MX2013004915A - System for producing sterile beverages and containers using electrolyzed water. - Google Patents

Abstract

A system (100) and method of producing sterile beverages and containers, e.g., cleaning, sterilizing, and pre-sterilizing the bottles (102), the caps (104), and the critical surfaces (162, 168, 166) using electrolyzed water. The sterilization system (100) may include a mechanical sprayer (132, 148, 170) that sprays electrolyzed water on the bottles, the caps, and the critical surfaces. In another embodiment, the sterilization system may include a fog generator (332, 352) connected to an electrolyzed water generator (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) that produces a fog within a closed sterilization enclosure (380, 480) to sterilize the bottles, the caps, and the critical surfaces. Additionally, further, in yet another embodiment, the sterilization system (100) may include an electrostatic fog generator (332, 352) connected to an electrolyzed water generator (110, 210, 310, 410, 510) that produces an electrostatic, positively-charged fog within a closed sterilization enclosure (380, 480). The electrostatic, positively- charged fog is attracted to the negatively charged or grounded bottles, caps, and critical surfaces to sterilize the bottles, the caps, and the critical surfaces.

Description

SYSTEM TO PRODUCE BEVERAGES AND STERILE CONTAINERS USING ELECTROLYZED WATER FIELD OF THE INVENTION This invention relates generally to a method and system for producing beverages and sterile containers, for example, cleaning, sterilization and pre-sterilization of containers, covers and critical surfaces and more specifically to the sterilization of containers, covers and surfaces. criticism using electrolyzed water.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION The two most common processes for producing sterile, non-carbonated acid beverages without preservatives are hot and aseptic filling. Both of these processes have inherent cost disadvantages and are not very sustainable. The hot filling process requires heavy weight bottles and excessive use of water resources. Additionally, the hot filling process is not economical due to the cost of the petroleum-based resin used to make the bottles. Aseptic processes are inherently capital intensive and inefficient since they require a high level of sophistication and accumulation cycles that are associated with increased online time as compared to hot filling.

Additionally, one of the biggest disadvantages of the current aseptic processes is the need to sterilize all the components of the container (lids, bottles) and assemble them in a controlled environment during the filling of the bottle to avoid secondary contamination. The critical surfaces that are exposed to the product are also sterilized before the start of the production cycle. In the case of loss of sterility due to the violation of critical control points, these surfaces need to be re-sterilized before the start of production. The current state of technology uses chemicals to sterilize lids, bottles and critical surfaces. The chemicals currently used require a water rinse to remove the residual chemical to prevent a problem of adulteration. Recently, there have been developments to allow systems based on Electron Beam (E-beam) to perform the sterilization of caps and bottles. However, these systems are expensive and require more requirements for extensive health and safety.

Thus, while various methods and systems for producing beverages and sterile containers according to the prior art provide a number of advantageous features, they nevertheless have certain limitations. The present invention seeks to overcome certain of these limitations and other disadvantages of the prior art, and to provide. new features so far not available.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, a sterilization system used to achieve sterile drinks and sterilize bottles and caps is provided, wherein the bottles contain the sterile beverage and the caps cover the bottles, the sterilization system comprising: a bottle sterilizer for sterilizing the bottles, wherein the bottle sterilizer discharges electrolyzed water on the bottles; a lid sterilizer for sterilizing the lids, wherein the lid sterilizer discharges electrolyzed water onto the lids; and a filling station that includes a filler sterilizer and a filler that fills the bottles with the beverage and covers the bottles, where the filler sterilizer sterilizes the filling station prior to production initiation by discharging electrolyzed water onto the surfaces of contact with the product. Additionally, the bottle sterilizer, lid sterilizer, and filler sterilizer may include a mechanical sprayer that includes nozzles that discharge a spray of electrolyzed water onto the bottles, the caps, and the contact surfaces with the product respectively. Also, the bottle sterilizer, lid sterilizer and filler sterilizer may include a mechanical fog generator that discharges a mist of electrolyzed water onto the bottles, the covers and the contact surfaces with the product respectively. In addition, the bottle sterilizer, lid sterilizer and filler sterilizer can include an electrostatic mist generator that discharges an electrostatically charged mist of electrolyzed water onto the bottles, the caps and the product contacting surfaces respectively.

