JP2023129481A - Content filling system and sterilization method - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a content filling system and a sterilization method that are capable of reducing the carbon dioxide emission.SOLUTION: A content filling system 10 comprises: a water sterilization line 50 for subjecting water to non-heat sterilization; a stock solution sterilization line 70 for subjecting a product stock solution to heat sterilization; and a filling device 20 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70, and configured to fill a bottle 100 with water and the product stock solution.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD The present disclosure relates to content filling systems and sterilization methods.

An aseptic filling system (aseptic filling system) is known in which a sterilized container (PET bottle) is filled with sterilized contents in an aseptic environment, and then the container is closed with a cap (for example, see Patent Document 1). ).

Specifically, in an aseptic filling system, a shaped container is supplied to the aseptic filling system, and within the aseptic filling system, the container is sprayed with an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution as a disinfectant. Thereafter, the container is sterilized by drying the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution. The container is then aseptically filled with the contents.

Incidentally, in recent years, there has been a demand for reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emitted for the purpose of reducing environmental load.

Patent No. 4526820

The present disclosure has been made in consideration of these points, and an object of the present disclosure is to provide a content filling system and a sterilization method that can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emissions.

A first aspect of the present disclosure includes a water sterilization line that non-heat sterilizes water, a undiluted solution sterilization line that heat sterilizes a product stock solution, which are respectively connected to the water sterilization line and the stock solution sterilization line, and are connected to the water sterilization line and the stock solution sterilization line. This is a content filling system that includes a filling device that fills a container with a stock solution.

A second aspect of the present disclosure is the content filling system according to the first aspect described above, in which the water sterilization line may sterilize the water with ultraviolet light.

A third aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to the above-described first aspect or the above-described second aspect, in which in the water sterilization line, the water is supplied to one of a low-pressure mercury lamp and a medium-pressure mercury lamp. It may be sterilized by ultraviolet light from at least one side.

A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to the above-described second aspect or the above-described third aspect, wherein the content filling system further includes a control unit that controls the water sterilization line. Alternatively, the control unit may discharge the water to the outside of the water sterilization line when the irradiation amount or illuminance of the ultraviolet rays becomes less than a predetermined value.

（ただし、Ｔは任意の殺菌温度（℃）、１０＾｛（Ｔ－Ｔｒ）／Ｚ｝は任意の殺菌温度Ｔでの致死率、Ｔｒは基準温度（℃）、ＺはＺ値（１０℃）を表す。） A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a water sterilization line that sterilizes water, a undiluted solution sterilization line that heat sterilizes a product stock solution, and is connected to the water sterilization line and the stock solution sterilization line, respectively, and is connected to the water and the product stock solution. and a filling device for filling containers, and when the pH of the contents prepared by diluting the product stock solution with the water is less than 4.5, the water sterilization line has an F ₀ value of 0.00029 or more. When the pH of the contents is 4.5 or more, the water sterilization line is sterilized so that the _F0 value is 3.1 or more and 100 or less. The content filling system sterilizes water, and the F ₀ value is the F value calculated by the following formula.

(However, T is the arbitrary sterilization temperature (℃), 10^{(T-Tr)/Z} is the mortality rate at the arbitrary sterilization temperature T, Tr is the reference temperature (℃), and Z is the Z value (10℃). ).

（ただし、Ｔは任意の殺菌温度（℃）、１０＾｛（Ｔ－Ｔｒ）／Ｚ｝は任意の殺菌温度Ｔでの致死率、Ｔｒは基準温度（℃）、ＺはＺ値（１０℃）を表す。） A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a water sterilization line that sterilizes water, a undiluted solution sterilization line that heat sterilizes a product stock solution, and is connected to the water sterilization line and the stock solution sterilization line, respectively, and is connected to the water and the product stock solution. and a filling device for filling containers, the water sterilization line sterilizes the water so that the F ₀ value is 3.1 or more and 100 or less, and the F ₀ value is calculated by the following formula. It is a content filling system that is F value.

(However, T is the arbitrary sterilization temperature (℃), 10^{(T-Tr)/Z} is the mortality rate at the arbitrary sterilization temperature T, Tr is the reference temperature (℃), and Z is the Z value (10℃). ).

A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the first aspect to the sixth aspect described above, in which the water sterilization line filters the water with a sterile filter. may be sterilized.

An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the first to seventh aspects described above, wherein the content filling system further includes a control unit that controls the water sterilization line. The water sterilization line may include at least a water sterilizer that sterilizes the water, the water sterilizer may include at least a sterile filter, and the control unit may be configured to sterilize the water. The water may be discharged to the outside of the water sterilization line when the pressure difference between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the filter exceeds a predetermined value.

A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the first to eighth aspects described above, wherein the content filling system further includes a control unit that controls the water sterilization line. The control unit may direct the water to the outside of the water sterilization line when at least one of the number of bacteria and particles in the water sampled from the water sterilization line exceeds a predetermined value. It may be discharged.

A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the first aspect to the ninth aspect described above, wherein the product stock solution is diluted with the water by 1.1 times or more and 100 times or less. It's okay to be.

An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the first aspect to the tenth aspect described above, wherein the filling device includes a water filling device connected to the water sterilization line, and a water filling device connected to the water sterilization line; and a stock solution filling device connected to a stock solution sterilization line, the water filling device may fill the container with the sterilized water, and the stock solution filling device may include a stock solution filling device connected to the stock solution sterilization line. The container may be filled with the sterilized product stock solution.

A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is the content filling system according to the eleventh aspect described above, wherein the water filling device may fill the empty container with the water, and the water filling device may fill the empty container with the water. The filling speed at which the container is filled with the water may be faster than the filling speed at which the stock solution filling device fills the container with the product stock solution.

A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the first aspect to the ninth aspect described above, wherein the filling device includes a water filling device connected to the water sterilization line, and a water filling device connected to the water sterilization line; and a stock solution filling device connected to a stock solution sterilization line, and only one of the water filling device and the stock solution filling device is used to fill the container with the water or the product stock solution. It may be filled.

A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the eleventh aspect to the thirteenth aspect described above, wherein the water filling device includes a plurality of water filling nozzles that fill the water. Each of the water filling nozzles may be connected to a snift line for discharging gas inside the container, and the water filling device may discharge gas from the container through the snift line. The water may be filled under pressure in a state where the internal gas can be discharged.

A fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the content filling system according to the fourteenth aspect described above, in which a seal is provided at the tip of the water filling nozzle to suppress leakage of gas inside the container by closely contacting the container. A member may be provided, and the water filling device may fill the water under pressure with the sealing member in close contact with the container.

A sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the content filling system according to the fourteenth aspect or the fifteenth aspect, wherein the stock solution filling device includes a plurality of stock solution filling nozzles that fill the product stock solution. The diameter of the water filling nozzle may be larger than the diameter of the stock solution filling nozzle.

A seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure is the content filling system according to the sixteenth aspect described above, wherein the diameter of the water filling nozzle is 1.2 times or more and 1.5 times or less the diameter of the stock solution filling nozzle. Also good.

An eighteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the eleventh aspect to the seventeenth aspect described above, in which the filling device may include a plurality of the stock solution filling devices.

A nineteenth aspect of the present disclosure is the content filling system according to the eighteenth aspect described above, wherein the content filling system may include a plurality of the undiluted solution sterilization lines, and each of the plurality of undiluted solution filling devices may be respectively connected to the above-mentioned stock solution sterilization lines.

A 20th aspect of the present disclosure is the content filling system according to the 19th aspect described above, in which the filling device includes a first undiluted solution filling device that fills the product undiluted solution that does not contain flavor, and a first undiluted solution filling device that fills the product undiluted solution that does not contain flavor. It may also have a second stock solution filling device for filling.

A twenty-first aspect of the present disclosure is the content filling system according to the twentieth aspect described above, wherein the first stock solution filling device may be housed in a space partitioned by a chamber wall, and the chamber wall includes: A gap may be formed through which the container passes, and a first wheel including a first gripper that is openable and closable and that conveys the container may be disposed outside the space. A second wheel including a second gripper that is openable and closable and that transports the container may be disposed inside, and when the container is filled with the product stock solution by the first stock solution filling device, the first wheel The second gripper may receive the container from the first gripper, and when the product concentrate is not filled into the container by the first concentrate filling device, the second gripper is configured so as not to interfere with the first gripper. , it is also possible to take the open position.

A twenty-second aspect of the present disclosure is that in the content filling system according to the twenty-first aspect described above, the chamber wall may be provided with a shutter that opens and closes the gap, and the first stock solution filling device When the container is not filled with the stock solution, the gap may be closed by the shutter, and the second gripper may be in an open position so as not to interfere with the shutter that closes the gap.

A twenty-third aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the first aspect to the tenth aspect described above, wherein between the water sterilization line and the stock solution sterilization line and the filling device, A mixing tank for mixing the water and the product stock solution may be interposed.

A twenty-fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the first aspect to the tenth aspect described above, wherein the filling device includes a plurality of filling nozzles for filling the water and the product stock solution. The water sterilization line and the stock solution sterilization line may be connected to each of the filling nozzles.

A twenty-fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the first aspect to the twenty-fourth aspect, wherein the water sterilization line includes a first water tank that stores the water, and a first water tank that stores the water; It may include a water sterilizer that sterilizes the water stored in a water tank, and a second water tank that stores the water sterilized by the water sterilizer, and the undiluted solution sterilization line a first stock solution tank for storing a stock solution; a product stock solution sterilizer for heating and sterilizing the product stock solution stored in the first stock solution tank; and a second stock solution for storing the product stock solution sterilized by the product stock solution sterilizer. It may also have a tank.

A twenty-sixth aspect of the present disclosure is the content filling system according to the twenty-fifth aspect described above, in which the water sterilization line may include a plurality of the water sterilizers.

A twenty-seventh aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to the above-described twenty-fifth aspect or the above-described twenty-sixth aspect, wherein the content filling system is attached to the container filled with the water and the product stock solution. The water sterilizer may further include a cap sterilizer for sterilizing the cap, and a bypass line may be provided downstream of the second water tank to connect the water sterilizer line and the cap sterilizer to each other.

A twenty-eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the twenty-fifth aspect to the twenty-seventh aspect described above, in which a solid substance is added to the product concentrate on the downstream side of the second concentrate tank. The addition units to be added may be connected.

A twenty-ninth aspect of the present disclosure is that a content filling system according to each of the first aspect to the twenty-eighth aspect described above includes a preform sterilizer that sterilizes a preform, and a container that is molded from the preform. The container forming apparatus may further include a container forming apparatus for sterilizing the container, and a container sterilizing apparatus for sterilizing the container, and the container forming apparatus may form the container without adjusting the temperature of the container using hot water.

A 30th aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the above-mentioned first aspect to the above-mentioned 29th aspect, wherein the water sterilization line includes a non-sterile zone under a non-sterile atmosphere and a non-sterile zone under a non-sterile atmosphere. The non-sterile zone, the first gray zone, and the second gray zone may be divided into a first gray zone and a second gray zone that are separated from the sterile atmosphere and a sterile zone under the sterile atmosphere. and the sterile zone may be provided in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water transport direction, and bacteria in the water may be sterilized in the first gray zone, In the second gray zone, a state in which bacteria are not present in the water may be maintained.

A thirty-first aspect of the present disclosure is a sterilization method for sterilizing a content filling system according to each of the first aspect to the thirtieth aspect, wherein the water sterilization line includes at least a water sterilizer; The water sterilizer includes at least one sterile filter and at least one sterilizer, and the sterilization method includes the steps of: performing a first integrity test on at least one of the sterile filters; A sterilization method comprising the steps of sterilizing filters and performing a second integrity test on at least one of the sterile filters.

A 32nd aspect of the present disclosure is the sterilization method according to the 31st aspect described above, wherein the sterilization method may further include a step of sterilizing the sterilizer.

A 33rd aspect of the present disclosure is the sterilization method according to the above-mentioned 31st aspect or the above-mentioned 32nd aspect, in which the step of sterilizing the sterilizer includes the step of supplying hot water to the water sterilizer; In a circulation system including a sterilizer, the method may include a step of circulating the hot water and a step of cooling the circulation system.

A 34th aspect of the present disclosure is a sterilization method according to each of the 31st aspect to the 33rd aspect, wherein the step of sterilizing the sterilizer includes the step of supplying a chemical to the water sterilizer; The method may include a step of circulating the drug in a circulatory system including the sterilizer, and a step of rinsing the circulatory system.

A thirty-fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a sterilization method according to each of the thirty-first aspect to the thirty-fourth aspect, wherein the step of sterilizing the sterile filter is a step of sterilizing the sterilizer. It may be done in between.

According to the present disclosure, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system can be reduced.

FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a content filling system according to one embodiment. FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating a water disinfection line according to one embodiment. FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. FIG. 2D is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. FIG. 2E1 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. FIG. 2E2 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. FIG. 2E3 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. FIG. 2F is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. FIG. 2G is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water disinfection line according to one embodiment. FIG. 2H is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. FIG. 2I is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water disinfection line according to one embodiment. FIG. 2J is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. FIG. 2K is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water disinfection line according to one embodiment. FIG. 2L is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. FIG. 2M is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. FIG. 2N is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a first sterilizer of the water sterilizer according to one embodiment. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along the line IV-IV in FIG. 3) showing a first sterilizer of the water sterilizer according to one embodiment. FIG. 5A is a plan view showing another example of the first sterilizer of the water sterilizer according to one embodiment. FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along the line VB-VB in FIG. 5A) showing another example of the first sterilizer of the water sterilizer according to one embodiment. FIG. 6A is a front view showing another example of the first sterilizer of the water sterilizer according to one embodiment. FIG. 6B is a sectional view (a sectional view taken along the line VIB-VIB in FIG. 6A) showing another example of the first sterilizer of the water sterilizer according to one embodiment. FIG. 6C is a sectional view (an enlarged view of the VIC section in FIG. 6B) showing another example of the first sterilizer of the water sterilizer according to one embodiment. FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram illustrating a concentrate sterilization line according to one embodiment. FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a content filling method using a content filling system according to an embodiment. FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a method for sterilizing a chamber, which is a method for sterilizing a content filling system according to one embodiment. FIG. 10A is a flowchart illustrating a method for sterilizing a water sterilizer, which is a method for sterilizing a content filling system according to one embodiment. FIG. 10B1 is a flowchart illustrating a method for sterilizing a water sterilizer, which is a method for sterilizing a content filling system according to one embodiment. FIG. 10B2 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a method for sterilizing a water sterilizer, which is a method for sterilizing a content filling system according to an embodiment. FIG. 10C is a flowchart illustrating still another example of a method for sterilizing a water sterilizer, which is a method for sterilizing a content filling system according to an embodiment. FIG. 10D is a flowchart showing still another example of a method for sterilizing a water sterilizer, which is a method for sterilizing a content filling system according to an embodiment. FIG. 10E is a flowchart illustrating still another example of a method for sterilizing a water sterilizer, which is a method for sterilizing a content filling system according to an embodiment. FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing a second modification of the content filling system according to one embodiment. FIG. 12A is a schematic plan view showing a fourth modification of the content filling system according to one embodiment. FIG. 12B is a schematic plan view showing an enlarged second sterile chamber and an outlet chamber of a fourth variation of the content filling system according to an embodiment. FIG. 12C is a schematic plan view showing a content filling method using a fourth modification of the content filling system according to an embodiment. FIG. 12D is a schematic plan view showing a content filling method using a fourth modification of the content filling system according to an embodiment. FIG. 12E is a schematic plan view showing another example (first example) of the fourth modification of the content filling system according to one embodiment. FIG. 12F is a schematic plan view showing another example (second example) of the fourth modification of the content filling system according to the embodiment. FIG. 12G is a schematic plan view showing another example (third example) of the fourth modification of the content filling system according to one embodiment. FIG. 12H is a schematic plan view showing another example (fourth example) of the fourth modification of the content filling system according to one embodiment. FIG. 12I is a schematic plan view showing another example (fifth example) of the fourth modification of the content filling system according to one embodiment. FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing a fifth modification of the content filling system according to one embodiment. FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view showing another example of the fifth modification of the content filling system according to the embodiment. FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a filling nozzle of a filling device in another example of the fifth modification of the content filling system according to an embodiment. FIG. 16A is a schematic plan view showing a sixth modification of the content filling system according to one embodiment. FIG. 16B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a water filling nozzle of a water filling device in a sixth modification of the content filling system according to an embodiment. FIG. 16C is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a stock solution filling nozzle of a stock solution filling device in a sixth modification of the content filling system according to an embodiment. FIG. 17A is a schematic diagram showing a water sterilization line in a seventh modification of the content filling system according to one embodiment. FIG. 17B is a schematic diagram showing a water sterilization line in another example of the seventh modification of the content filling system according to one embodiment. FIG. 17C is a schematic diagram showing a water sterilization line in an eighth modification of the content filling system according to an embodiment. FIG. 18A is a schematic diagram showing a stock solution sterilization line in a tenth modification of the content filling system according to one embodiment. FIG. 18B is a schematic plan view showing a twelfth modification of the content filling system according to one embodiment. FIG. 18C is a schematic perspective view showing another example of the twelfth modification of the content filling system according to one embodiment. FIG. 18D1 is a schematic plan view showing a sixteenth modification of the content filling system according to one embodiment. FIG. 18D2 is a schematic plan view showing another example of the sixteenth modification of the content filling system according to one embodiment. FIG. 18E is a schematic diagram showing a water sterilization line in a seventeenth variation of the content filling system according to one embodiment. FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a first modification of a method for sterilizing a content filling system according to an embodiment. FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing another example of the first modification of the method for sterilizing the content filling system according to the embodiment. FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a second modification of the method for sterilizing a content filling system according to an embodiment.

Embodiments of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. 1 to 10E are diagrams showing one embodiment.

(Contents filling system)
First, a content filling system (aseptic filling system) according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

A content filling system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for filling a bottle (container) 100 with content such as a beverage. The contents can be made by diluting the product stock solution with water. In this case, the product stock solution may be diluted with water from 1.1 times to 100 times, preferably from 2 times to 10 times. Further, the product stock solution may be diluted with water 10 times or more and 80 times or less, 20 times or more and 70 times or less, or 30 times or more and 50 times or less. The bottle 100 can be manufactured by biaxially stretching blow molding a preform 100a manufactured by injection molding a synthetic resin material. Note that the bottle 100 may be manufactured by direct blow molding. As the material for the bottle 100, 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 glass, a can, paper, a pouch, a cup, or a composite container thereof. In this embodiment, a case where a synthetic resin bottle is used as the container will be described as an example.

As shown in FIG. 1, the content filling system 10 includes a water sterilization line 50 that sterilizes water, a sterilization line 70 that sterilizes a product stock solution, and a filling system connected to the water sterilization line 50 and the stock sterilization line 70, respectively. A device (filler) 20 is provided. The content filling system 10 also includes a control section 90 that controls the filling device 20. Furthermore, the contents filling system 10 includes a bottle forming section 30, a sterilizing device (container sterilizing device) 11, an air rinsing device 14, the above-mentioned filling device 20, and a capping device (capper, seaming and capping machine). 16 and a product bottle delivery section 25. These bottle forming section 30, sterilizing device 11, air rinsing device 14, filling device 20, cap mounting device 16, and product bottle unloading section 25 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance direction of the bottle 100. It is set up. Further, a plurality of conveyance wheels 12 are provided between the air rinse device 14, the filling device 20, the cap attachment device 16, etc., for conveying the bottle 100 between these devices. Here, first, the bottle forming section 30, sterilizing device 11, air rinsing device 14, filling device 20, cap attaching device 16, and product bottle unloading section 25 will be explained.

The bottle molding section 30 is configured to receive a preform 100a from the outside and mold the bottle 100. The bottle molding unit 30 is configured to transport the molded bottle 100 toward the sterilizer 11. Thereby, in the content filling system 10, the steps from supplying the preform 100a, molding the bottle 100, filling the bottle 100 with the content, and closing the bottle can be performed continuously. In this case, a preform 100a with a small volume, rather than a bottle 100 with a large volume, is transported from the outside to the filling system 10. Therefore, transportation costs can be reduced.

The bottle molding unit 30 includes a preform transport unit 31 that transports the preform 100a, and a blow molding unit (container molding device) 32 that molds the bottle 100 from the preform 100a by performing blow molding on the preform 100a. and a bottle transport section 33 that transports the shaped bottle 100.

Of these, the preform transport section 31 includes a receiving section 34, a heating section 35, and a delivery section 36. Of these, the receiving section 34 is configured to receive the preform 100a supplied from the preform supply device 1 via the preform supply conveyor 2. This receiving section 34 is provided with a preform sterilizer 34a for sterilizing the preform 100a, and a preform air rinsing device 34b for air rinsing the preform 100a. In the illustrated example, the receiving section 34 is provided with one preform sterilizer 34a and one preform air rinse device 34b. Note that the number of preform sterilizers 34a and preform air rinse devices 34b is not limited to this.

In the receiving section 34, the preform sterilizer 34a sprays gas or mist of hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution onto the preform 100a to sterilize the preform 100a (preliminary sterilization).

The sterilizing agent for sterilizing the preform 100a may have the property of inactivating microorganisms, such as hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, acetic acid, pernitric acid, nitric acid, chlorine-based agents, and water. Alcohols such as sodium oxide, potassium hydroxide, ethyl alcohol, and isopropyl alcohol, chlorine dioxide, ozone water, acidic water, and surfactants may be used alone, or two or more of these may be used in combination. .

In this way, by sterilizing the preform 100a in advance (preliminary sterilization) using the preform sterilizer 34a, it is possible to reduce the number of bacteria that adhere to the bottle 100 produced from the preform 100a. Therefore, the amount of hydrogen peroxide used in the sterilizer 11 that sterilizes the bottle 100 can be reduced, and the sterilization time can be shortened. Here, in general, the amount of sterilizer used to sterilize the small-volume preform 100a may be smaller than the amount of sterilizer used to sterilize the bottle 100. Therefore, by pre-sterilizing the preform 100a, the total amount of disinfectant used can be reduced.

Further, since the amount of hydrogen peroxide used in the sterilizer 11 can be reduced and the sterilization time can be shortened, the sterilizer 11 can be made smaller. Furthermore, since the sterilization time for sterilizing the bottle 100 can be shortened, the heat load on the bottle 100 can be reduced. Therefore, even if the bottle 100 is lightweight or uses recycled PET, deformation of the bottle 100 due to the heat of the disinfectant can be suppressed.

Furthermore, since the number of bacteria adhering to the bottle 100 can be reduced by pre-sterilizing the preform 100a, the sterilization conditions may be weakened in the sterilizer 11. Generally, in order to improve the sterilization effect in the sterilizer 11, the body of the bottle 100 is heated by supplying hot water from a mold temperature controller (not shown) to the mold in the blow molding section 32. Heat set. Thereby, the sterilization effect in the sterilizer 11 can be improved, and the shrinkage of the bottle 100 in the sterilizer 11 can be reduced. However, in the present embodiment, as described above, by pre-sterilizing the preform 100a, the number of bacteria adhering to the bottle 100 can be reduced. Therefore, the blow molding section (container molding device) 32 may mold the bottle 100 without adjusting the temperature of the bottle 100 with hot water. That is, in the blow molding section 32, the hot water that has been supplied to the mold in order to improve the sterilization effect does not need to be supplied to the mold. As a result, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Further, since it is not necessary to supply hot water to the mold of the blow molding section 32, the blow molding section 32 can be simplified. Furthermore, since the blow molding section 32 can be simplified, the amount of heat applied to the bottle 100 can be reduced. Therefore, even if the hot water described above is not supplied to the mold, shrinkage of the bottle 100 in the sterilizer 11 can be reduced.

Note that such sterilization treatment may be performed not only at the receiving section 34 but also at the heating section 35 or the delivery section 36. Furthermore, the sterilization process may be performed after the bottle 100 is formed, between the bottle transport section 33 and the filling device 20. Furthermore, the sterilization treatment may be performed at multiple locations. In addition, in the sterilization treatment, bacteria may be inactivated by ultraviolet irradiation, electron beam irradiation, or the like, without using a sterilizing agent.

Referring to FIG. 1, the above-mentioned preform air rinsing device 34b is provided downstream of the preform sterilizing device 34a. The preform 100a sprayed with the disinfectant is dried with hot air in the preform air rinse device 34b. At this time, it is preferable that hot air is supplied to the preform 100a with the mouth of the preform 100a facing downward. Thereby, foreign matter can be effectively removed from within the preform 100a. Therefore, the step of washing the preform 100a with sterile water can be omitted, and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Note that the receiving section 34 may not be provided with the preform air rinse device 34b. Further, in the receiving section 34, a foreign matter removing device (not shown) for removing foreign matter adhering to the preform 100a may be provided upstream of the preform sterilizing device 34a.

The heating unit 35 is configured to receive the preform 100a from the receiving unit 34 and heat the preform 100a while conveying it. This heating section 35 is provided with a heater 35a that heats the preform 100a. This heater 35a may be, for example, an infrared heater. The preform 100a is heated, for example, to about 90° C. or more and 130° C. or less by the heater 35a. Note that the temperature at the mouth of the preform 100a is suppressed to 70° C. or lower to prevent deformation and the like.

The delivery section 36 is configured to receive the preform 100a heated by the heating section 35 and deliver it to the blow molding section 32.

The blow molding section 32 includes a mold (not shown). The bottle 100 is molded by performing blow molding on the preform 100a using this mold. The shaped bottle 100 is then transported downstream by the bottle transport section 33.

Here, between the bottle forming section 30 and the sterilizer 11, there is provided an adjustment transport section 5 that receives the bottle 100 from the bottle transport section 33 and delivers the bottle 100 to the sterilizer 11. At least a portion of this adjustment conveyance section 5 is housed inside an atmosphere isolation chamber 70c (described later) provided upstream of a disinfectant spray chamber 70d (described later). In the illustrated example, the adjustment conveyance section 5 is arranged so as to straddle a forming section chamber 70b (described later) that accommodates the bottle forming section 30 and an atmosphere blocking chamber 70c. As described above, at least a portion of the adjustment conveyance section 5 is housed inside the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c, so that the sterilant gas or mist or the mixture thereof generated in the sterilizer spray chamber 70d can be It is possible to suppress the liquid from flowing into the internal chamber 70b.

In the illustrated example, a single conveyance wheel 12 is provided between the adjustment conveyance section 5 and the bottle conveyance section 33 of the bottle forming section 30 . That is, between the blow molding section 32 of the bottle molding section 30 and the sterilizer 11, the bottle conveyance section 33 of the bottle molding section 30, the single conveyance wheel 12, and the adjustment conveyance section 5 are provided. Thereby, the content filling system 10 can be made more compact compared to a case where a plurality of conveyance wheels 12 are provided between the adjustment conveyance section 5 and the bottle conveyance section 33 of the bottle forming section 30. Although not shown, only the adjustment conveyance section 5 may be provided between the blow molding section 32 of the bottle molding section 30 and the sterilizer 11. In this case, the content filling system 10 can be made even more compact.

The sterilizer 11 is a device that sterilizes the bottle 100 by injecting a sterilizer into the bottle 100. Thereby, the bottle 100 is sterilized by the sterilizing agent before filling with the contents. As the disinfectant, for example, an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is used. In the sterilizer 11 , a gas or mist of an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is generated, and the gas or mist is sprayed onto the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100 . Since the bottle 100 is thus sterilized with the gas or mist of the hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution, the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100 are sterilized evenly.

The air rinse device 14 is a device that removes foreign matter, hydrogen peroxide, etc. from inside the bottle 100 while activating hydrogen peroxide by supplying sterile heated air or room temperature air to the bottle 100. At this time, it is preferable that sterile air be supplied to the bottle 100 with the mouth of the bottle 100 facing downward. Thereby, foreign matter can be effectively removed from inside the bottle 100. Therefore, the step of washing the bottle 100 with sterile water can be omitted, and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Note that, if necessary, a condensed mist of low concentration hydrogen peroxide may be mixed with sterilized air at room temperature to gasify hydrogen peroxide, and the gasified hydrogen peroxide may be supplied to the bottle 100.

