JPH10236441A - Method for sterilizing plastic container for beverage - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable sterilization simply and efficiently to secure safety of beverage without losing state of the beverage to be filled by bringing heated chlorinated sodium hydroxide or heated sodium hydroxide and acetyl hydroperoxide into contact with inner and outer walls of a plastic container an washing in water. SOLUTION: The sterilization method comprises steps of bringing chlorinated sodium hydroxide heated to 30 deg.C or higher or sodium hydroxide heated to 30 deg.C or higher and acetyl hydroperoxide into contact with inner and outer walls of a container to sterilize the inner and outer walls, and then washing the heated chlorinated sodium hydroxide or the heated sodium hydroxide and acetyl hydroperoxide on the inner and outer walls of the container in water. Contact with the container is performed by spraying toward the inner and outer walls of the container, injecting a full amount into the container, soaking the container and flowing down on the outer wall of the container. Chlorinated sodium hydroxide with hypochlorous acid having a concentration of 0.1W/V% or higher added to sodium hydride having a concentration of 0.5W/V% or higher in a range of 5W/V% to 30W/V% is used, and aqueous solution of acetyl hydroperoxide of 0.01W/V% or higher is used.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for sterilizing beverage containers, particularly plastic containers.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, plastic containers such as polyethylene terephthalate containers (PET containers) used for filling beverages are provided with a disinfectant such as hydrogen peroxide solution on the inner wall of the container before the beverages are filled. After spraying the outer wall and the like, a sterilizing process of drying the sterilizing agent with hot air is performed. However, according to this method, the bactericide remains on the inner wall of the container, which impairs the flavor of the packed beverage, and has become a problem particularly in the case of tea beverages or drinking water having a subtle flavor. In addition, there is a problem that the residual bactericide is harmful because it is taken together with the beverage.

[0003] In order to solve such a problem,
Various proposals have been made. For example, JP-A-60-99
Japanese Patent Publication No. 828 discloses a container sterilizer for injecting a sterilizing solution (hydrogen peroxide solution) and then injecting a cleaning solution to remove the sterilizing solution.
Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication (Kokai) No. 63-138931 discloses that a bactericide (hydrogen peroxide solution or the like) is sprayed on a container and then hot air is blown on the container to dry the bactericide. A method for washing and removing is described. However, these methods have a problem that the disinfectant cannot be completely removed. Further, there is a problem that the process is complicated, the equipment becomes enormous, and a required time is required. Further, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. Hei 3-231684 describes a method in which the inner wall of a plastic bottle is heated to a sterilizing temperature by hot water, the outer wall is heated, and the bottle is kept at the sterilizing temperature for a predetermined time to sterilize the bottle. . However, this method has a problem that it can only be used for heat-resistant plastic bottles because of the upper limit of the heat-resistant temperature depending on the material of the plastic bottle.

Therefore, complete sterilization can be performed, and it can be applied to plastic containers of any material. More specifically, sterilization can be performed within the heat-resistant temperature range of plastic bottles that are generally widely used, and can be performed easily. Intensive research has been conducted on a sterilization method for plastic containers for beverages, which can be performed in a simple process, does not leave the disinfectant on the inner wall of the container, and has no effect on beverages packed after sterilization. Against this background, the results of microbiological verification of the results of cleaning the pipes of beverage manufacturing plants suggest that chlorinated caustic soda or caustic soda has a sterilizing effect when used as a detergent. Data was obtained. In addition, the cleaning of the pipe is to chemically solubilize or remove the adhered residue derived from the fluid flowing in the pipe, or to physically remove and discharge the deposited residue by the flow of the cleaning fluid. It does not mean. Until now, chlorinated caustic soda and caustic soda have been used as detergents, but they have never been used as germicides, and even their germicidal spectrum has not been revealed. We will, from the presence of that data, examine the potential use of chlorinated caustic soda and caustic soda as a disinfectant, and the potential use of beverage plastic containers for disinfection, and then disinfect Solves the problem of residual agent, and uses effective and appropriate disinfectant (concentration, temperature,
Application time).

On the other hand, when the conventional sterilization method using only peracetic acid was verified from the aspect of sterilization spectrum, it was found that a sufficient sterilizing effect could not be obtained for specific mold spores and the like. Was. Conventional sterilization with peracetic acid is carried out, for example, by using a commercially available bactericide containing peracetic acid at 40 ° C. for 3 hours.
Although it was applied to the container for a minute, we have also been studying the effective disinfection method (concentration, temperature, application time, etc.) of peracetic acid.

[0006] Therefore, in order to obtain a higher sterilization effect, by combining chlorinated caustic soda or caustic soda as a sterilizer with a specific sterilization method using peracetic acid, the sterilization effect is extremely high, and it is simple and effective. The present inventors have found a novel sterilization method and completed the present invention.

[0007]

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION The present invention provides a plastic container for beverages without any germicide remaining on the inner and outer walls of the container, and is efficiently and completely completed by a simple process and apparatus irrespective of the material of the container. It is an object of the present invention to provide a sterilization method capable of performing sterilization without affecting the beverage packed after sterilization.