In another embodiment according to this invention, a sterilization system used to achieve sterile beverages and sterilize bottles and caps, wherein the bottles contain the sterile beverage and the caps cover the bottles, the sterilization system comprises: an electrolysed gua generator that produces electrolyzed water; a bottle station for sterilizing the bottles, the bottle station includes a bottle loader for loading the bottles, a bottle conveyor for transporting the bottles, and the bottle rinser connected to the electrolyzed water generator that sprays the electrolyzed water on the bottles. bottles; a lid station for sterilizing the lids, the lid station includes: a lid loader for loading the lids, a lid conveyor for transporting the lids, and a lid rinser connected to the electrolized water generator that sprays the electrolyzed water on the covers; a filling station connected to the bottle station and the lid station, wherein the filling station includes a filler with critical surfaces which are surfaces in contact with the potential product during the filling operation, and where the filler fills the fillers. bottles with the beverage and cap the bottles after the bottles are filled with the beverage, and where the filling station also includes a spray device connected to the electrolized water generator that sprays the electrolyzed water on the critical surfaces of the filler. The sterilization system may also include a sterilization enclosure that completely encloses the filler that maintains aseptic conditions for bottles, caps and critical surfaces, where the sterilization enclosure may include a HEPA air filter to provide positive air pressure and appropriate airflow regimes throughout the sterilization enclosure.

In another embodiment according to this invention, a sterilization system used to achieve sterile beverages and sterilize bottles and caps, wherein the bottles contain the sterile beverage and the caps cover the bottles, the sterilization system comprises: a bottle station that includes a bottle loader to load the bottles and the bottle conveyor to transport the bottles; a lid station including a lid loader for loading the lids and the lid conveyor for transporting the lids; a filling station connected to the bottle station and the lid station, wherein the filling station includes a filler are critical surfaces which are potential contact surfaces with the product during the filling operation, where the filler fills the bottles with the drink and cover the bottles after the bottles are filled with the drink; a sterilization enclosure that completely encloses the filler, where the sterilization enclosure maintains the aseptic conditions for the bottles, covers and critical surfaces; an electrolyzed water generator that produces electrolyzed water; a fog generator connected to the electrolysed water generator, where the fog generator produces a mist of electrolyzed water that is dispersed within the sterilization enclosure, where the sterilized water mist sterilizes the bottles, covers and critical surfaces. Additionally, the fog generator can produce positively charged, electrostatic water mist electrolytic water, where the bottles, covers and critical surfaces are negatively charged or earthed, thus bottles, caps and critical surfaces attract the positively charged, electrostatic mist of electrolyzed water.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Figure 1A is a schematic view of a sterilization system according to the present invention; Figure IB is an exploded schematic view of a bottle station of the sterilization system shown in Figure 1A according to the present invention; .

Figure 1C is an exploded schematic view of a lid station of the sterilization system shown in Figure 1A according to the present invention; « Figure ID is an exploded schematic view of a filling station of the sterilization system shown in Figure 1A according to the present invention; Figure 2 is a side view of the bottle station of the sterilization system shown in Figures 1A and IB according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a side view of the cap station of the sterilization system shown in Figures 1A and 1C according to the present invention; Figure 4A is a schematic view of an alternative embodiment of a lid station of the sterilization system shown in Figure 1A; Figure 4B is a side view of the. lid station shown in Figure 4A; Figure 5 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a sterilization system according to the present invention; Figure 6 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a sterilization system according to the present invention; Figure 7 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a sterilization system according to the present invention; Y Figure 8 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a sterilization system according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED MODALITIES FIG. 1A illustrates a first embodiment of the invention, a sterilization system 100 used to achieve sterile beverages and sterilize containers or bottles 102, caps 104 and critical surfaces. The bottles 102 may contain the sterile beverage and the caps 104 may cover the bottles 102. The critical surfaces generally include those surfaces on the equipment that come into contact with the product or surfaces in contact with the product and thus must be sterile. to maintain and produce sterile beverages. In an exemplary embodiment, the sterilization system 100 generally includes a bottle station 120, a lid station 140 and a filling station 160. The sterilization system 100 can use electrolyzed water to sterilize the bottles 102, the caps 104 and the critical surfaces.

