JP6583467B1 - Aseptic filling machine paper container sterilization method - Google Patents

Abstract

Microorganisms such as bacteria taken up in paper and paper powder of an aseptic filling machine paper container are easily and reliably sterilized. An aseptic filling machine paper container is formed by enclosing the aseptic filling machine paper container in an enclosing container into which ethylene oxide can flow, and the aseptic filling machine paper container is exposed to ethylene oxide. An adsorption process for adsorbing ethylene oxide on the paper to be sterilized, a sterilization process for sterilizing the aseptic filling machine paper container with ethylene oxide adsorbed on the paper in the aseptic filling machine paper container, and a residual amount of the ethylene oxide in the aseptic filling machine paper container The aseptic filling machine paper container is subjected to an air diffusing step of diffusing ethylene oxide until it becomes 400 μg or less per gram of aseptic filling machine paper container. [Selection] Figure 5

Description

  The present invention relates to a method for sterilization of an aseptic filling machine paper container containing paper as a constituent element using ethylene oxide gas, which is used in an aseptic filling machine for filling contents in an aseptic atmosphere.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a method for sterilizing a paper container containing paper as a constituent element in an aseptic filling machine that fills and seals the sterilized container with the contents sterilized in an aseptic atmosphere includes a roll of paper before molding as a layer A method in which the sheet is immersed in a disinfectant and dried. After forming the bottom of the sleeve to which the body of the gobeltop type paper container is bonded, a mist of hydrogen peroxide solution is sprayed on the inner and outer surfaces of the paper container. There are methods for drying mist adhering to the surface (Patent Document 1, Patent Document 2, Patent Document 3).

  In aseptic filling machines, methods for obtaining a sterilized container include a method of sterilizing the surface of the material constituting the container and then molding the container, or a method of sterilizing the surface of the container after molding into the container. The container is filled with a sterilized beverage or the like in a sterile atmosphere and sealed. Thus, in the aseptic filling machine, the surface of the container is sterilized, but the paper layer constituting the container cannot be sterilized.

  Paper, which is a component of the container, is manufactured through a papermaking process in a paper mill. The paper making process is performed by suspending pulp in water, and a large amount of water is used here. In the water of the paper making process, there are various organic substances contained in the pulp that is the raw material of the paper and microorganisms such as fungi. Microorganisms such as fungi propagate in the paper-making process using organic matter as a nutrient. Proliferated microorganisms such as fungi produce mucus metabolites, which take in pulp and filler, which are raw materials for papermaking, to form slime. When slime is mixed in paper during papermaking, the quality of the produced paper is deteriorated. Therefore, an antibacterial agent is added to the water used in the paper making process, and measures are taken to prevent this (Patent Document 4, Patent Document 5).

  As mentioned above, microorganisms such as bacteria exist in the water used in the papermaking process of paper manufacturing, and all microorganisms such as bacteria can be sterilized by using antibacterial agents and heating for drying in the papermaking process. However, there are not a few microorganisms such as bacteria in the paper produced by the papermaking process.

  In paper processed into a paper container, there are not a few microorganisms such as bacteria in the process of producing paper, and this cannot be avoided. When processing paper into a paper container, a process of cutting the paper must be performed. In this process, paper dust that is fine paper dust is generated, and the generated paper dust adheres to the surface of the paper container. Therefore, microorganisms such as bacteria are present in the paper constituting the processed paper container and the paper powder generated during processing attached to the surface of the paper container. Usually, since a layer made of resin is provided on the surface of the paper container, it is rare that the paper is exposed on the surface of the paper container. When a paper container processed for an aseptic filling machine is put into the aseptic filling machine, the surface of the paper container is sterilized in the aseptic filling machine. However, since microorganisms such as bacteria existing in the paper powder adhering to the surface of the paper container, and microorganisms such as bacteria existing between the paper powder and the surface of the paper container cannot directly contact the disinfectant, It is difficult to sterilize microorganisms such as bacteria present in the powder and microorganisms such as bacteria present between the paper powder and the paper container surface. In addition, paper is exposed on the end face of the paper container, and microorganisms such as bacteria present in the paper powder falling off from the end face of the paper layer during operation of the aseptic filling machine, and bacteria scattered from the end face of the paper layer, etc. It is difficult to sterilize microorganisms.

  In the aseptic filling machine, the surface of the paper container is sterilized, but the product filled with the contents in the paper container is spoiled by microorganisms such as bacteria that are not sterilized present in the paper powder attached to the inner surface of the paper container. May occur. In addition, there is a risk that paper powder containing microorganisms such as bacteria that fall off in the aseptic filling machine, or microorganisms such as bacteria scattered from the end face of the paper container may be propagated in the aseptic filling machine without being sterilized. Proliferated microorganisms such as bacteria can enter the inside of the paper container and cause the product to rot. When such a state is reached, it is difficult to manufacture aseptic products using an aseptic filling machine.