[0008]

The present invention uses heated chlorinated caustic soda having a bactericidal effect or heated caustic soda and peracetic acid in contact with the inner and outer walls of a container, and then uses water having a higher cleaning effect. The present invention has been made based on the finding that the above problem can be solved by similarly cleaning the inner and outer walls of the container. That is, the present invention provides a method for disinfecting a plastic container for beverages, which comprises combining heated chlorinated caustic soda having a high sterilizing effect or heated caustic soda, and peracetic acid, and water having a high cleaning effect. Therefore, the gist of the invention is to contact heated chlorinated caustic soda or heated caustic soda and peracetic acid on the inner and outer walls of a beverage plastic container, and then wash and sterilize with water. is there. Alternatively, by contacting heated chlorinated caustic soda or heated caustic soda and peracetic acid to the inner and outer walls of the beverage plastic container, and further irradiating the inner and outer walls of the beverage plastic container with ultraviolet light. To sterilize.

[0009]

By contacting heated chlorinated caustic soda or warmed caustic soda and peracetic acid to the container, the inner and outer walls of the container are first sterilized. Contact of the heated chlorinated caustic soda or heated caustic soda and peracetic acid to the container is performed by spraying the inside and outside walls of the container, filling the inside of the container with the full amount, immersing the container, and flowing down to the outer wall of the container. Will be

In the sterilization method of the present invention, a heated chlorinated caustic soda or a heated caustic soda and peracetic acid are brought into contact with an inner wall and an outer wall of a plastic container for beverages to sterilize the inner wall and the outer wall, and then water is used. The gist of the present invention is to wash away the above-mentioned heated chlorinated caustic soda or heated caustic soda and peracetic acid on the inner and outer walls of the container. Alternatively, while contacting heated chlorinated caustic soda or heated caustic soda and peracetic acid to the inner and outer walls of the beverage plastic container, and further irradiating the inner and outer walls of the beverage plastic container with ultraviolet light. Make a summary. Also,
The present invention can be applied not only to containers, but also to caps, which are accessories of containers.

[0011]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION The chlorinated caustic soda used in the present invention is obtained by adding hypochlorous acid to an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide. / V% to 30 W / V% is used. In the present invention, chlorinated caustic soda is
As a concentration of sodium hydroxide, 0.5 W / V% or more,
Preferably, one having a concentration in the range of 2 W / V% to 6 W / V% is used. Hypochlorous acid has a concentration of 0.1 W / V
% Or more are used. If the concentration of sodium hydroxide in the chlorinated caustic soda is lower than 0.5 W / V%, the bactericidal effect may be insufficient, and if the concentration is higher than 8 W / V%, the safety or workability in the handling thereof. It is inconvenient from the point of view.

[0012] Further, the bactericidal effect of chlorinated caustic soda is significantly improved by heating.
Chlorinated caustic soda is used by heating it to a temperature of 30 ° C. or higher, preferably 50 ° C. to 70 ° C. The effect of the present invention can be obtained equally at a temperature of 70 ° C. or higher, but it may exceed the heat resistance range depending on the material of the bottle. In the method of the present invention, chlorinated caustic soda at a temperature of 30 ° C. or higher is used. It suffices if it is sufficient, it is economical, and it can be used without considering the heat resistance depending on the type of plastic material of the container.

In the present invention, the contact of the chlorinated caustic soda with the inner and outer walls of the container can be carried out by spraying, spraying, showering or the like using a nozzle or the like. A method of injecting chlorinated caustic soda in a state where the container is inverted is preferably used because the chlorinated caustic soda is easily discharged from the container. For example, with the container upside down,
In the case of injection to the inner wall of the container, the injection is performed from the opening of the container into the interior of the container using a nozzle or the like. In the case of the outer wall, the injection is performed from a plurality of nozzles or by moving the nozzles. The flow rate of the injection of the chlorinated caustic soda is not particularly limited, but is preferably 50 ml / sec or more, more preferably 150 ml / sec or more, and 2 seconds or more with respect to the inner or outer wall of the container. Preferably, the injection is performed for 5 seconds or more.
The amount of chlorinated caustic soda used when spraying on the inner or outer wall of the container should be at least 0.2 times the internal volume of the container to be sterilized,
Preferably, an amount of 0.5 times or more is used. When such an amount of chlorinated caustic soda is used, the inner wall or the outer wall of the container to be sterilized can be uniformly contacted, and the sterilization can be performed efficiently and completely.

When the chlorinated caustic soda is fully injected into the container for contact with the inner wall, chlorinated caustic soda may be injected with a nozzle or the like, or the container may be filled into a tank filled with chlorinated caustic soda. This can be achieved by immersing the chlorinated caustic soda into the entire interior. Similarly, when the container is completely immersed and held in chlorinated caustic soda for contact with the outer wall, the entire container may be immersed in a tank filled with chlorinated caustic soda or the outer wall of the container may be used. When maintaining the state in which chlorinated caustic soda has flowed down, the chlorinated caustic soda continues to be injected into the container even when the amount is full or more to overflow the chlorinated caustic soda, and the state in which the chlorinated caustic soda flows down the outer wall of the container is maintained. That can be done. In the case where chlorinated caustic soda is fully charged into the container and drained after holding, the liquid is drained after holding for 10 seconds or more, preferably 30 seconds or more from the time when the container becomes full. When the container is immersed in chlorinated caustic soda, the container is kept for 10 seconds or more, preferably 30 seconds or more, from the time when the entire container is completely immersed in chlorinated caustic soda. Similarly, when maintaining the state in which chlorinated caustic soda has flowed down to the outer wall of the container, hold for 10 seconds or more, preferably 30 seconds or more after the chlorinated caustic soda flows down in the entire container. Do.