The electrolysed water can be produced by an electrolyzed water system or an electrolyzed water generator 110 known and used in the art, such as those provided by various suppliers and / or manufacturers. For example, the electrolyzed water generator 110 may be an Ecaflo ™ model (such as AQ50) manufactured and sold by Trustwater ™ to produce the electrolyzed water. Generally, an exemplary process that produces electrolyzed water consists of passing the variant mineralization water through an electrochemical cell that results in two different electrically opposed currents, a negatively charged solution and a positively charged solution. The negatively charged solution and the positively charged solution can be mixed to modulate the pH and affect the sanitizing functionality of the electrolyzed water for sterilization. Additionally, there are other methods, processes and / or systems that can produce electrolyzed water for the sterilization system 100 without departing from this invention. The electrolyzed water generator 110 should be capable of producing electrolyzed water in a concentration range of about 50-1000 parts per million (PPM) as measured as pure chlorine and a temperature range of about 10-65 degrees Celsius. The electrolyzed water generator 110 can provide a higher conversion of the sodium chloride in the electrolysis process and produce electrolyzed water with reduced chloride content. Lower chloride content is required to minimize any of the corrosion problems in the beverage filling system.

As illustrated in Figures 1A and IB, the sterilization system 100 may include the bottle station 120. The bottle station 120 may include a bottle charger 122, a bottle conveyor (s) 124 and a bottle rinser 126 The bottle loader 122 may consist of a container containing the empty fully sanitized or non-sanitized bottles 102. Additionally, the bottle loader 122 may include a device (not shown) within the container for automatically loading the bottles 102 onto the bottle. the bottle conveyor 124. An exemplary configuration of the bottle station 120 will be described below. The bottle station 120 may be of other types and / or configurations of bottle stations without departing from this invention.

The bottle rinser 126 may include a bottle sprayer 128 and a bottle rinser conveyor 130. A side view of the bottle rinser 126 is illustrated in Figure 2. Generally, the bottle rinser 126 may spray or supply a bottle rinser 126. liquid on the bottles 102 as the bottles 102 pass through a given location. Specifically, the bottle rinser 136 can spray electrolyzed water over the bottles 102 as the bottles 102 pass through the bottle enclosure 134. The bottle spray device 128 can include one or more nozzles 132 for spraying electrolyzed water onto the bottles. bottles 102 both internally and externally.

The bottle rinser 126 can spray electrolyzed water on the bottle 102 to sterilize or sanitize the bottles 102 internally and externally before filling the bottles 102. Specifically, the nozzles 132 spray a pre-adjusted amount of electrolyzed water onto the bottles 102. The bottle spray device 128 of the bottle rinser 126 can be connected or associated with an electrolyzed water generator 110. In one embodiment of the invention, the nozzles 132 can spray electrolyzed water in a low concentration, low temperature in high residence time . For example, nozzles 132 can spray electrolyzed water in a concentration range of about 50 to 100 PPM as measured as pure chlorine, a temperature range of about 10 to 30 degrees Celsius, and a time interval of about 5-30. minutes of residence time. In another embodiment of this invention, the nozzles 132 can spray electrolyzed water at a high concentration, high temperature and a low residence time. For example, nozzles 132 can spray electrolyzed water at concentration ranges of about 100 to 1000 PPM as measured as pure chlorine, a temperature range of about 25 to 65 degrees Celsius, and a time interval of about 5 to 30 seconds. of residence time.

