JP4511155B2 - Gas replacement method and apparatus for granular materials - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention provides a gas for a granular material that efficiently replaces the air in the filled container with a specific gas such as an inert gas when the container such as a bag is filled with a granular material such as food or medicine. The present invention relates to a replacement method and apparatus.

  Conventionally, various substances are sealed in a specific gas atmosphere. For example, in order to prevent and store oxidative deterioration of food products and drugs, the inside of the bag is sealed as an inert gas atmosphere such as nitrogen gas when packing these substances. Here, when the target substance to be encapsulated is a granular material such as a powder, there is a problem that it is very difficult to replace the gas originally contained in the powder with a replacement gas. That is, in the case of powder, since the particles are fine, the gas present around the powder particles is sealed inside the aggregate of fine particles, and it is extremely difficult to replace this. It was difficult.

That is, the air layer in the vicinity of the top opening of the bag filled with powder is relatively easily replaced with gas, but the air in the bag and in the vicinity of the bottom is hardly replaced, and the residual layer has a residual oxygen concentration of 0. Even if the gas replacement is performed up to 5% or less and sealing is performed, oxygen remaining in the inside or the bottom portion diffuses over time, and the oxygen concentration in the bag becomes about 5 to 10%, which causes oxidation deterioration. It was insufficient for the purpose of preventing. In addition, in order to sufficiently replace oxygen in the powder with an inert gas or the like, it is necessary to supply the inert gas at a large flow rate, and the powder has risen and hinders bagging.

Therefore, a gas filling tube is inserted from the opening of the bag filled with powder, and gas replacement is performed while shaking the bag in that state (for example, Patent Document 1 below), or as shown in Patent Document 2 below, There has been proposed a technique (for example, Patent Document 2 below) in which a bag filled with powder is charged into a vacuum chamber, and gas replacement is performed after vacuum suction in the vacuum chamber.
Japanese Patent Publication No.57-29332 Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-99934

  However, in the gas replacement device described in Patent Document 1, a gas filling tube is inserted from the opening of a bag filled with powder, and gas replacement is performed while mechanical vibration is applied to the bag. It becomes indispensable, the device itself becomes complicated, and it is necessary to perform maintenance frequently. In addition, the powder rises in the bag due to vibration, and the powder is scattered outside the bag to contaminate the surroundings, and when the bag opening is sealed by heat sealing etc., the powder adheres to the seal part. There is a problem that the sealing process is hindered.

  On the other hand, in the gas replacement device described in Patent Document 2, a bag filled with powder is placed in a vacuum chamber one by one and gas replacement is performed while vacuuming one by one. Etc. becomes essential, and the apparatus itself becomes complicated, and it is necessary to perform maintenance frequently. In addition, there is a problem that a gas replacement operation involving evacuation requires an extremely long time. Therefore, in an automatic line that continuously performs a series of processes such as a bag supply process, a powder filling process, a gas replacement process, and a sealing process, the overall takt time is limited by the gas replacement process that takes the longest time. The productivity is extremely poor. Therefore, if the gas flow rate is increased in order to increase the gas replacement speed, the powder in the bag will eventually fly up and scatter, resulting in problems such as contaminating the surroundings and hindering sealing.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve such a problem, and can easily perform gas replacement for a granular material in a short time by a simple mechanism, and is suitable for an automatic line. An object is to provide a gas replacement method and apparatus.

In order to achieve the above object, the gas replacement method for the granular material of the present invention includes a filling step of filling the container with the granular material,
After completion of the filling process, the container particulate material is filled is present in the semi-enclosed atmosphere open state, by applying a pressure vibration while passing replacement gas into the semi-closed atmosphere, the particulate matter And the step of repeating the flow of the replacement gas into and out of the aggregate .

In order to achieve the above object, the gas displacement apparatus for the granular material according to the present invention comprises a filling means for filling the container with the granular material, and an open state in which the granular material is filled after the filling step by the filling means is completed. In a semi-sealed atmosphere, a replacement gas introduction path for introducing a replacement gas into the casing, and a pressure vibration applying means for applying pressure vibration in the casing. The gist of the present invention is to repeat the flow of the substitution gas into and out of the aggregate of the granular materials by applying pressure vibration while flowing the substitution gas .