The container is immersed in a tank or the like filled with chlorinated caustic soda, and chlorinated caustic soda is allowed to enter the inside of the container. When the chlorinated caustic soda flows down the outer wall of the container, the contact of the inner and outer walls with the chlorinated caustic soda is
You can do it all at once.

The caustic soda used in the present invention is an aqueous solution of sodium hydroxide having a concentration of 0.5 W / V% or more, preferably in the range of 2 W / V% to 6 W / V%. used. Concentration is 0.5W / V%
If it is lower, the bactericidal effect may be insufficient, and the concentration is 8W.
When it is higher than / V%, it is inconvenient in terms of safety in handling or workability.

Further, since the sterilization effect of caustic soda is significantly improved by heating, in the present invention, caustic soda heated to a temperature of 30 ° C. or more, preferably in the range of 50 ° C. to 70 ° C. is used. Although the effect of the present invention can be obtained equally at a temperature of 70 ° C. or more, it may exceed the heat resistance range depending on the material of the bottle. In the method of the present invention, if the temperature of the caustic soda is 30 ° C. or more, It is sufficient, economical, and can be used without considering the heat resistance depending on the type of plastic material of the container.

In the present invention, the contact of the caustic soda with the inner wall and the outer wall of the container can be performed by spraying, spraying, showering or the like using a nozzle or the like. A method of injecting caustic soda with the container inverted is preferably used because caustic soda is easily discharged from the container.
For example, in the case where the container is inverted, in the case of spraying on the inner wall of the container, the nozzle is sprayed into the inside of the container from the mouth of the container. Let it inject. The flow rate of the injection of caustic soda is not particularly limited, but is preferably 50 ml / sec or more, more preferably 150 ml / sec or more, and is preferably 2 seconds or more with respect to the inner wall or outer wall of the container, and more preferably. Inject for more than 5 seconds. The amount of caustic soda used when spraying on the inner or outer wall of the container is at least 0.2 times, preferably at least 0.5 times, the internal volume of the container to be sterilized. When such an amount of caustic soda is used, the inner wall or the outer wall of the container to be sterilized can be uniformly contacted, and the sterilization can be performed efficiently and completely.

When a full amount of caustic soda is injected into the container for contact with the inner wall, caustic soda may be injected with a nozzle or the like, or the container may be immersed in a tank filled with caustic soda and the entire interior may be caustic soda. Can be performed by invading the Similarly, when the container is completely immersed and held in caustic soda for contact with the outer wall, the entire container may be immersed in a tank filled with caustic soda, or the caustic soda may flow down to the outer wall of the container. When the caustic soda is kept in the container, the caustic soda is continuously poured into the container over the full amount so that the caustic soda overflows, and the caustic soda flows down the outer wall of the container. In the case where a full amount of caustic soda is injected into the container, and the liquid is drained after holding, the liquid is discharged for 10 seconds or more, preferably 3 hours or more, when the container is full.
After holding for 0 seconds or more, drainage is performed. When the container is immersed in caustic soda, the container is completely immersed in caustic soda for at least 10 seconds, preferably 3 seconds.
Hold for 0 seconds or more. Similarly, when maintaining the state in which caustic soda flows down on the outer wall of the container, the holding is performed for 10 seconds or more, preferably 30 seconds or more after the caustic soda flows down to the entire container.

The container is immersed in a tank filled with caustic soda, and the caustic soda is allowed to enter the inside of the container, or the caustic soda is overflowed by continuously injecting the caustic soda into the inside of the container even if it is full, and the outer wall of the container is filled with caustic soda. When the flowing state is maintained, the inner wall and the outer wall can be brought into contact with the caustic soda at once.

The peracetic acid used in the present invention is an aqueous solution of peracetic acid and contains acetic acid. The concentration of peracetic acid is 0.01 W / V% or more, preferably 0.05 W / V% to 0. Concentrations in the range of 5 W / V% are used in the present invention. When the concentration is lower than 0.01 W / V%, the bactericidal effect is sometimes insufficient, and when the concentration is higher than 0.5 W / V%, it is inconvenient in terms of safety in handling or workability. . Although peracetic acid is sufficiently effective at room temperature, it is preferable to use it after heating it to 30 ° C. or higher if it is desired to obtain a stronger sterilizing power. An aqueous solution of peracetic acid is also commercially available as a mixed drug with hydrogen peroxide, and these can be used in the present invention as well.