The bottle rinsing conveyor 13 ', as illustrated in Figures 1A and IB, can be a linear conveyor. The linear bottle rinsing conveyor 130 is in line with the other conveyors leading to the filling station 160. Additionally, the bottle rinsing conveyor 130 can be configured to reverse the position of the bottles 102, so that the opening of the bottles 102 are downwardly or laterally facing when the bottles 102 pass the nozzles 132. At this point, the bottles 102 can then be sprayed by the nozzles 132. Once the bottles 102 are sprayed with electrolyzed water, the conveyor of bottle rinser 130 may then again reverse the position of bottles 102 to a vertical position with the opening facing upwards.

Additionally, without deviating from the invention, the bottle rinser 126 may include a bottle enclosure 134. The bottle enclosure 134 may be used to contain the sprinkling of electrolyzed water. The bottle enclosure 134 may include panels that encircle an area around or associated with the area around the bottle spray device 128 and the bottle rinse conveyor 130. The bottle enclosure 134 may also be a cabinet encircling the area of spray on the bottles 102.

During the spraying of the bottles 102 with electrolyzed water, the bottles 102 may contain a small residue of the electrolyzed water which may remain after the sterilization of the bottles 102. The electrolyzed water inside the bottles 102 is not a problem of adulteration or problem of product safety. In many cases, there is a significant sensory impact. However, to help remove this waste of electrolyzed water, a sterile air blower '136 can be included with the bottle rinser 126 without departing from the invention. The air blower 136 can provide a pressurized blowing of sterile air into the bottles 102. The sterile air blower 136 can provide the blowing of sterile air when the bottle 102 is inverted with the opening facing down or with the vertical bottle with the opening facing up. This blowing of sterile air may be sufficient to remove most of the residual electrolyzed water.

Additionally, as illustrated in Figures 1A and 1C, the sterilization system 100 may include a lid station 140. The lid station 140 may include a lid magazine 142, a lid conveyor (s) 144, and a rinser of cover 146. The lid loader 142 may include a container containing the non-sanitized or non-sanitized lids 104. Additionally, the lid loader 142 may include a device (not shown) within the container for automatically loading the lids 104 on the lid. lid conveyor 144. An exemplary configuration of lid station 140 would be described below. The cap station 140 can be of other types and / or configurations of cap stations without departing from this invention.

As further shown in Figures 1C, the lid rinser 146 may include a lid spray device 148 and a lid rinser conveyor 150. A side view of the lid rinser 146 is illustrated in Figure 3. Generally, the lid rinser 146 can spray or deliver a liquid over lids 104 as lids 104 pass through a given location.

Specifically, the lid rinser 146 can spray electrolyzed water over the lids 104 as the lids 104 pass through a lid enclosure 154. The lid flushing device 148 can include one or more nozzles 152 for spraying electrolyzed water on the covers 104.

The lid rinser 146 can spray electrolyzed water over the caps 104 to sterilize or sanitize the caps 104. Specifically, the nozzles 152 spray a pre-adjusted amount of electrolyzed water onto the caps 104. The spray device of the cap 148 can be connect or associate with an electrolyzed water generator 110. In one embodiment of the invention, the nozzles 152 can spray electrolyzed water in a low concentration, low temperature, and a high residence time. For example, nozzles 152 can spray electrolyzed water in a concentration range of about 50 to 100 PPM as measured as pure chlorine, a temperature range of about 10 to 30 degrees Celsius, and a time interval of about 5 to 30. minutes of residence time. In another embodiment of this invention, nozzles 152 can spray electrolyzed water at a high concentration, high temperature, and a low residence time. For example, the nozzles 152 can spray electrolyzed water at a concentration range of about 100 to 1000 PPM as measured as pure chlorine, a temperature range of about 25 to 65 degrees Celsius, and a time interval of about 5 30 seconds. of residence time.

The lid rinser conveyor 150, as illustrated in Figure 1C, can be a linear conveyor. The linear lid rinsing conveyor 150 is in line with the other conveyors leading to the filling station 160. Additionally, the lid rinser conveyor 150 can be configured to reverse the position of the lids 104, so that the lids 104 are facing down or facing the sides when the lids 104 pass the lid spray device 148. In this point, the caps 104 can then be sprayed by the nozzles 152. Once the caps 104 are sprayed with electrolyzed water, the lid rinser conveyor 150 can then reverse the position of the lids 104 in a vertical position with the lid facing up.