That is, the gas replacement method for the granular material according to the present invention includes a filling step of filling a granular material into a container, and a container filled with the granular material in a semi-sealed atmosphere in an open state after completion of the filling step. And a step of applying pressure vibration while flowing the replacement gas in the semi-sealed atmosphere, and repeating the flow of the replacement gas into and out of the aggregate of the granular materials, thereby providing the granular material filled in the container. Perform gas replacement for the substance. As described above, when pressure vibration is applied while flowing the replacement gas, the air existing inside the granular material is discharged to the outside of the granular material on the low pressure side, and the replacement gas in the semi-enclosed atmosphere is discharged on the high pressure side. It penetrates into the aggregate of powder and granular materials. By repeating the flow of gas into and out of the aggregate of such granular materials, gas replacement is performed on the granular material filled in the container. This eliminates the need for mechanical vibration imparting mechanisms, vacuum chambers, gas filling pipes inserted from the bag opening, and the like, and eliminates the need for mechanical vibrations to the bag. Can be simplified and the maintenance cycle can be extended. In addition, the powder is prevented from rising due to mechanical vibration or the like, and surrounding contamination and sealing defects do not occur. In addition, the gas replacement process is completed in a short time because vacuuming is not performed. Therefore, for example, when applied to an automatic line that continuously performs a series of processes such as a bag supply process, a powder filling process, a gas replacement process, and a sealing process, an extension of the tact time due to the gas replacement process is prevented. This is effective because it does not reduce productivity. As described above, the gas replacement for the particulate matter can be efficiently performed in a short time by a simple mechanism, and it is suitable for an automatic line.

In the gas replacement method for the granular material according to the present invention, when the pressure vibration is applied within the pressure range of -0.1 MPa to 1 MPa, the gas can be efficiently generated with an inexpensive apparatus without using a large pressure vessel. Substitution can be made. In other words, there needs to be a high pressure gas facilities to withstand it even at pressures exceeding the 1 MPa, but either the equipment cost and maintenance cost and becomes a significant up, by providing a pressure oscillation within the above pressure range, low cost This makes it possible to perform gas replacement efficiently with a simple apparatus.

  In the gas replacement method for the granular material of the present invention, when the amplitude of the pressure vibration is within ± 0.55 MPa, the gas to the aggregate of the granular material by applying the pressure vibration while flowing the replacement gas. While going in and out reliably, it is possible to prevent scattering of the particulate matter and perform efficient gas replacement in a short time. Furthermore, gas replacement can be performed efficiently with an inexpensive apparatus without using a large pressure vessel.

  In the gas replacement method for the granular material of the present invention, when the frequency of the pressure vibration is 0.1 Hz or more, the gas is applied to the aggregate of the granular materials by applying the pressure vibration while flowing the replacement gas. In and out frequently, efficient gas replacement can be performed in a short time.

That is, the gas displacement device for the granular material of the present invention is configured to repeat the flow of the substitution gas into and out of the aggregate of the granular material by applying pressure vibration while flowing the replacement gas in the semi-sealed atmosphere. Yes . As described above, when pressure vibration is applied while flowing the replacement gas, the air existing inside the granular material is discharged to the outside of the granular material on the low pressure side, and the replacement gas in the semi-enclosed atmosphere is discharged on the high pressure side. It penetrates into the aggregate of powder and granular materials. By repeating the flow of gas into and out of the aggregate of such granular materials, gas replacement is performed on the granular material filled in the container. This eliminates the need for mechanical vibration imparting mechanisms, vacuum chambers, gas filling pipes inserted from the bag opening, and the like, and eliminates the need for mechanical vibrations to the bag. Can be simplified and the maintenance cycle can be extended. In addition, the powder is prevented from rising due to mechanical vibration or the like, and surrounding contamination and sealing defects do not occur. In addition, the gas replacement process is completed in a short time because vacuuming is not performed. Therefore, for example, when applied to an automatic line that continuously performs a series of processes such as a bag supply process, a powder filling process, a gas replacement process, and a sealing process, an extension of the tact time due to the gas replacement process is prevented. This is effective because it does not reduce productivity. As described above, the gas replacement for the particulate matter can be efficiently performed in a short time by a simple mechanism, and it is also suitable for an automatic line.