  In order to prevent contamination of the aseptic filling machine derived from microorganisms such as bacteria present in paper, before introducing the paper container into the aseptic filling machine, microorganisms such as bacteria present in the paper constituting the paper container are removed. Need to sterilize. As a method for sterilizing microorganisms such as bacteria present in the paper constituting the paper container, a method of sterilizing the sleeve of the paper container before being put into an aseptic filling machine with radiation has been proposed (Patent Document 6). Conventionally, there is also a method of sterilizing a paper container before being put into an aseptic filling machine with ethylene oxide.

JP-T-2001-525768 JP-A-9-240629 Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 10-119934 JP 2000-80002 A JP 2002-249996 A JP 2013-18535 A

  As described above, when a paper container is put into an aseptic filling machine, it is necessary to sterilize microorganisms such as bacteria derived from paper constituting the paper container in advance. Patent Document 6 proposes a method for sterilizing a paper container by radiation. However, a large apparatus is required for radiation irradiation, and the capital investment is excessive. In addition, the polyethylene and polypropylene constituting the paper container are decomposed and cross-linked, causing problems such as strength deterioration, odor generation, and coloring. On the other hand, sterilization with ethylene oxide can be performed with simple equipment compared to radiation sterilization, and has the advantage of not causing deterioration of the material constituting the paper container, but it takes a long time for the residual and sterilization of toxic ethylene oxide. There is a disadvantage that it takes.

  The present invention has been made in order to solve the problem of residual ethylene oxide and a long sterilization time when a paper container containing paper as a constituent element is sterilized with ethylene oxide, and sterilizes a paper container with ethylene oxide. Therefore, it is possible to sterilize a paper container with a simpler equipment than radiation sterilization, reduce the residual amount of ethylene oxide, and sterilize by exposure to ethylene oxide for a short time. Objective.

The sterilization method for a sterile filling machine paper container according to the present invention includes a sealing step of sealing a sterile filling machine paper container containing at least paper as a constituent element in a sealing container into which ethylene oxide can flow, and the sterile filling machine paper container is sealed. An adsorption step of exposing the enclosed container to ethylene oxide to adsorb the ethylene oxide to the paper constituting the aseptic filling machine paper container, and a chamber in which the enclosed container is placed after the adsorption step is set to −0. Reduced pressure to a pressure of 081 MPa (g) or less, then to normal pressure by supplying air into the chamber, and further reduced pressure to a pressure of -0.081 MPa (g) or less, A sterilization step of sterilizing the aseptic filling machine paper container with ethylene oxide adsorbed on the paper of the aseptic filling machine paper container; Wherein the residual amount of the ethylene oxide filler paper container has a step diffuser feel causes the winding of ethylene oxide until the following the aseptic filling machine paper container 1g per 400 [mu] g.

  In the method for sterilizing a paper container for an aseptic filling machine according to the present invention, it is preferable that the sterilization step and the air diffusion step are performed simultaneously by storing the sealed container in a storage box at 40 ° C to 80 ° C.

  In the sterilization method for aseptic filling machine paper container according to the present invention, it is preferable that the aseptic filling machine paper container has a cylindrical shape having layers made of polyethylene on the inner and outer surfaces of the paper and bonded side surfaces. is there.

  In the sterilization method for aseptic filling machine paper container according to the present invention, it is preferable that the enclosed container is cardboard.

  Further, in the sterilization method for a sterile filling machine paper container according to the present invention, the adsorption step reduces the inside of the container in which the sealed container is put to a pressure of −0.081 MPa (g) or less, and then the ethylene oxide is oxidized. It is preferable that the sealed container is exposed to the ethylene oxide at a pressure of −0.040 MPa (g) or more by supplying a mixed gas diluted with carbon into the chamber.

In the sterilization method for aseptic filling machine paper container in the present invention, it is preferable that the adsorption amount of ethylene oxide in the adsorption step is 800 μg to 4000 μg per 1 g of the aseptic filling machine paper container. In the sterilization method for aseptic filling machine paper container according to the present invention, the adsorption step is preferably performed for 30 minutes to 200 minutes.

  According to the present invention, microorganisms such as bacteria contained in the paper constituting the paper container before being put into the aseptic filling machine, and the paper powder existing on the surface and end face of the paper container are exposed to ethylene oxide for a short time. Can be sterilized. Moreover, the residue of ethylene oxide used as a disinfectant can be suppressed.