In the present invention, the contact or injection of peracetic acid with respect to the inner and outer walls of the container is performed by injection using a nozzle or the like.
It can be performed by spraying, showering or the like. A method of injecting peracetic acid with the container inverted is preferably used because peracetic acid is easily discharged from the container. For example, in the case where the container is inverted, in the case of spraying on the inner wall of the container, the nozzle is sprayed into the inside of the container from the mouth of the container. Let it inject. The flow rate of the peracetic acid injection is not particularly limited, but is preferably 50 ml / sec or more, more preferably 150 ml / sec or more, and more preferably 2 seconds or more with respect to the inner or outer wall of the container. Performs injection for 5 seconds or more. The amount of peracetic acid used when spraying the inner or outer wall of the container is at least 0.2 times, preferably at least 0.5 times, the internal volume of the container to be sterilized. When such an amount of peracetic acid is used, the inner wall or the outer wall of the container to be sterilized can be uniformly contacted, and the sterilization can be performed efficiently and completely.

When the peracetic acid is fully injected into the container for contact with the inner wall, the peracetic acid may be injected using a nozzle or the like, or the container may be immersed in a tank filled with peracetic acid and the like. This can be achieved by infiltrating peracetic acid into the whole. Similarly, when the container is completely immersed and held in peracetic acid for contact with the outer wall, the entire container may be immersed in a tank filled with peracetic acid, or the outer wall of the container may be immersed in peracetic acid. In the case of maintaining the state where the peracetic acid is caused to flow down, the peracetic acid can be filled into the container by injecting the peracetic acid more than the full amount to overflow the peracetic acid and to maintain the state where the peracetic acid flows down the outer wall of the container. . When the peracetic acid is filled in the container and drained after holding, the liquid is drained after holding for 10 seconds or more, preferably 30 seconds or more from the time when the container becomes full. Also,
When the container is immersed in peracetic acid, the holding is performed for 10 seconds or more, preferably 30 seconds or more from the time when the entire container is completely immersed in peracetic acid. Similarly, when the state where peracetic acid is allowed to flow down to the outer wall of the container is maintained, the holding is performed for 10 seconds or more, preferably 30 seconds or more after the state where peracetic acid flows down to the entire container.

The container is immersed in a tank filled with peracetic acid or the like,
If peracetic acid is allowed to penetrate into the container, or if peracetic acid is continuously poured into the container in a volume greater than the full amount to allow the peracetic acid to overflow and maintain the state where peracetic acid flows down the outer wall of the container, the inner wall and The contact of the outer wall with peracetic acid can be performed at once.

Next, as the water, any water can be used as long as it is sterile water that is free of off-flavor and unpleasant odor. The temperature is not particularly limited, but may be any temperature at which fluidity can be sufficiently maintained. Washing of the inner and outer walls of the container with water can be performed by spraying, spraying, showering, or the like using a nozzle or the like. A method of injecting water in a state where the container is inverted is preferably used because water is easily discharged from the container. For example, in the case of spraying on the inner wall of the container with the container inverted, from the container mouth,
Injection is performed by a nozzle or the like into the inside of the container, and in the case of an outer wall, injection is performed from a plurality of nozzles or by moving nozzles. The amount of water used is at least 0.1 times the inner volume of the container to be sterilized, preferably by spraying an amount of at least 0.2 times the inner or outer wall, so that the inner or outer wall of the container can be sufficiently contacted, Residual chlorinated caustic or caustic soda and peracetic acid can be completely removed. The flow rate of water jet is not particularly limited, but is preferably 50 ml / sec or more, more preferably 150 ml / sec or more, and more than 1 second, preferably 2 ml / sec or more, with respect to the inner or outer wall of the container. Inject for at least 2 seconds.

Alternatively, in the case of cleaning the inner wall of the container, it is sufficient to inject a full amount of water with a nozzle or the like, or it is performed by immersing the container in a tank filled with water and allowing water to penetrate into the entire interior. be able to. Similarly, for cleaning the outer wall of the container,
When the container is immersed in water, the entire container may be immersed in a tank filled with water, or when the water is allowed to flow down on the outer wall of the container, the container is filled with water. The above can also be performed by continuing the pouring, causing the water to overflow, and maintaining the state in which the water flows down the outer wall of the container. The container is immersed in a tank filled with water to allow water to enter the inside of the container, or the water is allowed to overflow into the container by injecting more than the full amount of water into the container and the water flows down the outer wall of the container. When maintaining the condition, the inner wall and the outer wall can be washed with water at the same time.

The ultraviolet light used in the present invention has an irradiation intensity of 3 mW · sec / cm ² or more, preferably 5 mW · sec.
Those having an intensity in the range of c / cm ² to 300 mW · sec / cm ² can be used in the present invention. Irradiation intensity is 3mW · s
If it is less than ec / cm ² , the bactericidal effect may be insufficient. If the irradiation intensity is more than 300 mW · sec / cm ² , the effect of the present invention can be similarly obtained, but the ultraviolet irradiation device becomes expensive, and The arrangement with other devices is complicated and inconvenient. UV irradiation from the top of the container you want to sterilize,
One or more ultraviolet lamps are installed so that ultraviolet rays can be irradiated to the container from the oblique top, from the side, and from the bottom. As the irradiation method, the container may be sequentially conveyed such as a belt conveyor so as to pass through the ultraviolet lamp installation site, or may be further conveyed so as to rotate the container. Further, it can be performed by moving an ultraviolet lamp. Irradiation inside the container can be performed by inserting an ultraviolet lamp from the opening of the container.