In the gas displacement apparatus for particulate matter according to the present invention, a rectifying filter that rectifies the gas introduced into the semi-enclosed atmosphere from the substitution gas introduction path and / or the pressure vibration applying means to prevent turbulent gas flow in the casing. In this case, the gas introduced into the semi-enclosed atmosphere is introduced in a rectified state during the introduction of the replacement gas and pressure oscillation, so that the turbulent flow in the casing is effectively prevented. Suppresses and the influence of the air flow on the powder and particulate matter is extremely small to the extent that it can be ignored. In addition, the frequency of pressure vibration can be increased or the amplitude can be increased with almost no influence of airflow on the granular material, and the granular material by applying pressure vibration while flowing the replacement gas. The gas enters and exits the assembly frequently and reliably, and efficient gas replacement can be performed in a short time.

In the gas displacement device for the granular material of the present invention, the casing is installed in a rotary table type or conveyor type filling and packaging device that performs filling and packaging of the granular material into the container in the process of intermittently moving the container, When it is formed in a cap shape that covers the container on the turntable or conveyor from above and exists in a semi-sealed atmosphere, when performing gas replacement continuously in the turntable type filling and packaging device, By covering the container on the rotary table or the conveyor type from above with a cap-shaped casing, the container can be present in a semi-sealed atmosphere. Thus, for example, a semi-sealed atmosphere of a container can be created with a simple device in an automatic line that continuously performs a series of processes such as a bag supply process, a powder filling process, a gas replacement process, and a sealing process. In addition, the device itself can be simplified and the maintenance cycle can be extended. In addition, when placing the container in a semi-sealed state, it is not necessary to vibrate the container filled with the granular material, so that the powder can be prevented from rising, and the surrounding contamination and sealing defects do not occur. . Moreover, since the container can be kept in a semi-sealed state with a very simple mechanism of raising and lowering the cap-shaped casing, it is also possible to prevent an increase in tact time due to the gas replacement process and not to reduce productivity. Is.
In the gas replacement device for the granular material of the present invention, when the gas introduced from both the replacement gas introduction path and the pressure vibration applying means is once introduced into the diffusion space near the ceiling of the casing, Since the gas introduced from the replacement gas introduction path and the pressure vibration applying means is once diffused in the diffusion space, the occurrence of turbulent flow in the casing is effectively suppressed, and the influence of the air flow on the powder is reduced. it can. Furthermore, since the powder is supplied to the powder through the rectifying filter provided so as to cover the entire ceiling portion, the wide area rectification provided so that the gas diffused in the diffusion space partitions the inside of the casing. It is rectified by the filter, and gas is introduced from the entire surface of the planar rectifying filter, and the flow velocity with respect to the flow rate can be slowed, effectively suppressing the occurrence of turbulent flow in the casing and The influence can be further reduced.

  Next, the best mode for carrying out the present invention will be described.

  FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view showing a gas replacement method and apparatus for a granular material according to the present invention.

  In this gas replacement method and apparatus, first, the bag 1 as the container of the present invention is supplied and placed on the table 2 (step A: FIG. 1A), and then the bag 1 of the present invention is placed in the bag 1. The powder 3 which is a granular material is filled (step B: FIG. 1B). Next, the bag 1 filled with the powder 3 is covered with a casing 7 and placed in a semi-sealed atmosphere, and gas replacement is performed by applying pressure vibration while flowing nitrogen gas as a replacement gas into the casing 7 (step). C: FIG. 1 (c)). Thereafter, the opening of the bag 1 is heat-sealed and sealed while maintaining the semi-sealed state (step D: FIG. 1 (d)), the casing 7 is removed, and the bag 1 filled with the powder 3 is packed. Is taken out from the table 2 (step E: not shown).

  The process A, process B, process C, process D, and process E include, for example, a plurality of (8 in this example) so as to be positioned on a virtual circle on the circular turntable 12, as shown in FIG. This can be performed on each of the arranged tables 2. That is, when the bag 1 is supplied onto the table 2 in the process A, the turntable 12 rotates by a predetermined angle and stops, and the bag 3 is filled with the powder 3 in the process B. Subsequently, the turntable 12 further rotates by a predetermined angle and stops. In step C, gas replacement is performed, and in step D, the opening of the bag 1 is sealed. Then, the turntable 12 further rotates by a predetermined angle and stops, and the bag 1 filled with the powder 3 in the step E is taken out from the table 2.