The filling device 20 is a device that fills the bottle 100 with water and product stock solution. That is, the filling device 20 fills water and product stock solution that have been sterilized in advance into the bottle 100 from the mouth of the bottle 100 . Thereby, in the filling device 20, the empty bottle 100 is filled with the contents prepared by diluting the product stock solution. In this filling device 20, contents are filled into the inside of the bottles 100 while the plurality of bottles 100 are being rotated and conveyed.

The filling device 20 may include a water filling device 21 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and a stock solution filling device 22 connected to the stock solution sterilization line 70. The water filling device 21 and the stock solution filling device 22 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance direction of the bottle 100. The water filling device 21 is arranged inside a first sterile chamber 70f, which will be described later. The stock solution filling device 22 is arranged inside a second sterile chamber 70h, which will be described later. The water filling device 21 and the stock solution filling device 22 may each be a so-called rotary filler.

The water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with sterilized water. In this case, the water filling device 21 fills the empty bottle 100 with sterilized water. On the other hand, the stock solution filling device 22 fills a bottle filled with water with a sterilized product stock solution. As described above, since the filling device 20 includes the water filling device 21 and the stock solution filling device 22, the product stock solution or the content can be filled more easily than when filling the product with a single filling device. The size of the touching filling device (namely, the stock solution filling device 22) can be reduced. Therefore, as will be described later, the area in which the filling device 20 is cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed.

The filling speed at which the water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with water may be faster than the filling speed at which the stock solution filling device 22 fills the bottle 100 with the product stock solution. That is, by filling the empty bottle 100 with water, the water filling device 21 can increase the water filling speed. Here, when the contents are vigorously filled into the bottle 100, a part of the contents may scatter to the outside from the mouth of the bottle 100 due to, for example, bubbling inside the bottle 100. There is a possibility that the contents scattered to the outside may cause dirt to adhere to the area around the bottle 100. On the other hand, when filling an empty bottle 100 with water, even if the water scatters to the outside from the mouth of the bottle 100, dirt will not adhere to the area around the bottle 100. Therefore, the water filling speed can be increased. As a result, the number of water filling nozzles (for example, see FIG. 16B described later) of the water filling device 21 can be reduced. Therefore, the size of the water filling device 21 can be reduced.

In the water filling device 21, the water filling rate may be 100 mL/sec or more and 500 mL/sec or less, and preferably 200 mL/sec or more and 400 mL/sec or less. By setting the water filling speed to 100 mL/sec or more, the number of water filling nozzles in the water filling device 21 can be further reduced. Therefore, the size of the water filling device 21 can be made smaller. Further, by setting the water filling speed to 500 mL/sec or less, when filling the bottle 100 with water, it is possible to suppress water from scattering to the outside from the mouth of the bottle 100. Therefore, it is possible to suppress variations in the volume of the contents and the dilution ratio of the product stock solution between the product bottles 101. In addition, in the stock solution filling device 22, the filling speed of the product stock solution may be 30 mL/sec or more and 200 mL/sec or less.

The cap attachment device 16 is a device that closes the bottle 100 by attaching the cap 88 to the bottle 100. In the cap attachment device 16, the bottle 100 filled with water and product stock solution (contents) is closed with a cap 88, and the bottle 100 is sealed to prevent outside air and microorganisms from entering. In the cap attachment device 16, the caps 88 are attached to the mouths of the plurality of bottles 100 filled with contents while being rotated (revolving). By attaching the cap 88 to the bottle 100 in this manner, a product bottle 101 is obtained.

The cap 88 is sterilized in advance by the cap sterilizer 18. The cap sterilizer 18 is disposed, for example, outside the second sterile chamber 70h (described later) and in the vicinity of the cap attachment device 16. In the cap sterilizing device 18 , a large number of caps 88 brought in from the outside of the content filling system 10 are collected in advance and conveyed in a line toward the cap mounting device 16 . While the cap 88 is on its way to the cap mounting device 16, hydrogen peroxide gas or mist is blown toward the inner and outer surfaces of the cap 88, and then dried with hot air and sterilized.

The product bottle unloading section 25 continuously unloads the product bottles 101 to which the caps 88 have been attached by the cap attaching device 16 to the outside of the content filling system 10 .

The content filling system 10 includes a preform sterilization chamber 70a, a molding part chamber 70b, an atmosphere isolation chamber 70c, a sterilizer spray chamber 70d, an air rinse chamber (fourth sterile chamber) 70e, and a first sterile chamber 70e. It has a chamber 70f, an intermediate area chamber (third sterile chamber) 70g, a second sterile chamber 70h, and an outlet chamber 70i. Among these, an intermediate area chamber (third sterile chamber) 70g that connects the first sterile chamber 70f and the second sterile chamber 70h to each other is provided between the first sterile chamber 70f and the second sterile chamber 70h. . Further, an air rinse chamber (fourth sterile chamber) 70e is provided upstream of the first sterile chamber 70f. That is, the preform sterilization chamber 70a, the molding part chamber 70b, the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c, the sterilizer spray chamber 70d, the air rinse chamber 70e, the first sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, the second sterile chamber 70h, and the outlet chamber 70i. are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance direction of the preform 100a and the bottle 100.

Each of the chambers 70a to 70i is separated by a partition wall. The partition wall serves to prevent the sterilizer and the like from flowing in unintended directions between the chambers 70a to 70i, and to stabilize the pressure within each chamber 70a to 70i. Note that a gap is formed in the partition wall, which is large enough to allow the preform 100a or the bottle 100 to pass through. This gap is formed to a minimum size, for example, approximately the size of one preform 100a or bottle 100, so that the pressure within each chamber 70a to 70i does not change. Furthermore, the partition wall may be provided with a shutter that closes the above-mentioned gap. This shutter may be configured to automatically open and close, for example, in response to a signal from the control unit 90.

Among the chambers 70a to 70i, the preform sterilization chamber 70a accommodates a preform sterilization device 34a and the like.

The blow molding section 32 of the bottle molding section 30 and the like are housed inside the molding section chamber 70b.

At least a portion of the adjustment transport section 5 is housed inside the atmosphere blocking chamber 70c. Further, a camera may be provided inside the atmosphere blocking chamber 70c. Then, by using a camera, it may be inspected whether the bottle 100 has any problems in molding. Furthermore, a thermometer may be provided inside the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c. The temperature of the bottle 100 before sterilization may be measured by this thermometer. Here, the temperature of the bottle 100 is one of the important factors that influences the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100. That is, by keeping the temperature of the bottle 100 at an appropriate temperature, the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100 can be improved. Therefore, by measuring the temperature of the bottle 100 before sterilization with a thermometer, the temperature of the bottle 100 during sterilization can be maintained at an appropriate temperature, and the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100 can be improved.

A sterilizer 11 is housed inside the sterilizer spray chamber 70d. Furthermore, the air rinse device 14 is housed inside the air rinse chamber 70e.

The water filling device 21 of the filling device 20 is housed inside the first sterile chamber 70f. Further, the stock solution filling device 22 and the cap mounting device 16 of the filling device 20 described above are housed inside the second sterile chamber 70h. Further, a product bottle delivery section 25 is housed inside the outlet chamber 70i. Note that only the transport wheel 12 may be accommodated inside the intermediate area chamber 70g.

Inside the preform sterilization chamber 70a, the sterilizer spray chamber 70d, the air rinse chamber 70e, the first sterilization chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, the second sterilization chamber 70h, and the outlet chamber 70i, the pressure inside each chamber is maintained. A pressure gauge (not shown) is attached to measure the pressure. Note that a pressure gauge may be attached to the molding section chamber 70b and/or the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c to measure the pressure inside each chamber.

Here, as described above, the content filling system 10 includes the control section 90 that controls the filling device 20. This control unit 90 is electrically connected to the filling device 20 and controls the water filling device 21 and the stock solution filling device 22 of the filling device 20. Further, the control unit 90 is electrically connected to the water sterilization line 50, the stock solution sterilization line 70, the bottle molding unit 30, the sterilization device 11, the air rinse device 14, the cap mounting device 16, the product bottle delivery unit 25, and the cap sterilization device 18. Alternatively, the control unit 90 may control the water sterilization line 50 and the like.

This control unit 90 may clean and sterilize the inside of each chamber, and may also clean and sterilize a water sterilizer 60 and the like to be described later in the water sterilization line 50. In this embodiment, the control unit 90 cleans the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h (hereinafter, cleaning inside each chamber is also referred to as COP) while maintaining the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state. The control unit 90 also cleans the stock solution filling device 22 (hereinafter, cleaning inside the filling device 20 such as the stock solution filling device 22 using CIP (Cleaning in Place) while maintaining the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state. ). That is, when cleaning the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h and the stock solution filling device 22, the control unit 90 brings the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f into a sterile state without cleaning (COP) the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f. maintain the condition. Furthermore, when cleaning the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h and the stock solution filling device 22, the control unit 90 maintains the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state without cleaning (CIP) the water filling device 21. maintain the condition.

As described above, the first sterile chamber 70f houses the water filling device 21 that fills it with sterilized water. The area around the water filling device 21 and the water flow path within the water filling device 21 are free from dirt due to the contents. Therefore, when changing the type of contents, even if the first sterile chamber 70f is not cleaned (COP) or sterilized (hereinafter, sterilization inside each chamber is also referred to as SOP), the first sterile chamber 70f Hygiene within the chamber 70f can be maintained. At this time, even if the water filling device 21 housed in the first sterile chamber 70f is not cleaned (CIP) or sterilized (SIP (Sterilization in Place)), the hygiene of the water filling device 21 is maintained. In addition, it is possible to prevent the previous contents from mixing with the next contents. In this way, if the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f is not cleaned when cleaning the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h, the number of times the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f is cleaned can be reduced, and in the content filling system 10, the cleaning The area to be used can be narrowed down. Therefore, the amount of water, steam, electricity, and cleaning agent used can be reduced. Furthermore, since the area to be cleaned can be narrowed, cleaning time can be shortened. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

Further, the control unit 90 sterilizes the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h (SOP) while maintaining the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state. Further, the control unit 90 sterilizes (SIP) the stock solution filling device 22 while maintaining the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state. That is, when sterilizing the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h and the stock solution filling device 22, the control unit 90 brings the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f into a sterile state without sterilizing the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f (SOP). maintain the condition. Furthermore, when sterilizing the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h and the stock solution filling device 22, the control unit 90 maintains the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state without sterilizing (SIP) the water filling device 21. maintain the condition. This allows the area to be sterilized to be narrowed. Therefore, the amount of steam used can be reduced. Moreover, sterilization time can be shortened. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

It is preferable that the pressure within the first sterile chamber 70f described above is higher than the pressure within the second sterile chamber 70h. Thereby, the air in the second sterile chamber 70h can be prevented from entering the first sterile chamber 70f. Therefore, the sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f can be maintained well.

When cleaning and sterilizing the second sterile chamber 70h, the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f is preferably 40 Pa or more and 100 Pa or less, and the pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h is 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. is preferred. Further, when cleaning and sterilizing the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f is preferably 40 Pa or more and 100 Pa or less, and the pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h is 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. is preferred. Thereby, the air in the second sterile chamber 70h can be effectively prevented from entering the first sterile chamber 70f, and the sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f can be maintained even better. Note that when producing the product bottle 101, the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f is preferably 30 Pa or more and 60 Pa or less, and the pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. preferable.

Further, the pressure in the intermediate area chamber (third sterile chamber) 70g is preferably lower than the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f and higher than the pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h. Since the pressure within the intermediate area chamber 70g is lower than the pressure within the first sterile chamber 70f, it is possible to suppress the air within the intermediate area chamber 70g from entering the first sterile chamber 70f. Moreover, since the pressure in the intermediate area chamber 70g is higher than the pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h, it is possible to suppress the air in the second sterile chamber 70h from entering the intermediate area chamber 70g. Therefore, the air in the second sterile chamber 70h can be prevented from entering the first sterile chamber 70f via the intermediate area chamber 70g. As a result, the sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f can be maintained well.

When cleaning and sterilizing the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h, the pressure inside the intermediate area chamber 70g is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. Further, when cleaning and sterilizing the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure inside the intermediate area chamber 70g is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. Thereby, the air in the second sterile chamber 70h can be prevented from entering the intermediate area chamber 70g, and the sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f can be maintained even better. Note that when producing the product bottle 101, the pressure in the intermediate area chamber 70g is preferably 20 Pa or more and 50 Pa or less.

Moreover, it is preferable that the pressure in the air rinse chamber (fourth sterile chamber) 70e is equal to or lower than the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f. Thereby, the air in the air rinse chamber 70e can be prevented from entering the first sterile chamber 70f. Therefore, the sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f can be maintained well.

When cleaning and sterilizing the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h, the pressure inside the air rinse chamber 70e is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. Further, when cleaning and sterilizing the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure inside the air rinse chamber 70e is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. Thereby, the air in the air rinse chamber 70e can be prevented from entering the first sterile chamber 70f, and the sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f can be maintained even better. Note that when producing the product bottle 101, the pressure in the air rinse chamber 70e is preferably 10 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less.

Further, it is preferable that the pressure in the disinfectant spray chamber 70d is equal to or lower than the pressure in the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c. Thereby, the air in the disinfectant spray chamber 70d can be prevented from entering the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c and the forming part chamber 70b. Here, by being able to suppress the air in the sterilizing agent spray chamber 70d from entering into the molding part chamber 70b, it is possible to suppress the increase in humidity in the molding part chamber 70b. As described above, the blow molding section 32 of the bottle molding section 30 is housed inside the molding section chamber 70b. Therefore, by suppressing the increase in humidity within the molding section chamber 70b, corrosion of the machine that constitutes the blow molding section 32 can be suppressed.

When cleaning and sterilizing the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h, the pressure inside the sterilizing agent spraying chamber 70d is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. Further, when cleaning and sterilizing the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure inside the disinfectant spray chamber 70d is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. Thereby, the air in the disinfectant spray chamber 70d can be prevented from entering the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c and the molding part chamber 70b, and the increase in humidity in the molding part chamber 70b can be suppressed. Note that when producing the product bottle 101, the pressure inside the disinfectant spray chamber 70d is preferably -10 Pa or more and 10 Pa or less.

When cleaning and sterilizing the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h, the pressure inside the outlet chamber 70i is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. Further, when cleaning and sterilizing the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure inside the outlet chamber 70i is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. Thereby, the air in the outlet chamber 70i can be prevented from entering the first sterile chamber 70f via the second sterile chamber 70h, etc., and the sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f can be maintained even better. Note that when producing the product bottle 101, the pressure in the outlet chamber 70i is preferably 10 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less.

To summarize the above, the pressures in the disinfectant spray chamber 70d to the outlet chamber 70i may be set as shown in Table 1 below.

At this time, the pressures in the preform sterilization chamber 70a to the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c may be set as shown in Table 2 below.

Such a filling system 10 may comprise, for example, an aseptic filling system. In this case, the interiors of the disinfectant spray chamber 70d, the air rinse chamber 70e, the first sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, the second sterile chamber 70h, and the outlet chamber 70i are maintained in a sterile state. Note that a chamber (not shown) that connects a sterile zone in a sterile state and a non-sterile zone in a non-sterile state may be provided downstream of the exit chamber 70i.

Next, the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70 of the contents filling system 10 will be explained. Here, first, the water sterilization line 50 will be explained.

Water sterilization line The water sterilization line 50 is a sterilization line that sterilizes water without heating. This water sterilization line 50 may sterilize water using ultraviolet light. In this case, in the water sterilization line 50, the water may be sterilized by ultraviolet light from at least one of a low-pressure mercury lamp and a medium-pressure mercury lamp. Further, the water sterilization line 50 may sterilize water by filtering the water using a sterile filter (such as a first sterile filter 63 described below). In addition, in this specification, "non-heat sterilization" refers to sterilizing water without using thermal energy such as an electric heater or steam.

As shown in FIG. 2A, the water sterilization line 50 includes at least a water sterilizer 60 that sterilizes water. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, the water sterilization line 50 includes a first water tank 51, a water sterilizer 60, and a second water tank 52. Further, the water sterilization line 50 is provided upstream of the first water tank 51, and is connected to a pure water production device 50a that produces water (pure water) and water (pure water) supplied from the pure water production device 50a. It may further include a pure water tank 50c for storage. The pure water production device 50a, the pure water tank 50c, the first water tank 51, the water sterilizer 60, and the second water tank 52 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. ing.

Among these, the pure water tank 50c is a tank that stores water (pure water) supplied from the pure water production device 50a, which is a water supply source. Here, it is mandatory to use water for food manufacturing as stipulated by the Food Sanitation Act as raw water for soft drinks. The water for food production is pure water (RO water, ion exchange water, distilled water, etc.) produced by a pure water production apparatus 50a equipped with activated carbon, a reverse osmosis membrane, an ion exchange resin (including EDI), or the like. Pure water is water from which impurities such as calcium, magnesium, chlorine, iron, or minerals have been removed. In this case, the evaporation residue of pure water is 20 mg/L or less. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity of pure water is 0.1 μS/cm or more and 20 μS/cm or less. As described later, in this embodiment, water is sterilized by ultraviolet light. Therefore, by setting the electrical conductivity of the water to be sterilized to 20 μS/cm or less, it is possible to prevent inorganic substances (oxides such as calcium) from adhering to the surfaces of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., which will be described later. Therefore, a decrease in ultraviolet transmittance can be prevented. Further, the water supplied from the pure water production device 50a is not limited to pure water, and may be ultrapure water.

The pure water tank 50c plays a role of smoothing the flow of water by storing water. The volume of the pure water tank 50c may be 50 m ³ or more and 100 m ³ or less, and may be 50 m ³ as an example.

Further, it is desirable that the number of bacteria in the pure water tank 50c is 0.001 CFU/mL or more and 20 CFU/mL or less. The pure water supplied to the pure water tank 50c is produced by removing chlorine in tap water using activated carbon or the like. As a result, bacteria are likely to grow in the pure water supplied to the pure water tank 50c. For this reason, it is preferable to install a UV lamp in the pure water tank 50c to suppress the growth of bacteria. Note that when the number of bacteria in the pure water tank 50c becomes more than 20 CFU/mL, it is preferable to sterilize the pure water tank 50c with chlorine, hot water, steam, or the like. The number of bacteria in the pure water tank 50c may be constantly monitored and controlled to be within the above range. This makes it possible to produce water that maintains sterility without the need for additional equipment. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the water sterilizer 60 can be reduced without making the water sterilizer 60 expensive.

A pre-stage sterilizer 62A and a first water tank 51 are provided downstream of the pure water tank 50c.

Here, when the bacteria number concentration supplied from the pure water production device 50a is high (for example, 1 CFU/ml or more), and the foreign matter removal filter 61 described below has a pore size of the sterilization filter (0.1 μm or more and 10 μm or less). If so, the foreign matter removal filter 61 may become contaminated with bacteria in a short period of time. If a large amount of bacteria is captured by the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the bacteria proliferate, the quality of the water may be affected. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 2A, it is preferable that a pre-stage sterilizer 62A is installed upstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61. This makes it possible to produce high-quality sterile water for a long period of time. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, two front-stage sterilizers 62A are provided upstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61. Specifically, the first stage sterilizer 62A is provided on the upstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61, and one on the upstream side and one on the downstream side of the first water tank 51. Note that the number of first-stage sterilizers 62A may be one, or may be provided only on one of the upstream side and downstream side of the first water tank 51. In this case, the cost of sterilizing water can be reduced. Note that the configuration of the first sterilizer 62A may be substantially the same as the first sterilizer 62 shown in FIGS. 3 to 6B, which will be described later.

The first water tank 51 is a so-called balance tank, and plays the role of smoothing the flow of water by storing water. The volume of the first water tank 51 may be 30 m ³ or more and 100 m ³ or less, and may be 50 m ³ as an example.

A pump P1 for transporting water and a flow meter F for measuring the flow rate of water may be provided downstream of the first water tank 51. The pump P1 and the flow meter F may be provided in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water transport direction. Note that the installation location of the flow meter F may be changed as appropriate as long as it is downstream of the pump P1 and upstream of the valve V1, which will be described later. Further, on the downstream side of the flowmeter F, the water sterilizer 60 described above is provided.

The water sterilizer 60 is a sterilizer that sterilizes the water stored in the first water tank 51. Details of the water sterilizer 60 will be described later.

The second water tank 52 is a tank (so-called aseptic tank) that stores water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60. This second water tank 52 serves to smooth the flow of water by storing sterilized water. The volume of the second water tank 52 may be 5 m ³ or more and 50 m ³ or less, and may be 10 m ³ as an example.

Furthermore, an auxiliary filter 53 that filters sterilized water and a third water tank 54 that stores water that has passed through the auxiliary filter 53 may be provided downstream of the second water tank 52. In this case, the third water tank 54 may be a so-called filling machine tank, and may be installed vertically above the water filling device 21 in order to improve the filling accuracy of the water filling device 21. The third water tank 54 may serve as a so-called cushion tank that ensures smooth flow of water even when the amount of water used on the downstream side of the third water tank 54 changes. The volume of the third water tank 54 may be 0.1 m ³ or more and 1 m ³ or less, and may be 0.3 m ³ as an example.

Furthermore, a first bypass line (bypass line) 55 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A, etc.) that connects the water sterilization line 50 and the cap sterilizer 18 to each other may be provided downstream of the second water tank 52. good. Thereby, the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 can be used to clean the cap 88. Here, the cap 88 may be sterilized with a disinfectant and then washed with sterile water. As a result, the cap 88 is cooled and foreign matter attached to the cap 88 is removed. Further, by washing the cap 88 with sterile water, the sterile water adhering to the cap 88 can reduce friction between the cap 88 and a conveyance chute (not shown) that conveys the cap 88 . Therefore, when the cap 88 is transported, it is possible to prevent the cap 88 from being scraped by the transport chute.

As described above, by providing the first bypass line 55 downstream of the second water tank 52, water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 can be used to clean the cap 88. Therefore, compared to cleaning the cap 88 with sterile water produced using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be further reduced. . Note that by appropriately setting the sterilization conditions, conveyance speed, and/or material of the cap 88, the cap 88 can be conveyed without being scraped. Thus, if the cap 88 is not scraped, the cap 88 may not be cleaned with sterile water.

Further, a second bypass line 56 may be provided downstream of the second water tank 52 to connect the water sterilization line 50 and the second sterile chamber 70h to each other. When cleaning the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h, the control unit 90 may supply water sterilized in the water sterilization line 50 to the second sterile chamber 70h via the second bypass line 56. Further, when cleaning the stock solution filling device 22, the control unit 90 may supply water sterilized in the water sterilization line 50 to the second sterile chamber 70h via the second bypass line 56. As a result, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 is reduced compared to the case where the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h is cleaned with sterile water produced using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water. can be further reduced.

Moreover, in the second sterile chamber 70h, the product stock solution is filled into the bottle 100 by the stock solution filling device 22. Here, after filling the bottle 100 with the product stock solution (contents), the mouth of the bottle 100 may be washed. When cleaning the mouth of the bottle 100 in this manner, water supplied to the second sterile chamber 70h via the second bypass line 56 may be used. This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 compared to cleaning the mouth of the bottle 100 with sterile water produced using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water. It can be further reduced. Note that if the product stock solution (contents) does not adhere to the mouth of the bottle 100, the mouth of the bottle 100 does not need to be washed. Further, even if the product stock solution adheres to the mouth of the bottle 100, the mouth of the bottle 100 does not need to be washed if there is no possibility that bacteria will grow.

Note that the second bypass line 56 may connect the water sterilization line 50 and each chamber 70a to 70i to each other. When cleaning the inside of each chamber 70a to 70i, water sterilized in the water sterilization line 50 may be supplied to each chamber 70a to 70i via the second bypass line 56. Further, when cleaning the machines disposed in each of the chambers 70a to 70i, water sterilized in the water sterilization line 50 may be supplied to each of the chambers 70a to 70i via the second bypass line 56.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2A, a circulation line (first circulation line) 59 may be connected to the upstream side of the second water tank 52 of the water sterilization line 50. One end of this circulation line 59 may be connected to the water sterilization line 50 via a valve V1 provided in the water sterilization line 50. The other end of the circulation line 59 may be connected to the first water tank 51 of the water sterilization line 50. Thereby, water is circulated by a foreign matter removal filter 61, a first sterilizer 62, a first sterile filter 63, a second sterilizer 64, a second sterilizer 65, a circulation line 59, and a first water tank 51, which will be described later. A system (first circulation system) 59A may be configured. Further, the circulation line 59 may be provided with a thermometer T. Further, the circulation line 59 may be provided with a concentration meter 59c for measuring the concentration of the disinfectant or cleaning agent when the water sterilizer 60 is sterilized. Further, the circulation line 59 may be provided with a temperature raising device (such as a heat exchanger or a heater) for warming the disinfectant and the like when cleaning and/or sterilizing the circulation line 59. The temperature raising device may be used to adjust the water supplied to the first sterile filter 63 and the like to a constant temperature (for example, 25° C.) during the integrity test described below. In this case, water adjusted to a constant temperature may be used to wet a membrane such as the first sterile filter 63 described below. This makes it possible to obtain data unaffected by water temperature throughout the year in integrity tests. The temperature raising device may be installed anywhere other than the circulation line 59 as long as it is between the first water tank 51 and the valve V1. The number of temperature raising devices installed may be one, or two or more. Note that the valve V1 may be electrically connected to the control section 90 or may be controlled by the control section 90.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2B, a circulation line (second circulation line) 95 may be connected between the first water tank 51 of the water sterilization line 50 and the water sterilizer 60. One end of this circulation line 95 may be connected to a sampling line SL connected to a sampling point SP5, which will be described later. The other end of the circulation line 95 may be connected, for example, between the pump P1 provided on the downstream side of the first water tank 51 and the first stage sterilizer 62A. Further, the other end of the circulation line 95 may be connected, for example, to the upstream side of the pump P1 (for example, between the first water tank 51 and the pump P1). As a result, a circulation system (a third 2 circulation system) 95A may be configured. Further, the circulation line 95 may be provided with a disinfectant supply unit 96 including a tank, a pump, a heater, a concentration meter, etc. (not shown). Further, the circulation line 95 may be provided with a heat exchanger 97. Furthermore, the circulation line 95 may be provided with a pump (not shown). The circulation system 95A including such a circulation line 95 may be used to circulate a disinfectant or a cleaning agent when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60, as will be described later.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2C, one end of the circulation line 95 may be connected, for example, between the second sterilizer 64 and the first sterile filter 63. Thereby, the circulation system (second circulation system) 95A may be configured by the first stage sterilizer 62A, a third bypass line 95a described later, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, and the circulation line 95. .

<Water sterilizer>
Next, the water sterilizer 60 will be explained. This water sterilizer 60 is a sterilizer that sterilizes water used in the content filling system 10. In this embodiment, water sterilizer 60 sterilizes water without heating. As described above, the water sterilizer 60 sterilizes the water (pure water) stored in the first water tank 51. Therefore, the water sterilizer 60 sterilizes water whose electrical conductivity is 0.1 μS/cm or more and 20 μS/cm or less.

As shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the water sterilizer 60 includes at least one sterile filter (a first sterile filter 63 and a second sterile filter 65). Further, the water sterilizer 60 includes at least one sterilizer (a first sterilizer 62 and a second sterilizer 64). Since the water sterilizer 60 includes at least one sterile filter and at least one sterilizer, even if one of the sterile filter and sterilizer stops, the other one of the sterile filter and sterilizer , can guarantee the sterility of water.