In the present invention, the contact of the container with the warmed chlorinated caustic soda or the heated caustic soda and the peracetic acid and the washing with water are efficient and preferable. Contact with the inner and outer walls of the container may be performed simultaneously or sequentially. Further, between the contact of the heated chlorinated caustic soda or the heated caustic soda with the container and the contact of the peracetic acid with the container, first, in order to efficiently exert the sterilizing power of each bactericide, It is preferable that the germicide used for the contact be lightly washed with water or the like or removed with air. Further, in the case of irradiating with ultraviolet rays, it is efficient and preferable to continuously carry out the contact with the heated chlorinated caustic soda or the heated caustic soda and the peracetic acid and the washing with water. In addition, from the point of sterilization efficiency, the irradiation of ultraviolet rays, when moisture or the like is attached to the surface to be irradiated, the effect of the ultraviolet irradiation may be insufficient, so that the container is dried or performed. It is preferably performed before contacting the warmed chlorinated caustic soda or warmed caustic soda and peracetic acid.

After contact with the heated chlorinated caustic soda or the heated caustic soda and peracetic acid, or irradiation with ultraviolet rays and washing with water, the beverage can be filled into the container as it is.

Example 1 As a plastic container, a PET container having an inner diameter of a mouth of 28 mm and a capacity of 2000 ml was used. The inner wall and the outer wall of the container were sterilized under the following conditions.

(Injection method) The PET container is inverted on the bottle transporting device, and 65 mm from the upper and side shower nozzles.
° C, sodium hydroxide 1W / V% and hypochlorous acid 0.1
A heated W / V% chlorinated caustic soda aqueous solution is sprayed onto the outer wall of the vessel for 5 seconds (flow rate 150 ml / sec), and simultaneously PE
A heated chlorinated sodium hydroxide aqueous solution of 65 ° C., sodium hydroxide 1 W / V% and hypochlorous acid 0.1 W / V% was passed through a nozzle from the mouth of the T container through a nozzle for 5 seconds (flow rate 150 ml /
Second) water was sprayed on the inner wall of the container, and then water at 15 ° C. was sprayed on the outer wall and inner wall of the container for 3 seconds (flow rate 150 ml / second). Subsequently, a 0.05 W / V% aqueous solution of peracetic acid heated to 60 ° C. was supplied from the upper and side shower nozzles for 5 seconds (flow rate 150
ml / sec) 0.05W / V% which was sprayed onto the outer wall of the container and simultaneously heated to 60 ° C through the nozzle from the mouth of the PET container.
After injecting an aqueous solution of peracetic acid onto the inner wall of the container for 5 seconds (flow rate 150 ml / second), water at 15 ° C. was applied for 3 seconds (flow rate 150 ml / second).
Sec) Sprayed on the outer and inner walls of the container. This sample was designated as A.

Example 2 (Immersion method 1) A PET container having the same size as the PET container used in Example 1 was placed at 50 ° C. and 1 W / V sodium hydroxide.
% And 0.1 W / V% of hypochlorous acid are completely immersed in a tank filled with an aqueous solution of chlorinated caustic soda, and kept for 1 minute after the air inside the container is completely removed. After the chlorinated caustic soda aqueous solution inside the container is drained, water at 15 ° C. is drained for 3 seconds (at a flow rate of 150 ml).
/ Sec) Sprayed on the inner and outer walls of the container. Subsequently, the container was completely immersed in a tank filled with a 0.05 W / V% aqueous solution of peracetic acid heated to 40 ° C., and kept for 3 minutes after the air inside the container was completely removed. After draining the aqueous solution of peracetic acid inside, water at 15 ° C. was sprayed onto the outer and inner walls of the container for 3 seconds (flow rate 150 ml / second) to obtain sample B.

Example 3 (Immersion method 2) A PET container having the same size as the PET container used in Example 1 was placed at 30 ° C. and 1 W / V sodium hydroxide.
% And 0.1 W / V% of hypochlorous acid are injected into the inside of the container by using a nozzle, and the injection is continued even after the container is full to overflow the chlorinated caustic soda aqueous solution. After keeping the outer wall in a state where the aqueous chlorinated caustic soda solution flows down for 3 minutes and then draining the aqueous chlorinated caustic soda solution inside the container, 1
5 ° C. water was sprayed onto the inner and outer walls of the container for 3 seconds (flow rate 150 ml / second), and then continuously heated to 30 ° C. at 0.05 W / V.
% Peracetic acid aqueous solution is injected into the inside of the container by a nozzle, the injection is continued even after the container is full, the peracetic acid aqueous solution overflows, and the state where the peracetic acid aqueous solution flows down the outer wall of the container is maintained for 3 minutes. After draining the aqueous solution of peracetic acid in the container after the water was removed, water at 15 ° C.
(ml / sec) Sample C was sprayed on the inner and outer walls of the container.