  As described above, the gas replacement method and apparatus of the present invention can be applied to a rotary table type filling and packaging apparatus for filling and packaging the powder 3 into the bag 1 in the process of moving the bag 1 intermittently. In addition, the said process A, the process B, the process C, the process D, and the process E may each be performed on the several table 2 arrange | positioned on the conveyor 13 which moves linearly, as shown in FIG.2 (b). The gas replacement method and apparatus of the present invention can also be applied to a conveyor-type filling and packaging apparatus for filling and packaging the powder 3 into the bag 1 while moving the bag 1 intermittently.

  If it demonstrates in more detail (returning to FIG. 1), in the said process A, as shown to Fig.1 (a), the bag 1 which has an opening at the upper part will be supplied and mounted on the table 2. FIG. Since the bag 1 is heat-sealed in the process D, for example, a bag formed of synthetic resin or synthetic resin laminated paper is used.

  As shown in FIG. 1 (b), the region where the process B is performed includes an opening device 5 that widens the upper opening of the bag 1 supplied on the table 2, and a powder that fills the bag 1 with the powder 3. A body filling pipe 4 is provided. In this process B, the powder filling pipe 4 descends from the upper part and is inserted into the bag 1 with the opening edge of the bag 1 hooked by the opening device 5 and opened on both sides. Then, a predetermined amount of the powder 3 is ejected from the tip ejection port and filled into the bag 1.

In the region where Steps C and D are performed, as shown in FIG. 1C, a casing 7 is provided in which the opened bag 1 filled with the powder 3 exists in a semi-sealed atmosphere. The casing 7 has a generally celestial cylinder shape, that is, a cap shape, and covers the bag 1 on the table 2 from above by being moved up and down so as to exist in a semi-sealed atmosphere. In this example, with the casing 7 covering the bag 1, a predetermined clearance 10 (for example, about several mm) is formed between the upper surface of the table 2 and the lower opening edge of the casing 7. It is designed to exist in a semi-enclosed atmosphere.

A replacement gas introduction path 8 for introducing an inert nitrogen gas into the casing 7 is connected to the ceiling portion of the casing 7, and pressure vibration applying means 9 for applying pressure vibration to the casing 7. Are communicating. The pressure vibrating means 9, in this example a cylinder piston is built, repeatedly discharged introduction of gas into the interior of the casing 7 by the reciprocating motion of the piston, the pressure vibration applied to the space in the casing 7 It has become possible.

  In step C, the pressure vibration applying means 9 is driven to flow pressure vibration in the semi-sealed atmosphere while flowing a predetermined flow rate of nitrogen gas from the replacement gas introduction path 8 into the semi-closed atmosphere in the casing 7. As a result, gas replacement is performed on the aggregate of the powder 3 filled in the opened bag 1 in the semi-sealed atmosphere in the casing 7.

That is, when pressure vibration is applied while flowing the replacement gas, air existing inside the powder 3 aggregate is discharged to the outside on the low pressure side of the pressure vibration, and is flown into the semi-enclosed atmosphere on the high pressure side of the pressure vibration. The replacement gas that has entered the interior of the aggregate of the powder 3. By such entry and exit of gas into the collection of the powder 3 is repeated, Oh Ru since the gas replacement to the powder 3 filled in the bag 1 is performed.

  This eliminates the need for mechanical vibration imparting mechanisms, vacuum chambers, gas filling pipes or the like charged from the opening of the bag 1 as in the prior art, and eliminates the need to impart mechanical vibration to the bag 1, The device itself can be simplified and the maintenance cycle can be extended. Further, the powder 3 is prevented from flying up due to mechanical vibration or the like, and the surrounding contamination and sealing defects do not occur. In addition, the gas replacement process is completed in a short time because vacuuming is not performed. Therefore, for example, when applied to an automatic line that continuously performs a series of processes such as a bag 1 supply process, a powder 3 filling process, a gas replacement process, and a sealing process, the tact time is extended by the gas replacement process. This is extremely effective without being reduced in productivity. As described above, the gas replacement for the powder can be efficiently performed in a short time by a simple mechanism, which is suitable for an automatic line.

  Further, the casing 7 includes a rectifying filter 11 that rectifies the gas introduced into the semi-sealed atmosphere from the replacement gas introduction path 8 and the pressure vibration applying means 9 in the vicinity of the ceiling. As the rectifying filter, for example, a porous body such as sintered metal, sintered ceramics, sponge, nonwoven fabric, cloth, or the like can be used.