In the example shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the water sterilizer 60 includes a foreign matter removal filter 61, a first sterilizer 62, a first sterile filter 63, a second sterilizer 64, and a second sterilizer 65. It is equipped with The foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterile filter 63, the second sterilizer 64, and the second sterile filter 65 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. has been done. In this way, by disposing the sterilizer (in this case, the second sterilizer 64) downstream of the sterile filter (in this case, the first sterile filter 63), when bacteria pass through the sterile filter, However, the bacteria can be sterilized using a sterilizer. At this time, as shown in FIG. 2C, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 are placed on the upstream side along the water transport direction. They may be arranged in this order toward the downstream side. As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2C, since the water sterilizer 60 includes a plurality of sterile filters (a first sterile filter 63 and a second sterile filter 65), the case where one of the sterile filters stops; Also, the sterility of the water can be guaranteed by the other sterile filter. Furthermore, since the water sterilizer 60 includes a plurality of sterilizers (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64), even if one sterilizer stops, the other sterilizer can Can guarantee sterility of water.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2D, the water sterilizer 60 may include a foreign matter removal filter 61, a first sterilizer 62, a first sterile filter 63, and a second sterile filter 65. The foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 may be arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water transport direction. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterilizer 64 provided between the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2E1, the water sterilizer 60 may include a first sterilizer 62, a first sterile filter 63, and a second sterile filter 65. The first sterilizer 62, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 may be arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water transport direction. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterilizer 64 provided between the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2E2, the first sterile filter 63, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterile filter 65, and the second sterilizer 64 are arranged from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. They may be arranged in this order. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2E3, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterile filter 63, the second sterile filter 65, and the second sterilizer 64 are arranged from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. They may be arranged in this order.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2F, the water sterilizer 60 may include a first sterilizer 62 and a first sterile filter 63. The first sterilizer 62 and the first sterile filter 63 may be arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water transport direction. Moreover, as shown in FIG. 2G, the first sterile filter 63 and the first sterilizer 62 may be arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water transport direction. In these cases, the water sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterilizer 64 provided between the first sterile filter 63 and a valve V1 to be described later.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2H, the water sterilizer 60 may include a first sterilizer 62, a second sterilizer 64, and a first sterile filter 63. The first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, and the first sterile filter 63 may be arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water transport direction. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterile filter 65 provided downstream of the first sterile filter 63.

Further, as shown in FIG. 2I, the water sterilizer 60 may include a first sterile filter 63, a second sterile filter 65, and a first sterilizer 62. The first sterile filter 63, the second sterile filter 65, and the first sterilizer 62 may be arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water transport direction. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterilizer 64 provided downstream of the first sterilizer 62.

Moreover, the water sterilizer 60 does not need to be equipped with a sterile filter. That is, depending on the sterile quality level of the contents prepared by diluting the product stock solution with water and/or the growth characteristics of bacteria in the contents, the water sterilizer 60 may not need to be equipped with a sterile filter. . Further, when sterilized water is used for cleaning (COP) and/or sterilization (SOP) inside each chamber, the water does not come into direct contact with the contents. Even in such a case, the water sterilizer 60 may not be equipped with a sterile filter. In these cases, for example, as shown in FIG. 2J, the water sterilizer 60 may include only the first sterilizer 62. Further, as shown in FIG. 2K, the water sterilizer 60 may include a first sterilizer 62 and a second sterilizer 64. In this way, when the water sterilizer 60 is not equipped with a sterile filter, the manufacturing cost of the water sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

Furthermore, the water sterilizer 60 does not need to be equipped with a sterilizer. In other words, depending on the sterile quality level of the contents prepared by diluting the product stock solution with water and/or the growth characteristics of bacteria in the contents, the water sterilizer 60 may not be equipped with a sterilizer. . In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 2L, the water sterilizer 60 may include only the first sterile filter 63. Further, as shown in FIG. 2M, the water sterilizer 60 may include a first sterile filter 63 and a second sterile filter 65. In this way, even when the water sterilizer 60 is not equipped with a sterilizer, the manufacturing cost of the water sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

Next, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterile filter 63, the second sterilizer 64, and the second sterile filter 65 will be explained. In the following description, the water sterilizer 60 shown in FIG. 2A will be mainly taken as an example, and the foreign matter removal filter 61, first sterilizer 62, first sterile filter 63, second sterilizer 64, and second sterilizer 65 will be explained. explain. Here, first, the foreign matter removal filter 61 will be explained.

The foreign matter removal filter 61 is a filter that removes foreign matter from water. In the illustrated example, the water sterilizer 60 includes a single foreign matter removal filter 61. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the water sterilizer 60 may include a plurality of foreign matter removal filters 61. The opening (filtration accuracy) of the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be, for example, 0.20 μm or more and 10 μm or less, or 0.45 μm or more and 10 μm or less. Further, the opening of the foreign matter removal filter 61 is preferably large enough to remove fungi (mold, yeast, etc.). As will be described later, in the first sterilizer 62 and the like provided on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61, ultraviolet rays are irradiated onto the water. Therefore, the opening of the foreign matter removal filter 61 is preferably large enough to remove molds that are resistant to ultraviolet rays, and is preferably 0.45 μm or more and 1.2 μm or less. Note that in order to improve the sterility of the water that has passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61, the opening of the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be 0.2 μm or more and 1.2 μm or less. This allows almost all bacteria remaining in the water to be collected. Furthermore, in order to improve the sterility of the water that has passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61, a sterile grade filter with an opening of 0.1 μm or more and 0.22 μm or less may be used as the foreign matter removal filter 61.

The first sterilizer 62 is provided downstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61. Further, the first sterilizer 62 is provided upstream of the first sterile filter 63. The first sterilizer 62 is a sterilizer that sterilizes water with ultraviolet light. Thereby, bacteria (bacteria other than mold and yeast) that have passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61 can be sterilized. Furthermore, since the first sterilizer 62 sterilizes water with ultraviolet light, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system can be reduced compared to the case where water is sterilized by heating the water. In particular, as mentioned above, when preparing the contents, the product stock solution can be diluted with water from 1.1 times to 100 times, preferably from 2 times to 10 times. When the product stock solution is diluted with water to 2 times or more and 10 times or less, 50% or more and 90% or less of the content is water. Therefore, by sterilizing water without heating it, it is possible to significantly reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted when preparing the contents.

As described above, in this embodiment, the first sterilizer 62 sterilizes water with ultraviolet light. In this case, as shown in FIGS. 3 and 4, the first sterilizer 62 may include a main body 66 and an ultraviolet irradiator 67 provided within the main body 66.

Among these, the main body portion 66 is formed in a hollow shape. Further, the shape of the main body portion 66 is a truncated cone shape. Specifically, the main body portion 66 has a truncated conical inner surface, and is oriented such that the end on the small diameter side is located above the end on the large diameter side. An introduction part 68 for introducing water into the main body part 66 is formed at the lower part of the main body part 66, and a discharge part 69 for discharging sterilized water from the main body part 66 is formed at the upper part of the main body part 66. It's okay. An introduction pipe 68a may be connected to the introduction part 68 formed in the main body part 66, and the introduction pipe 68a may be provided so as to extend in the tangential direction of the inner surface of the main body part 66 in plan view. good. In this case, the tangential direction of the inner surface refers to the tangent at the part where the introduced water collides with the inner surface of the main body 66 among the tangents of the circle formed by the inner surface of the main body 66 in the horizontal section including the introduction section 68. It is the direction.

The water introduced into the main body part 66 through the introduction part 68 is guided along the inner surface of the main body part 66 and thereby swirls in the circumferential direction. The water then moves upward while swirling and is discharged from the discharge section 69. Thereby, it is possible to suppress uneven flow of water introduced into the interior of the main body portion 66. Therefore, it is possible to prevent part of the water introduced into the main body portion 66 from being discharged from the discharge portion 69 in a short period of time (so-called short path).

As shown in FIG. 4, a baffle plate 66a may be provided within the main body 66 to regulate the flow of water. This baffle plate 66a may protrude in the radial direction from the inner surface of the main body portion 66 so as to spirally circulate. By providing such a baffle plate 66a inside the main body part 66, water introduced into the main body part 66 through the introduction part 68 can be suppressed from moving upward without turning in the circumferential direction. . Therefore, so-called short passes can be more reliably prevented. Although not shown, the baffle plate 66a does not have to spiral in the main body 66. In this case, for example, a plurality of baffle plates 66a each having an annular shape in plan view may be provided in the main body 66, and are configured so that water passes through a central opening. Also good.

Further, a fixing member 66b for fixing a first ultraviolet lamp 67a and a second ultraviolet lamp 67b of the ultraviolet irradiation section 67, which will be described later, may be provided in the main body 66. The shape of the fixing member 66b may be, for example, a cross shape in plan view. Thereby, upward movement of water can be prevented from being obstructed by the fixing member 66b. Alternatively, the shape of the fixing member 66b may be, for example, a disk shape or a circular shape in a plan view. In this case, the fixing member 66b may be formed with a through hole (not shown), and may be configured to allow water to pass through the through hole.

Furthermore, an illuminance meter (intensity meter) 66c that measures the illuminance of the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation section 67 may be installed in the main body part 66. It is desirable that at least one illuminance meter 66c be installed near the ultraviolet irradiation section 67. Note that an output meter may be installed to measure the output of a first ultraviolet lamp 67a and a second ultraviolet lamp 67b, which will be described later, of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67. Further, the time during which water passes through the interior of the main body portion 66 (retention time) may be constantly monitored by the flowmeter F described above. Furthermore, the temperature, transmittance (turbidity), and/or chromaticity of water passing through the main body portion 66 may be constantly or appropriately measured to confirm that there is no abnormality in the amount of ultraviolet irradiation.

Next, the ultraviolet irradiation section 67 will be explained. The ultraviolet irradiation section 67 may include a first ultraviolet lamp 67a provided at the radial center of the main body 66, and a plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b provided around the first ultraviolet lamp 67a. In the illustrated example, four second ultraviolet lamps 67b are provided around one first ultraviolet lamp 67a.

Each second ultraviolet lamp 67b is arranged along the inner surface of the main body part 66. That is, each second ultraviolet lamp 67b is provided so as to be inclined radially inward as it goes upward. In this case, the second ultraviolet lamps 67b are preferably arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. Thereby, it is possible to suppress variations in the cumulative irradiation amount (mJ/cm ² ) of ultraviolet rays. The first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may each be an ultraviolet lamp that emits ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 200 nm or more and 450 nm or less.

The first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may be a low pressure mercury lamp, a medium pressure mercury lamp, or a UV-LED, respectively. In this case, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are preferably low-pressure mercury lamps or medium-pressure mercury lamps, respectively.

Furthermore, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may have different wavelengths and/or outputs of the ultraviolet rays they emit. That is, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may be different ultraviolet lamps. As an example, if the first ultraviolet lamp 67a is a low-pressure mercury lamp, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may be a medium-pressure mercury lamp (or UV-LED). Furthermore, the plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b may have different wavelengths and/or outputs of the ultraviolet rays they emit. That is, the plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b may be different ultraviolet lamps. For example, when one second ultraviolet lamp 67b is a low-pressure mercury lamp, the other second ultraviolet lamp 67b may be a medium-pressure mercury lamp (or UV-LED). As will be described later, a low-pressure mercury lamp can efficiently irradiate ultraviolet rays with a wavelength (253.7 nm) that has a high sterilizing effect. Furthermore, as will be described later, a medium-pressure mercury lamp is a high-output mercury lamp compared to a low-pressure mercury lamp. Therefore, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are different ultraviolet lamps, the sterilization effect in the first sterilizer 62 can be improved, and the first sterilizer 62 can sterilize a large amount of water. . Further, as described above, even when the plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b are different ultraviolet lamps, the sterilization effect in the first sterilizer 62 can be improved, and a large amount of water can be removed by the first sterilizer 62. Can be sterilized.

A low-pressure mercury lamp is a mercury lamp in which the mercury vapor pressure during lighting is less than 10 Pa. This low-pressure mercury lamp can efficiently irradiate ultraviolet rays with a wavelength (253.7 nm) that has a high sterilization effect. Therefore, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are each low-pressure mercury lamps, the sterilization effect in the first sterilizer 62 (and second sterilizer 64) can be improved. The low-pressure mercury lamp may be an amalgam lamp (low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) in which amalgam, which is an alloy of mercury and other metals, is sealed in an arc tube.

A medium-pressure mercury lamp is a mercury lamp in which the mercury vapor pressure during lighting is 40 kPa or more. The wavelength of ultraviolet rays emitted by a medium pressure mercury lamp has a main wavelength of 365 nm, and also has peaks at 254 nm, 302 nm, 313 nm, 405 nm, 436 nm, etc. Generally, medium-pressure mercury lamps are high-power mercury lamps compared to low-pressure mercury lamps. Therefore, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are each medium-pressure mercury lamps, the first sterilizer 62 (and the second sterilizer 64) can sterilize a large amount of water. Further, since the medium pressure mercury lamp is a high output mercury lamp, if the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are each medium pressure mercury lamp, the first sterilizer 62 (and the second sterilizer 64 ) can be made smaller.

Further, the ultraviolet irradiation section 67 of the first sterilizer 62 may be composed only of a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp), and the ultraviolet ray irradiation section 67 of the second sterilizer 64 may be composed of a medium-pressure mercury lamp. It may be composed only of. In this way, when the water sterilization line 50 has a plurality of sterilizers (for example, the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64), a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-power amalgam lamp) and a medium-pressure mercury lamp It is preferable to use it together with a lamp. Low-pressure mercury lamps (including low-pressure high-output amalgam lamps) and medium-pressure mercury lamps have different sterilization wavelengths. Therefore, by using a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) and a medium-pressure mercury lamp in combination, a high sterilization effect can be obtained.

Furthermore, medium-pressure mercury lamps have higher heat resistance than low-pressure mercury lamps, so they can be lit at high temperatures. Therefore, as will be described later, when sterilizing the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 by circulating hot water or a sterilizer in the circulation system 95A (see FIGS. 2B and 2C), the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 are The first sterilizer 62 and the like can be sterilized with the ultraviolet lamp 67a and the like turned on. When installing in series a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) and an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates ultraviolet light with a wavelength different from that of the low-pressure mercury lamp, the low-pressure mercury lamp is connected to a pure water tank 50c that does not undergo sterilization and a It may also be used in the front sterilizer 62A between the water tank 51 and the water tank 51.

Here, the bactericidal effect of ultraviolet rays changes depending on the cumulative irradiation amount (mJ/cm ² ) of ultraviolet rays. That is, the greater the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays, the more effective the bacteria sterilization effect of ultraviolet rays becomes. This cumulative irradiation amount is determined by the product of illuminance (mW/cm ² ) and irradiation time (s). Therefore, in order to enhance the effect of sterilizing bacteria with ultraviolet rays, it is necessary to shorten the distance between the light sources (first ultraviolet lamp 67a and second ultraviolet lamp 67b) and water, and to lengthen the irradiation time of ultraviolet rays. Desired. In particular, the illuminance is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the light source emitting ultraviolet light. For example, when the distance from the light source doubles, the illuminance becomes 1/4, and when the distance from the light source triples, the illuminance becomes 1/9. Therefore, by allowing water to pass near the light source, the bacteria sterilization effect of ultraviolet rays can be enhanced.

As described above, in this embodiment, the introduction part 68 for introducing water into the main body part 66 is formed at the lower part of the main body part 66, and the sterilized water is introduced into the main body part 66 at the upper part of the main body part 66. A discharge portion 69 is formed to discharge the water from the tank. Thereby, a short pass can be prevented and the time that water stays inside the main body part 66 can be extended. Therefore, the irradiation time of ultraviolet rays to water can be lengthened, and the cumulative amount of irradiation of ultraviolet rays can be increased. Moreover, by introducing water from the lower part of the main body part 66, even if the water is introduced into the main body part 66 in the initial stage of operation of the first sterilizer 62, that is, the water is introduced into the main body part 66 in an empty state, the water is Sufficient residence time can be secured inside the container. Therefore, the irradiation time of ultraviolet rays to water can be increased.

Further, the shape of the main body portion 66 is a truncated cone shape. Thereby, the distance between the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b and the water can be shortened in the upper part of the main body part 66. Therefore, the bactericidal effect of ultraviolet rays can be enhanced. Further, the ultraviolet irradiation section 67 includes a first ultraviolet lamp 67a provided at the radial center of the main body 66, and a plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b provided around the first ultraviolet lamp 67a. Thereby, the water that moves upward while turning in the circumferential direction can be uniformly irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Therefore, it is possible to suppress variations in the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays.

Here, the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays to water is preferably 10 mJ/cm ² or more and 10000 mJ/cm ² or less, and more preferably 100 mJ/cm ² or more and 1000 mJ/cm ^{2 or} less. That is, when passing through the main body portion 66, the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays to water is preferably 10 mJ/cm ² or more and 10,000 mJ/cm ² or less, and preferably 100 mJ/cm ² or more and 1,000 mJ/cm ² or less. More preferred. In this case, the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays to water is preferably 10 mJ/cm ² or more and 10000 mJ/cm ² or less, more preferably 100 mJ/cm ² or more and 1000 mJ/cm ² or less at a wavelength of 254 nm. Since the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays is 10 mJ/cm ² or more, aquatic bacteria (Gram-negative species such as Pseudomonas or Methylobacterium that can grow in water in an oligotrophic environment) that may pass through the second sterile filter 65 Bacteria) can be effectively sterilized. Furthermore, bacterial spores can also be sterilized by setting the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays to 100 mJ/cm ² or more. Moreover, since the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays is 10,000 mJ/cm ² or less, electricity consumption can be reduced, and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Here, the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays may be 250 nm or more and 260 nm or less, and may be 253.7 nm (254 nm) as an example. When the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays is 250 nm or more and 260 nm or less, especially 253.7 nm, the effect of sterilizing bacteria by the ultraviolet rays can be enhanced. Here, in this specification, "aquatic bacteria" means bacteria that can pass through a sterile filter with an opening of 0.2 μm.

It is preferable that such a first sterilizer 62 is capable of sterilization (SIP). Thereby, the first sterilizer 62 can be regularly sterilized. In addition, when sterilizing the first sterilizer 62, the control unit 90 described above may sterilize the first sterilizer 62 with steam or hot water. Alternatively, if the first sterilizer 62 is sensitive to heat, the control unit 90 controls the first sterilizer 62 by circulating a sterilizer containing, for example, peracetic acid in the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60. It may be sterilized. In this case, the control unit 90 may circulate the disinfectant in the circulation system 59A for at least 10 seconds or more and 60 minutes or less.

Note that, as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the main body portion 66 of the first sterilizer 62 may have a cylindrical shape. In this case, a discharge pipe 69a may be connected to the discharge part 69 formed in the main body part 66, and the discharge pipe 69a is provided so as to extend in the tangential direction of the inner surface of the main body part 66 in a plan view. You can leave it there. In this case, the tangential direction of the inner surface refers to the tangential line of the circle formed by the inner surface of the main body section 66 in the horizontal section including the discharge section 69, in which water that circulates while contacting the inner surface leaves the inner surface of the main body section 66. It is the tangential direction in the part. When the main body part 66 has a cylindrical shape, the time that water stays inside the main body part 66 can be increased. Therefore, the irradiation time of ultraviolet rays to water can be lengthened, and the cumulative amount of irradiation of ultraviolet rays can be increased. In this case, although not shown, the plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b may be provided so as to be inclined radially inward toward the top.

Moreover, as shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the shape of the main body portion 66 may be an elongated, substantially cylindrical shape. In this case, an introduction portion 68 for introducing water into the interior of the main body 66 may be formed at one end of the main body 66 . Furthermore, a discharge portion 69 for discharging sterilized water from the main body portion 66 may be formed at the other end of the main body portion 66 . In this case, the main body 66 may be arranged such that the longitudinal direction (the direction in which water travels) of the main body 66 is parallel to the horizontal direction, and the longitudinal direction (the direction in which water travels) of the main body 66 is in the vertical direction. The main body portion 66 may be arranged so as to be parallel to. In the illustrated example, the shape of the main body portion 66 is a so-called reducer shape in which the diameter decreases toward one end and the diameter decreases toward the other end. However, the shape of the main body portion 66 is not limited to this, and the shape of the main body portion 66 may be a cylindrical shape having a substantially uniform diameter from the introduction portion 68 to the discharge portion 69.

In this modification, the ultraviolet ray irradiation section 67 may include a plurality of third ultraviolet lamps 67c arranged along the traveling direction of water. This allows water to be evenly irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Therefore, it is possible to suppress variations in the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays. In the illustrated example, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 includes eight third ultraviolet lamps 67c.

Further, the third ultraviolet lamps 67c that are adjacent to each other in the direction in which the water travels may extend in different directions when viewed from the direction in which the water travels. Thereby, it is possible to more effectively suppress variations in the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays. In the illustrated example, each third ultraviolet lamp 67c is regularly arranged. That is, each of the third ultraviolet lamps 67c, when viewed from the upstream side in the water traveling direction (left side in FIG. 6B), increases the length of the main body 66 as it goes downstream in the water traveling direction (right side in FIG. 6B). It rotates clockwise by 45 degrees around the central axis X. Note that the rotation angle of each third ultraviolet lamp 67c may be changed as appropriate. For example, when viewed from the upstream side in the water traveling direction, each of the third ultraviolet lamps 67c rotates clockwise by 90 degrees around the central axis X toward the downstream side in the water traveling direction. It's okay. Further, when the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 includes three or more third ultraviolet lamps 67c, each third ultraviolet lamp 67c is located on the downstream side in the water movement direction when viewed from the upstream side in the water movement direction. It may be rotated clockwise by 60 degrees around the central axis X as it moves toward the center. Note that each of the third ultraviolet lamps 67c may be arranged irregularly.

The third ultraviolet lamp 67c may be the same ultraviolet lamp as the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b. That is, the third ultraviolet lamp 67c may be an ultraviolet lamp that emits ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 200 nm or more and 450 nm or less. Further, the third ultraviolet lamp 67c may be a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp), a medium-pressure mercury lamp, or a UV-LED. Furthermore, the plurality of third ultraviolet lamps 67c may have different wavelengths and/or outputs of the ultraviolet rays they emit. That is, the plurality of third ultraviolet lamps 67c may be different ultraviolet lamps. For example, if one third ultraviolet lamp 67c is a low-pressure mercury lamp, the other third ultraviolet lamp 67c may be a medium-pressure mercury lamp (or UV-LED). Also in this case, the sterilizing effect of the first sterilizer 62 can be improved, and the first sterilizer 62 can sterilize a large amount of water. Although not shown, a baffle plate 66a may be provided inside the main body 66 to regulate the flow of water.

Further, in the first sterilizer 62 shown in FIGS. 3 to 6B, ultraviolet rays may be reflected within the main body 66 in order to increase the sterilization efficiency in the first sterilizer 62. For example, taking the first sterilizer 62 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B as an example, as shown in FIG. 6C, the main body 66 includes an outer member 660 and an inner member 661 provided inside the outer member 660. May contain. The outer member 660 may be made of, for example, a stainless steel tube that has been mirror-finished by electrolytic polishing or the like. The inner member 661 may be made of a glass tube. Further, an air layer 662 may be interposed between the outer member 660 and the inner member 661. In this case, if glass with high ultraviolet transmittance (for example, quartz glass or fluoride glass) is used as the glass of the glass tube of the inner member 661, as shown in FIG. 6C, the inner member 661 and the air layer 662 At the interface, ultraviolet light (UV) can be reflected. Note that as the material of the inner member 661, a material having a high transmittance of ultraviolet rays may be appropriately selected according to the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays irradiated by the third ultraviolet lamp 67c and the like. Further, as the material of the inner member 661, a material other than glass may be used, and for example, plastic having properties similar to glass may be used. Furthermore, the inner surface of the outer member 660 and/or the outer surface of the inner member 661 may be coated with a highly reflective material. In particular, when the main body part 66 is elongated like the first sterilizer 62 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B, the attenuation of ultraviolet rays can be suppressed by coating the inner surface of the outer member 660 with a material having a high reflectance. At the same time, it can repeatedly reflect ultraviolet rays. Therefore, water can be efficiently sterilized. Note that it is preferable that the ultraviolet rays UV be reflected one or more times inside the main body portion 66. In this case, it is more preferable that the number of times the ultraviolet rays are reflected is two or more by shortening the distance between the outer member 660 etc. and the third ultraviolet lamp 67c etc. Here, the ultraviolet rays emitted from a medium-pressure mercury lamp can maintain illuminance over a longer distance than the ultraviolet rays emitted from a low-pressure mercury lamp. Therefore, if the third ultraviolet lamp 67c or the like is a medium-pressure mercury lamp, even if the ultraviolet rays are reflected multiple times inside the main body 66, the sterilizing effect of the ultraviolet rays will be reduced. can be suppressed.

Moreover, the passage time for water to pass through the first sterilizer 62 may be 0.1 seconds or more and less than 10 seconds, and preferably 0.5 seconds or more and less than 5 seconds. Note that the passage time is the time required for water introduced into the main body part 66 from the introduction part 68 to be discharged from the discharge part 69. By setting the passage time to 0.1 seconds or more, it is possible to suppress variations in the sterilizing effect of water. Therefore, a sufficient sterilizing effect can be obtained. Since the passing time is less than 10 seconds, the first sterilizer 62 can be made smaller. Note that the passage time for water to pass through the first sterilizer 62 may be changed as appropriate based on the flow rate of the water that the first sterilizer 62 processes (sterilizes).

Referring again to FIG. 2A, the first sterile filter 63 is provided downstream of the first sterilizer 62. This first sterile filter 63 is a micro-filtration filter (MF) that sterilizes water by collecting bacteria remaining in the water.The opening of the first sterile filter 63 is 0. It may be 1 μm or more and 0.45 μm or less, and preferably 0.1 μm or more and 0.22 μm or less. By setting the opening of the first sterile filter 63 to 0.1 μm or more, water sterilization efficiency is reduced. Furthermore, since the opening of the first sterile filter 63 is 0.45 μm or less, bacteria remaining in the water can be effectively collected by the first sterile filter 63. Some viruses can also be removed. A filter with an opening of 0.02 μm or more and 0.1 μm or less may be used as the first sterile filter 63. The material of the membrane of the first sterile filter 63 is polyvinylidene fluoride ( PVDF), polyethersulfone (PES), mixed cellulose (SCWP), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyamide, etc. The filtration membrane of the first sterile filter 63 may be Accordingly, for example, it may be a reverse osmosis membrane (RO (Reverse Osmosis) membrane) or an ultra-filtration membrane (UF (Ultra-Filtration) membrane).

This first sterile filter 63 is preferably sterilizable (SIP). Thereby, the first sterile filter 63 can be regularly sterilized. Here, as described above, the first sterile filter 63 passes through the first sterilizer 62 and collects bacteria remaining in the water. Therefore, if the water sterilizer 60 continues to sterilize water for a long period of time, the collected bacteria may propagate within the first sterile filter 63. Furthermore, if dead bacteria, which is an organic matter, is attached to the first sterile filter 63 or the like, the dead bacteria may become a substrate. In this case, bacteria may further propagate within the first sterile filter 63. In this way, if they multiply within the first sterile filter 63, there is a possibility that they will enter the water that passes through the first sterile filter 63. On the other hand, since the first sterile filter 63 can be sterilized, bacteria attached to the first sterile filter 63 can be prevented from entering the water passing through the first sterile filter 63. As a result, it is possible to suppress the filtration performance of the first sterile filter 63 from deteriorating. Note that when sterilizing the first sterile filter 63, sterilizing steam or the like may be supplied to the first sterile filter 63 from a sterile air supply port 60a, which will be described later.