Additionally, without departing from this invention, the lid rinser 146 may include a lid enclosure 154. The lid enclosure 154 may be used to contain the electrolyzed water spray. The lid enclosure 154 may include panels that encircle an area around or associated with the area around the lid spray device 148 and the lid rinser conveyor 150. The lid enclosure 154 may also be a cabinet surrounding the area of spray on the covers 104.

During the spraying of the caps 104 with electrolyzed water, the caps 104 may contain a small residue of the electrolyzed water which may remain after sterilization of the caps 104. The electrolyzed water within the caps 104 is not a problem of adulteration or problem of product safety. In many cases, there is no significant sensory impact. However, to help remove this waste of electrolyzed water, a sterile air blower 156 can be included with the lid rinser without departing from the invention. The sterile air blower 156 can provide a pressurized blowing of sterile air on or into the caps 104. The sterile air blower 156 can provide a sterile air blow when the cap 104 is inverted with the opening facing down or with the vertical lid with the opening facing up. This blowing of sterile air may be sufficient to remove most of the residual electrolyzed water.

In another embodiment of the sterilization system in the lid station 140 may include multiple lid loaders 142. Additionally, the lid rinser 146 may be supplemented or replaced by immersing the lids 104 in electrolyzed water while they are in the lid loader 142. The lid magazine (s) 142 can be filled with electrolyzed water in a low concentration, such as 50 to 100 PPM as measured as pure chlorine, and a low temperature, such as 30 degrees Celsius to sterilize or sanitize the caps 104 while the caps 104 are being loaded and before the caps 104 are loaded onto the lid conveyor 144.

In yet another embodiment of the sterilization system as illustrated in Figures 4A and 4B, the cap station 140 may include an immersion station47. The immersion station 147 can supplement or replace the lid rinser 146. The immersion station 147 can be in the form of a tank, tub or container that is filled with electrolyzed water. The immersion station 147 may be in line and connected with the lid conveyor 144. For example, as the lids 104 are transported along the lid conveyor 144, the lids 104 may be directed or transported to the filling station. immersion 147 where the caps 104 can be completely immersed in electrolyzed water. The caps 104 can then be directed or transported out of the immersion station and again onto the lid conveyor. 144 to the filling station 160. The immersion station 147 can be filled with electrolyzed water at a low concentration, such as 50 to 100 PPM as measured as pure chlorine, and a low temperature, such as 10 to 30 degrees Celsius for sterilizing or sanitizing the caps 104 while the caps 104 are transported through and immersed in the immersion station 147. Additionally, the immersion station 147 can be filled with electrolyzed water at a higher concentration and an even higher temperature as It is described in the above. As previously described, a sterile air blower can be included to help remove any residual electrolyzed water after the immersion station 147.

Additionally, as illustrated in Figures 1A and ID, the sterilization system may include the filling station 160. The filling station 160 may consist of a filler 162 and a filler conveyor system 164. The filler 162 may be a filler rotary as illustrated in Figure ID. Additionally, the filler 162 may be of other types and / or configurations of filling systems without departing from this invention. The filler 162 can receive the bottles 102 of the bottle conveyor 124 and the bottle filling 102 with a beverage using a filling head 168 on the filler 162. Also, the filler 162 can include a cap that receives the caps 104 of the conveyor 104. cover 144 and place the caps 104 of the bottles 102 after the bottles 102 have been filled. Additionally, there may be a cap airtight device 166 on the filler 162 to ensure that the caps 102 are sealed and sealed on the bottles 102. The filler 162 may perform other operations without departing from this invention, such as sealing the bottle to along the outlet of the bottle after filling and before the positioning of the caps 104 on the bottles 102. The filling station 160 also includes a filling conveyor system 164 that can transport the filled and capped bottles 102 from the filler 162 to a location where the bottles 102 can be packed and prepared for transport.