It is a perspective view which shows the sleeve of the aseptic filling machine paper container based on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state which made the sleeve of the aseptic filling machine paper container the cylinder shape based on embodiment of this invention. It is a perspective view which shows the state which shape | molded the sleeve of the aseptic filling machine paper container based on embodiment of this invention in the gobbel top type paper container. It is a perspective view which shows the state which shape | molded the sleeve of the aseptic filling machine paper container based on embodiment of this invention in the brick type | mold paper container. It is a perspective view which shows the state which enclosed the sleeve of the aseptic filling machine paper container based on embodiment of this invention in the enclosure. It is a perspective view which shows the state which enclosed the aseptic filling machine paper container original fabric to the enclosure container based on embodiment of this invention. The cross section of the ethylene oxide exposure apparatus which performs the adsorption | suction process which exposes the enclosure to ethylene oxide based on embodiment of this invention is shown. The cross section of the aseptic filling machine paper container sterilization device for performing the sterilization process for sterilizing the aseptic filling machine paper container with ethylene oxide and the diffusion process for diffusing ethylene oxide from the aseptic filling machine paper container according to the embodiment of the present invention. Show.

  EMBODIMENT OF THE INVENTION Below, the form for implementing this invention is demonstrated with reference to drawings.

(About aseptic filling machine paper container)
The sleeve 1 of the aseptic filling machine paper container according to this embodiment is shown in FIG. The sleeve 1 includes at least paper as a component. FIG. 2 shows a state where the sleeve 1 is raised in a cylindrical shape. The sleeve 1 is provided with a cylinder pasting portion 2 so as to have a cylindrical shape, and a barrel forming ruled line 4 and a bottom forming ruled line 5 for folding the sleeve 1 when the sleeve 1 is formed into a gobeltop paper container 3 as shown in FIG. And a head forming ruled line 6.

The sleeve 1 has a thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene which can be heat sealed as layers on both sides of the paper. Also, barriers such as aluminum foil, films deposited with metals or metal oxides such as aluminum, silica, and aluminum oxide, copolymers of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer or aromatic diamine and dibasic acid, as required May be provided as a layer on the inside of the paper. Further, printing may be performed on the outer or outermost surface of the paper. Further, as the intermediate layer, one layer or two or more layers made of an adhesive or an adhesive thermoplastic resin may be provided. For example, the sleeve 1 is composed of polyethylene / printing / paper / polyethylene, polyethylene / printing / paper / polyethylene or ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer / aluminum foil / polyethylene, printing / polyethylene / paper / polyethylene / ethylene-vinyl alcohol co-polymer. Polymer / polyethylene, printing / polyethylene / paper / ethylene-methacrylic acid copolymer / polyester film with silica deposition / adhesive / polyethylene and the like. The basis weight of the paper to be laminated 80g / m ² ~500g / m ² is preferred. If it is less than 80 g / m ² , there is no shape retention as a paper container, and if it exceeds 500 g / m ² , processing is difficult. The heat sealable layer is preferably 15 μm to 150 μm. If it is less than 15 μm, sufficient heat seal strength cannot be obtained, and if it exceeds 150 μm, the heat seal strength is sufficient, which is excessive. The sleeve 1 is obtained by punching out such a laminate and bonding the body part by heat sealing.

  Although punching is performed with a metal blade, paper dust is generated when the paper is broken by the metal blade. There is a possibility that microorganisms such as bacteria taken into the paper in the paper making process are attached to the paper powder. Paper powder to which microorganisms such as bacteria adhere will adhere to the inner and outer surfaces of the sleeve 1. Microorganisms such as bacteria taken into the paper powder and microorganisms such as bacteria adhering between the paper powder and the sleeve 1 may not be sterilized in the sterilization process of the paper container in the aseptic filling machine.

  The cylinder pasting portion 2 of the sleeve 1 is formed by heat sealing the inner surface and the outer surface of the sleeve 1. Here, the end face of the inner laminated body of the body pasting portion 2 is formed so as not to be exposed. This is performed by hemming that folds the tip of the end portion that becomes the inside outward, skive hemming that cuts the inside of the tip and folds it outward, or by sticking a tape having heat sealability on both ends. This prevents the end face of the paper from coming into contact with the contents, prevents bacteria and paper dust from moving from the end face of the laminated body inside the body pasting portion 2 to the contents, and the contents are paper. Can be prevented from penetrating.

  Usually, the skive hemming method is frequently used so that the end face of the inner laminate of the body pasting portion 2 is not exposed. This method cuts the inside of the front end of the cylinder pasting portion of the punched sleeve structure, and a large amount of paper dust is generated to scrape the paper. Although a device for sucking the generated paper dust is provided, it is not possible to suck all of the generated paper dust. Paper dust that is not sucked adheres to the inner and outer surfaces of the sleeve 1.

  By a method such as skive hemming, the end of the side surface that is the inside of the container is prevented from being exposed, but the paper is exposed at the outer surface, the bottom, and the end surface that forms the head of the sleeve 1. Thus, there is a possibility that the paper powder may fall off from the end face of the paper layer during the operation of the aseptic filling machine. It is difficult to sterilize microorganisms such as bacteria present in paper powder and microorganisms such as bacteria scattered from the end face of the paper layer in the aseptic filling machine.