Here, the degree of sterilization of the first sterile filter 63 may be managed by the F value. In other words, when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60 having the first sterile filter 63, the degree of sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 may be managed by the F value. At this time, for example, the control unit 90 measures the temperature of the heated steam (fluid) or hot water (fluid) flowing into the flow path of the first sterile filter 63, and calculates the F value based on the measured temperature. You can also calculate it. Then, when the F value becomes equal to or greater than the target value, the control unit 90 may end the sterilization of the first sterile filter 63. When measuring the temperature of heated steam or hot water, the control unit 90 flows heated steam or hot water into the flow path of the first sterile filter 63, and is arranged at various locations in the flow path where the temperature is unlikely to rise. The temperature may be measured with a temperature sensor. Then, the control unit 90 may terminate the heating of the flow path using heating steam or the like when the time during which the temperature from each temperature sensor reaches a predetermined temperature is equal to or longer than a predetermined time. Thereby, the first sterile filter 63 can be sterilized without applying more heat than necessary to the first sterile filter 63. Here, the F value is the heating time required to kill all bacteria when bacteria are heated for a certain period of time, and is expressed as the time required to kill bacteria at 121.1°C, and is calculated by the following formula. .

（ただし、Ｔは任意の殺菌温度（℃）、１０＾｛（Ｔ－Ｔｒ）／Ｚ｝は任意の殺菌温度Ｔでの致死率、Ｔｒは基準温度（℃）、ＺはＺ値（℃）を表す。）

(However, T is the arbitrary sterilization temperature (℃), 10^{(T-Tr)/Z} is the lethality rate at the arbitrary sterilization temperature T, Tr is the reference temperature (℃), and Z is the Z value (℃) )

Further, it is preferable that the first sterile filter 63 is capable of performing an integrity test on the opening of the first sterile filter 63. Here, the integrity test may be performed by, for example, a bubble point test. The bubble point test can be performed as follows. For example, first, the filter (not shown) of the first sterile filter 63 is covered with water by supplying water to a housing (not shown) within the first sterile filter 63 . Next, the water supply is stopped and the water in the first sterile filter 63 is discharged. Then, sterile air is injected into the first sterile filter 63, which is covered with water, from, for example, the sterile air supply port 60a. Next, the pressure of the sterile air is increased until the sterile air is released from the first sterile filter 63. Then, based on the pressure of the sterile air when the air leaves the first sterile filter 63 (bubble point), the size of the opening of the first sterile filter 63 is determined. In this way, the degree of deterioration of the first sterile filter 63 can be easily determined because the first sterile filter 63 can perform an integrity test on the opening of the first sterile filter 63. In addition, in order to measure the pressure inside the first sterile filter 63, a pressure gauge P2 may be provided near the sterile air supply port 60a. Note that the integrity test may be performed by a diffusion flow test, a pressure hold test, or the like in addition to the above-mentioned bubble point test.

The second sterilizer 64 is provided downstream of the first sterile filter 63. The configuration of the second sterilizer 64 may be substantially the same as the first sterilizer 62 shown in FIGS. 3 to 6B. That is, the second sterilizer 64 may be a sterilizer that sterilizes water with ultraviolet rays.

The second sterile filter 65 is provided downstream of the second sterilizer 64. This second sterile filter 65 is a filter that sterilizes water by passing through the second sterilizer 64 and collecting bacteria remaining in the water. The opening of the second sterile filter 65 is preferably equal to or less than the opening of the first sterile filter 63. Thereby, even if bacteria in the water should pass through the first sterile filter 63, the second sterile filter 65 can collect the bacteria. Therefore, the sterility of the water can be sufficiently ensured. In addition, when the opening of the second sterile filter 65 is equivalent to the opening of the first sterile filter 63, two sets of sterilization sets including a sterilizer and a sterile filter are arranged along the water transport direction. Can be placed. That is, a first sterilization set composed of a first sterilizer 62 and a first sterile filter 63 and a second sterilization set composed of a second sterilizer 64 and a second sterile filter 65 are can be arranged in series along the transport direction. Therefore, even if some abnormality occurs in one of the sterilization sets, the sterility of the water can be guaranteed. Note that a plurality of sterilization sets may be provided depending on the sterility assurance level (SAL) of the water or the final product (contents) (Fig. 2A, Fig. 2B, Fig. 2D to Fig. 2E3). reference). Further, as shown in FIG. 2F and the like, the number of sterilization sets may be one, and although not shown, the number of sterilization sets may be three or more.

The opening of the second sterile filter 65 may be 0.1 μm or more and 0.45 μm or less, and preferably 0.1 μm or more and 0.22 μm or less. By setting the opening of the second sterile filter 65 to 0.1 μm or more, it is possible to suppress a decrease in water sterilization efficiency. Further, since the opening of the second sterile filter 65 is 0.45 μm or less, bacteria remaining in the water can be more effectively collected by the second sterile filter 65. The filtration membrane of the second sterile filter 65 may be, for example, a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane or an ultra-filtration (UF) membrane.

Other configurations of the second sterile filter 65 may be substantially the same as those of the first sterile filter 63. That is, the second sterile filter 65 may be sterilizable (SIP). Further, the second sterile filter 65 may be capable of performing an integrity test on the opening of the second sterile filter 65.

Here, in the water sterilizer 60, the sterilization strength of the water may be adjusted based on the target value of the bacterial count level (FSO (Food Safety Objective/ISO13409-1996) (=logN)).

In this case, for example, the initial bacterial count level in the water before entering the filter (for example, the first sterile filter 63) is defined as H ₀ (=logN ₀ ). In this case, the initial bacterial count level H ₀ of the filter is determined by the sterilization effect of the filter (for example, the first sterile filter 63) (level of bacterial reduction in water: ΣR ₁ (=log(N ₀ /NR ₁ )>0 ). Note that "N ₀ " means the initial number of bacteria in the water, and "NR ₁ " means the number of bacteria in the water after being sterilized by the filter (for example, the first sterile filter 63). means number.

On the other hand, it is possible that bacteria in the water increase at a certain rate while passing through the filter (level of increase in the number of bacteria in the water: ΣI (=log(N _I )≧0)). Note that "N _I " means the number of bacteria that increased while passing through the filter.

In addition, the bacteria in the water are reduced again due to the sterilization effect (level of decrease in the number of bacteria in the water: ΣR ₂ (=log (N _I /NR ₂ )>0)) by the sterilizer (for example, the second sterilizer 64). do. If the bacterial count level in the water after passing through the water sterilizer 60 is below the target value (FSO (Food Safety Objective/ISO13409-1996) (=logN)), the water sterilized by the water sterilizer line 50 will be sterilized. You can think that there is no problem with sex. Note that "NR ₂ " means the number of bacteria in water after being sterilized by a sterilizer (e.g., second sterilizer 64), and "N" means the number of bacteria in water after being sterilized by a sterilizer (e.g., second sterilizer 64). This means the target value for the number of bacteria in water after it has been sterilized.

The above-mentioned relationship among H ₀ , ΣR ₁ , ΣI, ΣR ₂ and FSO is expressed as the following equation.
H ₀ - ΣR ₁ + ΣI - ΣR ₂ ≦FSO... (Formula 1)
Therefore, by setting the sterilization capacity of the sterilizer (for example, the second sterilizer 64) so that the value of ΣR ₂ is equal to or higher than (H ₀ - ΣR ₁ +ΣI) - FSO, the sterility of the water is targeted. value (FSO) or less.

In addition, as shown in FIGS. 2A to 2M, water is sterilized at the inlet of the water sterilizer 60, the outlet of the water sterilizer 60, and between the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterilizer 62. Sampling points SP1 to SP6 (SP) may be provided for sampling. Further, a sampling line SL may be connected to at least some of the sampling points SP1 to SP6 via a valve (not shown). As a result, by sampling water aseptically from sampling points SP1 to SP6 or sampling line SL, it is possible to easily measure the number of bacteria or particulates in the water, and it is also easy to prevent changes in the state of the water, such as bacterial growth. can be confirmed. When measuring the number of bacteria in water, and/or confirming changes in conditions such as proliferation of bacteria, the number of bacteria may be counted using, for example, a plate culture medium. Further, for example, the number of bacteria in water and/or changes in the state of bacteria may be measured and/or confirmed using a microbial measuring device, a particulate measuring device (in-liquid particle counter), or the like. Here, the microorganism counter is an instrument that counts microorganisms by detecting the fluorescence emitted when particles are irradiated with a laser beam and distinguishing between non-living objects and microorganisms based on MIE scattering theory. Examples of such microbial measuring instruments include, for example, Rion Corporation: Biological Particle Counter, Mettler Toledo Corporation: Microbial Detection Analyzer 7000RMS, Azbil Corporation: Real-time Microbial Detector, IMD-W (registered trademark), etc. can be mentioned. Note that when water is sampled aseptically from the sampling line SL, the sampling line SL is preferably sterilized in advance. In this case, the sampling line SL may be sterilized using a sterilizing agent such as peracetic acid or hot water, for example. Further, the sampling line SL sterilized by the sterilizing agent may be rinsed with pure water sterilized by the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65.

Note that the sampling line SL may be provided with a thermometer T, and when the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 are sterilized with steam, the temperature of the steam is monitored by the thermometer T. Also good.

Further, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, a third bypass line 95a may be provided between the first sterilizer 62A and the first sterilizer 62. Thereby, when the water sterilization line 50 is sterilized with a sterilizer or a cleaning agent, it is possible to prevent the sterilizing agent or the cleaning agent from passing through the foreign matter removal filter 61 . Further, a first drain pipe 95c may be connected to the upstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61, and rinsing water, etc., which will be described later, may be discharged from the first drain pipe 95c. Note that the first drain pipe 95c may be connected to the third bypass line 95a.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2B, a fourth bypass line 95b may be provided between the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64. Thereby, when the water sterilization line 50 is sterilized with a sterilizing agent or a cleaning agent, it is possible to suppress the sterilizing agent or the cleaning agent from passing through the first sterile filter 63 . Further, as shown in FIGS. 2B and 2C, a second drain pipe 95d may be connected to the upstream side of the first sterile filter 63, and rinse water, etc., which will be described later, is discharged from the second drain pipe 95d. It's okay to be. Note that the second drain pipe 95d may be connected to the fourth bypass line 95b.

The processing capacity of such a water sterilizer 60 is preferably 105% or more of the maximum processing capacity required when producing the product bottle 101, and is preferably 110% or more of the maximum processing capacity required when producing the product bottle 101. % or more is more preferable. For example, the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 60 may be 5 m ³ /h or more and 50 m ³ /h or less, and may be 24 m ³ /h as an example. In addition, if the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 60 is 105% or more of the maximum processing capacity required when producing the product bottle 101, a predetermined amount of water is stored in the second water tank 52 during production of the product bottle 101. It can also store water. In this case, by appropriately designing the volume of the second water tank 52, even during sterilization (SIP) or integrity testing of the first sterile filter 63, etc., the product bottle 101 can be maintained without running out of water. production, and sterilization (SIP) or integrity testing of the first sterile filter 63, etc. can be performed. Note that the time required for sterilization (SIP) of the first sterile filter 63 and the like and the time required for the integrity test are approximately 30 minutes or more and approximately 1 hour or less, respectively. Therefore, the volume of the second water tank 52 may be set to be equal to or greater than the amount of water used in the content filling system 10 when producing the product bottle 101 for one hour.

Further, the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 60 may be controlled by the control unit 90. For example, the control unit 90 determines the amount of water to be used for cleaning and sterilizing the content filling system 10, and also controls the water sterilizer 60 of the water sterilization line 50 to produce products based on the determined amount of water. The amount of water to be sterilized may be determined during the production of bottles 101. Here, the amount of sterile water required for cleaning and/or sterilizing the inside of each chamber after producing the product bottle 101 can be determined for each chamber. Therefore, the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 60 may be controlled by the control unit 90 so that sterile water to be used after producing the product bottles 101 can be stored while producing one lot of the product bottles 101. Thereby, after producing the product bottle 101, the inside of each chamber etc. can be immediately cleaned and/or sterilized. Therefore, downtime can be reduced.

Further, the control unit 90 may discharge water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50 when the irradiation amount or illuminance of ultraviolet rays becomes less than a predetermined value. Here, the predetermined value is a reference value (threshold value) for determining whether or not water should be discharged to the outside of the water sterilization line 50. Such a predetermined value can be arbitrarily set depending on the volume of the main body portion 66, the water flow rate, etc. For example, the predetermined value may be an irradiation amount or illuminance that does not fall below the sterility guarantee level of the water or the final product (contents). The predetermined value may be, for example, 10 mJ/cm ² or more and 10,000 mJ/cm ² or less, depending on the volume of the main body portion 66, etc., and may be 100 mJ/cm ² as an example. The amount of ultraviolet rays irradiated by the ultraviolet irradiator 67 may be set based on the RED (Reduction Equivalent UV Dose) determined by an actual chemical dosimeter or biological dosimeter. For details, refer to "ULTRAVIOLET DISINFECTION GUIDANCE MANUAL FOR THE FINAL LONG TERM 2 ENHANCED SURFACE WATER TREATMENT RULE, United States Environmental Protection Agency, EPA 815-R-06-007, November 2006."

When the control unit 90 discharges water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50, the control unit 90 may discharge the water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50 via the circulation line 59. In this case, the control unit 90 may switch the valve V1 when the value of the illumination meter 66c becomes a predetermined value or less while the water sterilizer 60 is sterilizing water with ultraviolet rays. Water may then be supplied to the circulation line 59 by the control unit 90 switching the valve V1. Thereby, sterility on the downstream side of the valve V1 can be maintained. Note that the water supplied to the circulation line 59 may be discharged from the circulation line 59 without being supplied to the first water tank 51. Alternatively, the water supplied to the circulation line 59 may be supplied to the first water tank 51. In this case, water may be circulated within the circulation system 59A until the value of the illumination meter 66c reaches a sufficient value. Then, after the value of the illumination meter 66c reaches a sufficient value, the water in the circulation system 59A may be supplied to the second water tank 52 by the control unit 90 switching the valve V1.

In addition, the control unit 90 controls when the pressure difference (differential pressure) between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the sterile filter (the first sterile filter 63 or the second sterile filter 65) becomes equal to or higher than a predetermined value. In some cases, the water may be discharged to the outside of the water sterilization line 50. That is, even if an abnormality is found in the pressure difference (differential pressure) between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the first sterile filter 63 (or the second sterile filter 65), the control unit 90 Similarly, water may be discharged to the outside of the water sterilization line 50. Also in this case, sterility can be maintained downstream of the valve V1, for example.

Furthermore, if at least one of the number of bacteria and particles in the water sampled from the water sterilization line 50 exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit 90 controls whether the water is discharged to the outside of the water sterilization line 50 or not. good. That is, the control unit 90 may similarly discharge water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50 even if there is an abnormality in the number of bacteria and/or the number of particles in the water sampled from the sampling line SL. . Also in this case, sterility can be maintained downstream of the valve V1, for example.

In these cases, after the malfunction of the water sterilizer 60 is resolved, the water sterilizer 60 is sterilized with a sterilizer such as peracetic acid, hot water, or steam, as described later. Thereafter, water sterilization by the water sterilizer 60 is resumed.

The water sterilizer 60 of the water sterilization line 50 fills the bottles 100 with contents in the contents filling system 10, thereby sterilizing water without stopping water sterilization while producing the product bottles 101. It is preferable to continue sterilizing the water. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the proliferation of bacteria within the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. That is, when the flow of water stops in the water sterilizer 60, bacteria may grow in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. On the other hand, while producing the product bottle 101 in the content filling system 10, by continuing to sterilize the water without stopping the pump P1, the inside of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 are This can prevent the proliferation of bacteria. Note that when the second water tank 52 becomes full while producing the product bottle 101 in the content filling system 10, sterilized water is circulated in the circulation system 59A (see FIG. 2A, etc.). You can let me. Thereby, even if the second water tank 52 is full of water, it is possible to prevent the flow of water from stopping inside the water sterilizer 60. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the proliferation of bacteria within the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. Note that when the circulation time of the sterilized water becomes long, the temperature of the sterilized water may rise due to the irradiation energy of the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation section 67. In this case, the water flowing through the circulation line 59 may be discharged from the circulation line 59 without being supplied to the first water tank 51. Then, by supplying new pure water from the pure water production device 50a to the first water tank 51, an increase in the temperature of the circulating water may be suppressed. For example, when sterilized water is circulated in the circulation system 59A, approximately 3% to 30% of the water remaining inside the circulation line 59 is discharged once per hour, and the pure water production device 50a New pure water may be supplied to the first water tank 51 from. This makes it possible to constantly supply water at a constant temperature to the second water tank 52. The proportion of water to be discharged may be changed as appropriate depending on the irradiation dose or the number of first ultraviolet lamps 67a and the like.

Here, as shown in FIG. 2N, the water sterilization line 50 is divided into a non-sterile zone Z1, a first gray zone Z2, a second gray zone Z3, and a sterile zone Z4. The non-sterile zone Z1, the first gray zone Z2, the second gray zone Z3, and the sterile zone Z4 are provided in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water transport direction.

Among these, the non-sterile zone Z1 is a zone under a non-sterile atmosphere, and is a zone where bacteria may exist. In the illustrated example, the non-sterile zone Z1 is an area upstream of the pre-sterilizer 62A. In the non-sterile zone Z1, the first water tank 51 and the flow path downstream of the first water tank 51 are sterilized before manufacturing the product bottle 101. On the other hand, in the non-sterile zone Z1, after the start of production of the product bottle 101, bacteria are brought in from the upstream side of the first water tank 51, so that the first water tank 51 and the like may be contaminated with bacteria.

The first gray zone Z2 and the second gray zone Z3 are zones for separating a non-sterile atmosphere and a sterile atmosphere, respectively. Among these, the first gray zone Z2 is a zone where bacteria in the water are sterilized. The second gray zone Z3 is a zone in which a state in which bacteria are not present in the water is maintained during manufacturing of the product bottle 101. In the illustrated example, the first gray zone Z2 is an area from the front sterilizer 62A to the outlet of the second sterilizer 64. Further, the second gray zone Z3 is an area from the outlet of the second sterilizer 64 to the inlet of the first sterile filter 63. Here, the pure water production device 50a that supplies water to the water sterilization line 50 is sterilized (SIP) before sterilizing the water to the water sterilization line 50. At this time, sterilization is performed under conditions that can kill at least aquatic bacteria. The temperature of steam or hot water used for sterilization and the sterilization time may be at least 60° C. and 5 minutes or more, preferably 85° C. and 30 minutes or more. The temperature of the steam or hot water used for sterilization and the sterilization time may be 90° C. and 3 minutes, which are conditions where the sterilization value is equivalent to the Z value of 5° C. Furthermore, the sterilization conditions may be high temperature and short time conditions such as the temperature of steam or hot water used for sterilization and the sterilization time of 95° C. and 0.3 minutes. On the other hand, the bactericidal efficacy under these sterilization conditions generally does not sterilize bacterial spores. Therefore, bacterial spores may exist in the area up to this side of the first sterile filter 63. Therefore, the area from the front sterilizer 62A to just before the first sterile filter 63 is called a gray zone. After the pure water production device 50a is sterilized, the second gray zone Z3 is maintained in a positive pressure state by continuously supplying water to the second gray zone Z3. Thereby, a state in which aquatic bacteria are not present is maintained in the second gray zone Z3. Note that the positive pressure state of the second gray zone Z3 is managed by a pressure gauge (not shown). Note that the sterilization (SIP) of the pure water production apparatus 50a may be performed using a chemical or the like that inactivates aquatic bacteria instead of using steam or hot water.

Aseptic zone Z4 is a zone under an aseptic atmosphere. That is, the sterile zone Z4 is a zone maintained in a sterile state. In the illustrated example, the sterile zone Z4 is a region downstream of the first sterile filter 63. In sterile zone Z4, all bacteria including bacterial spores are sterilized by sterilizing each device with steam or hot water (SIP (F ₀ value is 3 or more, Z value = 10°C)), and then sterile air is used. or sterile water is provided. Thereby, the sterile zone Z4 is maintained in a positive pressure state, and the sterile zone Z4 is maintained in a sterile state. In addition, when sterilizing (SIP) the sterile zone Z4, it is preferable to sterilize at least up to the boundary with the second gray zone Z3. When sterilizing the sterile zone Z4, the pipes in the second gray zone Z3 may be sterilized together with the sterile zone Z4.

Among these non-sterile zone Z1, first gray zone Z2, second gray zone Z3, and sterile zone Z4, water can be irradiated with ultraviolet rays in the first gray zone Z2. In the first gray zone Z2, the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays applied to the water by the first stage sterilizer 62A may be at least 10 mJ/cm ² or more at a wavelength of 254 nm, and preferably 100 mJ/cm ² or more. In this case, the pre-sterilizer 62A may include a low-pressure mercury lamp. Further, in the first gray zone Z2, the total cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays to water by the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 may be 100 mJ/cm ² or more at a wavelength of 254 nm. In this way, since the total cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays applied to water by the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 is 100 mJ/cm ² or more, aquatic bacteria can be sterilized in the first gray zone Z2. Therefore, the sterility of the water in the second gray zone Z3 can be guaranteed. In this case, the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 may each include a medium pressure mercury lamp.

In the first gray zone Z2, when the total cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays to water by the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 is less than 100 mJ/cm ² at a wavelength of 254 nm, the ultraviolet rays are supplied to the first sterile filter 63. The previous water may be circulated by a circulation line 95. This can prevent water in which aquatic bacteria may exist from being supplied to the first sterile filter 63. Therefore, the sterility of the water in the sterile zone Z4 can be guaranteed. In addition, in this case, before supplying water to the sterile zone Z4 (first sterile filter 63), the front sterilizer 62A, foreign material removal filter 61, first sterilizer 62, and second sterilizer 64 are sterilized (SIP). It's okay.

Further, it is confirmed that at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 passes the test result of the integrity test before and after production (the first integrity test and the second integrity test), which will be described later. preferable. Thereby, at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 can filter and sterilize bacteria other than aquatic bacteria. Therefore, the sterility of the water in the sterile zone Z4 can be guaranteed. Note that if the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 fail in the integrity test results before and after production, the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be a sterile filter with an opening of, for example, 0.1 μm or more and 0.22 μm or less. A grade filter may be used. In this case, it is preferable that the foreign matter removal filter 61 pass the integrity test results before and after production. Thereby, the foreign matter removal filter 61 can filter and sterilize bacteria other than aquatic bacteria, and the sterility of the water in the sterile zone Z4 can be guaranteed.

As described above, in the water sterilizer 60 of the water sterilization line 50 according to the present embodiment, during production, the amount of ultraviolet irradiation is at least a predetermined value or within a predetermined range, and the complete If the sterility test result passes, the sterility of the water is guaranteed.

Next, the undiluted solution sterilization line 70 will be explained. The stock solution sterilization line 70 is a sterilization line that heat-sterilizes the product stock solution.

As shown in FIG. 7, the stock solution sterilization line 70 includes a first stock solution tank 71, a product stock solution sterilizer 80, and a second stock solution tank 72. The first stock solution tank 71, the product stock solution sterilizer 80, and the second stock solution tank 72 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the transport direction of the product stock solution. Note that a circulation line (third circulation line) 89 may be connected to the stock solution sterilization line 70 between a third stage cooling section 86 and a second stock solution tank 72, which will be described later. The product stock solution that has passed through the third stage cooling section 86 may be configured to be returned to the first stock solution tank 71 via the circulation line 89.

The first stock solution tank 71 is a tank that stores a product stock solution supplied from a supply source (not shown). The first stock solution tank 71 plays the role of smoothing the flow of the product stock solution by storing the product stock solution. The volume of the first stock solution tank 71 may be 0.3 m ³ or more and 3 m ³ or less, and may be 1 m ³ as an example.

A pump P3 for conveying the product stock solution may be provided downstream of the first stock solution tank 71. Moreover, the above-mentioned product stock solution sterilizer 80 is provided downstream of the pump P3.

The product stock solution sterilizer 80 is a sterilizer that heat-sterilizes the product stock solution stored in the first stock solution tank 71. In the present embodiment, the product stock solution sterilizer 80 may be a sterilizer (Ultra High-temperature, hereinafter simply referred to as UHT) that sterilizes the product stock solution using an ultra-high temperature heat treatment method. This UHT 80 includes a first stage heating section 81, a second stage heating section 82, a holding tube 83, a first stage cooling section 84, a second stage cooling section 85, and a third stage cooling section 86. ing. The product stock solution supplied to the UHT 80 is gradually heated by the first stage heating section 81 and the second stage heating section 82, and is heated to a target temperature within the holding tube 83. In this case, for example, the product stock solution may be heated to 60° C. or more and 80° C. or less by the first stage heating section 81, and heated to 80° C. or more and 150° C. or less by the second stage heating section 82. Further, the temperature of the product stock solution is maintained within the holding tube 83 for a certain period of time. The product stock solution that has passed through the holding tube 83 is gradually cooled by a first-stage cooling section 84, a second-stage cooling section 85, and a third-stage cooling section 86. Note that the number of stages of the heating section and the cooling section may be increased or decreased as necessary. Moreover, the pressure loss of the product stock solution may become high between the first-stage heating section 81 and the second-stage heating section 82. For this reason, an additional pump (not shown) may be provided between the first stage heating section 81 and the second stage heating section 82. Further, a homogenizer for homogenizing the product stock solution is provided between the first stage heating section 81 and the second stage heating section 82 or between the first stage cooling section 84 and the second stage cooling section 85. It's okay to be beaten.

The processing capacity of such UHT80 may be 3 m ³ /h or more and 30 m ³ /h or less, and may be 6 m ³ /h as an example.

Furthermore, scale (deposits such as calcium) adhering to the UHT 80 may be monitored by monitoring the temperature of the highest temperature part of the UHT 80 (for example, the second stage heating section 82). Then, when cleaning (CIP) the UHT 80, the state of scale removal may be monitored. Thereby, the cleaning process for cleaning the UHT 80 can be optimized. Therefore, the cleaning time can be shortened, and the amount of water, steam, and cleaning agent used for cleaning can be reduced. As a result, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

Note that the UHT 80 may be an injection method or an infusion method. Further, the heat exchanger used for heat exchange in the contents filling system 10, such as the UHT80 heat exchanger, may be a plate type, shell & tube type, or scraped type heat exchanger.

The second stock solution tank 72 is a tank (so-called aseptic tank) that stores the product stock solution sterilized by the product stock solution sterilizer 80. The second stock solution tank 72 plays the role of smoothing the flow of the product stock solution by storing the sterilized product stock solution. The volume of the second stock solution tank 72 may be 1 m ³ or more and 20 m ³ or less, and may be 2 m ³ as an example.

Further, downstream of the second stock solution tank 72, an auxiliary filter 73 that filters the sterilized product stock solution and a third stock solution tank 74 that stores the product stock solution that has passed through the auxiliary filter 73 may be provided. In this case, the third stock solution tank 74 may be a so-called filling machine tank, and may be installed vertically above the stock solution filling device 22 in order to improve the filling accuracy of the stock solution filling device 22. The third stock solution tank 74 may serve as a so-called cushion tank that ensures smooth flow of the product stock solution even if the usage amount of the product stock solution downstream of the third stock solution tank 74 changes. . The volume of the third stock solution tank 74 may be 0.1 m ³ or more and 1 m ³ or less, and may be 0.3 m ³ as an example. Note that the auxiliary filter 73 may be provided inside or at the tip of the entire stock solution filling nozzle of the stock solution filling device 22 (for example, see FIG. 16C described later).

Further, an addition unit 75 for adding solid matter to the product stock solution may be connected downstream of the second stock solution tank 72. Thereby, in the content filling system 10, the bottle 100 can be filled with a solid content. In this case, the solid substance added to the product stock solution by the addition unit 75 may be, for example, canard, nata de coco, tapioca, or aloe. Further, the solid material may be a sterile solid material that has been sterilized in advance.