Example 4 As a plastic container, a PET container having an inner diameter of a mouth of 28 mm and an internal capacity of 2000 ml was used. The inner wall and the outer wall of the container were sterilized under the following conditions.

(Injection method) The PET container is inverted on the bottle transporting device, and 65 mm from the upper and side shower nozzles.
° C, sodium hydroxide 1W / V% and hypochlorous acid 0.1
A heated W / V% chlorinated caustic soda aqueous solution is sprayed onto the outer wall of the vessel for 5 seconds (flow rate 150 ml / sec), and simultaneously PE
A heated chlorinated sodium hydroxide aqueous solution of 65 ° C., sodium hydroxide 1 W / V% and hypochlorous acid 0.1 W / V% was passed through a nozzle from the mouth of the T container through a nozzle for 5 seconds (flow rate 150 ml /
Second) water was sprayed on the inner wall of the container, and then water at 15 ° C. was sprayed on the outer wall and inner wall of the container for 3 seconds (flow rate 150 ml / second). Subsequently, a 0.1 W / V% aqueous solution of peracetic acid heated to 50 ° C. was supplied from the upper and side shower nozzles for 10 seconds (flow rate 150
ml / sec), and simultaneously, a 0.1 W / V% aqueous solution of peracetic acid heated to 50 ° C. was sprayed from the mouth of the PET container through a nozzle to the inner wall of the container for 10 seconds (flow rate: 150 ml / sec). Thereafter, water at 15 ° C. was applied for 3 seconds (flow rate 150 ml /
Sec) Sprayed on the outer and inner walls of the container. This sample was designated as D.

Example 5 (Immersion method 1) A PET container having the same size as the PET container used in Example 4 was placed at 30 ° C. and 2 W / V sodium hydroxide.
% And 0.2 W / V% of hypochlorous acid are completely immersed in a tank filled with an aqueous solution of chlorinated caustic soda, and kept for 3 minutes after the air inside the container is completely removed. After the chlorinated caustic soda aqueous solution inside the container is drained, water at 15 ° C. is drained for 3 seconds (at a flow rate of 150 ml).
/ Sec) Sprayed on the inner and outer walls of the container. Subsequently, it was completely immersed in a tank filled with a 0.2 W / V% peracetic acid aqueous solution heated to 40 ° C., and after the air inside the container was completely removed, 3
After holding for 1 minute, the container was lifted from the tank, and the aqueous solution of peracetic acid in the container was drained. After that, water at 15 ° C. was sprayed on the outer and inner walls of the container for 3 seconds (flow rate: 150 ml / second), and this was referred to as Sample E. did.

Example 6 (Immersion method 2) A PET container having the same size as the PET container used in Example 4 was placed at 50 ° C. and 1 W / V sodium hydroxide.
% And 0.1 W / V% of hypochlorous acid are injected into the inside of the container by using a nozzle, and the injection is continued even after the container is full to overflow the chlorinated caustic soda aqueous solution. After the outer wall was kept for 1 minute while keeping the chlorinated caustic soda aqueous solution flowing down, after the chlorinated caustic soda aqueous solution inside the container was drained, 1
5 ° C. water was sprayed onto the inner and outer walls of the container for 3 seconds (flow rate 150 ml / second), and then continuously heated to 50 ° C. at 0.1 W / V%.
The peracetic acid aqueous solution is injected into the container with the nozzle, and after the container is full, the injection is continued to overflow the peracetic acid aqueous solution, and the outer wall of the container is maintained for one minute while maintaining the peracetic acid aqueous solution flowing down. After draining the aqueous solution of peracetic acid inside the container, water at 15 ° C. is applied for 3 seconds (flow rate 150 μm).
(ml / sec) Sample F was sprayed on the inner and outer walls of the container.

Example 7 As a plastic container, a PET container having an inner diameter of a mouth of 28 mm and an internal capacity of 2000 ml was used. The inner wall and the outer wall of the container were sterilized under the following conditions.

(Injection method) The PET container is inverted on the bottle transporting device, and 65 mm from the upper and side shower nozzles.
, A heated aqueous solution of caustic soda at 4 W / V% is sprayed onto the outer wall of the container for 5 seconds (flow rate 150 ml / second),
A heated caustic soda aqueous solution at 65 ° C. and 4 W / V% was passed through a nozzle from the mouth of the T container through a nozzle for 5 seconds (flow rate 150 ml /
Second) water was sprayed on the inner wall of the container, and then water at 15 ° C. was sprayed on the outer wall and inner wall of the container for 3 seconds (flow rate 150 ml / second). Subsequently, a 0.05 W / V% aqueous solution of peracetic acid heated to 65 ° C. was supplied from the upper and side shower nozzles for 5 seconds (flow rate 150
ml / sec) 0.05W / V% which was sprayed on the outer wall of the container and simultaneously heated to 65 ° C through the nozzle from the mouth of the PET container.
After injecting an aqueous solution of peracetic acid onto the inner wall of the container for 5 seconds (flow rate 150 ml / second), water at 15 ° C. was applied for 3 seconds (flow rate 150 ml / second).
Sec) Sprayed on the outer and inner walls of the container. This sample was designated G.