  The sleeve 1 is folded along the ruled line by the body forming ruled line 4, so that the cross-section becomes a substantially rectangular cylindrical body. However, when the ruled line is shallow or the paper is thin, the cross-sectional shape of the cylindrical body is changed. The sides may be arcuate, and when the ruled lines are not partially provided, the section of the sleeve 1 where the ruled lines are not provided may be substantially circular. Furthermore, there may be a polygonal portion such as a hexagon instead of a rectangle.

  After the sleeve 1 is conveyed to the aseptic filling machine, the bottom surface is formed by heat-sealing the inner surface that becomes the bottom of the container, and is formed into a paper container. The heat seal heats the inner surface with hot air, folds the triangular part of the bottom forming ruled line 5 inward, and matches the apex of the triangle and press-fits it, so that the triangular part can be It may be formed on the outside, and after crimping, the triangular portion may be folded to the side of the paper container and attached to the outer surface of the paper container 3 to form a brick type paper container 7 as shown in FIG. Further, the heat sealing may be performed by heat-out by heating from the outside, the ultrasonic heat-sealing, or when the sleeve 1 includes an aluminum foil as a layer, by high-frequency heat-sealing or the like with the triangular portion exposed to the outside.

The sleeve 1 can be formed into a brick-type paper container 7 instead of the gobeltop-type paper container 3 in an aseptic filling machine. When forming into the brick type paper container 7, you may shape | mold from the roll-shaped paper container raw fabric 8 as shown in FIG. The paper container 8 has a layer of heat sealable thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene on both sides of the paper. Also, barriers such as aluminum foil, films deposited with metals or metal oxides such as aluminum, silica, and aluminum oxide, copolymers of ethylene-vinyl alcohol copolymer or aromatic diamine and dibasic acid, as required May be provided as a layer on the inner side of the paper. Further, printing may be performed on the outer or outermost surface of the paper. Further, as the intermediate layer, one layer or two or more layers made of an adhesive or an adhesive thermoplastic resin may be provided. For forming a sterile filling machine, basis weight of the paper is suitably ^{80g / m 2 ~250g / m 2} .

  The original paper container 8 is obtained by laminating the thermoplastic resin on the paper in a wide width and slitting the wide paper container original that has been laminated. The slit is performed by cutting a paper container original including paper with a metal or ceramic blade. Therefore, paper dust is generated at the time of slitting, and the paper dust may adhere to the inner and outer surfaces of the paper container original 8. The original paper container 8 is formed into a brick-type paper container 7 in an aseptic filling machine, but is sterilized by being immersed in a sterilizing solution having a sterilizing agent such as hydrogen peroxide before forming. Paper powder adhering to the paper container 8 may be removed by immersion in the sterilizing solution, but it is not completely removed. Further, a tape is bonded to the inner end surface of the brick type paper container 7 in an aseptic filling machine, thereby preventing the end surface of the paper from contacting the contents. However, since the paper container 8 is sterilized and molded in the aseptic filling machine with the end face of the paper exposed, the microorganisms such as bacteria present in the paper powder falling off from the end face of the paper layer, and the end face of the paper layer It is difficult to disinfect microorganisms such as scattered bacteria in an aseptic filling machine.

  Although an example in which the bottom portion is formed by the sleeve 1 or the paper container raw fabric 8 and molded into a paper container has been shown, by injection molding on one of the open ends of the sleeve 1, an injection molding portion is provided to close the open end. It can also be made into a paper container by injection molding. This is done by inserting one of the open ends of the sleeve 1 into a mold and injection-molding a thermoplastic resin such as polyethylene or polypropylene into a shape that becomes the head of the paper container. A paper container having such a shape may be used.

(Details of aseptic filling machine paper container sterilization method)
The sleeve 1 and the paper container 8 are enclosed in an enclosure 9 as shown in FIGS. The enclosure 9 is not sealed so that ethylene oxide can flow in. The container structure is such that it is not sealed even when the lid of the enclosure 9 is closed. The enclosing container 9 is, for example, a paper cardboard, and a sheet-like material such as a plastic film or an aluminum foil may be attached to the inner surface of the cardboard. Further, instead of paper, it may be a plastic cardboard or an unsealed plastic container. The shape and material of the enclosing container 9 are not limited as long as the aseptic filling machine paper container such as the sleeve 1 and the paper container raw fabric 8 is enclosed and ethylene oxide can flow in. The aseptic filling machine paper container is sealed in the sealing container 9 by a sealing process.

  The enclosing container 9 in which the aseptic filling machine paper container is encapsulated is placed in an ethylene oxide exposure apparatus 10 that is exposed to ethylene oxide. As shown in FIG. 7, the ethylene oxide exposure device 10 includes an ethylene oxide supply device 11, an air supply device 12, an exhaust device 13, a pressure gauge 14, and a thermometer 15. The air supply device 12 may be supplied with water vapor.