(Content filling method)
Next, a content filling method using the above-described content filling system 10 (FIG. 1) will be explained with reference to FIG. 8.

First, the preform supply device 1 sequentially supplies a plurality of preforms 100a to the receiving section 34 of the preform conveyance section 31 via the preform supply conveyor 2 (preform supply step, reference numeral S1 in FIG. 8). ). At this time, the preform 100a is sterilized in the preform sterilizer 34a by spraying hydrogen peroxide gas or mist onto the preform 100a, and then dried with hot air.

Next, the preform 100a is sent to the heating section 35, and heated by the heater 35a to, for example, about 90° C. or higher and 130° C. or lower. Next, the preform 100a heated by the heating section 35 is sent to the delivery section 36. The preform 100a is then sent from the delivery section 36 to the blow molding section 32.

Next, the bottle 100 is blow-molded by blow-molding the preform 100a sent to the blow-molding section 32 using a mold (not shown) (bottle-molding step, reference numeral S2 in FIG. 8). The blow-molded bottle 100 is then sent to the bottle transport section 33.

Next, in the sterilizer 11, the bottle 100 is sterilized using an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution as a sterilizer (container sterilization step, reference numeral S3 in FIG. 8). At this time, the disinfectant may be a gas or a mist obtained by once vaporizing an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution at a temperature above the boiling point. The gas or mist of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution adheres to the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100 and sterilizes the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100.

The bottle 100 is then sent to the air rinse device 14. In the air rinse device 14, sterile heated air or room temperature air is supplied to the bottle 100, thereby activating hydrogen peroxide and removing foreign matter, hydrogen peroxide, etc. from the bottle 100. Air rinse step, reference numeral S4 in FIG. 8). In addition, in the air rinsing process, a condensed mist of low concentration hydrogen peroxide may be mixed with sterile heated air or sterilized air at room temperature, if necessary. In this case, hydrogen peroxide is gasified by sterile air. Then, in the air rinse step, gasified hydrogen peroxide may be supplied to the bottle 100.

Subsequently, the bottle 100 is transported to the filling device 20. At this time, water is first filled into the bottle 100 in the water filling device 21 of the filling device 20 (water filling step, reference numeral S5 in FIG. 8). In this water filling device 21, water is filled into the bottle 100 from its mouth while the bottle 100 is rotated (revolution). Before the water is filled into the bottle 100 by the water filling device 21, it is sterilized in the water sterilization line 50.

In the water filling device 21, the sterilized bottle 100 is filled with sterilized water at room temperature. The temperature of the water during filling is, for example, about 3° C. or higher and 40° C. or lower. Further, the filling speed at which the water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with water may be faster than the filling speed at which the stock solution filling device 22 fills the bottle 100 with the product stock solution. In the water filling device 21, the water filling speed may be 100 mL/sec or more and 500 mL/sec or less.

Next, in the stock solution filling device 22 of the filling device 20, the product stock solution is filled into the bottle 100 filled with water (product stock solution filling step, reference numeral S6 in FIG. 8). In this stock solution filling device 22, the product stock solution is filled into the bottle 100 from its mouth while the bottle 100 is rotated (revolving). The product stock solution is heat sterilized in the stock solution sterilization line 70 before being filled into the bottle 100 by the stock solution filling device 22 . Generally, the heating temperature for heating the product stock solution may be about 60°C or more and 120°C or less when the acidity of the contents is less than pH 4.5, and the heating time is about 30 seconds or more and 120 seconds or less. It's okay to have one. Moreover, when the acidity of the contents is pH 4.5 or higher, the heating temperature for heating the product stock solution may be about 115° C. or higher and 150° C. or lower. Further, the heating time may be about 30 seconds or more and 120 seconds or less. This sterilizes all microorganisms that could grow inside the product bottle 101 among the microorganisms in the product stock solution before filling. The heat-sterilized product stock solution is cooled to a temperature of about 3°C or higher and 40°C or lower.

In the stock solution filling device 22, the bottle 100 filled with water is filled with the product stock solution, which has been sterilized and cooled to room temperature, at room temperature. The temperature of the product stock solution during filling is, for example, about 3° C. or higher and 40° C. or lower. In the stock solution filling device 22, the filling speed of the product stock solution may be 30 mL/sec or more and 200 mL/sec or less.

Subsequently, the filled bottle 100 is transported by the transport wheel 12 to the capping device 16 .

On the other hand, the cap 88 is sterilized in advance by the cap sterilizer 18 (cap sterilization process, reference numeral S7 in FIG. 8). During this time, the cap 88 is first introduced into the cap sterilizer 18 from outside the filling system 10 . Next, the cap 88 is sprayed with hydrogen peroxide gas or mist in the cap sterilizer 18 to sterilize its inner and outer surfaces, dried with hot air, and sent to the cap attachment device 16 .

Next, in the cap attaching device 16, the bottle 100 is closed by attaching the sterilized cap 88 to the mouth of the bottle 100 conveyed from the filling device 20, and a product bottle 101 is obtained (cap attaching step, Fig. 8 code S8).

Thereafter, the product bottle 101 is conveyed from the cap attachment device 16 to the product bottle discharge section 25, and is conveyed to the outside of the contents filling system 10 (bottle discharge step, reference numeral S9 in FIG. 8). The product bottle 101 is then transported to a packaging line (not shown) and packaged.

Note that the container sterilization process, air rinse process, water filling process, product stock solution filling process, cap attachment process, and bottle discharge process are performed in the sterilizer spray chamber 70d, the air rinse chamber 70e, the first sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, The process is performed in a sterile atmosphere surrounded by the second sterile chamber 70h and the outlet chamber 70i, that is, in a sterile environment. Further, the cap sterilization process is performed by the cap sterilization device 18. In this case, the disinfectant spray chamber 70d, air rinse chamber 70e, first sterile chamber 70f, intermediate area chamber 70g, second sterile chamber 70h, outlet chamber 70i, and cap sterilizer 18 are configured to spray hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid in advance. or sterilized by spraying hot water, etc.

After the sterilization process of each chamber, sterile air is always directed to the outside of the sterilizer spray chamber 70d, air rinse chamber 70e, first sterile chamber 70f, intermediate area chamber 70g, second sterile chamber 70h, and exit chamber 70i. Positive pressure sterile air is supplied to the disinfectant spray chamber 70d, the air rinse chamber 70e, the first sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, the second sterile chamber 70h, and the outlet chamber 70i so as to blow out. Further, positive pressure sterile air is always supplied into the cap sterilizer 18 so that the sterile air is blown out to the outside of the cap sterilizer 18.

In this way, when positive pressure sterile air is supplied into each chamber 70d to 70i, the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c, disinfectant spray chamber 70d, and outlet chamber 70i are used for bottle sterilization with the sterile air in each chamber. Disinfect the disinfectant. At that time, the pressure in each chamber is adjusted so that the pressure in the disinfectant spray chamber 70d, the air rinse chamber 70e, the first sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, the second sterile chamber 70h, and the outlet chamber 70i becomes positive pressure. The pressure may also be adjusted. In this case, as described above, the pressure inside the disinfectant spray chamber 70d may be -10 Pa or more and 10 Pa or less. The pressure within the air rinse chamber 70e may be 10 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less. The pressure within the first sterile chamber 70f may be 30 Pa or more and 60 Pa or less. The pressure within the intermediate area chamber 70g may be 20 Pa or more and 50 Pa or less. The pressure within the second sterile chamber 70h may be greater than or equal to 10 Pa and less than or equal to 40 Pa. The pressure inside the outlet chamber 70i may be 10 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less.

Note that the production (transportation) speed of the bottles 100 in the content filling system 10 is preferably 100 bpm or more and 1500 bpm or less. Here, bpm (bottle per minute) refers to the transport speed of 100 bottles per minute.

(Method of sterilizing content filling system)
Next, a method of sterilizing the above-mentioned content filling system 10 (FIG. 1) will be explained. Here, first, a method for sterilizing the first sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, and the second sterile chamber 70h (hereinafter simply referred to as a chamber sterilization method) will be described with reference to FIG.

Chamber Sterilization Method First, after the filling of the beverage in the content filling system 10 is completed, for example, the operation button of the control unit 90 is operated. As a result, the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21 is covered with a CIP cup (not shown). In this way, by covering the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21 with the CIP cup (not shown), the sterile state inside the water filling device 21 is maintained. That is, the water filling device 21 is physically protected to prevent bacteria from entering the water filling device 21 from the tip of the water filling nozzle. In addition, by operating the operation button of the control unit 90, the partition walls that separate the disinfectant spraying chamber 70d, the air rinse chamber 70e, the first sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, and the second sterile chamber 70h can be opened. The gap is closed by a shutter (not shown).

Next, the pressure within the first sterile chamber 70f is increased. At this time, sterile air is supplied into the first sterile chamber 70f from a sterile air supply device (not shown), thereby increasing the pressure within the first sterile chamber 70f. Also, at this time, the amount of air supplied and/or the amount of air exhausted in each chamber is adjusted so that the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f becomes a predetermined pressure. At this time, the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f, which was, for example, 30 Pa, is increased to, for example, 40 Pa. This prevents the air in the disinfectant spray chamber 70d and the air in the intermediate area chamber 70g from flowing into the first sterile chamber 70f.

In this case, as described above, the pressure inside the disinfectant spray chamber 70d may be 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. The pressure inside the air rinse chamber 70e may be 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. The pressure within the first sterile chamber 70f may be 40 Pa or more and 100 Pa or less. The pressure within the intermediate area chamber 70g may be 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. The pressure within the second sterile chamber 70h may be 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. The pressure inside the outlet chamber 70i may be 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less.

Next, sterile water is supplied into the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h (rinsing step, reference numeral S11 in FIG. 9). As a result, the contents adhering to the middle area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h are washed away with sterile water. At this time, the sterile water may be water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60. Note that the contents may flow from the second sterile chamber 70h into the first sterile chamber 70f via the intermediate area chamber 70g. Therefore, the contents adhering to the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f may be washed away by supplying sterile water into the first sterile chamber 70f. Further, if there is a cap 88 or a bottle 100 that has fallen into the second sterile chamber 70h, it is collected. Furthermore, the conveyor wheel 12 provided on the downstream side of the cap attaching device 16 may be changed in shape depending on the shape of the bottle 100 to be used next. Furthermore, the chuck (not shown) of the capper head may be replaced in the cap mounting device 16 depending on the size of the cap 88 to be used next.

Next, while maintaining the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state, the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h is cleaned. At this time, first, the inside of the intermediate area chamber 70g and the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h are cleaned (COP) (COP step, reference numeral S12 in FIG. 9). At this time, cleaning agents such as alkaline chemicals, water, etc. are sprayed into the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h from injection nozzles (not shown) arranged in the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h. Injected within 70 hours. As a result, the inner wall surface of the intermediate area chamber 70g and the surfaces of the equipment such as the filling device 20 are purified. At this time, the water may be sterile water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60.

Here, when cleaning (COP) the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h, at least the second bypass line 56 out of the first bypass line 55 and the second bypass line 56 is cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). Preferably. When cleaning (CIP) or sterilizing (SIP) the second bypass line 56, for example, a cleaning agent or A disinfectant may be supplied to the second bypass line 56. Cleaning agents and disinfectants may be, for example, peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, alkaline agents, acidic agents, sodium hypochlorite, and the like. Thereafter, the second bypass line 56 may be rinsed with sterile water by supplying sterile water to the second bypass line 56 from the second water tank 52 in which sterile water is stored in advance. In addition, when cleaning (CIP) or sterilizing (SIP) the first bypass line 55, for example, from the connection point CP2 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A, etc.) that connects the first bypass line 55 to the water sterilization line 50, cleaning is performed. A disinfectant or disinfectant may be supplied to the first bypass line 55.

Next, while maintaining the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state, the stock solution filling device 22 is cleaned (CIP) (CIP step, reference numeral S13 in FIG. 9). At this time, first, a CIP cup (not shown) is placed over the stock solution filling nozzle of the stock solution filling device 22. Next, the flow path for the contents in the stock solution filling device 22 is rinsed with water, and a cleaning agent, for example, which is water to which an alkaline agent such as caustic soda or an acidic agent such as nitric acid is added, is supplied to the flow path. As a result, the residue of the previous beverage adhering to the flow path of the contents in the stock solution filling device 22 is removed. At this time, the water may be sterile water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60.

Next, while maintaining the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state, the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h is sterilized. At this time, first, the stock solution filling device 22 is sterilized (SIP) (SIP step, reference numeral S14 in FIG. 9). At this time, heated steam or hot water is supplied to the flow path of the contents in the stock solution filling device 22. This sterilizes the flow path of the contents in the stock solution filling device 22. At this time, the water may be sterile water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60.

Next, the inside of the intermediate area chamber 70g and the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h are sterilized (SOP) (SOP step, reference numeral S15 in FIG. 9). At this time, disinfectants such as peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide are sprayed into the middle area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h from injection nozzles (not shown) arranged in the middle area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h. It is injected into the chamber 70h. Thereafter, sterile water is injected into the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h from the injection nozzle (not shown). Thereby, the inner wall surface of the intermediate area chamber 70g and the surfaces of the equipment such as the filling device 20 are sterilized. At this time, as the sterile water, sterile water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 may be used. Thereby, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. In addition, before or at the same time as sterilizing the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h with the sterilizing agent, at least the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f, the air rinse chamber 70e, and the sterilizing agent spray chamber 70d are also cleaned with a peracetic acid cleaning agent, It may also be rinsed with sterile water sterilized by a water sterilizer 60. This makes it possible to maintain stable sterility over a long period of time and increase the level of sterility.

Moreover, while the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h is being sterilized, every corner of the first sterile chamber 70f may be re-sterilized. At this time, for example, by injecting a disinfectant such as hydrogen peroxide into the first sterile chamber 70f and then drying the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f with hot air, every corner of the first sterile chamber 70f is cleaned. May be re-sterilized.

In this way, the filling system 10 is sterilized.

Next, the CIP cup (not shown) placed over the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21 is removed. Then, the water held aseptically in the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21 is discharged into the first sterile chamber 70f. Thereby, even if a disinfectant or the like gets mixed into the water filling nozzle from outside the CIP cup, it is possible to prevent the disinfectant from being filled into the bottle 100. Furthermore, as described above, when the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f is re-sterilized, the sterilizer is not completely removed from the CIP cup placed over the water filling nozzle, and the sterilizer is attached to the CIP cup. Even in such a case, it is possible to prevent the bottle 100 from being filled with a disinfectant or the like. Note that the amount of water discharged into the first sterile chamber 70f is preferably equal to or more than one bottle 100 to be used in the next production. Thereafter, after the gap closed by the shutter is opened, the next filling of contents is started.

Next, a sterilization method using the water sterilizer 60 will be explained with reference to FIGS. 10A to 10E.

Sterilization method for water sterilizer First, after the filling of the beverage in the content filling system 10 is completed, for example, the operation button of the control unit 90 is operated. As a result, sterilization (SIP) of the water sterilizer 60 is started. Note that sterilization by the water sterilizer 60 may be performed during production of the product bottle 101. In this case, even if water sterilization by the water sterilizer 60 is stopped, product bottles 101 can be produced by using the sterile water stored in the second water tank 52.

When sterilizing the water sterilizer 60, first, the filling (production) of the contents by the contents filling system 10 is finished ("end of production" in FIG. 10A).

Thereafter, a post-production integrity test (first integrity test) is performed on at least one of the sterile filters (first sterile filter 63 and second sterile filter 65) of the water sterilizer 60 (see FIG. 10A). code S20A). That is, a post-production integrity test is performed on at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 of the water sterilizer 60. If the foreign matter removal filter 61 is also a sterile filter, the integrity test is performed on at least one of the three filters. Water can be sterilized if the integrity test results before and after the start of production pass (no leakage is observed) and if the amount of ultraviolet rays irradiated during production is above a specified value or within a specified range. gender is guaranteed.

Next, the sterilizers (the first sterilizer 62 and/or the second sterilizer 64 (hereinafter simply referred to as the first sterilizer 62, etc.)) are cleaned and/or sterilized (sterilizer cleaning sterilization process, reference numeral in FIG. 10A). S20). At this time, first, the first sterilizer 62 and the like are cleaned (CIP treatment). CIP treatment involves flowing an acidic cleaning solution in which an acidic agent such as nitric acid or phosphoric acid is added to water into the channel after or before flowing the alkaline cleaning solution into the channel. carried out by An alkaline cleaning solution is a cleaning solution in which alkaline agents such as caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate, sodium phosphate, sodium hypochlorite, surfactants, and chelating agents are added to water. It is. Note that the alkaline cleaning process using an alkaline cleaning liquid and the acid cleaning process using an acidic cleaning liquid may be carried out in any combination. As a result, residues adhering to the inside of the channel through which water passes are removed. Further, CIP treatment using only hot water or hot water may be used without adding any cleaning agent. Note that the contents do not adhere to the water sterilization line 50. Further, in the first sterilizer 62 and the like of the water sterilization line 50, ultraviolet rays are irradiated by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the like during production of the product bottles 101. Thereby, there is little possibility that the water sterilization line 50 will be contaminated with bacteria. Therefore, the CIP treatment of the water sterilization line 50 may be omitted.

Next, the first sterilizer 62 and the like are sterilized (SIP processing). In the SIP process, first, steam or hot water is supplied to the water sterilizer 60 (hot water supply process, reference numeral S201a in FIG. 10B1). In this case, for example, steam or hot water is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60. As a result, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b, and the third ultraviolet lamp 67c (hereinafter also simply referred to as the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc.) of the first sterilizer 62 etc. are heated and sterilized with steam or hot water, respectively. be done. Furthermore, every corner of the piping of the first sterilizer 62 and the piping of the second sterilizer 64 is heated and sterilized with steam or hot water, respectively. Note that when sterilizing the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 may be sterilized at the same time. In addition, by adjusting the temperature, concentration, and/or time of the cleaning agent used in the CIP treatment, bacteria can be inactivated at the same time (SIP treatment) without the need to perform the subsequent SIP treatment (CSIP treatment). . After the CIP process, SIP process, or CSIP process is completed, the cleaning agent is discharged from the circulation system 59A. Thereafter, the process moves to a rinsing step to completely remove the cleaning agent. Pure water is supplied from a 50a pure water tank for rinsing. In the rinsing process, it is preferable to turn on the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like to confirm that the amount of ultraviolet ray irradiation or illuminance is equal to or higher than a predetermined value.

Further, if the first sterilizer 62 and the like are sensitive to heat, the first sterilizer 62 and the like may be sterilized with a sterilizer (chemical) or a cleaning agent (chemical). At this time, first, a sterilizer is supplied to the water sterilizer 60 (a sterilizer supply step, reference numeral S201b in FIG. 10B2). In this case, for example, the sterilizer is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60. The sterilizer or cleaning agent is supplied from the sterilizer supply unit 96 (see FIGS. 2B and 2C) to the front sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, etc. provided in the water sterilizer line 50. It's okay. At this time, it is preferable that the sterilizing agent or the cleaning agent not pass through the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterile filter 63. That is, it is preferable to circulate the disinfectant or cleaning agent within the circulation system 95A. Specifically, for example, as shown by the bold lines in FIGS. 2B and 2C, the sterilizer or cleaning agent passes through the third bypass line 95a provided between the front sterilizer 62A and the first sterilizer 62. It is preferable to do so. Moreover, as shown by the thick line in FIG. 2B, it is preferable that the sterilizer or cleaning agent passes through a fourth bypass line 95b provided between the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64. Thereby, when the water sterilization line 50 is sterilized with a sterilizing agent or a cleaning agent, it is possible to prevent the sterilizing agent or the cleaning agent from passing through the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterile filter 63. The disinfectant or cleaning agent may be supplied from sampling points SP2 to SP4.

The disinfectant may include peracetic acid. Moreover, when the disinfectant contains peracetic acid, the concentration of the disinfectant may be 1000 ppm or more and 3000 ppm or less. When the concentration of the sterilizer is 1000 ppm or more, the sterilizing effect of the first sterilizer 62 and the like by the sterilizer can be enhanced. Moreover, since the concentration of the disinfectant is 3000 ppm or less, the amount of peracetic acid used can be reduced, and the cost when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

Moreover, the temperature of the hot water, disinfectant, or cleaning agent supplied to the circulation system 59A may be 50° C. or higher and 150° C. or lower. By setting the temperature of the hot water, the sterilizer, or the cleaning agent to 50° C. or higher, the sterilizing effect and cleaning effect of the first sterilizer 62 and the like by the sterilizer can be enhanced. Further, since the temperature of the hot water, disinfectant, or cleaning agent is 150° C. or lower, the first sterilizer 62 and the like can be manufactured at low cost without using special heat-resistant materials.

Next, in the circulation system 95A including the sterilizer (the first sterilizer 62 and/or the second sterilizer 64), hot water, a sterilizer, or a cleaning agent is circulated (hot water circulation step, reference numeral S202a in FIG. 10B1, Disinfectant circulation step, reference numeral S202b in FIG. 10B2). For example, hot water, a sterilizer, or a cleaning agent is circulated within a circulation system 95A that includes a first sterilizer 62A, a first sterilizer 62, and a second sterilizer 64 provided in the water sterilizer line 50. In this case, in the circulation system 95A including the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64, by circulating the disinfectant etc. for at least 10 seconds or more and 60 minutes or less, the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 may be sterilized. By setting the circulation time to 10 seconds or more, the sterilization effect of the first sterilizer 62 and the like using the sterilizer can be enhanced. Moreover, since the circulation time is 60 minutes or less, the sterilization time of the first sterilizer 62 and the like can be shortened. Therefore, downtime can be reduced. In addition, in the disinfectant circulation step, hot water, disinfectant, or cleaning agent may be circulated within the circulation system 59A instead of within the circulation system 95A.

Further, the circulation of hot water, disinfectant, or cleaning agent may be performed while the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the like are turned on. If the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. does not have heat resistance, it is preferable to cool the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. to a temperature at which the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. can be turned on while circulating hot water, disinfectant, or cleaning agent. . At this time, it is preferable that a heat exchanger 97 provided in the circulation system 95A performs heat exchange between the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the like and the disinfectant or cleaning agent.

Thereafter, the disinfectant and the like are discharged from any of the sampling points SP2 to SP5 (hot water discharge step, symbol S203a in FIG. 10B1, disinfectant discharge step, symbol S203b in FIG. 10B2), and then the circulation system 95A is cooled or Rinse (cooling step, reference numeral S204a in FIG. 10B1, rinsing step, reference numeral S204b in FIG. 10B2). That is, when hot water is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60 (the above-mentioned hot water supply step, reference numeral S201a in FIG. 10B1), the circulation system 59A is cooled (cooling step, reference numeral S204a in FIG. 10B1). On the other hand, when a disinfectant or the like is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60 (the above-mentioned disinfectant supply step, reference numeral S201b in FIG. 10B2), the circulation system 95A is rinsed (rinsing step, reference numeral S204b in FIG. 10B2). When discharging the disinfectant, etc., the disinfectant may be discharged in a short time while sterile air is supplied into the pipe in order to prevent bacterial contamination within the sterilized pipe. Note that the process may proceed to the rinsing process without performing the disinfectant discharge process.

In the rinsing process, first, the front sterilizer 62A is thoroughly rinsed with water so that the sterilizer does not adhere to the foreign matter removal filter 61. At this time, the rinse water may be discharged from the first drain pipe 95c provided upstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61. At this time, it is preferable to discharge water from the first drain pipe 95c while maintaining a positive pressure in the pipe that supplies water to the foreign matter removal filter 61. In this case, while draining water from the first drain pipe 95c, it is advisable to confirm that the inside of the pipe is under positive pressure. Thereafter, the rinsing water is passed through a foreign matter removal filter 61.

Next, the sterilizer remaining in the first sterilizer 62 is thoroughly rinsed with rinsing water. At this time, the rinse water may be discharged from the second drain pipe 95d provided upstream of the first sterile filter 63. At this time as well, it is preferable to discharge water from the second drain pipe 95d while maintaining a positive pressure in the pipe that supplies water to the first sterile filter 63. In this case, while draining water from the second drain pipe 95d, it is advisable to confirm that the inside of the pipe is under positive pressure. Thereafter, the rinse water is passed through the first sterile filter 63. Thereafter, the same operation is performed in order toward the downstream side. Before discharging water from the first drain pipe 95c or the second drain pipe 95d, the first drain pipe 95c and the like may be sterilized with steam or hot water in advance.

Next, the sterile filters (the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the first sterile filter 63, etc.)) are sterilized (filter cleaning sterilization step, reference numeral S21 in FIG. 10A). At this time, first, heated steam (fluid) or hot water (fluid) is supplied to the flow path of the first sterile filter 63 etc. (fluid supply step, reference numeral S211 in FIG. 10A). At this time, sterilizing steam is supplied to the first sterile filter 63 and the like from the sterile air supply port 60a, for example.

Next, the temperature of the heated steam or hot water supplied to the flow path of the first sterile filter 63 etc. is measured, and the F value is calculated based on the measured temperature (F value calculation step, reference numeral in FIG. 10A S212).

Thereafter, when the F value becomes equal to or higher than the target value, sterilization of the first sterile filter 63 and the like is completed. In this way, the first sterile filter 63 and the like are sterilized. In this way, by performing heat sterilization of the first sterile filter 63 etc. using the F value, the first sterile filter 63 etc. can be sterilized without applying more heat than necessary to the first sterile filter 63 etc. . Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Moreover, since the first sterile filter 63 and the like can be sterilized without applying more heat than necessary to the first sterile filter 63 and the like, damage to the membrane of the first sterile filter 63 and the like can be suppressed. Therefore, the life of the first sterile filter 63 and the like can be extended, and the first sterile filter 63 and the like can be used for a long period of time without being replaced. The first sterile filter 63 and the like may be sterilized, for example, at 121° C. or higher for 20 minutes (timer method) without calculating the F value.

Note that when sterilizing the first sterile filter 63 and the like, the area to be sterilized by steam may be divided by opening and closing valves (not shown) provided at sampling points SP1 to SP6. For example, the steam that sterilizes the first sterile filter 63 may be supplied to the area between the sampling point SP3 and the sampling point SP4 to sterilize the area. Further, the steam that sterilizes the second sterile filter 65 may be supplied to the area between the sampling point SP5 and the sampling point SP6, thereby sterilizing the area. Note that the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be sterilized together with the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65.

In this way, SIP processing is performed on the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. After that, the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 are cooled (S213 in FIG. 10A).

Next, an integrity test (second integrity test) is performed on at least one of the sterile filters (first sterile filter 63 and second sterile filter 65) of the water sterilizer 60 (S22 in FIG. 10A). ). That is, a pre-production integrity test is performed on at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 of the water sterilizer 60 (S22 in FIG. 10A). In the integrity test, first, water is supplied to the housing (not shown) in the first sterile filter 63 etc. (wetting step (not shown)). The wetting step is performed with the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. turned on. Thereby, the water irradiated with ultraviolet rays passes through the first sterile filter. Next, a valve (not shown) near the first sterile filter 63 and the like is closed to drain water from the first sterile filter 63 and the like, and then sterile air is supplied to the first sterile filter 63 and the like. At this time, sterile air is injected into the first sterile filter 63 filled with water, for example, from the sterile air supply port 60a. Then, the sterile air supplied to the first sterile filter 63 and the like is gradually pressurized, and the bubble point value of the first sterile filter 63 and the like is measured. Thereafter, it is confirmed whether the first sterile filter 63 and the like are complete (whether sterile air is leaking when a predetermined pressure is applied) based on the bubble point value measured multiple times (for example, three times).