Example 8 (Immersion method 1) A PET container having the same size as the PET container used in Example 7 was completely immersed in a tank filled with a heated caustic soda aqueous solution at 50 ° C. and 3 W / V%. After the internal air was completely removed and kept for 1 minute, the container was pulled out of the tank to drain the aqueous caustic soda solution inside the container, and then water at 15 ° C. was applied for 3 seconds (flow rate 150 ml / second).
It was sprayed on the inner and outer walls of the container. Subsequently, the container was completely immersed in a tank filled with a 0.1 W / V% aqueous solution of peracetic acid heated to 30 ° C., and kept for 3 minutes after the air inside the container was completely removed. After draining the aqueous solution of peracetic acid inside, water at 15 ° C. was applied for 3 seconds (flow rate of 15 ° C.).
(0 ml / sec) Sample H was sprayed on the outer and inner walls of the container.

Example 9 (Immersion method 2) A heated caustic soda aqueous solution heated at 30 ° C. and 5 W / V% was injected into a PET container having the same size as the PET container used in Example 7 by using a nozzle. After the caustic soda aqueous solution was filled, the caustic soda aqueous solution was allowed to overflow, and the outer wall of the container was kept for 3 minutes while maintaining the flowing state of the caustic soda aqueous solution. Water at a temperature of 50 ° C. for 3 seconds (flow rate 150 ml / sec) onto the inner and outer walls of the container, and then a 0.05 W / V% aqueous solution of peracetic acid heated to 50 ° C. is injected into the container with a nozzle to fill the container. After the injection, the peracetic acid aqueous solution was allowed to overflow, and the outer wall of the container was maintained for 1 minute while maintaining the peracetic acid aqueous solution flowing down, and then the peracetic acid aqueous solution inside the container was drained. Thereafter, Sample I was obtained by spraying water at 15 ° C. onto the inner wall and outer wall of the container for 3 seconds (flow rate: 150 ml / second).

Example 10 As a plastic container, a PET container having an inner diameter of a mouth of 28 mm and an internal capacity of 2000 ml was used. The inner wall and the outer wall of the container were sterilized under the following conditions.

(Injection method) The PET container is erected in the bottle conveying device, and ultraviolet rays are emitted by an ultraviolet lamp at 50 mW · s.
irradiate the outer wall of the container with an intensity of ec / cm ² , and simultaneously insert an ultraviolet lamp through the mouth to emit ultraviolet light at 50 mW · sec /
After irradiating the inner wall of the container with an intensity of cm ² , the PET container was inverted, and 65 ° C., 2 W / V% of sodium hydroxide and 0.2 W / V% of hypochlorous acid were passed through the upper and side shower nozzles.
Chlorinated caustic soda aqueous solution for 5 seconds (flow rate 15
0 ml / sec), sprayed onto the outer wall of the container, and simultaneously with sodium hydroxide 2 W /
A heated chlorinated caustic soda aqueous solution of V% and hypochlorous acid 0.2 W / V% is sprayed onto the inner wall of the container for 5 seconds (flow rate 150 ml / second), and then water at 15 ° C. is applied for 3 seconds (flow rate 150 m / m).
1 / sec) It sprayed on the outer wall and inner wall of the container. Subsequently, 0.1 W heated to 50 ° C. from the upper and side shower nozzles
/ V% aqueous solution of peracetic acid is sprayed onto the outer wall of the container for 5 seconds (flow rate 150 ml / second), and at the same time, a 0.1 W / V% aqueous solution of peracetic acid heated to 50 ° C. from the mouth of the PET container via a nozzle for 5 seconds. (Flow rate 150 ml / sec) After spraying on the inner wall of the container,
Water at 15 ° C. was sprayed on the outer and inner walls of the container for 3 seconds (flow rate 150 ml / second). This sample was designated as J.

Example 11 As a plastic container, a PET container having an inner diameter of a mouth of 28 mm and an internal capacity of 2000 ml was used. The inner wall and the outer wall of the container were sterilized under the following conditions.

(Immersion method 2) The PET container was erected in the bottle conveying device, and ultraviolet light was irradiated at 100 mW by an ultraviolet lamp.
Irradiate the outer wall of the container with an intensity of sec / cm ² , and simultaneously insert an ultraviolet lamp from the mouth to emit ultraviolet light at 100 mW · s.
After irradiating the inner wall of the container at an intensity of ec / cm ^2, a heated caustic soda aqueous solution of 30 ° C. and 3 W / V% was injected into the PET container with a nozzle into the PET container, and the injection was continued even after the container was full. After the caustic soda aqueous solution overflows and the outer wall of the container is maintained for 3 minutes while maintaining the state where the caustic soda aqueous solution flows down, the caustic soda aqueous solution inside the container is drained, and then water at 15 ° C. is supplied for 3 seconds (at a flow rate of 150 ml).
/ Sec) A jet of 0.2 W / V% peracetic acid aqueous solution heated to 50 ° C. is injected into the container with a nozzle, and the injection is continued even after the container is full. The aqueous solution was allowed to overflow, and the outer wall of the container was maintained for 1 minute while maintaining the peracetic acid aqueous solution flowing down. After the peracetic acid aqueous solution inside the container was drained, water at 15 ° C. was added to the container.
Sample K was sprayed onto the inner and outer walls of the container for a second (flow rate 150 ml / sec).

