the SIP treatment is performed with steam, steam of 100 ° C. or higher, preferably 121.1 ° C. or higher is flowed, and the product liquid that has permeated the packing, gasket, and valve seat of the valve with the high-temperature condensed water that is first generated is applied. It can be washed at the same time as sterilization. In particular, when the material of the valve sheet is Teflon-based, the cleaning effect by the SIP treatment is high, and it is not necessary to actively clean the product liquid slightly adhering to the gaps of the valve sheet with CIP.

That is, for example, after the CIP treatment, hot water flows in from the beverage introduction line 65 and is discharged through the beverage filling tank 75, the beverage supply line 73, the filling nozzle 72, the CIP line 83, the discharge tank 85 and the CIP circulation line 81. Outflow from the liquid line 96. This sterilizes the interior of these pathways and then cools them with sterile water or sterile air to perform the SIP treatment.

On the other hand, steam is discharged from the beverage filling tank 75 from the counter gas line 74, the sniff line 78, and the CIP line 83. Further, steam is discharged from the beverage filling tank 75, for example, through the carbon dioxide gas discharge line 86, the discharge tank 85, and the CIP circulation line 81, and from the drainage line 96. As a result, the inside of these paths is sterilized, and then cooling air and sterile water are sequentially passed through these paths to cool the SIP process.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, when the beverage filled in the bottle 30 immediately before the CIP washing is a sparkling beverage, it is applied to both the sparkling beverage dedicated channel and the carbonated / non-sparkled beverage combined channel. Perform CIP cleaning. On the other hand, when the beverage filled in the bottle 30 immediately before the CIP cleaning is a non-sparkling beverage, the CIP cleaning is performed only on the flow path for both the carbonated and non-carbonated beverages.

In general, CIP cleaning divides the flow path in the beverage filling system 10 into a plurality of routes and performs each of them separately. For example, for each of the plurality of routes, the first rinsing step, the alkaline cleaning step, the acid cleaning step, and the second rinsing step are sequentially performed. Therefore, CIP cleaning takes time and may cause a decrease in productivity.

On the other hand, in the present embodiment, especially when the beverage filled in the bottle 30 immediately before the CIP cleaning is a non-sparkling beverage, the CIP cleaning is performed only on the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage channel. As a result, the time for CIP processing can be shortened in the beverage filling system 10 for both carbonated beverages and non-carbonated beverages. As a result, the productivity of the beverage filling system 10 can be improved and the energy used for CIP cleaning can be reduced. Further, when the beverage filled in the bottle 30 immediately before the CIP cleaning is a non-sparkling beverage, the dedicated sparkling beverage channel is not used for filling the non-sparkling beverage, so it is necessary to perform the CIP cleaning of the dedicated sparkling beverage channel. Does not occur.

Further, according to the present embodiment, a discharge valve 79 is provided in the sniff line 78 in the sterile chamber 13, and gas from the sniff line 78 is discharged from the discharge valve 79 into the sterile chamber 13. This eliminates the need to provide a rotary joint for connecting the sniff line 78 between the rotating body (eg filling nozzle 72) and the non-rotating body (eg outside the sterile chamber 13). As a result, since the rotary joints for the sniff line 78 can be omitted, the number of rotary joints in the entire system can be reduced, and the overall configuration of the beverage aseptic filling system 10 can be simplified. In addition, the manufacturing cost of the beverage aseptic filling system 10 can be reduced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the discharge valve 79 is located between the rotary inner sniff line 78a and the non-rotary outer sniff line 78b. As a result, normally, the inner sniff line 78a and the outer sniff line 78b are separated, and the gas from the sniff line 78 can be discharged from the discharge valve 79 into the sterile chamber 13. On the other hand, by stopping the rotation of the inner sniff line 78a, the inner sniff line 78a and the outer sniff line 78b can be connected to close the discharge valve 79, and the sniff line 78 can be communicated with the outside of the sterile chamber 13. ..