Here, water cannot be supplied to the first sterile filter 63, for example, while the integrity test is being performed on the first sterile filter 63. On the other hand, if water continues to remain in the main body 66 (see FIGS. 3 to 6B) of the first sterilizer 62, etc., the temperature of the water in the main body 66 increases due to the heat of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. do. In particular, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the like are medium-pressure mercury lamps, the operating temperature of the medium-pressure mercury lamp is high (approximately 600° C. or higher and 900° C. or lower), so the temperature of the water in the main body 66 can easily decrease. It can rise. For this reason, for example, while performing an integrity test on the first sterile filter 63, water irradiated with ultraviolet light by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like is transferred to the circulation system 95A, as shown by the bold line in FIG. 2C. It is preferable to circulate within the Thereby, overheating of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the like can be suppressed, and damage to the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the like can be suppressed.

After that, filling (production) of contents by the contents filling system 10 is started again. Note that the water used in the integrity test is preferably water sterilized by the first sterilizer 62. Furthermore, it is preferable to use sterile air for the air used in the integrity test.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 10C, the order of the sterilizer cleaning and sterilization step (S20 in FIG. 10A) and the filter cleaning and sterilization step (S21 in FIG. 10A) may be reversed. Further, as shown in FIG. 10D, during the SIP of the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 (for example, during cooling of the first sterile filter 63, etc.), the first sterilizer 62 and the The cleaning and sterilization processes of the two sterilizers 64 may be performed in parallel. In this case, piping or valves located upstream or downstream of the first sterile filter 63 etc. come into contact with the sterilizing agent. Therefore, the cooling time can be shortened. Specifically, from the time when the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 have been cooled to below 110° C., the sterilizer is supplied to the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64. It's okay to be. Thereby, it is also possible to complete the sterilizer cleaning and sterilization process while the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 are being cooled.

Further, in the first sterilizer 62 and the like, during production of the product bottle 101, ultraviolet rays are irradiated by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the like. Thereby, there is little possibility that the first sterilizer 62 and the like will be contaminated with bacteria. Therefore, when the water sterilizer 60 is sterilized, the first sterilizer 62 and the like do not need to be sterilized.

In addition, as another embodiment, as shown in FIG. and the second sterilizer 64) or the step of sterilizing the sterilizers (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64). That is, the first sterile filter 63 and second sterile filter 65 of the water sterilizer 60 and the first sterilizer 62 and second sterilizer 64 may be cleaned and sterilized at the same time.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 10E, filling (production) is first completed. Thereafter, a post-production integrity test (first integrity test) is performed on at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 (S30 in FIG. 10E).

Next, a cleaning (CIP) process is performed on the first sterile filter 63, the second sterile filter 65, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 (S31 in FIG. 10E). At this time, the cleaning agent and sterilizing agent are supplied from before (upstream side) of the foreign matter removal filter 61, and using the circulation line 59, the cleaning agent and the sterilizing agent are circulated within the circulation system 59A for a predetermined period of time.

After performing the CIP process, a sterilization (SIP) process may be performed on the first sterile filter 63, the second sterile filter 65, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 (S32 in FIG. 10E). Alternatively, instead of CIP processing and SIP processing, cleaning and sterilization of the first sterile filter 63, second sterile filter 65, first sterilizer 62, and second sterilizer 64 may be performed at the same time (CSIP processing) (Fig. 10E code S33).

Cleaning agents and disinfectants used for CIP treatment, SIP treatment, or CSIP treatment include acidic agents such as peracetic acid, acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, pernitric acid, nitric acid, and phosphoric acid, and alkaline agents such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide. Chemicals, chlorine-based chemicals such as sodium hypochlorite and chlorine dioxide, alcohols such as ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol, ozone water, acidic water, and surfactants may be used alone, or two or more of these may be used alone. may be used in combination. A heater (not shown) may be used to raise the temperature of the cleaning agent and disinfectant. The CIP treatment, SIP treatment, or CSIP treatment is performed under predetermined conditions (temperature, concentration, time) based on the values of the thermometer T and concentration meter 59c installed in the water sterilizer 60 and circulation line 59. Also good.

The cleaning agent and disinfectant are discharged from the circulation system 59A by supplying pure water from the pure water tank 50c to the circulation system 59A and conveying the pure water from the pump P1, while replacing the disinfectant with pure water. It's okay to be beaten. Alternatively, water may be supplied to the circulation system 59A from another device (not shown) and the disinfectant may be discharged. The disinfectant may be discharged while monitoring the value of a concentration meter 59c provided on the downstream side of the circulation line 59. In this case, for example, it is preferable to rinse the circulation system 59A with rinsing water until the value of the concentration meter 59c becomes the same as the value of the concentration meter (not shown) provided in the pure water production apparatus 50a. Further, in the rinsing step, the rinsing time may be managed by a timer. Further, the rinsing step may be set to be completed when a predetermined time has elapsed. During CIP processing, SIP processing, or CSIP processing, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the like may or may not be lit. Further, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the like may be turned on only during the rinsing process. After the CIP processing and SIP processing or the CSIP processing is completed, a pre-production integrity test (second integrity test) is performed on at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 ( S34 in FIG. 10E). That is, one or both of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 is subjected to an integrity test before production.

Next, if the result of the integrity test before the start of production is a pass (if no leak is found), the process moves to a production preparation process (S35 in FIG. 10E). In the production preparation process, while circulating pure water in the circulation system 59A, it is confirmed that the illuminance of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the like is equal to or higher than a predetermined value. In this case, in each sterilizer (the first sterilizer 62 or the second sterilizer 64), the total irradiation amount of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. may be, for example, 10 mJ/cm ² or more, or 100 mJ/cm 2 or more. It is preferable that it is ² or more.

After that, production will begin.

Note that the contents do not adhere to the water sterilizer 60. Further, in the first sterilizer 62 and the like, during production of the product bottle 101, ultraviolet rays are irradiated by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the like. Thereby, there is little possibility that the first sterilizer 62 and the like will be contaminated with bacteria. Therefore, when the water sterilizer 60 is sterilized, the first sterilizer 62 and the like do not need to be sterilized.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the content filling system 10 includes the water sterilization line 50 that sterilizes water without heating, the undiluted solution sterilization line 70 that heat sterilizes the product stock solution, the water sterilization line 50 and the undiluted solution sterilization. The filling device 20 is connected to the line 70 and fills the bottle 100 with water and product stock solution. This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted when preparing the contents compared to diluting the product stock solution with sterile water made using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water. can. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the content filling system 10 further includes a control unit 90 that controls the water sterilization line 50. Then, the control unit 90 discharges the water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50 when the irradiation amount or illuminance of ultraviolet rays becomes less than a predetermined value. Thereby, the sterility of the second water tank 52 and the like can be maintained.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the filling device 20 includes a water filling device 21 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and a stock solution filling device 22 connected to the stock solution sterilization line 70. Further, the water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with sterilized water, and the stock solution filling device 22 fills the bottle 100 with a sterilized product stock solution. This makes it possible to narrow the area to which dirt from the contents adheres. Therefore, the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed. As a result, the amount of steam etc. used can be reduced. Further, cleaning time and sterilization time can be shortened. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the water filling device 21 fills the empty bottle 100 with water. Further, the filling speed at which the water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with water is faster than the filling speed at which the stock solution filling device 22 fills the bottle 100 with the product stock solution. Thereby, the number of water filling nozzles of the water filling device 21 can be reduced without causing dirt to adhere around the bottle 100. Therefore, the size of the water filling device 21 can be reduced without causing dirt to adhere around the bottle 100.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the water sterilization line 50 includes a first water tank 51 that stores water, a water sterilizer 60 that non-heat sterilizes the water stored in the first water tank 51, and a water sterilizer 60 that sterilizes water stored in the first water tank 51 without heating. It has a second water tank 52 that stores water sterilized by the machine 60. Further, the stock solution sterilization line 70 is sterilized by a first stock solution tank 71 that stores the product stock solution, a product stock solution sterilizer 80 that heats and sterilizes the product stock solution stored in the first stock solution tank 71, and a product stock solution sterilizer 80. It has a second stock solution tank 72 that stores the product stock solution. This allows for smooth flow of water and product stock solution.

Further, according to the present embodiment, a first bypass line 55 that connects the water sterilization line 50 and the cap sterilizer 18 to each other is provided downstream of the second water tank 52. Thereby, the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 can be used to clean the cap 88. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be further reduced.

Further, according to the present embodiment, an addition unit 75 for adding solids to the product stock solution is connected to the downstream side of the second stock solution tank 72. Thereby, in the content filling system 10, the bottle 100 can be filled with a solid content.

Further, according to the present embodiment, the content filling system 10 includes a preform sterilizer 34a that sterilizes the preform 100a, a blow molding section (container molding device) 32 that molds the bottle 100 from the preform 100a, It further includes a sterilizer (container sterilizer) 11 that sterilizes the bottle 100. Then, the blow molding section (container molding device) 32 molds the bottle 100 without adjusting the temperature of the bottle 100 with hot water from the mold temperature controller. Thereby, the number of bacteria adhering to the bottle 100 can be reduced, and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Further, since it is not necessary to supply hot water to the mold of the blow molding section 32, the blow molding section 32 can be simplified.

(Modified example of content filling system)
Next, a modification of the content filling system will be described.

（ただし、Ｔは任意の殺菌温度（℃）、１０＾｛（Ｔ－Ｔｒ）／Ｚ｝は任意の殺菌温度Ｔでの致死率、Ｔｒは基準温度（℃）、ＺはＺ値（℃）を表す。）
において、基準温度Ｔｒが１２１．１℃、Ｚ値が１０℃の場合に算出されるＦ値である。 (First modification)
In the embodiment described above, an example has been described in which the water sterilization line 50 (water sterilizer 60) sterilizes water without heating, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the water sterilization line 50 (water sterilizer 60) may sterilize water by heating the water to a predetermined temperature. The number of bacteria in the pure water produced by the pure water production apparatus 50a is generally lower than that in the product stock solution if the pure water production apparatus 50a is properly managed. Therefore, if the pH of the contents after filling or after the cap 88 is attached to the bottle 100 is less than 4.5, the water sterilizer line 50 (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64) has an F ₀ value. The water may be sterilized so that the value is 0.00029 or more and less than 3.1. In addition, when the pH of the contents is 4.5 or higher, the water sterilization line 50 (first sterilizer 62 and second sterilizer 64) sterilizes water so that the F ₀ value is 3.1 or more and 100 or less. It may be sterilized. When filling contents with different pH while switching, the water sterilization line 50 (first sterilizer 62 and second sterilizer 64) is unified in order to reduce the number of times of washing and/or sterilization of the water sterilization line 50. Water may be sterilized so that the F ₀ value is 3.1 or more and 100 or less. Here, the F ₀ value is calculated using the following formula mentioned above.

(However, T is the arbitrary sterilization temperature (℃), 10^{(T-Tr)/Z} is the lethality rate at the arbitrary sterilization temperature T, Tr is the reference temperature (℃), and Z is the Z value (℃) )
This is the F value calculated when the reference temperature Tr is 121.1°C and the Z value is 10°C.

According to this modification, compared to the case of using a sterilizer that sterilizes water by heating it to a high temperature at the same time as the product stock solution at the same sterilization strength as the product stock solution (usually with an F ₀ value of about 30 or more and 80 or less). This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted when water is sterilized. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. In addition, when the water sterilization line 50 (the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64) changes the sterilization conditions based on the pH of the contents, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted when sterilizing water can be further reduced, and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be further reduced.

(Second modification)
Further, in the embodiment described above, the water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with sterilized water, and the stock solution filling device 22 fills the bottle 100 filled with water with the sterilized product. Although an example in which the stock solution is filled has been described, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the stock solution filling device 22 may fill the bottle 100 with a sterilized product stock solution, and the water filling device 21 may fill the bottle 100 filled with the product stock solution with sterilized water. good.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 11, the stock solution filling device 22 may be disposed upstream of the water filling device 21 in the transport direction of the bottle 100. Further, the stock solution filling device 22 may be housed inside the first sterile chamber 70f, and the water filling device 21 may be housed inside the second sterile chamber 70h.

(Third modification)
Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the product stock solution is diluted with water has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the bottle 100 may be filled with water or a product stock solution using only one of the water filling device 21 and the stock solution filling device 22. Specifically, by using only the water filling device 21, the bottle 100 may be filled with only water. That is, in the content filling system 10, mineral water may be manufactured by using only the water filling device 21. Alternatively, only the product stock solution may be filled into the bottle 100 by using only the stock solution filling device 22. That is, in the content filling system 10, a so-called conch product (concentrated product) may be manufactured by using only the stock solution filling device 22. Note that when filling the bottle 100 with only a product stock solution that does not require sterilization, the bottle 100 may be supplied to the conveyance wheel 12 housed inside the intermediate area chamber 70g.

According to this modification, only one of the water filling device 21 and the stock solution filling device 22 is used to fill the bottle 100 with water or product stock solution. Thereby, mineral water and so-called conch products can be produced in the content filling system 10. Therefore, the types of product bottles 101 produced in the content filling system 10 can be increased.

(Fourth modification)
Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, an example was described in which the filling device 20 includes the water filling device 21 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution filling device 22 connected to the stock solution sterilization line 70. . In this case, the filling device 20 may include a plurality of stock solution filling devices 22. Further, for example, as shown in FIG. 12A, the content filling system 10 may include a plurality of (for example, two) stock solution sterilization lines 70. The filling device 20 may include a plurality of (for example, two) stock solution filling devices 22 connected to each stock solution sterilization line 70, respectively.

In this case, the filling device 20 may include a first stock solution filling device 22a that fills a product stock solution that does not contain flavor, and a second stock solution filling device 22b that fills a product stock solution that contains flavor. In other words, one of the two stock solution filling devices 22 may be a filling device (the first stock solution filling device 22a) that fills a product stock solution that does not contain flavor, such as a tea-based drink, for example. good. The other stock solution filling device 22 may be a filling device (second stock solution filling device 22b) that fills a product stock solution containing a flavor such as a fruit drink, a milk drink, or a sports drink. Note that the second stock solution filling device 22b may be a filling device that fills solid matter.

As described above, since the filling device 20 includes the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second stock solution filling device 22b, when the bottle 100 is filled with a flavor-free content such as a tea-based drink, It is possible to suppress the scent of the previous contents from adhering to the contents. In addition, when one of the stock solution filling devices 22 is a filling device (first stock solution filling device 22a) that fills a product stock solution that does not contain flavor, the flow path of the product stock solution in the first stock solution filling device 22a, etc. No flavor adhesion. For example, the flavor does not adhere to sealing elements such as packing provided at the connection points of each piping and each device. Therefore, when changing the type of contents, the area to be cleaned (CIP) can be narrowed. Thereby, cleaning time can be shortened. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

In the illustrated example, the first stock solution filling device 22a, the second stock solution filling device 22b, and the cap attachment device 16 are housed inside the second sterile chamber 70h. Further, as shown in FIG. 12B, a chamber wall 710 is provided inside the second sterile chamber 70h. This chamber wall 710 has a first space (space) 701 in which the first stock solution filling device 22a is accommodated, a second space 702 in which the second stock solution filling device 22b is accommodated, and a second space 702 in which the cap mounting device 16 is accommodated. 3 spaces 703 are separated from each other. In other words, the first stock solution filling device 22a is housed in the first space 701 defined by the chamber wall 710. Further, the second stock solution filling device 22b is housed in a second space 702 defined by a chamber wall 710, and the cap mounting device 16 is accommodated in a third space 703 defined by a chamber wall 710.

The chamber wall 710 serves to prevent the disinfectant and the like in each space from flowing into unintended spaces, and to stabilize the pressure within each space. This chamber wall 710 is formed with gaps G1 to G6 (see FIG. 12C described later) through which the bottle 100 can pass. The gaps G1 to G6 are formed to have a minimum size, for example, about 100 bottles, so that the pressure within each space does not change. Further, the chamber wall 710 may be provided with shutters sh1 to sh6 (see FIG. 12C described later) that open and close the gaps G1 to G6 described above. The shutters sh1 to sh6 may be configured to open and close automatically in response to a signal from the control unit 90, for example.

Further, by providing the chamber wall 710 inside the second sterile chamber 70h, the second space 702 can be cleaned (COP) and sterilized ( SOP), and the second stock solution filling device 22b can be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). Thereby, downtime can be significantly reduced and productivity of the product bottle 101 can be improved. Here, for example, when cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the second stock solution filling device 22b while the first stock solution filling device 22a is operating, even if the shutter sh1 etc. provided on the chamber wall 710 is closed. good. This prevents disinfectants and the like from entering from the space accommodating the second stock solution filling device 22b (non-sterile space) to the space accommodating the first stock solution filling device 22a (sterile space). good.

Note that among the transport wheels 12 housed in the second sterile chamber 70h, the first transport wheel (first wheel) 12a that delivers the bottle 100 to the first stock solution filling device 22a and the bottle 100 from the first stock solution filling device 22a The second conveyance wheels 12b that receive the second conveyance wheels 12b are respectively arranged outside the first space 701. Of the transport wheels 12 housed in the second sterile chamber 70h, a third transport wheel 12c delivers the bottle 100 to the second stock solution filling device 22b, and a fourth transport wheel 12c receives the bottle 100 from the second stock solution filling device 22b. The wheels 12d are each arranged outside the second space 702.

Here, as shown in FIG. 12C, the first conveyance wheel 12a includes a gripper (first gripper) 121 that conveys the bottle 100. This gripper 121 is provided so as to be openable and closable.

Similarly, the second conveyance wheel 12b to the fourth conveyance wheel 12d each include grippers 122, 123, and 124 that convey the bottle 100. The grippers 122, 123, and 124 are each provided so as to be openable and closable.

Further, the first stock solution filling device 22a includes a wheel 221 (second wheel), and the wheel 221 (second wheel) is arranged inside the first space 701. This wheel 221 includes a gripper (second gripper) 222 that conveys the bottle 100. This gripper 222 is provided so as to be openable and closable.

Similarly, the second stock solution filling device 22b includes a wheel 223, and the wheel 223 is arranged inside the second space 702. This wheel 223 includes a gripper 224 for transporting the bottle 100. This gripper 224 is provided so as to be openable and closable.

Next, a case where the second space 702 (and or the second stock solution filling device 22b) is cleaned and sterilized while the first stock solution filling device 22a accommodated in the first space 701 is being operated will be described with reference to FIG. 12C. That is, regarding the case where the second space 702 and/or the second stock solution filling device 22b (hereinafter also simply referred to as the second space 702 etc.) is cleaned and sterilized while filling the bottle 100 with the product stock solution using the first stock solution filling device 22a. explain.

First, after filling of the product stock solution in the second stock solution filling device 22b is completed, for example, the operation button of the control unit 90 is operated. As a result, for example, among the gaps G1 to G6 formed in the chamber wall 710, the gaps G1 and G4 are closed by the shutters sh1 and sh4, respectively.

Next, the bottle 100 is transported from the first transport wheel 12a to the first stock solution filling device 22a. At this time, the gripper 123 of the third conveyance wheel 12c assumes the open position so as not to interfere with the gripper 121 of the first conveyance wheel 12a. In this embodiment, the gripper 123 assumes the open position by each of the pair of claws of the gripper 123 rotating 90 degrees in the horizontal direction from the closed position. Note that the rotation angle of each claw may be 60 degrees or more and 130 degrees or less.

In this open position, the gripper 123 does not interfere with the shutter sh1 that closes the gap G1. Thereby, when cleaning and sterilizing the second space 702 and the like, the bottle 100 can be transported to the first stock solution filling device 22a while maintaining the inside of the first space 701 in a sterile state.

When filling the bottle 100 with the product stock solution by the first stock solution filling device 22a, the gripper (second gripper) 222 of the wheel 221 of the first stock solution filling device 22a is the gripper (first gripper) of the first conveyance wheel 12a. Receive bottle 100 from 121. That is, the bottle 100 is transferred from the first conveyance wheel (first wheel) 12a arranged outside the first space 701 to the wheel 221 (second wheel) arranged inside the first space 701. .

Next, the bottle 100 is filled with the product stock solution in the first stock solution filling device 22a. At this time, the bottle 100 conveyed by the gripper 222 is filled with the product stock solution.

Subsequently, the bottle 100 filled with the contents is transported to the capping device 16 by the second transport wheel 12b. At this time, the gripper 124 of the fourth conveyance wheel 12d assumes the open position so as not to interfere with the gripper 122 of the second conveyance wheel 12b. In this embodiment, the gripper 124 assumes the open position by each of the pair of claws of the gripper 124 rotating 90 degrees in the horizontal direction from the closed position. Note that the rotation angle of each claw may be 60 degrees or more and 130 degrees or less.

In this open position, the gripper 124 does not interfere with the shutter sh4 that closes the gap G4. Thereby, when cleaning and sterilizing the second space 702 and the like, the bottle 100 can be transported to the cap attachment device 16 while maintaining the inside of the first space 701 and the third space 703 in a sterile state.

In this way, the product bottle 101 filled with the product stock solution is obtained by the first stock solution filling device 22a. During this time, the second space 702 and the like are cleaned and sterilized.

In this way, when cleaning the second space 702 during operation of the first stock solution filling device 22a accommodated in the first space 701, the pressure in the first space 701 is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. The pressure in the second space 702 is preferably -10 Pa or more and 10 Pa or less, and the pressure in the third space 703 is preferably 5 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less. Thereby, the air in the second space 702 and the air in the third space 703 can be effectively prevented from entering the first space 701, and the sterile state in the first space 701 can be maintained even better.

When the second space 702 is sterilized during operation of the first stock solution filling device 22a accommodated in the first space 701, the pressure in the second space 702 is reduced by the first stock solution filling device accommodated in the first space 701. The pressure in the second space 702 may be higher than the pressure in the second space 702 when cleaning the second space 702 during operation of the second space 22a. When sterilizing the second space 702, the pressure in the first space 701 is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less, the pressure in the second space 702 is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less, and the pressure in the third space 702 is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. The pressure inside 703 is preferably 5 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less. Thereby, the air in the second space 702 and the air in the third space 703 can be effectively prevented from entering the first space 701, and the sterile state in the first space 701 can be maintained well.

Next, a case will be described in which the bottle 100 is not filled with the product stock solution by the first stock solution filling device 22a. Here, during the operation of the second stock solution filling device 22b accommodated in the second space 702, the first space 701 and/or the first stock solution filling device 22a (hereinafter also simply referred to as the first space 701 etc.) are cleaned and The case of sterilization will be explained with reference to FIG. 12D. That is, a case will be described in which the first space 701 and the like are cleaned and sterilized while filling the bottle 100 with the product stock solution using the second stock solution filling device 22b.

First, after filling of the product stock solution in the first stock solution filling device 22a is completed, for example, the operation button of the control unit 90 is operated. Thereby, for example, among the gaps G1 to G6 formed in the chamber wall 710, gaps G5 and G6 are closed by the shutters sh5 and sh6, respectively.

Next, the bottle 100 is transported from the first transport wheel 12a to the second stock solution filling device 22b. At this time, the gripper (second gripper) 222 of the wheel 221 (second wheel) of the first stock solution filling device 22a takes an open position so as not to interfere with the gripper (first gripper) 121 of the first conveyance wheel 12a. . In this embodiment, the gripper 222 assumes the open position by each of the pair of claws of the gripper 222 rotating 90 degrees in the horizontal direction from the closed position. Note that the rotation angle of each claw may be 60 degrees or more and 130 degrees or less.

In this open position, the gripper 222 does not interfere with the shutter sh6 that closes the gap G6. Thereby, when cleaning and sterilizing the first space 701 and the like, the bottle 100 can be transported to the second stock solution filling device 22b while maintaining the inside of the second space 702 in a sterile state.

When the bottle 100 is filled with the product stock solution by the second stock solution filling device 22b, the gripper 123 of the third transport wheel 12c receives the bottle 100 from the gripper 121 of the first transport wheel 12a.

Further, when filling the bottle 100 with the product stock solution by the second stock solution filling device 22b, the gripper 224 of the wheel 223 of the second stock solution filling device 22b receives the bottle 100 from the gripper 123 of the third conveyance wheel 12c. That is, the bottle 100 is transferred from the third conveyance wheel 12c arranged outside the second space 702 to the wheel 223 arranged inside the second space 702.

Next, the bottle 100 is filled with the product stock solution in the second stock solution filling device 22b. At this time, the bottle 100 conveyed by the gripper 224 is filled with the product stock solution.

Subsequently, the bottle 100 filled with the contents is transported to the second transport wheel 12b by the fourth transport wheel 12d.

Thereafter, the bottle 100 is transported to the capping device 16 by the second transport wheel 12b. At this time, the gripper 222 of the wheel 221 of the first stock solution filling device 22a assumes an open position so as not to interfere with the gripper 122 of the second transport wheel 12b. Furthermore, in this open position, the gripper 222 does not interfere with the shutter sh5 that closes the gap G5. Thereby, when cleaning and sterilizing the first space 701 and the like, the bottle 100 can be transported to the cap attachment device 16 while maintaining the interior of the second space 702 and the third space 703 in a sterile state.

In this way, the product bottle 101 filled with the product stock solution is obtained by the second stock solution filling device 22b. During this time, the first space 701 and the like are cleaned and sterilized.

When cleaning the first space 701 during operation of the second stock solution filling device 22b accommodated in the second space 702, the pressure in the first space 701 is preferably -10 Pa or more and 10 Pa or less; The pressure in the space 702 is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less, and the pressure in the third space 703 is preferably 5 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less. Thereby, the air in the first space 701 and the air in the third space 703 can be effectively prevented from entering the second space 702, and the sterile state in the second space 702 can be maintained even better.

When the first space 701 is sterilized during operation of the second stock solution filling device 22b accommodated in the second space 702, the pressure in the first space 701 is reduced by the second stock solution filling device accommodated in the second space 702. 22b may be higher than the pressure inside the first space 701 when cleaning the first space 701. When sterilizing the first space 701, the pressure in the first space 701 is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less, the pressure in the second space 702 is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less, and the pressure in the third space 701 is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. The pressure inside 703 is preferably 5 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less. Thereby, the air in the first space 701 and the air in the third space 703 can be effectively prevented from entering the second space 702, and the sterile state in the second space 702 can be maintained well.

To summarize the above, the pressure in each space may be set as shown in Tables 3 and 4 below.

According to this modification, the filling device 20 includes a plurality of stock solution filling devices 22. Thereby, for example, while the first stock solution filling device 22a is operating, the second stock solution filling device 22b can be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). Thereby, downtime can be significantly reduced and productivity of the product bottle 101 can be improved.

Further, according to this modification, the content filling system 10 includes a plurality of stock solution sterilization lines 70. A plurality of stock solution filling devices 22 are connected to each stock solution sterilization line 70, respectively. Thereby, the types of product bottles 101 produced in the content filling system 10 can be increased.

Further, according to this modification, the filling device 20 includes a first stock solution filling device 22a that fills a product stock solution that does not contain flavor, and a second stock solution filling device 22b that fills a product stock solution that contains flavor. There is. Thereby, when the bottle 100 is filled with contents that do not contain flavor, it is possible to suppress the scent of the previous contents from adhering to the bottle 100. Further, since the first stock solution filling device 22a fills the product stock solution that does not contain flavor, flavor does not adhere to the flow path of the product stock solution in the first stock solution filling device 22a. Therefore, when changing the type of contents, the area to be cleaned (CIP) can be narrowed. Thereby, cleaning time can be shortened. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. In addition, at this time, the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second stock solution filling device 22b are connected to mutually different stock solution sterilization lines 70, so that, for example, the stock solution filling device 22a is connected to the stock solution filling device 22b. In the sterilization line 70, cleaning for removing flavors (so-called deodorizing CIP) may not be performed. Here, deodorizing CIP requires more time and energy than normal CIP. Therefore, when deodorizing CIP is not performed, downtime can be shortened and energy saving can be achieved compared to when deodorizing CIP is performed.