The PET container samples A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J and K treated with the outer wall and the inner wall are filled with a sterile liquid medium at room temperature in a clean room. The container mouth was closed with a sterile cap. Liquid medium is trypticase soy broth (BECTON DICKSON
& CO) at a 1/10 concentration and sterilized. The composition of the medium used was 1.7 g / l of casein degradation product, 0.3 g / l of soybean degradation product, 0.5 g / l of sodium chloride, and 0.25 g / dipotassium phosphate.
1, dextrose 0.25 g / l. PET container samples A, B, C, D,
A plurality of each of E, F, G, H, I, J and K were prepared and stored at room temperature, and after 1 month and 12 months, the opened and filled liquid medium was observed, respectively. There was no deterioration.

Further, the P on which the above-mentioned outer wall treatment and inner wall treatment have been carried out.
ET container samples A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H,
I, J and K were filled with a sterile mineral water in a clean room at room temperature, and the container opening was closed with a sterile cap. PET filled with this mineral water
Container samples A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J
And K were each prepared and stored at room temperature. After 1 month and 12 months, the opened and filled mineral water was observed, but none of the mineral water deteriorated and there was no problem in the preservability. The flavor of the water was not impaired, there was no off-flavor, and no change was organoleptically observed.

[0048]

According to the method of the present invention, warmed chlorinated caustic soda or warmed caustic soda and peracetic acid are brought into contact with the inner and outer walls of a plastic container, and are washed with water. And it is possible to sterilize the outer wall. Alternatively, after contacting heated chlorinated caustic soda or heated caustic soda and peracetic acid to the inner and outer walls of the beverage plastic container, the inner and outer walls of the beverage plastic container are further irradiated with ultraviolet rays. Thereby, these inner and outer walls can be sterilized.

By the washing with water, the bactericide is effectively washed away, the bactericide does not remain on the inner and outer walls of the container, and there is no influence on the beverage packed in the container, and the bactericide is easily and efficiently used. It is possible to completely and completely sterilize the inner and outer walls of the plastic container.
Therefore, the flavor of the beverage filled in the container after sterilization is not impaired, and the safety of the beverage is not impaired. Further, since chlorinated caustic soda or caustic soda and peracetic acid and water can be completely sterilized, the shelf life of the beverage is good. Further, since the present invention can be applied without considering the heat resistance of the material of the plastic container, a material suitable for a beverage packed in the container can be freely selected, and the sterilization method of the present invention can be applied.

Claims (9)

[Claims] 1. A beverage plastic container is sterilized by bringing heated chlorinated caustic soda or heated caustic soda and peracetic acid into contact with the inner and outer walls of the beverage plastic container and further washing with water. A method for sterilizing a plastic container for beverages, comprising: 2. The heated chlorinated caustic soda or warmed caustic soda of claim 1 and the contact of peracetic acid with the inner wall of the vessel, wherein the heated chlorinated caustic soda or heated caustic soda and peracetic acid are contacted. A method for sterilizing a plastic container for beverages, which comprises injecting a full amount of chlorinated caustic soda or heated caustic soda or warmed caustic soda, and peracetic acid into the container, and draining the mixture after holding. 3. The heated chlorinated caustic soda of claim 1 or the warmed caustic soda, and contact of the peracetic acid with the outer wall of the vessel comprises warmed chlorinated caustic soda or heated caustic soda and peracetic acid. Chlorinated caustic soda or heated caustic soda and heated caustic soda and the caustic soda and peracetic acid, or the chlorinated caustic soda or the heated caustic soda and peracetic acid heated on the outer wall of the container. A method for sterilizing a plastic container for beverages, wherein the container is held in a state of flowing down. 4. The heated chlorinated caustic soda according to claim 1, which is a mixture of caustic soda and hypochlorous acid, wherein the concentration of caustic soda is 0.5 W / V% or more and the concentration of hypochlorous acid is 0.1 W / V% or more aqueous solution and the mixed solution is 3
A method for sterilizing a plastic container for beverages, which is heated to a temperature of 0 ° C. or higher. 5. The heated caustic soda according to claim 1,
A sterilization method for a plastic container for beverages, comprising an aqueous solution of 0.5 W / V% or more and heated to a temperature of 30 ° C or more. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein the peracetic acid is 0.01 W /
A sterilization method for a plastic container for beverages, which is an aqueous solution of not less than V%. 7. A method for sterilizing a plastic container for beverages, wherein the washing with water according to claim 1 is performed by spraying water on an inner wall and an outer wall of the container. 8. The method for sterilizing a plastic container according to claim 1, wherein heated chlorinated caustic soda or heated caustic soda and peracetic acid are brought into contact with each other, and further, ultraviolet rays are applied to the inner and outer walls of the plastic container for beverages. And sterilizing a plastic container for beverages. 9. A method for sterilizing a plastic container for beverages, wherein the irradiation of the ultraviolet light according to claim 8 has an irradiation intensity of 3 mW · sec / cm ² or more.