  The enclosing container 9 is placed in the storage of the ethylene oxide exposure device 10. The interior has a capacity for storing a plurality of sealed containers 9. When the plurality of enclosures 9 are stored in the cabinet, the enclosures may be stacked on a pallet and fixed with a stretch film. The inside of the refrigerator may be heated by heating the peripheral wall. The internal temperature is measured by the thermometer 15, and the internal temperature is adjusted. Since the inside is pressurized and depressurized, it must be sealed.

  The ethylene oxide supply device 11 supplies a mixed gas of ethylene oxide and carbon dioxide. Gases such as nitrogen, oxygen, and helium other than carbon dioxide may be included. Ethylene oxide is contained in the range of 10 vol% to 95 vol%, and the ethylene oxide supply device 11 can supply a gas containing ethylene oxide at a pressure of −0.040 MPa (g) or more in a warehouse under a reduced pressure environment. preferable. For the pressure, the gauge pressure is described, and is expressed as (g) after the unit.

  The air supply device 12 is a device that supplies air into the chamber after the ethylene oxide is removed from the chamber of the ethylene oxide exposure device 10. Air may be supplied, but sterilized air provided with a sterilization filter may be supplied.

  The exhaust device 13 is a device that depressurizes the inside of the ethylene oxide exposure device 10 and includes a vacuum pump. Moreover, in order to exhaust the gas containing ethylene oxide, it is preferable to provide the apparatus which decomposes | disassembles ethylene oxide. The ethylene oxide is preferably released to the atmosphere after being decomposed. The decomposition of ethylene oxide may be any method such as oxidation with a catalyst to convert ethylene oxide to carbon dioxide and water, combustion of ethylene oxide, or conversion of ethylene oxide to ethylene glycol by a hydrolysis reaction.

  The pressure gauge 14 measures the pressure in the chamber of the ethylene oxide exposure apparatus 10 to be pressurized or depressurized, and the degree of pressurization or depressurization is controlled by the measured pressure.

  After the sealed container 9 is introduced into the chamber of the ethylene oxide exposure device 10, the interior is sealed. Thereafter, the inside of the warehouse is reduced to a pressure of −0.081 MPa (g) or less by the exhaust device 13. After the interior is depressurized to the set pressure, ethylene oxide is introduced into the interior by the mixed gas diluted with carbon dioxide. The pressure of the mixed gas is increased to -0.040 MPa (g) or more. The sealed container 9 is exposed to ethylene oxide in a pressurized state. Since ethylene oxide flows into the sealed container, the aseptic filling machine paper container is exposed to ethylene oxide, and the ethylene oxide is adsorbed on the paper constituting the aseptic filling machine paper container. This adsorption step is 30 minutes to 200 minutes, preferably 30 minutes to 60 minutes. Traditionally, sterilization of aseptic filler paper containers by exposure to ethylene oxide must be exposed for more than 6 hours. However, in the present invention, since the aseptic filling machine paper container is sterilized by the sterilization process after the adsorption process, it is sufficient to expose the aseptic filling machine paper container to ethylene oxide for a short time in the adsorption process. Compared with the conventional method of sterilizing the aseptic filling machine paper container by exposing to ethylene oxide, the use time of the ethylene oxide exposing device 10 can be remarkably shortened.

  In the adsorption step, the adsorption can be promoted by raising the internal temperature of the ethylene oxide exposure apparatus 10. It is preferable that the inside temperature of the ethylene oxide exposure apparatus 10 be 40 ° C to 80 ° C. Exposure time can be shortened by heating the inside of the chamber.

  After the sealed container 9 filled with the aseptic filling machine paper container is introduced into the storage of the ethylene oxide exposure device 10, the interior of the storage is evacuated by the exhaust device 13 so that the pressure in the storage is -0.081 MPa (g) or less. . When the pressure exceeds -0.081 MPa (g), the partial pressure of ethylene oxide becomes low during exposure to ethylene oxide, and ethylene oxide is not sufficiently adsorbed on the paper constituting the aseptic filling machine paper container. Further, the pressure in the chamber after exhaust is preferably −0.099 MPa (g) or more. If the pressure is less than -0.099 MPa (g), the exhaust time becomes longer and the productivity is hindered.

  When the pressure in the chamber of the ethylene oxide exposure device 10 reaches a predetermined value, the exhaust is terminated and a mixed gas of ethylene oxide and carbon dioxide is supplied from the ethylene oxide supply device 11 into the chamber. The mixed gas is supplied into the chamber so that the internal pressure is in the range of -0.040 MPa (g) to 0.150 MPa (g), and after reaching the predetermined pressure, the predetermined pressure is maintained for 30 minutes. Hold for ~ 200 minutes. If it is less than −0.040 MPa (g), ethylene oxide is not sufficiently adsorbed on the paper constituting the aseptic filling machine paper container. Above 0.150 MPa (g), the pressure is high and dangerous. Further, when the exposure time of ethylene oxide is less than 30 minutes, the ethylene oxide is not sufficiently adsorbed on the paper constituting the aseptic filling machine paper container. Over 200 minutes, it is excessive and inhibits productivity.