Further, according to this modification, when filling the bottle 100 with the product stock solution by the first stock solution filling device 22a, the gripper (second gripper) 222 of the wheel 221 of the first stock solution filling device 22a is connected to the first conveyor wheel 12a. The bottle 100 is received from the gripper (first gripper) 121 of. When the product stock solution is not filled into the bottle 100 by the first stock solution filling device 22a, the gripper (second gripper) 222 of the wheel 221 (second wheel) of the first stock solution filling device 22a is the gripper of the first conveyance wheel 12a. (First gripper) Takes an open position so as not to interfere with 121. Thereby, when cleaning and sterilizing the second space 702 and the like, the bottle 100 can be transported to the first stock solution filling device 22a.

Furthermore, according to this modification, when the bottle 100 is not filled with the product stock solution by the first stock solution filling device 22a, the gaps G5 and G6 are closed by the shutters sh5 and sh6. Then, the gripper (second gripper) 222 of the wheel 221 of the first stock solution filling device 22a takes an open position so as not to interfere with the shutters sh5 and sh6 that close the gaps G5 and G6. Thereby, when cleaning and sterilizing the second space 702 and the like, the bottle 100 can be transported to the first stock solution filling device 22a while maintaining the inside of the second space 702 and the third space 703 in a sterile state.

Although an example has been described in which the gripper 222 and the like take the open position by rotating the pair of claws of the gripper 222 and the like in the horizontal direction from the closed position, the present invention is not limited to this. Gripper 222, etc. may be in an open position according to any configuration. For example, the gripper 222 or the like may take the open position by bending a pair of claws upward or downward. Furthermore, the gripper 222 and the like may be provided so as to be openable and closable by configuring the pair of claws to be extendable and retractable.

(Other examples of the fourth modification)
Next, another example of the fourth modification will be described.

<First example>
In the first example shown in FIG. 12E, the contents filling system further includes a fifth sterile chamber 70j, a sixth sterile chamber 70k, and a seventh sterile chamber 70m. The fifth sterile chamber 70j is provided upstream of the first sterile chamber 70f. The sixth sterile chamber 70k is provided downstream of the second sterile chamber 70h. The seventh sterile chamber 70m is provided downstream of the sixth sterile chamber 70k. That is, in the illustrated example, the fifth sterile chamber 70j, the first sterile chamber 70f, the second sterile chamber 70h, the sixth sterile chamber 70k, the seventh sterile chamber 70m, and the outlet chamber 70i are connected to the bottle 100 (FIG. 12A, etc.). They are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance direction of (see). Further, the fifth sterile chamber 70j, the first sterile chamber 70f, the second sterile chamber 70h, the sixth sterile chamber 70k, and the seventh sterile chamber 70m are arranged along the outer periphery of the circular carrier 110 that rotationally transports the bottle 100. It is located.

Among these, the transport wheel 12 that transports the air-rinsed bottle 100 may be accommodated inside the fifth sterile chamber 70j. A second stock solution filling device 22b is housed inside the sixth sterile chamber 70k. Furthermore, a cap mounting device 16 is housed inside the seventh sterile chamber 70m. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 12E, the second stock solution filling device 22b and the cap mounting device 16 are placed in a sterile chamber (sixth sterile chamber 70k or It is housed inside the seventh sterile chamber 70m).

In FIG. 12E, the bottle 100 that has been previously sterilized on the upstream side is transported to the first sterile chamber 70f via the transport wheel 12 and the circular transport body 110 arranged in the fifth sterile chamber 70j. The bottle 100 is then transported to the water filling device 21 via the transport wheel 12 disposed within the first sterile chamber 70f.

Next, in the water filling device 21, the empty bottle 100 is filled with water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50. In this water filling device 21, water is filled into the inside of the bottles 100 while the plurality of bottles 100 are being rotated and conveyed.

Next, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f is transported through the transport wheel 12 located in the first sterile chamber 70f, the circular transport body 110, and the transport wheel 12 located in the second sterile chamber 70h. The liquid is transported to the first stock solution filling device 22a.

Next, in the first stock solution filling device 22a, the product stock solution sterilized by the stock solution sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottle 100, which has been previously filled with water by the water filling device 21. In this first stock solution filling device 22a, the product stock solution is filled into the bottles 100 while the plurality of bottles 100 are being rotated and conveyed.

Thereafter, the bottle 100 in the second sterile chamber 70h is transferred via the transport wheel 12 disposed in the second sterile chamber 70h, the circular carrier 110, and the transport wheel 12 disposed in the sixth sterile chamber 70k. It is transported to the second stock solution filling device 22b.

Next, in the second stock solution filling device 22b, another product stock solution sterilized by the stock solution sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottle 100, which has been previously filled with water and product stock solution. In this second stock solution filling device 22b, other product stock solutions are filled into the bottles 100 while the plurality of bottles 100 are being rotated and conveyed.

Thereafter, the bottle 100 in the sixth sterile chamber 70k is transferred via the transport wheel 12 arranged in the sixth sterile chamber 70k, the circular transport body 110, and the transport wheel 12 arranged in the seventh sterile chamber 70m. It is transported to the cap mounting device 16.

Next, in the cap attachment device 16, the bottle 100 filled with water and product stock solution is closed with a cap 88 (see FIG. 12A, etc.). In this way, the bottle 100 is sealed to prevent outside air and/or microorganisms from entering the bottle 100. In this cap attachment device 16, a plurality of bottles 100 filled with water and product stock solutions are rotated and conveyed, and caps 88 are attached to the mouths of the bottles 100. In this way, a product bottle 101 (see FIG. 12A, etc.) is obtained.

<Second example>
Next, a second example will be described with reference to FIG. 12F. In the second example shown in FIG. 12F, the contents filling system further includes a sixth sterile chamber 70k, a seventh sterile chamber 70m, and an eighth sterile chamber 70n. The sixth sterile chamber 70k is provided downstream of the first sterile chamber 70f. The seventh sterile chamber 70m is provided downstream of the second sterile chamber 70h and the sixth sterile chamber 70k. The eighth sterile chamber 70n is provided between the second sterile chamber 70h and the sixth sterile chamber 70k. Here, in FIG. 12F, the second sterile chamber 70h and the sixth sterile chamber 70k are arranged in parallel on the downstream side of the first sterile chamber 70f along the conveyance direction of the bottle 100 (see FIG. 12A, etc.). There is. That is, in the illustrated example, the first sterile chamber 70f, the second sterile chamber 70h, the sixth sterile chamber 70k, the seventh sterile chamber 70m, and the outlet chamber 70i are arranged in the transport direction of the bottle 100 (see FIG. 12A, etc.). They are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side.

Among these, the second stock solution filling device 22b is housed inside the sixth sterile chamber 70k. Furthermore, a cap mounting device 16 is housed inside the seventh sterile chamber 70m. Furthermore, the transport wheel 12 that transports the bottle 100 filled with water by the water filling device 21 may be accommodated inside the eighth sterile chamber 70n.

In FIG. 12F, the bottle 100, which has been previously sterilized on the upstream side, is transported to the water filling device 21 via the transport wheel 12 arranged in the first sterile chamber 70f.

Next, in the water filling device 21, the empty bottle 100 is filled with water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50. In this water filling device 21, water is filled into the inside of the bottles 100 while the plurality of bottles 100 are being rotated and conveyed.

Next, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f is transferred to, for example, the transport wheel 12 arranged in the first sterile chamber 70f, the transport wheel 12 arranged in the eighth sterile chamber 70n, and the transport wheel 12 arranged in the second sterile chamber 70h. The liquid is transported to the first stock solution filling device 22a via the transport wheel 12 disposed at.

Next, in the first stock solution filling device 22a, the product stock solution sterilized by the stock solution sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottle 100, which has been previously filled with water by the water filling device 21. In this first stock solution filling device 22a, the product stock solution is filled into the bottles 100 while the plurality of bottles 100 are being rotated and conveyed.

Thereafter, the bottle 100 in the second sterile chamber 70h is transferred to the transport wheel 12 located in the second sterile chamber 70h, the transport wheel 12 located in the eighth sterile chamber 70n, and the transport wheel 12 located in the seventh sterile chamber 70m. It is conveyed to the cap attachment device 16 via the conveyor wheel 12 that has been moved.

Next, in the cap attachment device 16, the bottle 100 filled with water and product stock solution is closed with a cap 88 (see FIG. 12A, etc.). In this way, a product bottle 101 (see FIG. 12A, etc.) is obtained.

Here, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f may be transported to the second stock solution filling device 22b without being transported to the first stock solution filling device 22a. For example, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f is transported by the transport wheel 12 located in the first sterile chamber 70f, the transport wheel 12 located in the eighth sterile chamber 70n, and the transport wheel 12 located in the sixth sterile chamber 70k. The liquid may be transported to the second stock solution filling device 22b via the transport wheel 12 that has been provided. In this case, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f is not transported to the first stock solution filling device 22a arranged in the second sterile chamber 70h.

When the bottle 100 is transported to the second stock solution filling device 22b, another product stock solution sterilized by the stock solution sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottle 100, which has been filled with water in advance, in the second stock solution filling device 22b. . In this second stock solution filling device 22b, other product stock solutions are filled into the bottles 100 while the plurality of bottles 100 are being rotated and conveyed.

Thereafter, the bottle 100 in the sixth sterile chamber 70k is delivered to the cap attachment device 16 via the conveyance wheel 12 disposed in the sixth sterile chamber 70k and the conveyance wheel 12 disposed in the seventh sterile chamber 70m. transported.

As described above, in the second example shown in FIG. 12F, when the product stock solution is filled into the bottle 100 by the second stock solution filling device 22b, the bottle 100 is divided into the first sterile chamber 70f, the eighth sterile chamber 70n, and the third sterile chamber 70n. It passes through each sterile chamber in this order: the sixth sterile chamber 70k and the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

In the example shown in FIG. 12F, when producing mineral water in the content filling system 10, the bottle 100 filled with water by the water filling device 21 in the first sterile chamber 70f is transferred to the seventh sterile chamber 70m. It may also be directly conveyed to the cap mounting device 16 located at. That is, the bottle 100 filled with water is capped only via the transport wheel 12 disposed in the eighth sterile chamber 70n, without transporting the bottle 100 filled with water to the first stock solution filling device 22a or the second stock solution filling device 22b. It may also be transported directly to the device 16. In this case, the product bottle 101 is obtained by attaching the cap 88 to the mouth of the bottle 100 filled only with water. In this case, as explained using FIGS. 12C and 12D, it is preferable that the gripper of the transport wheel 12 adjacent to the first stock solution filling device 22a or the second stock solution filling device 22b assumes an open position. . Thereby, interference between the grippers can be suppressed.

<Third example>
Next, a third example will be described with reference to FIG. 12G. In the third example shown in FIG. 12G, unlike the second example shown in FIG. 12F, when the product stock solution is filled into the bottle 100 by the second stock solution filling device 22b, the bottle 100 is It passes through each sterile chamber in this order: the sixth sterile chamber 70k, the eighth sterile chamber 70n, and the seventh sterile chamber 70m. The other configuration of the content filling system 10 according to the third example is the same as the second example shown in FIG. 12F, so a detailed description will be omitted here.

<Fourth example>
Next, a fourth example will be described with reference to FIG. 12H. In the fourth example shown in FIG. 12H, the contents filling system further includes a sixth sterile chamber 70k, a seventh sterile chamber 70m, and a ninth sterile chamber 70p. The sixth sterile chamber 70k is provided downstream of the first sterile chamber 70f and the second sterile chamber 70h. The seventh sterile chamber 70m is provided downstream of the sixth sterile chamber 70k. The ninth sterile chamber 70p is provided between the first sterile chamber 70f, the second sterile chamber 70h, the sixth sterile chamber 70k, and the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

Moreover, the second stock solution filling device 22b is housed inside the sixth sterile chamber 70k. Furthermore, a cap mounting device 16 is housed inside the seventh sterile chamber 70m. Furthermore, the conveyance wheel 12 may be accommodated inside the ninth sterile chamber 70p.

In FIG. 12H, the bottle 100, which has been sterilized in advance on the upstream side, is transferred to the water filling device via the conveyance wheel 12 disposed in the ninth sterile chamber 70p and the conveyance wheel 12 disposed in the first sterile chamber 70f. It is transported up to 21.

Next, in the water filling device 21, the empty bottle 100 is filled with water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50. In this water filling device 21, water is filled into the inside of the bottles 100 while the plurality of bottles 100 are being rotated and conveyed.

Next, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f is placed in the transport wheel 12 located in the first sterile chamber 70f, the transport wheel 12 located in the ninth sterile chamber 70p, and the transport wheel 12 located in the second sterile chamber 70h. The liquid is transported to the first stock solution filling device 22a via the transport wheel 12.

Next, in the first stock solution filling device 22a, the product stock solution sterilized by the stock solution sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottle 100, which has been previously filled with water by the water filling device 21. In this first stock solution filling device 22a, the product stock solution is filled into the bottles 100 while the plurality of bottles 100 are being rotated and conveyed.

Thereafter, the bottle 100 in the second sterile chamber 70h is transferred to the transport wheel 12 located in the second sterile chamber 70h, the transport wheel 12 located in the ninth sterile chamber 70p, and the transport wheel 12 located in the sixth sterile chamber 70k. It is transported to the second stock solution filling device 22b via the transported transport wheel 12.

Next, in the second stock solution filling device 22b, another product stock solution sterilized by the stock solution sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottle 100 that has been filled with water in advance. In this second stock solution filling device 22b, other product stock solutions are filled into the bottles 100 while the plurality of bottles 100 are being rotated and conveyed.

Thereafter, the bottle 100 in the sixth sterile chamber 70k is placed in the transport wheel 12 located in the sixth sterile chamber 70k, the transport wheel 12 located in the ninth sterile chamber 70p, and the transport wheel 12 located in the seventh sterile chamber 70m. It is conveyed to the cap attachment device 16 via the conveyor wheel 12 that has been moved.

As described above, in the fourth example shown in FIG. 12H, when the product stock solution is filled into the bottle 100 by the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second stock solution filling device 22b, the bottle 100 has the first sterile chamber 70f, It passes through each sterile chamber in this order: the ninth sterile chamber 70p, the second sterile chamber 70h, the ninth sterile chamber 70p, the sixth sterile chamber 70k, the ninth sterile chamber 70p, and the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

<Fifth example>
Next, a fifth example will be described with reference to FIG. 12I. In the fifth example shown in FIG. 12I, the contents filling system further includes a sixth sterile chamber 70k, a seventh sterile chamber 70m, and a tenth sterile chamber 70q. The sixth sterile chamber 70k is provided downstream of the first sterile chamber 70f and the second sterile chamber 70h. The seventh sterile chamber 70m is provided downstream of the sixth sterile chamber 70k. The tenth sterile chamber 70q is provided between the second sterile chamber 70h and the sixth sterile chamber 70k.

Moreover, the second stock solution filling device 22b is housed inside the sixth sterile chamber 70k. Furthermore, a cap mounting device 16 is housed inside the seventh sterile chamber 70m. Furthermore, the conveyance wheel 12 may be accommodated inside the ninth sterile chamber 70p.

In the fifth example shown in FIG. 12I, the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second stock solution filling device 22b are filling devices used when the filling amount of the product stock solution is small. In this case, the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second stock solution filling device 22b include a metering type filling nozzle 22e and a filling nozzle 22f, respectively, which are used while being fixed on the mouth of the bottle 100. Note that the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second stock solution filling device 22b may each include a plurality of filling nozzles 22e and a plurality of filling nozzles 22f.

Then, when the bottle 100 reaches the filling nozzles 22e and 22f, the bottle 100 is detected by near-infrared rays. As a result, each bottle 100 is intermittently filled with the product stock solution from the filling nozzles 22e, 22f only while the mouth of the bottle 100 passes below the filling nozzles 22e, 22f. Note that the filling nozzles 22e and 22f do not need to be filling nozzles of the type that fills the product stock solution intermittently, but may be of the type that fills the product stock solution continuously.

In FIG. 12I, the bottle 100, which has been previously sterilized on the upstream side, is transported to the water filling device 21 via the transport wheel 12 arranged in the first sterile chamber 70f.

Next, in the water filling device 21, the empty bottle 100 is filled with water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50. In this water filling device 21, water is filled into the inside of the bottles 100 while the plurality of bottles 100 are being rotated and conveyed.

Next, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f is transported to the first stock solution filling device 22a via the transport wheel 12 arranged in the first sterile chamber 70f.

Next, in the first stock solution filling device 22a, the product stock solution sterilized by the stock solution sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottle 100, which has been previously filled with water by the water filling device 21. In this first stock solution filling device 22a, the bottle 100 is intermittently filled with a product stock solution.

Thereafter, the bottle 100 in the second sterile chamber 70h is transported to the second stock solution filling device 22b via the transport wheel 12 arranged in the tenth sterile chamber 70q.

Next, in the second stock solution filling device 22b, another product stock solution sterilized by the stock solution sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottle 100 that has been filled with water in advance. In this second stock solution filling device 22b, other product stock solutions are intermittently filled into the bottle 100.

Thereafter, the bottle 100 in the sixth sterile chamber 70k is transported to the cap attachment device 16 via the transport wheel 12 arranged in the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

(Fifth modification)
Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, an example was described in which the filling device 20 includes the water filling device 21 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution filling device 22 connected to the stock solution sterilization line 70. However, it is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 13, the content filling system 10 may include a single filling device 20.

In this case, the content filling system 10 includes a preform sterilization chamber 70a, a forming part chamber 70b, an atmosphere isolation chamber 70c, a sterilizer spray chamber 70d, an air rinse chamber 70e, a first sterile chamber 70f, and an outlet. It may also have a chamber 70i. That is, the contents filling system 10 does not need to have the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h. Furthermore, the filling device 20 and the cap mounting device 16 may be housed inside the first sterile chamber 70f.

In this modification, a mixing tank 57 for mixing water and a product stock solution may be interposed between the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70 and the filling device 20. This allows the contents to be prepared by diluting the product stock solution with water before filling. Further, in this case, the mixing tank 57 may be a so-called filling machine tank, and may be installed vertically above the filling device 20 in order to improve the filling accuracy of the filling device 20. Furthermore, the mixing tank 57 may serve as a so-called cushion tank that ensures smooth flow of the contents even if the usage amount of the contents on the downstream side of the mixing tank 57 changes.

Such a mixing tank 57 may be provided with a concentration meter that measures the concentration of the blended contents. Further, in order to ensure the concentration of the contents mixed in the mixing tank 57, at least one tank such as a filling machine tank may be provided downstream of the mixing tank 57 where a concentration meter is installed. . The volume of the mixing tank 57 may be 0.1 m ³ or more and 30 m ³ or less, and may be 0.3 m ³ as an example. In addition, in this modification, the above-mentioned addition unit 75 may be connected to the downstream side of the mixing tank 57.

In this modification, when cleaning (COP) and sterilizing (SOP) the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f, for example, from the connection point CP3 of the water sterilization line 50 that connects the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70. The downstream side of the connection point CP3 may be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP) while maintaining the upstream side in a sterile state. Similarly, when cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the filling device 20 housed inside the first sterile chamber 70f, for example, while maintaining the upstream side of the connection point CP3 in a sterile state, The downstream side of point CP3 may be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). In this case as well, the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed. Therefore, the amount of steam etc. used can be reduced. Furthermore, since the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed, cleaning time and sterilization time can be shortened. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

Also, in this modification, compared to diluting the product stock solution with sterile water made using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, carbon dioxide is emitted when preparing the contents. emissions can be reduced. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

Note that, as shown in FIG. 14, the mixing tank 57 for mixing water and the product stock solution may not be interposed between the water sterilization line 50, the stock solution sterilization line 70, and the filling device 20. In this case, the filling device 20 may include a plurality of filling nozzles 20a (see FIG. 15) for filling water and product stock solution, and each filling nozzle 20a is provided with a water sterilization line 50 and a stock solution sterilization line 70, respectively. It may be connected. Then, water and the product stock solution may be filled with one filling nozzle 20a.

Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15, the filling nozzle 20a may include a nozzle body 20b. A water sterilization line 50 and a stock solution sterilization line 70 may be connected to the nozzle main body 20b, respectively. The water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70 may be provided with a flow meter F and a valve V2 for measuring the flow rate of water or product stock solution, respectively. Alternatively, each filling amount of water or product stock solution may be measured by detecting the actual weight of the filled water or product stock solution using a load cell. In this case, the order in which the water and the product stock solution are filled into the bottle 100 may be changed as appropriate, taking into account foaming within the bottle 100 or ease of mixing the water and the product stock solution. For example, the product stock solution may be filled after water is filled, or the water may be filled after the product stock solution is filled. When filling water after filling the product stock solution, it is possible to reduce the risk of dirt from the contents adhering to the tip of the filling nozzle 20a. Moreover, after filling with water, the product stock solution may be filled, and then water may be further filled. Alternatively, water and product stock solution may be filled at the same time.

In the example shown in FIG. 14, when cleaning (COP) and sterilizing (SOP) the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f, for example, in the water sterilization line 50, up to the third water tank 54 are maintained in a sterile state. The downstream side of the third water tank 54 may be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). Similarly, when cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the filling device 20 housed inside the first sterile chamber 70f, for example, the water sterilization line 50 up to the third water tank 54 is maintained in a sterile state. In this state, the downstream side of the third water tank 54 may be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). In this case as well, the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed. Therefore, the amount of steam etc. used can be reduced. Furthermore, since the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed, cleaning time and sterilization time can be shortened. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

Also in this modification, compared to diluting the product stock solution with sterile water made using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted when preparing the contents is reduced. The amount can be reduced. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

(Sixth variation)
Furthermore, in the embodiments described above, an example has been described in which the third water tank 54 is provided downstream of the second water tank 52. In this case, as shown in FIG. 16A, a carbonation adding device 58 for adding carbonic acid to water may be connected to the upstream side of the third water tank 54.

Here, the water filling device 21 includes a plurality of water filling nozzles 21a (see FIG. 16B) that are filled with water. In this modification, the water filling nozzle 21a of the water filling device 21 is filled with carbonated water. As shown in FIG. 16B, a water sterilization line 50 and a counter gas line 58a are connected to each water filling nozzle 21a. Specifically, the water filling nozzle 21a includes a nozzle body portion 21b. A water sterilization line 50 and a counter gas line 58a are connected to the nozzle main body 21b, respectively. One end of the water sterilization line 50 is connected to a third water tank 54 filled with sterile carbonated water, and the other end communicates with the inside of the bottle 100. The sterile carbonated water supplied from the third water tank 54 passes through the water sterilization line 50 and is injected into the bottle 100.

The counter gas line 58a is a line that supplies the sterile carbon dioxide gas filled in the third water tank 54 toward the water filling nozzle 21a. One end of the counter gas line 58a is connected to the third water tank 54, and the other end communicates with the inside of the bottle 100. The counterpressure gas made of sterile carbon dioxide gas supplied from the third water tank 54 passes through the counter gas line 58a and is filled into the bottle 100.

Furthermore, a sniff line 58b for discharging gas inside the bottle 100 is connected to each water filling nozzle 21a. The snift line 58b has one end connected to the counter gas line 58a. The gas inside the bottle 100 is configured to be discharged from the other end of the snift line 58b into the first sterile chamber 70f through the sniff line 58b.

Further, a packing P (sealing member) is provided at the tip of each water filling nozzle 21a to suppress leakage of gas inside the bottle 100 by coming into close contact with the bottle 100. When filling the bottle 100 with the carbonated beverage, the water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with the carbonated beverage while keeping the packing P in close contact with the mouth of the bottle 100 (adhesive filling). Thereby, the configuration is such that leakage of sterile carbon dioxide gas for counter pressure from inside the bottle 100 can be suppressed. Therefore, the internal pressure of the bottle 100 can be made higher than atmospheric pressure so that the internal pressure of the bottle 100 is the same as the internal pressure of the third water tank 54. Although not shown, the water sterilization line 50 and the like may be provided with a flow meter, a valve, and the like for measuring the flow rate of water and the like.

According to this modification, a carbonic acid addition device 58 that adds carbonic acid to water is connected to the upstream side of the third water tank 54. Thereby, the bottle 100 can be filled with carbonated beverage in the content filling system 10 . In addition, by connecting the carbonation adding device 58 to the water sterilization line 50 in this way, when filling carbonated water as a content, the flavor of the previous content is suppressed from adhering to the carbonated water. can. Note that only when filling the bottle 100 with carbonated beverages, water from the second water tank 52 is supplied to the carbonation device 58, and after cooling, carbon dioxide gas is added aseptically using a sterile carbonator. The water may be supplied to the third water tank 54. Further, when producing carbonated water as the content, the stock solution filling device 22 may or may not be used.

Note that even if the water filling device 21 includes a water filling nozzle 21a capable of filling carbonated water, the water filling device 21 may fill water to which carbon dioxide is not added. In this case, mineral water may be produced by using only the water filling device 21 in the content filling system 10. Even in this case, the water filling device 21 may fill water with the packing P in close contact with the mouth of the bottle 100. This makes it possible to minimize water boiling over from inside the bottle 100. In this case, the water filling device 21 may fill water under pressure. This allows the tank to be filled with water in a short time. Here, when the pressure resistance of the bottle 100 is low, it is preferable that the water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with water under pressure via the sniff line 58b in a state where the gas inside the bottle 100 can be discharged. For example, after the water filling device 21 brings the packing P into close contact with the mouth of the bottle 100, it is preferable that the water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 under pressure with the sniff line 58b open. Thereby, even when water is filled under pressure, deformation and/or breakage of the bottle 100 due to pressure can be suppressed. Therefore, water can be filled in a short time, and deformation and/or breakage of the bottle 100 can be suppressed.

Note that when the undiluted solution filling device 22 is used together with the water filling device 21, the liquid level of the water filled with the water filling device 21 is lowered compared to the case where only the water filling device 21 is used. Therefore, there is less risk of the filled water spilling over. Therefore, the water filling rate may be 100 mL/sec or more, and preferably 200 mL/sec or more. Thereby, it is possible to further reduce the number of water filling nozzles 21a. In this case, water can be filled into the bottle 100 with the internal pressure of the third water tank 54 being higher than the internal pressure of the third stock solution tank 74. At the time of close filling, the internal pressure of the third stock solution tank 74 may be 0.02 MPa or more and 0.1 MPa or less, and the internal pressure of the third water tank 54 may be 0.03 MPa or more and 0.9 MPa.

Further, the water filling device 21 fills water into the bottle 100 without bringing the packing P into close contact with the mouth of the bottle 100, with a gap being formed between the water filling nozzle 21a (packing P) and the bottle 100. May be filled (oral filling). Even in this case, water can be filled into the bottle 100 with the internal pressure of the third water tank 54 being higher than the internal pressure of the third stock solution tank 74. Specifically, during top filling, the internal pressure of the third stock solution tank 74 may be 0.02 MPa or more and 0.1 MPa or less, and the internal pressure of the third water tank 54 may be 0.03 MPa or more and 0.07 MPa or less. It's okay.

Furthermore, when the undiluted solution filling device 22 is used together with the water filling device 21, the water filling device 21 may fill the empty bottle 100 with water, as described above. In this case, since foaming within the bottle 100 can be suppressed, there is less risk of some of the filled liquid scattering to the outside from the mouth of the bottle 100. Here, the stock solution filling device 22 includes a plurality of stock solution filling nozzles 22c (see FIG. 16C) that fill the product stock solution. As shown in FIG. 16C, a stock solution sterilization line 70 is connected to each stock solution filling nozzle 22c. Specifically, the stock solution filling nozzle 22c includes a nozzle main body 22d. A stock solution sterilization line 70 is connected to the nozzle main body 22d. Although not shown, the stock solution sterilization line 70 may be provided with a flow meter, a valve, etc. for measuring the flow rate of the product stock solution.