  By providing such a rectifying filter 11, the gas introduced into the semi-sealed atmosphere during introduction of the replacement gas or pressure vibration is introduced in a rectified state by passing through the porous body. 7 effectively suppresses the generation of turbulent flow and the influence of the air flow on the powder 3 is negligibly small, so that the powder 3 is prevented from rising, causing contamination of the surroundings and problems with sealing, etc. do not do. Further, the frequency of pressure vibration can be increased or the amplitude can be increased with almost no influence of airflow on the powder 3, and the powder 3 by applying pressure vibration while flowing a replacement gas. The gas enters and exits the assembly frequently and reliably, and efficient gas replacement can be performed in a short time.

  The rectifying filter 11 is provided so as to cover the entire ceiling portion by providing a predetermined clearance with the ceiling portion of the casing 7. And the connection pipe | tube of the replacement gas introduction path 8 and the pressure vibration provision means 9 is opening with respect to the space between the said rectification filter 11 and a ceiling part. In this way, the gas introduced from both the replacement gas introduction path 8 and the pressure vibration applying means 9 is supplied to the powder 3 through the rectifying filter 11, thereby generating turbulent flow in the casing 7. This effectively suppresses the influence of the airflow on the powder 3 to be negligible. The gas introduced from either the replacement gas introduction path 8 or the pressure vibration applying means 9 may be supplied to the powder 3 through the rectifying filter 11.

  Further, since the gas introduced from both the replacement gas introduction path 8 and the pressure vibration applying means 9 is once introduced into the diffusion space near the ceiling portion of the casing 7, the replacement gas introduction path 8 and the pressure vibration applying means 9 are introduced. Since the gas introduced from 9 is once diffused in the diffusion space, the generation of turbulent flow in the casing 7 can be effectively suppressed, and the influence of the airflow on the powder 3 can be reduced. Further, since the powder 3 is supplied to the powder 3 through the rectifying filter 11 provided so as to cover the entire ceiling part, the gas diffused in the diffusion space is provided so as to partition the inside of the casing 7. The flow is rectified by the area rectifier filter 11 and gas is introduced from the entire surface of the planar rectifier filter 11 to reduce the flow velocity with respect to the flow rate. Further, the influence of the airflow on the powder 3 can be further reduced.

  The pressure vibration is preferably applied within a pressure range of -0.1 MPa to 1 MPa. By doing so, gas replacement can be performed efficiently with an inexpensive apparatus without using a large pressure vessel. That is, it is necessary to make it a high-pressure gas facility that can withstand pressure even when the pressure exceeds 1 MPa, and in any case, the equipment cost and the maintenance cost will be greatly increased, but by giving pressure vibration within the above pressure range, it is inexpensive. Gas replacement can be efficiently performed by the apparatus.

  The amplitude of the pressure vibration applied by the pressure vibration applying means 9 is preferably set within ± 0.55 MPa, and more preferably within ± 0.5 MPa. Further, it is more preferably within ± 0.1 MPa, further preferably within ± 0.05 MPa, and most preferably within ± 0.02 MPa. In this way, by applying pressure vibration while flowing the replacement gas, the gas can be reliably put in and out of the aggregate of the powder 3 without using a large pressure vessel, and the scattering of the particulate matter can be prevented. Therefore, efficient gas replacement can be performed in a short time with an inexpensive apparatus.

The pressure vibration may be applied so as to alternately repeat positive pressure and negative pressure around the atmospheric pressure, or may be applied in a state close to negative pressure so that the high-pressure side is equal to or lower than the atmospheric pressure level. However, it may be applied in a state close to a positive pressure so that the low pressure side becomes equal to or higher than the atmospheric pressure level. That is, when applying a pressure vibration in the positive圧寄Ri state, the upper Symbol pressure vibrations are applied at atmospheric pressure (0 MPa) within a pressure range of ~ + 1 MPa, and a reference pressure, for example, + 0.5 MPa, ± 0.5 MPa Is given with an amplitude within. On the other hand, when the pressure vibration is applied in a state close to a negative pressure, the pressure vibration is applied within a pressure range of −0.1 MPa to atmospheric pressure (0 MPa), for example, ± 0 MPa with −0.05 MPa as a reference pressure. Applied with an amplitude within 0.05 MPa.

  By applying the pressure vibration in a state close to a positive pressure, intrusion of outside air into the casing 7 during gas replacement is reduced, which is effective when, for example, it is desired to reduce the oxygen concentration in the bag 1. On the other hand, by applying pressure vibration near negative pressure, the leakage of replacement gas to the outside of the casing is reduced.For example, when using replacement gas that you do not want to leak to the outside, such as gas with strong odor It is valid.