  After the enclosure 9 is exposed to ethylene oxide for a predetermined time, the interior of the ethylene oxide exposure device 10 is exhausted by the exhaust device 13. Since the exhaust gas contains ethylene oxide at a high concentration, it is preferable to decompose and exhaust the ethylene oxide. After exhausting until the internal pressure becomes −0.099 MPa (g) to −0.081 MPa (g), the air is supplied into the internal chamber until the internal pressure becomes normal pressure by the air supply device. When the pressure exceeds -0.081 MPa (g), the exhaust of ethylene oxide remaining in the chamber is insufficient. Moreover, if it is less than -0.099 MPa (g), time is required for exhaust, and it is not efficient. The supplied air is preferably sterile air that has passed through a sterilization filter. However, even if the aseptic filling machine paper container is contaminated with microorganisms such as bacteria by the supplied air, it can be sterilized in a later sterilization step.

  After supplying air into the chamber of the ethylene oxide exposure apparatus 10 to normal pressure, the air is further exhausted until the pressure in the chamber becomes -0.099 MPa (g) to -0.081 MPa (g), then air Air is supplied into the chamber until the pressure in the chamber reaches normal pressure by the supply device. This is repeated about 3 to 7 times. If it is less than 3 times, the ethylene oxide remaining in the chamber is not exhausted, and when the chamber is opened, the ethylene oxide concentration in the air increases, which adversely affects workers. Exceeding 7 times is excessive and inhibits productivity.

  The adsorption process is completed by completing the repetition of depressurization and normal pressure in the chamber. The amount of ethylene oxide adsorbed to the aseptic filling machine paper container by the adsorption process is preferably 800 μg to 4000 μg per 1 g of the weight of the paper container. This is the adsorption amount of ethylene oxide necessary for the paper constituting the aseptic filling machine paper container to be sterilized in a later sterilization process. If it is less than 800 μg, the paper constituting the aseptic filling machine paper container is not sufficiently sterilized in the sterilization process. Further, the amount exceeding 4000 μg is excessive, and it takes a long time to diffuse the ethylene oxide adsorbed on the paper in the diffusion step.

  After exhausting the ethylene oxide remaining in the chamber of the ethylene oxide exposure device 10, the chamber is opened, the sealed container 9 is taken out of the chamber, and the aseptic filling machine paper container is sterilized and the aseptic filling machine paper container In order to perform an air diffusing process for diffusing the ethylene oxide adsorbed on the inside, the sealed container 9 carried out from the ethylene oxide exposure device 10 is stored in the aseptic filling machine paper container sterilizing device 16 shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 8, the aseptic filling machine paper container sterilizer 16 includes a storage 16a for storing the sealed container 9, the storage 16a is shielded, and a blower 17 and a blower for supplying heated aseptic air to the storage 16a are used. A sterilizing filter 18 for sterilizing air and a heating device 19 for heating the sterilized air are provided. Moreover, the thermometer 21 which measures the temperature in the discharge device 20 which discharges the air in the storage 16a, and the storage 16a is provided. The discharge device 20 includes a blower that discharges the air in the storage 16a. Moreover, you may provide the decomposition device which decomposes | disassembles the ethylene oxide in the air containing the ethylene oxide discharged | emitted.

  The shield of the storage 16a may be sealed or not sealed. In order to prevent discharge of ethylene oxide diffused from the enclosure 9 into the environment, it is preferable to seal it. The blower 17, the sterilization filter 18, and the heating device 19 that supply aseptic air to the storage 16a may be omitted. The supply of sterile air is to promote the diffusion of ethylene oxide, and it is not necessary to supply it. The reason why the supplied air is sterilized is to prevent contamination by microorganisms such as bacteria in the aseptic filling machine paper container to be sterilized. However, the supplied air may not be sterilized. This is because the paper is sterilized in the sterilization process, but the inside of the paper to be sterilized is less likely to be contaminated by microorganisms such as fungi during the sterilization process or in the air diffusion process. The supplied aseptic air is heated in order to increase the sterilization effect in the sterilization process and to promote air scatter in the air diffusion process. However, it does not have to be heated. This is because the sterilization process and the air diffusion process are performed even if the sealed container 9 is placed in a normal temperature and normal pressure atmosphere.

  The enclosing container 9 carried out from the ethylene oxide exposure device 10 is stored in the aseptic filling machine paper container sterilization device 16, but the sterilization process and aseptic filling for sterilizing the aseptic filling machine paper container by storing it in an atmosphere of normal temperature and normal pressure. It is possible to perform an air diffusion process in which ethylene oxide is diffused from the machine paper container.