As described above, when the water filling device 21 fills water into the empty bottle 100, since foaming within the bottle 100 can be suppressed, a portion of the filled liquid may leak out from the mouth of the bottle 100. There is little risk of scattering. Therefore, the diameter of the water filling nozzle 21a of the water filling device 21 may be larger than the diameter of the stock solution filling nozzle 22c of the stock solution filling device 22. Thereby, the filling time for filling water can be shortened. For example, the diameter of the water filling nozzle 21a of the water filling device 21 may be 1.2 times or more and not more than 1.5 times the diameter of the stock solution filling nozzle 22c of the stock solution filling device 22. By setting the diameter of the water filling nozzle 21a to be 1.2 times or more the diameter of the stock solution filling nozzle 22c, the filling time for filling water can be further shortened. Further, by setting the diameter of the water filling nozzle 21a to be 1.5 times or less than the diameter of the stock solution filling nozzle 22c, the risk of some of the filled liquid scattering to the outside from the mouth of the bottle 100 can be further reduced. In addition, in order to reduce the number of water filling nozzles 21a of the water filling device 21 and make the water filling device 21 compact, the filling method (adhesive filling, mouth filling), filling pressure, and/or diameter of the water filling nozzle 21a, etc. It may be changed as appropriate.

(Seventh modification)
Further, in the embodiment described above, the circulation system (second circulation system) 95A is configured by the first sterilizer 62A, the third bypass line 95a, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, and the circulation line 95. An example (see FIG. 2C, etc.) has been described. In this case, bacteria collected on the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be periodically sterilized by circulating water in the circulation system 95A with the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. turned on. Sterilization of bacteria trapped in the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be performed, for example, while the production of the product bottle 101 is stopped. At this time, for example, as shown in FIG. 17A, one end of the circulation line 95 may be connected between the second sterilizer 64 and the first sterile filter 63, and the other end of the circulation line 95 may be connected between the second sterilizer 64 and the first sterile filter 63. 1 water tank 51. Further, by changing the frequency of the pump P1, the pressure difference (differential pressure) between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be changed. By changing the pressure difference (differential pressure) between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61, the bacteria collected on the foreign matter removal filter 61 are actively removed. It may be pushed out to the downstream side of the filter 61. Specifically, when sterilizing bacteria by circulating water in the circulation system 95A, even if the pressure on the upstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61 is made 0.05 MPa or more higher than the pressure at the time of manufacturing the product bottle 101. 0.1 MPa or higher, preferably 0.1 MPa or more. Furthermore, if there is no structural problem with the foreign matter removal filter 61, the bacteria collected on the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be circulated in the circulation system 95A by causing water to flow backwards, as shown in FIG. 17B. In these cases, the pressure difference between the upstream pressure and the downstream pressure of the foreign matter removal filter 61 is made such that both the positive pressure and the reverse pressure of the foreign matter removal filter 61 do not exceed the allowable maximum pressure. In this way, by periodically sterilizing the bacteria collected in the foreign matter removal filter 61, even when water is sterilized continuously for a long time by the water sterilization line 50, the water sterilization can be performed by the water sterilization line 50. The sterility of the water can be guaranteed.

(Eighth modification)
Moreover, in the embodiment mentioned above, the example in which the water sterilization line 50 includes the first water tank 51, the water sterilizer 60, and the second water tank 52 has been described. In this case, as shown in FIG. 17C, the water sterilization line 50 may include a plurality of (eg, two) water sterilizers 60. As a result, even if one of the water sterilizers 60 stops or the amount of ultraviolet rays irradiated in one of the water sterilizers 60 decreases, the sterility of the water can be ensured by the other water sterilizer 60. . Moreover, when one water sterilizer 60 is being cleaned (CIP) or sterilized (SIP), the other water sterilizer 60 can be used to sterilize water. Therefore, the product bottles 101 can be manufactured continuously. For example, when cleaning (CIP) or sterilizing (SIP) one water sterilizer 60 while using the other water sterilizer 60 to clean the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h, the second sterilizer It is possible to suppress the shortage of water supplied to the chamber 70h and the like. Also, for example, while sterilizing (SIP) or testing the integrity of the first sterile filter 63, etc. of one water sterilizer 60, the other water sterilizer 60 is used to clean the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h, etc. In such a case, it is possible to suppress the shortage of water supplied to the second sterile chamber 70h and the like. In the example shown in FIG. 17C, the configuration of the water sterilizer 60 is the same as the configuration of the water sterilizer 60 shown in FIG. 2A, but is not limited thereto. Although not shown, the water sterilizer 60 may be the water sterilizer 60 shown in FIGS. 2B to 2M, for example. Moreover, when the water sterilizer line 50 has a plurality of water sterilizers 60, the water sterilizers 60 that the water sterilizer line 50 has may be different from each other. As an example, the water sterilizer line 50 may include a water sterilizer 60 shown in FIG. 2A and a water sterilizer 60 shown in FIG. 2C.

(9th modification)
Further, in the embodiment described above, the water sterilizer 60 includes a foreign matter removal filter 61, a first sterilizer 62, a first sterile filter 63, a second sterilizer 64, and a second sterilizer 65. Although the example described above is not limited to this example. For example, if the purity of the pure water produced by the pure water production device 50a is high and mold is not detected in the first water tank 51, even if the water sterilizer 60 is not equipped with the foreign matter removal filter 61. good. Note that if the number of bacteria in the first water tank 51 is large, the water sterilizer 60 may further include a third sterilizer (not shown) provided upstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61. In this case, the configuration of the third sterilizer may be substantially the same as the first sterilizer 62 shown in FIGS. 3 to 6B. That is, the third sterilizer may be a sterilizer that sterilizes water with ultraviolet rays.

(10th modification)
Further, in the embodiment described above, the UHT 80 includes the first stage heating section 81, the second stage heating section 82, the holding tube 83, the first stage cooling section 84, the second stage cooling section 85, and the third stage heating section 82. An example including a stage cooling section 86 has been described. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18A, the UHT 80 includes a plurality (for example, two) of second-stage heating sections 82, a plurality of (for example, two) holding tubes 83, and a plurality of (for example, two) first-stage heating sections 82. It may also include a cooling section 84. As a result, even if one of the second-stage heating section 82, holding tube 83, first-stage cooling section 84, etc. is scorched, the product stock solution can be sterilized using the other holding tube 83, etc. can. That is, when one holding tube 83 or the like is being cleaned (CIP), sterilized (SIP), or washed and sterilized (CSIP), the product stock solution can be sterilized using the other holding tube 83 or the like. Therefore, the product bottles 101 can be manufactured continuously.

(11th modification)
Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the product stock solution sterilizer 80 is a UHT has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the product stock solution sterilizer 80 may be an ohmic (Joule type) heat sterilizer that directly applies electricity to the product stock solution to generate self-heating. Further, the product stock solution sterilizer 80 may be a sterilizer that sterilizes the product stock solution using microwaves (915 MHz, 2450 MHz). In this case, the microwave may be irradiated from outside the pipe through which the product solution or the solid substance passes. Thereby, the temperature of the product stock solution or solid material can be increased, and the product stock solution or solid material can be sterilized. Even in these cases, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

(12th modification)
Further, in the embodiment described above, an example has been described in which the filling device 20 (the water filling device 21 and the stock solution filling device 22) is a so-called rotary filler, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the filling device 20 may be a so-called linear aseptic filling machine that fills containers (cups, paper containers, etc.) transported by a conveyor with water or the like. In this case, for example, sterile water may be first filled, and then the product stock solution may be filled. Furthermore, a stock solution filling device 22 that fills a product stock solution or a solid substance containing a flavor may be provided downstream of the stock solution filling device 22 that fills the product stock solution. Note that the order in which sterile water and product stock solutions are filled is not limited to this. For example, the product stock solution may be filled first, and then sterile water may be filled. Furthermore, as explained using FIG. 15, sterile water and product stock solution may be filled using one filling nozzle 20a.

Here, when the filling device 20 is a so-called linear aseptic filling machine, the contents filling system 10 forms a container 140 (paper container, carton) from the packaging material 130 (sleeve), as shown in FIG. 18B. A container forming section 150 may be provided. This container forming section 150 may be placed within the eleventh sterile chamber 70r. A conveyor 125 for conveying the container 140 may be provided in the eleventh sterile chamber 70r. Further, the content filling system 10 may include a disinfectant spray nozzle 11A, an air rinse nozzle 160, an irregularly folded portion 170, a heating portion 180, and a seal portion 190. Among these, the disinfectant spray nozzle 11A is a nozzle that sprays a disinfectant onto the inner and outer surfaces of the container 140. Air rinse nozzle 160 is a nozzle for spraying sterile air onto the inner surface of container 140. The irregular folding part 170 is a part for folding the container 140. The heating unit 180 is a part that heats the container 140. The seal portion 190 is a portion that seals the container 140. The sterilizer spray nozzle 11A, the air rinse nozzle 160, the water filling device 21, the stock solution filling device 22, the bent portion 170, the heating portion 180, and the sealing portion 190 are arranged from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance direction of the container 140. They may be arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side. In such a content filling system 10, one container 140 may be simultaneously filled with water and a product stock solution from the water filling nozzle 21a and the stock solution filling nozzle 22c. The order in which water and the product stock solution are filled into the bottle 100 may be changed as appropriate, taking into account foaming within the bottle 100, ease of mixing water and the product stock solution, production capacity, and the like. Furthermore, as explained using FIG. 15, sterile water and product stock solution may be filled using one filling nozzle 20a.

Further, the content filling system 10 may be a so-called roll-feed type aseptic filling system instead of an aseptic filling system that forms the container 140 from the packaging material 130 (sleeve). A roll-supplied aseptic filling system is, for example, a filling system that forms a container (paper container or pouch) from packaging material supplied in roll form and fills the formed container with contents. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18C, the packaging material 200 supplied in roll form is first sterilized by being immersed in a sterilizing solution (for example, hydrogen peroxide) in a sterilizing tank 201. Note that both sides of the packaging material may be sterilized by spraying a sterilizing agent gas or mist onto both sides of the packaging material and then drying and removing the sterilizing agent with hot air. Alternatively, both sides of the packaging material may be sterilized by irradiating both sides of the packaging material with electron beams. Next, in the molding section 202, a container (paper container or pouch) 203 is molded by performing predetermined processing on the packaging material. In the illustrated example, a paper container 203 is formed by processing the packaging material, such as heat sealing, in the forming section 202 . At this time, water and the product stock solution may be simultaneously filled from the water filling nozzle 21a and the stock solution filling nozzle 22c. Although not shown, as explained using FIG. 15, sterile water and product stock solution may be filled with one filling nozzle 20a. Thereafter, in the molding section 202, the paper container 203 is cut into a predetermined shape to obtain a product containing the contents.

(13th modification)
Further, in the above-described embodiments, a case has been described in which a sterilizer that performs hydrogen peroxide sterilization is used as a preform sterilizer and a container sterilizer, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sterilizer that performs hydrogen peroxide sterilization may be either a preform sterilizer or a container sterilizer. In addition, the preform sterilizer and container sterilizer perform a peracetic acid sterilization method in which the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle are sterilized with a peracetic acid solution (or gas, mist, or a mixture thereof), and then the inner and outer surfaces are rinsed with sterile water. It may also be a sterilizer. Alternatively, preform sterilizers and container sterilizers use peracetic acid, acetic acid, pernitric acid, nitric acid, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine, caustic soda, etc. alone as sterilizers in addition to hydrogen peroxide and ethanol. It may be a sterilizing device, or it may be a sterilizing device using a combination of two or more of these sterilizing agents. Furthermore, the sterilizer may be used not only to sterilize bottles but also to sterilize cups, pouches, paper containers, or composites thereof. Further, the preform sterilization device may sterilize the preform with chemical spray, chemical rinse, steam, sterile water, sterile air, electron beam, X-rays, or ultraviolet rays. Similarly, the container sterilization device may sterilize containers by chemical spray, chemical rinse, steam, sterile water, sterile air, electron beams, X-rays, or ultraviolet light.

(14th modification)
Further, in the above-described embodiment, a case has been described in which the content filling system 10 includes the bottle forming section 30, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the content filling system may be configured to sequentially receive molded empty bottles 100 from the outside by air conveyance or the like, and convey the received bottles 100 toward the sterilizer 11. Even in this case, the above-mentioned effects can be obtained.

(15th modification)
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the content filling system 10 is a system for filling the bottle 100 with content has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. The content filling system 10 according to the present embodiment can also be applied to a filling system that fills a so-called chilled drink such as a milk drink into a container such as a cup. Even in this case, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted when preparing the contents is lower than when diluting the product stock solution with sterile water made using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water. can be reduced. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Furthermore, if the content is a milk drink or the like, the number of bacteria in the product stock solution may increase. In this way, even if the number of bacteria in the product stock solution increases, the product stock solution is heat sterilized. Therefore, even if the contents are milk drinks or the like, the sterility of the contents can be sufficiently ensured. Further, in the content filling system 10 according to the present embodiment, any liquid that requires sterilization (for example, seasonings, alcoholic drinks, milk drinks, etc.) may be filled into the container.

(16th modification)
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where the content filling system 10 is a system for filling the bottle 100 with content has been described as an example, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the content filling system 10 is a filling system (so-called blow-fill seal) that molds the bottle 100 from the preform 100a by filling the preform 100a with water (or product stock solution or content). Fill-Seal (BFS)) may also be used.

In this case, as shown in FIG. 18D1, a part of the filling device 20 (in the illustrated example, the water filling device 21) may be incorporated into the bottle molding section 30. Although not shown in the drawings, for example, when forming the bottle 100 from the preform 100a by filling the preform 100a with a product stock solution, the stock solution filling device 22 is incorporated into the bottle molding section 30. You can leave it there.

Further, as shown in FIG. 18D1, in the preform transport section 31 of the bottle forming section 30, the preform sterilizer 34a may be provided downstream of the heating section 35. The preform sterilizer 34a may be configured to sterilize the preform 100a heated by the heating section 35. The preform sterilizer 34a may be placed within the twelfth sterile chamber 70s.

In this modification, the water filling device 21 can fill the sterilized preform 100a with pressurized water. Thereby, molding of the bottle 100 and filling of the bottle 100 with water can be performed simultaneously.

In addition, in this modification, an example has been described in which the filling device 20 includes the water filling device 21 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution filling device 22 connected to the stock solution sterilization line 70. It is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 18D2, the content filling system 10 may include a single filling device 20. In this case, as explained using FIG. 13, a mixing tank 57 for mixing water and the product stock solution may be interposed between the water sterilization line 50, the stock solution sterilization line 70, and the filling device 20. . Although not shown, as described using FIGS. 14 and 15, a mixing tank 57 for mixing water and product concentrate is provided between the water sterilization line 50, the concentrate sterilizer line 70, and the filling device 20. does not need to be mediated. In these cases, the filling device 20 may fill the sterilized preform 100a with pressurized contents (or water or product stock solution). Thereby, molding of the bottle 100 and filling of the bottle 100 with contents etc. can be performed simultaneously.

(17th modification)
Furthermore, in the embodiment described above, an example has been described in which the water sterilizer 60 sterilizes water whose electrical conductivity is 0.1 μS/cm or more and 20 μS/cm or less, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 may be water with a temperature higher than 20 μS/cm. In this case, the water may be tap water or well water. That is, the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 may be used not as raw water for soft drinks but as mineral water, purified water used as pharmaceutical water, water for injection, or the like. Note that when sterilizing pharmaceutical water, etc., it is necessary to inactivate or reduce endotoxins in addition to bacteria. In this case, the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays to water is preferably 500 mJ/cm ² or more. Thereby, endotoxin can be inactivated or reduced.

In this modification, as shown in FIG. 18E, the water sterilization line 50 includes a pre-stage water tank 50d that is provided upstream of the first water tank 51 and stores water (tap water, well water, etc.). It's okay. Note that when the water sterilizer 60 sterilizes tap water or the like, inorganic substances (oxides such as calcium), etc. may be attached. If inorganic substances or the like adhere to the surface of the quartz sleeve of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like, the intensity (irradiation amount) of ultraviolet rays in the water sterilizer 60 may decrease. Therefore, when the intensity (irradiation amount) of ultraviolet rays in the water sterilizer 60 decreases, the water sterilizer 60 is cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP) to remove inorganic substances etc. that have adhered to the surface of the quartz sleeve. It is preferable to remove it.

In this case, as described using FIG. 17C, the water sterilizer line 50 may include a plurality of (for example, two) water sterilizers 60. Thereby, when one water sterilizer 60 is being cleaned (CIP) or sterilized (SIP), the other water sterilizer 60 can be used to sterilize water. Therefore, the product bottles 101 can be manufactured continuously. Note that when cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the water sterilizer 60, the sterilizer or cleaning agent may be prevented from passing through the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterile filter 63. That is, as explained using FIG. 2B and FIG. 2C, the sterilizer or the cleaning agent passes through the third bypass line 95a and the fourth bypass line 95b, thereby sterilizing the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64. You may also clean and sterilize only.

(Modified example of sterilization method for content filling system)
Next, a modification of the sterilization method for the content filling system will be described.

(First modification)
In the embodiment described above, the chamber sterilization method includes the COP process (S12 in FIG. 9), the CIP process (S13 in FIG. 9), the SIP process (S14 in FIG. 9), and the SOP process (S14 in FIG. Although an example has been described in which steps S15) and 9 are performed in sequence, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in FIG. 19, in the chamber sterilization method, after the rinsing step (S310 in FIG. 19), the COP step (S320 in FIG. 19) and the CIP step (S330 in FIG. 19) are performed simultaneously. It may be done. Moreover, after the COP process and the CIP process, the SIP process (symbol S340 in FIG. 19) and the SOP process (symbol S350 in FIG. 19) may be performed simultaneously. Thereby, downtime can be significantly reduced and productivity of the product bottle 101 can be improved.

Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 20, in the chamber sterilization method, after the rinsing step (S41 in FIG. 20), a CSOP step (S42 in FIG. 20) in which the COP step and the SOP step are performed simultaneously, and a CIP step. A CSIP process (S43 in FIG. 20) which is performed simultaneously with the SIP process may be performed at the same time. In this case, for example, during the CSOP process, it is preferable that the cleaning agent at a temperature of 70° C. or higher is injected into the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h for at least 1 minute, and the cleaning agent is injected for 5 minutes or more. It is more preferable that As a result, the inner wall surface of the intermediate area chamber 70g and the surfaces of the equipment such as the filling device 20 are purified and sterilized. For example, during the CSIP process, the flow path for the product stock solution in the stock solution filling device 22 is rinsed with sterile water, and a cleaning agent at a temperature of 70° C. or higher is supplied to the circulation path (not shown) including the flow path. do. In the circulation path, the cleaning agent is preferably circulated for at least 5 minutes, and more preferably for 10 minutes or more. This sterilizes the flow path for the product stock solution in the stock solution filling device 22. In this case as well, downtime can be significantly reduced and productivity of the product bottle 101 can be improved.

Also in this modification, the number of times the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f is cleaned and sterilized can be reduced, and the area to be cleaned and sterilized in the content filling system 10 can be narrowed. Further, the number of times the filling device 20 housed inside the first sterile chamber 70f is cleaned and sterilized can be reduced, and the area to be cleaned and sterilized in the content filling system 10 can be narrowed. Therefore, the amount of steam etc. used can be reduced. Furthermore, since the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed, cleaning time and sterilization time can be shortened. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

Note that when a CSIP process is performed in which the CIP process and the SIP process are performed at the same time, it is necessary to rinse the used cleaning agent after the CSIP process while maintaining the inside of the stock solution filling device 22 and the like in a sterile state. At this time, by using water sterilized in the water sterilization line 50 for rinsing, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Moreover, since the water sterilized in the water sterilization line 50 can be stored in the second water tank 52, the cleaning agent can be rinsed immediately after the CSIP process. Therefore, downtime can be reduced. Note that the flow path from the second water tank 52 to the sterile area where the CSIP process and the CSOP process are performed is preferably cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP) before rinsing the cleaning agent after the CSIP process. . In this case, for example, the cleaning agent or disinfectant may be supplied to the second bypass line 56 from the connection point CP1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A, etc.) that connects the second bypass line 56 to the water sterilization line 50, The flow path may be sterilized using steam, hot water, or the like.

(Second modification)
Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, when sterilizing the first sterilizer 62 and the like of the water sterilizer 60, an example was explained in which the first sterilizer 62 and the like are sterilized using steam, hot water, or a sterilizer. It is not limited to this. For example, if the first sterilizer 62 and the like are susceptible to heat and/or have low drug resistance, the first sterilizer 62 and the like may be sterilized with sterilized water. In this case, the sterilized water may be water sterilized by ultraviolet rays inside the first sterilizer 62 or the like. Then, the control unit 90 gradually reduces the number of bacteria in the circulating water by circulating the sterilized water in the circulation system 59A (see FIG. 2A, etc.) including the water sterilizer 60, and the first A sterilizer 62 or the like may be used to sterilize. At this time, the control unit 90 may circulate the sterilized water at least three times or more, preferably ten times or more, in the circulation system 59A.

In this modification, first, the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 are sterilized (SIP) (SIP step, reference numeral S231 in FIG. 21). In this case, it is preferable that the foreign matter removal filter 61 is also sterilized (SIP) with steam in advance.

Next, water is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60 (water supply step, reference numeral S232 in FIG. 21). At this time, first, pure water is transported by pump P1. At this time, pure water adjusted to a predetermined temperature (for example, 25° C.) by a heat exchanger or the like (not shown) is supplied to the first sterile filter 63 or the like. This moistens the membranes of the first sterile filter 63 and the like. After that, pump P1 is stopped.

Next, an integrity test is performed on at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 (integrity test step, reference numeral S233 in FIG. 21). During the integrity test, a valve (not shown) near the first sterile filter 63 and the like is closed, and sterile air is supplied to the first sterile filter 63 and the like. Then, the sterile air supplied to the first sterile filter 63 and the like is gradually pressurized, and the bubble point value of the first sterile filter 63 and the like is measured. Thereafter, it is confirmed whether the first sterile filter 63 and the like are complete (whether sterile air is leaking when a predetermined pressure is applied) based on the bubble point value measured multiple times (for example, three times). In addition, in the integrity test, if it is confirmed that the first sterile filter 63 etc. are not perfect, the first sterile filter 63 etc. are replaced.

Next, the water is sterilized inside the first sterilizer 62 or the like (water sterilization step, reference numeral S234 in FIG. 21). At this time, first, pure water is transported by pump P1. After the inside of the first sterilizer 62 etc. is filled with water, the water is irradiated with ultraviolet rays by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. In this case, the irradiation time (sterilization time) for irradiating ultraviolet rays is preferably 10 seconds or more and 30 minutes or less. Note that at this time, the illuminance of the ultraviolet rays emitted from the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like may be checked. If the illuminance of the ultraviolet light emitted from the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like is abnormal, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like may be replaced.

Here, the operating temperature of the medium pressure mercury lamp is approximately 600°C or more and 900°C or less. For this reason, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like is a medium pressure mercury lamp, it is preferable to irradiate the water with ultraviolet rays while the water is transported by the pump P1. Thereby, overheating of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the like can be suppressed. At this time, the water irradiated with ultraviolet rays may be stored in the second water tank 52, for example. Alternatively, water irradiated with ultraviolet rays may be circulated within the circulation system 59A. When water irradiated with ultraviolet rays is circulated within the circulation system 59A, the sterility level of the water can be increased.

On the other hand, a low-pressure mercury lamp has an operating temperature of approximately 40° or more and 100° or less. Therefore, if the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like is a low-pressure mercury lamp, the water may be irradiated with ultraviolet rays while the pump P1 is stopped.

Next, the sterilized water is circulated in the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60 (water circulation step, reference numeral S235 in FIG. 21). At this time, the water irradiated with ultraviolet light passes through the second sterile filter 65. The pure water that has passed through the second sterile filter 65 is supplied to the first water tank 51 via the circulation line 59. In this way, sterilized pure water circulates within the circulation system 59A.

Thereafter, in the circulation system 59A, the sterilized water may be circulated at least once, preferably three times or more. In this way, by circulating the pure water three or more times within the circulation system 59A, it is possible to enhance the sterilization effect of the first sterilizer 62 and the like using water. At this time, the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays to the circulating sterilized water is preferably at least 100 mJ/cm ² or more and 3000 mJ/cm ² or less, more preferably 1000 mJ/cm ² or more and 3000 mJ/cm ² or less. . By setting the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays to the circulating water to be 100 mJ/cm ² or more, the water sterilizing effect of ultraviolet rays can be enhanced. Moreover, since the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays is 3000 mJ/cm ² or less, electricity consumption can be reduced, and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

In this way, the first sterilizer 62 and the like are sterilized.

Further, the first sterilizer 62 and the like may be sterilized using a detergent, for example. In this case, the first sterilizer 62 and the like may be sterilized by supplying the cleaning agent only to the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64. Note that the cleaning agent may be, for example, a cleaning agent containing peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, an alkaline agent, an acidic agent, sodium hypochlorite, or the like. Thereafter, the first sterilizer 62 and the like may be rinsed with sterile water by supplying sterile water to the circulation system 59A from the second water tank 52 in which sterile water is stored in advance.

According to this modification, the control unit 90 sterilizes the first sterilizer 62 by circulating sterilized water in the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60. In this way, by sterilizing the first sterilizer 62 without using steam, hot water, or heated sterilizers, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the filling system 10 can be reduced, and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the filling system 10 can be reduced. The cost when sterilizing the sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

Moreover, according to this modification, water is sterilized by ultraviolet rays inside the first sterilizer 62. This can reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the filling system compared to sterilizing water by heating it.

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

10 Contents filling system 11 Sterilizer 18 Cap sterilizer 20 Filling device 20a Filling nozzle 21 Water filling device 21a Water filling nozzle 22 Stock solution filling device 22a First stock solution filling device 22b Second stock solution filling device 22c Stock solution filling nozzle 32 Blow molding section 34a Preform sterilizer 50 Water sterilization line 51 First water tank 52 Second water tank 55 First bypass line 57 Mixing tank 58b Snift line 60 Water sterilizer 70 Stock solution sterilization line 71 First stock solution tank 72 Second stock solution tank 75 Addition Unit 80 Product undiluted solution sterilizer 88 Cap 90 Control section 100 Bottle 100a Preform P Packing

Claims (6)

A water sterilization line that sterilizes water without heating;
A stock solution sterilization line that heats and sterilizes the product stock solution;
a filling device connected to the water sterilization line and the stock solution sterilization line, respectively, for filling containers with the water and the product stock solution;
The stock solution sterilization line includes a product stock solution sterilizer that heat-sterilizes the product stock solution,
The product stock solution sterilizer is a Joule heat sterilizer with a content filling system. The stock solution sterilization line is provided upstream of the product stock solution sterilizer, includes a first stock solution tank for storing the product stock solution, and is provided downstream of the product stock solution sterilizer, and is sterilized by the product stock solution sterilizer. The content filling system according to claim 1, further comprising a second stock solution tank that stores the product stock solution. The content filling system according to claim 1, wherein the evaporation residue of the water sterilized by the water sterilization line is 20 mg/L or less. The content filling system according to claim 1, wherein the water sterilized by the water sterilization line has an electrical conductivity of 0.1 μS/cm or more and 20 μS/cm or less. The content filling system according to claim 1, wherein a mixing tank for mixing the water and the product stock solution is interposed between the water sterilization line and the stock solution sterilization line and the filling device. The content filling system according to claim 1, wherein the filling device includes a water filling device connected to the water sterilization line and a stock solution filling device connected to the stock solution sterilization line.

Images