  The frequency of the pressure vibration applied by the pressure vibration applying means 9 is preferably set to 0.1 Hz or more. As described above, the gas is frequently moved in and out of the aggregate of the powder 3 by applying the pressure vibration while flowing the replacement gas, so that efficient gas replacement can be performed in a short time.

  The casing 7 is provided with a heat sealer 6 for heat-sealing the upper opening of the bag 1 existing inside the casing 7. The heat sealer 6 protrudes so as to face the space near the upper portion of the casing 7 and advances and retreats into the casing 7.

  When the gas replacement is completed, in step D, as shown in FIG. 1D, the driving of the pressure vibration applying means 9 is stopped to return the inside of the casing 7 to the atmospheric pressure, and the introduction of the replacement gas is continued. The heat sealer 6 is pushed into the casing 7 in a state where air is prevented from being introduced into the inner space of the semi-sealed casing 7. Then, the upper portion of the bag 1 is sandwiched and butted by the heat sealer 6, and the sandwiched portion is heated to seal the upper opening of the bag 1 with a heat seal.

  After that, when the holding of the bag 1 by the heat sealer 6 is released and the casing 7 is raised, the filling packaging in which the bag 3 is filled with the powder 3 and the gas is replaced and the opening is sealed on the table 2. Things are complete. In step E, the completed filling package is taken out.

  Thus, the casing 7 is installed in a rotary table type or conveyor type filling and packaging apparatus for filling and packaging the powder 3 into the bag 1 in the process of moving the bag 1 intermittently. And since the said casing 7 is formed in the cap shape which covers the bag 1 on the table 2 from the top, and exists in a semi-sealed atmosphere, when performing gas replacement continuously in the said filling and packaging apparatus, By covering the bag 1 on the table 2 with a cap-shaped casing 7 from above, the bag 1 can be present in a semi-sealed atmosphere. Thus, for example, in the automatic line that continuously performs a series of steps such as the supply step A of the bag 1, the filling step B of the powder 3, the gas replacement step C, and the sealing step D, the semi-sealed atmosphere of the bag 1 It can be produced with a simple device, the device itself is simplified, and the maintenance cycle can be extended. Further, when the bag 1 is placed in a semi-sealed state, the bag 1 filled with the powder 3 does not have to be vibrated up and down, so that the powder 3 is prevented from rising, and the surrounding contamination, sealing defects, etc. Does not occur. Moreover, since the bag 1 can be kept in a semi-sealed state by an extremely simple mechanism of moving the cap-shaped casing 7 up and down, an extension of the tact time due to the gas replacement process is prevented and productivity is not lowered. Is effective.

  FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view showing a second embodiment of the gas replacement method and apparatus for the granular material of the present invention.

  In this example, the clearance 10 is not provided between the lower open rear end of the casing 7 and the table 2, and an air communication pipe 14 with a check valve 15 is provided on the side surface of the casing 7. The check valve 15 can exhaust air from the casing 7 to block intake air, and the check valve 15 forms a semi-sealed atmosphere inside the casing 7. For this reason, in this apparatus, by driving the pressure vibration applying means 9, exhaust from the atmosphere communication pipe 14 is performed on the high pressure side of the pressure vibration, and intake from the atmosphere communication pipe 14 is performed on the low pressure side of the pressure vibration. Therefore, the high pressure side of the pressure vibration is close to the atmospheric pressure, and the pressure vibration can be applied to the entire casing 7 close to the negative pressure.

  Contrary to the above example, if the check valve 15 of the atmosphere communication pipe 14 is designed to be able to suck into the casing 7 and prevent exhaust, when the pressure vibration applying means 9 is driven, the pressure vibration is reduced. On the low pressure side, intake from the atmosphere communication pipe 14 is performed, and on the high pressure side of the pressure vibration, exhaust from the atmosphere communication pipe 14 is not performed. Pressure vibration can be applied near the pressure.

  Other than that, it is the same as that of the said Example, and attaches | subjects the same code | symbol to the same part. These examples also have the same operational effects as the above embodiment.

  FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view showing a third embodiment of the gas replacement method and apparatus for the granular material of the present invention.