  After the sealed container 9 is stored in the storage 16a of the aseptic filling machine paper container sterilizer 16 shown in FIG. 8, the sealed container 9 is stored in the storage 16a for 2 to 7 days. By storing, a sterilization process and an air diffusion process are performed. The sterilization process time is shortened by heating the storage 16a. Moreover, the air diffusion process time can be shortened by supplying air into the storage 16a, heating the supplied air, and discharging the air in the storage 16a by a blower.

  By storing the enclosing container 9, ethylene oxide adsorbed on the paper constituting the aseptic filling machine paper container is desorbed, and ethylene oxide is diffused into the enclosing container 9. The aseptic ethylene oxide paper container is sterilized by leaving the ethylene oxide to be desorbed in the enclosure 9 without rapidly flowing out of the enclosure 9. Covering the outside of the single or plural enclosures 9 with a stretch film promotes the retention of ethylene oxide in the enclosure 9 and is effective for sterilization. In the adsorption process, the enclosing container 9 is exposed to ethylene oxide, ethylene oxide flows into the enclosing container 9, and the aseptic filling machine paper container is exposed to ethylene oxide, but the adsorption process is short, and the aseptic filling machine paper The paper making up the container is not completely sterilized. The ethylene oxide adsorbed on the paper constituting the aseptic filling machine paper container is desorbed, and the ethylene oxide stays in the enclosing container 9, and this state is maintained for several days, so that the paper constituting the aseptic filling machine paper container Microorganisms such as microbes present and microbes such as microbes that are incorporated in the paper powder present on the surface including the end face of the aseptic filling machine paper container are sterilized.

  By heating the storage 16a to 40 ° C. to 80 ° C., detachment of ethylene oxide from the aseptic filling machine paper container can be promoted, and the sterilization effect by ethylene oxide can be improved. The sterilization process time can be shortened by heating the storage 16a. The storage can be heated by heating air from the blower 17 by the heating device 19 and supplying the heated air to the storage 16a.

  The ethylene oxide detached from the aseptic filling machine paper container stays in the sealed container 9 and contributes to sterilization. However, since the sealed container 9 is not sealed, it flows out of the sealed container 9. In this way, ethylene oxide desorbed into the enclosure 9 over time evaporates from the enclosure 9. By discharging the ethylene oxide flowing out from the enclosure 9, air diffusion is promoted. By supplying air into the storage 16a and discharging the air in the storage 16a by the discharge device 20, the time of the air diffusion process can be shortened. It is preferable that the ethylene oxide is diffused by the air diffusion step until the residual amount of ethylene oxide is 400 μg / g or less per 1 g of aseptic filling machine paper container. Residue exceeding 400 μg / g is not preferable for safety.

  By storing the sealed container 9 in the storage 16a at normal temperature and normal pressure, the sterilization process and the air diffusion process can be performed simultaneously. Also, in the sterilization process, the enclosed container is covered with a stretch film and heated to promote sterilization. After sterilization is completed, the stretch film is removed, heated air is supplied, and air is discharged to promote air scatter. You may perform an aeration process. That is, the sterilization process and the air diffusion process may be performed separately by storing the enclosure container 9 under conditions effective for sterilization and storing the enclosure container 9 under conditions effective for air diffusion.

  The aseptic filling machine paper container that has completed the sterilization process and the aeration process is molded into the container by the aseptic filling machine, the surface is sterilized, the contents sterilized in an aseptic atmosphere are filled, sealed, and the aseptic filling product Become.

  In an aseptic filling machine, the aseptic filling machine paper container is sterilized by spraying a bactericide gas or mist or a mixture thereof on the surface of the aseptic filling machine paper container or immersing the aseptic filling machine paper container in the sterilizing agent. With such a method, in the aseptic filling machine, the surface of the aseptic filling machine paper container can be sterilized, but the bacteria present in the paper constituting the aseptic filling machine paper container and the paper powder adhering to the inner surface of the paper container, etc. The microorganisms cannot be sterilized. By the sterilization process according to the embodiment of the present invention, microorganisms such as bacteria existing in the paper constituting the aseptic filling machine paper container and in the paper powder attached to the inner surface of the paper container are sterilized. There is a possibility that the surface of the aseptic filling machine paper container is contaminated by microorganisms such as bacteria present in the air before being used in the aseptic filling machine by a process after the sterilization process. However, microorganisms such as bacteria that contaminate the aseptic filling machine paper container after the sterilization process are sterilized by the sterilizing means in the aseptic filling machine.

  By using the aseptic filling machine paper container sterilized by the sterilization process according to the embodiment of the present invention in the aseptic filling machine, the paper container and the aseptic filling machine are not contaminated by microorganisms such as bacteria, and can be safely Aseptically filled products can be produced.

  Hereinafter, the present invention will be described with reference to examples.