Further, according to the present embodiment, the outer sniff line 78b is expandable and contractible. Thereby, in a normal state, the inner sniff line 78a and the outer sniff line 78b can be separated so that the outer sniff line 78b and the rotating inner sniff line 78a do not interfere with each other. Further, when closing the discharge valve 79, the bellows portion 78c of the outer sniff line 78b can be extended, and the outer sniff line 78b can be connected to the inner sniff line 78a at the discharge valve 79.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the carbon dioxide gas supply line 61 and the carbon dioxide gas discharge line 86 are connected to the beverage filling tank 75. Further, the carbon dioxide gas supply line 61 and the carbon dioxide gas discharge line 86 are provided with a first valve 62 and a third valve 87, respectively, and the control unit 60 controls the first valve 62 and the third valve 87, respectively, to fill the beverage. The pressure in the tank 75 is controlled. In particular, the pressure P1 in the beverage filling tank 75 and the pressure P2 in the carbon dioxide gas discharge line 86 are controlled so that the relationship P1> P2 is established. This makes it possible to prevent non-sterile gas from entering the beverage filling tank 75 from the outside of the sterile chamber 13. Therefore, as the discharge tank 85, a non-sterile tank that is not controlled to be aseptic can be used. In this case, since it is not necessary to connect the carbon dioxide gas discharge line 86 to the aseptic tank in the aseptic state, it is not necessary to provide such an aseptic tank in the aseptic beverage aseptic filling system 10, and the manufacturing cost of the aseptic beverage aseptic filling system 10 is reduced. be able to.

Further, it is also possible to perform control only by the first pressure gauge 64 without providing the second pressure gauge 88. Specifically, the opening degree of each of the first valve 62 and the third valve 87 is adjusted from the indicated value of the first pressure gauge 64, and the value of the first pressure gauge 64 is produced during the instrument sterilization (SIP) process. It is controlled only by both valves 62 and 87 so that the pressure is 0.01 MPa or more and 1.0 MPa or less until the end. As a result, it is possible to prevent the non-sterile gas from entering the beverage filling tank 75 from the outside of the sterile chamber 13, and the same effect as described above can be obtained.

In the above, container sterilization of bottles 30, preforms, caps 33, etc. has been described by taking as an example a case where a sterilizing agent composed of hydrogen peroxide is used, but the present invention is not limited to this, and sterilizing agents such as peracetic acid and the like It may be sterilized using an electron beam.

Further, in the above description, as the beverage filling system, the beverage aseptic filling system 10 using the aseptic filling method has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The beverage filling system may be, for example, a beverage filling system that uses a hot filling method for filling beverages at a high temperature of 55 ° C. or higher and 95 ° C. or lower.

It is also possible to appropriately combine a plurality of components disclosed in the above-described embodiments and modifications as necessary. Alternatively, some components may be removed from all the components shown in the above embodiments and modifications.

10 Beverage aseptic filling system 20 Beverage filling unit 30 Bottle 60 Control unit 72 Filling nozzle 73 Beverage supply line 74 Counter gas line 75 Beverage filling tank 77 Rotary joint 78 Snift line 79 Discharge valve

Claims (4)

A beverage filling system for both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages.
A dedicated flow path for carbonated beverages used only for filling the carbonated beverages,
A channel for both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages used for filling both the carbonated beverage and the non-carbonated beverage,
A control unit that controls the beverage filling system is provided.
The control unit
If the beverage filled in the bottle immediately before the CIP cleaning is a sparkling beverage, CIP cleaning is performed on both the sparkling beverage dedicated channel and the carbonated / non-sparkled beverage combined channel.
A beverage filling system in which, when the beverage filled in the bottle immediately before the CIP cleaning is a non-sparkling beverage, the CIP cleaning is performed only on the carbonated / non-sparkling beverage channel. With a filling nozzle for filling the carbonated beverage or the non-carbonated beverage,
A beverage filling tank connected to the filling nozzle via a beverage supply line and a counter gas line,
Further equipped with a sniff line connected to the filling nozzle,
The dedicated channel for carbonated beverages includes the counter gas line and the sniff line.
The beverage filling system according to claim 1, wherein the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage combined flow path includes the filling nozzle and a beverage filling tank. Claim 1 or 2 that the control unit simultaneously sterilizes and cleans the liquid contact portion with the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage channel by flowing steam through the carbonated beverage dedicated channel after CIP cleaning. The beverage filling system described. A CIP processing method for CIP processing a beverage filling system for both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages.
The beverage filling system has a dedicated sparkling beverage channel used only for filling the sparkling beverage, and a sparkling / non-sparkling beverage combined channel used for filling both the sparkling beverage and the non-sparkling beverage.
The CIP processing method is
A step of determining whether the beverage filled in the bottle immediately before is the carbonated beverage or the non-carbonated beverage, and
A step of selecting a flow path for CIP cleaning according to the beverage filled in the bottle immediately before, and
A step of CIP cleaning the selected flow path is provided.
When the beverage filled in the bottle immediately before is a carbonated beverage, CIP cleaning is performed on both the carbonated beverage dedicated channel and the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage combined channel.
A CIP treatment method in which when the beverage filled in the bottle immediately before is a non-carbonated beverage, CIP cleaning is performed only on the carbonated / non-carbonated beverage combined flow path.

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