  In the first embodiment, a cylinder with a built-in piston is used as the pressure vibration applying means 9, but in this example, the high pressure tank 16 to which the compressor 18 is connected and the low pressure tank 17 to which the vacuum pump 19 is connected are a rotary valve. Or the like connected through a switching valve 20 such as the above. Thus, the pressure vibration applying means 9 is not limited to the above-described piston type or the buffer tank type as in this example, but a high pressure and a low pressure are alternately generated using a piezoelectric element or a diaphragm. Things can be applied and the format is not limited. Other than that, it is the same as that of each said Example, and attaches | subjects the same code | symbol to the same part. These examples also have the same operational effects as the above embodiment.

  FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view showing a fourth embodiment of the gas replacement method and apparatus for the granular material of the present invention.

  In this example, instead of placing the bag 1 on the table 2, the bag 1 is accommodated in a pit-shaped accommodation chamber 34 provided with an air communication pipe 14, and the upper opening of the accommodation chamber 34 is covered with a lid-like casing 7. By covering with, a semi-sealed atmosphere is formed. Other than that, it is the same as that of each said Example, and attaches | subjects the same code | symbol to the same part. These examples also have the same operational effects as the above embodiment.

  FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing a fifth embodiment of the gas replacement method and apparatus for the granular material of the present invention.

  This example is not applied to the continuous filling and packaging apparatus as described above, but is an experimental machine for demonstrating the effect of gas replacement according to the present invention. In this apparatus, a container in which a powder container 3 is filled in a cylindrical container 22 having an open top surface is used.

  The cylindrical container 22 is connected to a gas introduction path 31 having a rectifying filter 32 attached to a tip portion protruding into the cylindrical container 22 so as to introduce nitrogen gas. In addition, a gas discharge path 33 for discharging the gas in the cylindrical container 22 is connected to the cylindrical container 22. Further, the cylindrical container 22 is provided with a pressure gauge 25 for measuring the internal pressure and a sampling port 24 for sampling the internal gas.

  A gas inlet valve 26 and a regulating valve 29 are attached to the gas introduction path 31. On the other hand, a gas outlet valve 27 and a flow meter 30 are attached to the gas discharge path 33. Each of the gas inlet valve 26 and the gas outlet valve 27 is a rotary type valve, and is alternately opened and closed by a rotational drive by a motor 28. Reference numeral 23 denotes a gear box for transmitting the rotation of the motor to the gas inlet valve 26 and the gas outlet valve 27.

  In the above apparatus, gas replacement is performed as follows. That is, first, the frequency of the pressure vibration is determined, and the motor 28 is rotated at the rotation speed set to be the frequency. Next, the gas flow rate is set so that the necessary pressure amplitude can be obtained while adjusting the adjustment valve 29 and viewing the instruction of the pressure gauge 25. After gas replacement for a predetermined time, gas is collected from the sampling port 24 and analyzed.

As an example, 250 g of flour is filled into a cylindrical container 22 having a capacity of 1 liter using the above apparatus, and the gas inlet valve 26 and the gas outlet valve 27 are switched to repeat nitrogen purge and depressurization. ) To +0.01 MPa or +0.02 MPa on the positive pressure side. After a predetermined time, the gas phase in the container 22 was sampled and the oxygen concentration was measured. Further, after thoroughly mixing the flour in the cylindrical container 22, the gas phase in the cylindrical container 22 was sampled, and the oxygen concentration was measured. The results are shown in Table 1 below.

Next, as a comparative example, using the above apparatus, 250 g of flour is filled in a cylindrical container 22 having a capacity of 1 liter, nitrogen gas purge and gas discharge are simultaneously performed without applying pressure vibration, and the gas phase is replaced with nitrogen gas. did. After a predetermined time, the gas phase in the cylindrical container 22 was sampled, and the oxygen concentration was measured. Further, after thoroughly mixing the flour in the cylindrical container 22, the gas phase in the cylindrical container 22 was sampled, and the oxygen concentration was measured. The results are shown in Table 2 below.

  From the results of Tables 1 and 2 above, in the comparative example using only the nitrogen gas purge, oxygen remaining in the flour and the flour remaining in the flour aggregate by mixing the wheat flour into the gas phase. I can see it coming out. In addition, it can be seen that, by applying pressure vibration as in the examples, there is no significant increase in oxygen concentration due to shaking, and there is little oxygen remaining in the flour.