(Method of operation)
A sleeve 1 as shown in FIG. 1, which is a 250 ml capacity paperbell type paper container 3 having a square cross section and a side of 40 mm, was prepared. The configuration of the sleeve 1 was polyethylene 20 μm / paper 200 g / m ² / polyethylene 20 μm / aluminum foil 7 μm / polyethylene 40 μm. 790 sheets of this sleeve 1 are sealed in a corrugated cardboard enclosure 9, and eight stages of enclosures 9 are stored in five stages in the storage of the ethylene oxide exposure apparatus 10 shown in FIG. The pressure is reduced to 0.090 MPa (g), and a mixed gas of 20% by volume of ethylene oxide and 80% by volume of carbon dioxide is pressurized and filled in the chamber of the ethylene oxide exposure apparatus 10 until the pressure reaches 0.100 MPa (g). After holding in this state for 60 minutes, the pressure is reduced to -0.085 MPa (g), and air is introduced to normal pressure. Repeat this twice more. The adsorption process was completed, and then the sealed container 9 was stored at room temperature and normal pressure for 3 days. The sterilization process and the air diffusion process were performed by this storage.

(Measurement of bactericidal effect and residual ethylene oxide content)
Table 1 shows the results of measuring the number of bacteria in the paper and the amount of residual ethylene oxide for the sleeve 1 before storage after completion of the sterilization process and the air diffusion process, the sleeve 1 after 1 day of storage, and the sleeve 1 after 3 days of storage.

なお、吸着工程前のスリーブ１の紙中の平均菌数は７４２ＣＦＵ／１ｇ、残留エチレンオキサイド量は０μｇ／ｇであった。

The average number of bacteria in the paper of the sleeve 1 before the adsorption step was 742 CFU / 1 g, and the residual ethylene oxide amount was 0 μg / g.

  According to the above embodiment, the bacteria in the paper are not sterilized immediately after the adsorption step, but the bacteria in the paper are completely sterilized by storing for 3 days, and the amount of residual ethylene oxide is also It turns out that it becomes below target value.

  Although the present invention is configured as described above, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications can be made within the gist of the present invention.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Sleeve 3 ... Gebel top type paper container 7 ... Brick type paper container 9 ... Enclosed container 10 ... Ethylene oxide exposure apparatus 16 ... Aseptic filling machine Paper container sterilizer

Claims (7)

An enclosing step of enclosing an aseptic filling machine paper container containing at least paper as a constituent element in an enclosing container into which ethylene oxide can flow; and
An adsorption step of exposing the sealed container in which the aseptic filling machine paper container is sealed to ethylene oxide to adsorb the ethylene oxide on the paper constituting the aseptic filling machine paper container;
After the adsorption step, the inside of the container in which the sealed container is placed is depressurized to a pressure of −0.081 MPa (g) or less, and then air is supplied to the inside to obtain a normal pressure. g) at least three depressurization steps of depressurizing to the following pressure;
A sterilization step of sterilizing the aseptic filling machine paper container with ethylene oxide adsorbed on the paper of the aseptic filling machine paper container;
Sterilization of aseptic filling machine paper container, characterized by having an air diffusion step of dispersing ethylene oxide until the residual amount of ethylene oxide in said aseptic filling machine paper container is 400 μg or less per 1 g of aseptic filling machine paper container Method. In the sterilization method for aseptic filling machine paper container according to claim 1,
A method for sterilizing a paper container for an aseptic filling machine, wherein the sterilization step and the aeration step are performed simultaneously by storing the sealed container in a storage at 40 ° C to 80 ° C. In the sterilization method for aseptic filling machine paper container according to claim 1 or 2,
A method for sterilizing an aseptic filling machine paper container, wherein the aseptic filling machine paper container has a cylindrical shape having layers made of polyethylene on the inner and outer surfaces of the paper and the side surfaces are bonded together. In the sterilization method of the aseptic filling machine paper container according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
A method for sterilizing a paper container for an aseptic filling machine, wherein the sealed container is cardboard. In the sterilization method of the aseptic filling machine paper container according to any one of claims 1 to 4,
In the adsorption step, the inside in which the sealed container is placed is depressurized to a pressure of −0.081 MPa (g) or less, and then a mixed gas in which the ethylene oxide is diluted with carbon dioxide is supplied into the compartment. A method for sterilizing a paper container for an aseptic filling machine, wherein the enclosure is exposed to the ethylene oxide at a pressure of 0.040 MPa (g) or more. In the sterilization method of the aseptic filling machine paper container according to any one of claims 1 to 5,
The method for sterilizing an aseptic filling machine paper container, wherein an adsorption amount of ethylene oxide in the adsorption step is 800 μg to 4000 μg per 1 g of the aseptic filling machine paper container. In the sterilization method of the aseptic filling machine paper container according to any one of claims 1 to 6,
A method for sterilizing a paper container for an aseptic filling machine, wherein the adsorption step is performed for 30 minutes to 200 minutes.

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