  Further, in this test apparatus, the gas replacement efficiency is better at 2 Hz than at the vibration frequency of 1 Hz, but the gas replacement efficiency is lowered when it is increased to 5 Hz. This is presumably because an optimum frequency exists depending on the conditions of the apparatus. It can also be seen that the longer the gas replacement time, the less oxygen remains in the powder 3, and the gas replacement efficiency is improved by increasing the pressure amplitude.

  In addition, although the example which mainly used the bag 1 was shown as said container in each said Example, it is not limited to this, A plastic container, a metal container, etc. can also be used. Moreover, as a granular material to which the present invention is applied, powders such as wheat flour have been illustrated and described in the above-described embodiments, but the present invention is not limited to this, and granular and fibrous materials are also included in the present invention. It is the meaning contained in a granular material. Also, it is not limited to powdered and granular products such as foods, drugs, and cosmetics, but is applicable to various types of products that are roughly powdered, such as industrial basic products and semi-finished products such as resin powder and metal powder. be able to.

  As described above, the present invention can be applied to gas replacement for preventing oxidative deterioration of granular materials such as foods, but is not limited thereto, and the granular materials and specific gas are not limited thereto. It is also possible to apply to gas replacement for promoting the reaction with.

It is sectional drawing which shows one Example of the gas replacement method and apparatus of this invention. It is a figure which shows one Example of the gas replacement method and apparatus of this invention, (a) shows the example applied to the rotary table type filling and packaging apparatus, (b) shows the example applied to the conveyor type filling and packaging apparatus Indicates. It is sectional drawing which shows 2nd Example of the gas replacement method and apparatus of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows 3rd Example of the gas replacement method and apparatus of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows 4th Example of the gas replacement method and apparatus of this invention. It is sectional drawing which shows 5th Example of the gas replacement method and apparatus of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Bag 2 Table 3 Powder 4 Powder filling pipe 5 Opener 6 Heat sealer 7 Casing 8 Replacement gas introduction path 9 Pressure vibration providing means 10 Clearance 11 Rectification filter 12 Turntable 13 Conveyor 14 Atmospheric communication pipe 15 Check valve 16 High pressure Tank 17 Low pressure tank 18 Compressor 19 Vacuum pump 20 Switching valve 22 Cylindrical container 23 Gear box 24 Sampling port 25 Pressure gauge 26 Gas inlet valve 27 Gas outlet valve 28 Motor 29 Adjustment valve 30 Flowmeter 31 Gas introduction path 32 Rectifier filter 33 Gas exhaust valve 34 containment chamber

Claims (8)

A filling step of filling the container with the powder and granular materials;
After completion of the filling process, the container particulate material is filled is present in the semi-enclosed atmosphere open state, by applying a pressure vibration while passing replacement gas into the semi-closed atmosphere, the particulate matter And a step of repeating the flow of the replacement gas into and out of the aggregate .   The gas replacement method according to claim 1, wherein the pressure vibration is applied within a pressure range of −0.1 MPa to 1 MPa.   The gas replacement method for a granular material according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the amplitude of the pressure vibration is within ± 0.55 MPa. The pressure frequency oscillations gas replacement method for the particulate matter of the mounting serial to any one of claims 1 to 3 is at least 0.1 Hz. A filling means for filling the container with the powdery granular material, a casing for allowing the open container filled with the powdery granular material to exist in a semi-sealed atmosphere after the filling step by the filling means , and a replacement gas in the casing And a pressure vibration applying means for applying pressure vibration in the casing, and applying pressure vibration while flowing the replacement gas in the semi-sealed atmosphere, thereby collecting aggregates of particulate matter. A gas replacement device for a granular material, characterized in that it is configured to repeat the flow of replacement gas into and out of the body . 6. The granular material according to claim 5, further comprising a rectifying filter that rectifies the gas introduced into the semi-sealed atmosphere from the replacement gas introduction path and / or the pressure vibration applying means to prevent turbulent gas flow in the casing . Gas replacement device against.   The casing is installed in a rotary table type or conveyor type filling and packaging apparatus that performs filling and packaging of the granular material into the container in the process of intermittently moving the container, and covers the container on the rotary table or the conveyor from above. The gas replacement device for a granular material according to claim 5 or 6, wherein the gas replacement device is formed in a cap shape to be present in a semi-sealed atmosphere. The gas replacement device for a granular material according to claim 6, wherein the gas introduced from both the replacement gas introduction path and the pressure vibration applying means is once introduced into the diffusion space near the ceiling of the casing.

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