In one embodiment of this invention, the electrolysed water can be used to pre-sterilize the system 100 prior to the start of production and before loading and filling the bottles 102 and the caps 104. Additionally, the electrolyzed water can be used to sterilize system 100 if sterility is lost, such as for equipment maintenance or component problems that require intervention by an operator or technician. For example, electrolyzed water can be used for the sterilization of critical surfaces on the system. Critical surfaces may include surfaces or equipment of the filler, such as a filling chamber (the inner lid of the filler 162), the filling heads 168 (connecting or associating with the bottles 102 for filling bottles 102 with the beverage ), the lid airtight device 166 (which seals the lids 104 on the bottles 102), or any other surfaces that may contact the areas on the bottles 102 or the lids 104 that may come into contact with the beverage.

Additionally, the electrolyzed water can be used to help maintain the sterility of the system 100 and the critical surfaces during the filling process. For example, as described above for the bottle rinser 126 and lid rinser 146, the filling station 160 may include the sprayer device 170. The sprayer device 170 may consist of one or more nozzles 172. The nozzles 172 can spray electrolyzed water on the bottles 102 and / or caps 104 throughout the filling process. For example, the nozzles 172 can spray electrolyzed water onto the bottles 102 when a bottle 102 is raised or connected to the filling head 168. Additionally, the nozzles 172 can spray electrolyzed water over the capped area, when the caps 104 They place on the bottles 104. This sprinkling of electrolyzed water may be required to keep the sterilized / clean conditions in the product path until an airtight seal is made. The nozzles 172 can continuously spray the electrolyzed water. on the critical surfaces of the system. Additionally the spraying of electrolyzed water on the critical surfaces may be intermittent, such as spraying approximately once every 15 seconds, 30 seconds or every minute, or other time intervals as required to maintain sterility of the critical surfaces. Without departing from this invention, the filling station may also include a separate capper or capping station that receives the caps 104, places the caps 104 on the bottles 102, and seals or seals the caps 104 on the bottles 102. The The cap can be a rotary cap as is known and used in the art. This capping station can also include the nozzle that sprays the electrics over the capping area, where the caps 104 are placed and sealed on the bottles 102.

As described in the above, a small residue may remain on the bottles 102 and / or the caps 104 on sterilization. This electrolyzed water that can remain on the bottles 102 and / or caps 104 after sterilization is not a problem of adulteration or product safety problem. In many cases, there is no significant sensory impact. However, to help remove this waste of electrolyzed water, a sterile air blower 174 can be included with the fill spray devices 170 without departing from this invention. The sterile air blower 174 can provide the blowing of pressurized sterile air or inside the bottles 102 and / or the caps 104 during the filling and / or capping process. The blowing of sterile air may be sufficient to remove most of the residual electrolyzed water.

Specifically, the nozzles 172 spray a pre-adjusted amount of electrolyzed water on the bottles 102 and / or the caps 104 during the filling process. The filler spray device 170 can be connected or associated with an electrolyzed water generator 110. In one embodiment of the invention, the nozzles 172 can spray electrolyzed water in a low concentration, low temperature and a high residence time. For example, nozzles 172 can spray electrolyzed water in a concentration range of about 50 to 200 PPM as measured as pure chlorine, a temperature range of about 10 to 35 degrees Celsius and a time interval of about 5 to 30 minutes. of residence time. In another embodiment of this invention, the nozzles 172 can spray electrolyzed water at a high concentration, high temperature and a low residence time. For example, nozzles 172 can spray electrolyzed water in a concentration range of about 200 to 1000 PPM as measured as pure chlorine, a temperature range of about 25 to 60 degrees Celsius, and a time interval of about 5 to 30. seconds of residence time.

Figure 1A also includes a sterilization enclosure 180 as part of the sterilization system 100 described above. The sterilization enclosure 180 can be used to maintain the aseptic conditions for the bottles 102, the caps 104, and the critical surfaces throughout the filling process. The sterilization enclosure 180 can provide a controlled environment for a clean / sterilized area within the sterilization enclosure 180. The sterilization enclosure 180 maintains sterility of the non-sterile / non-sterilized area outside of the sterilization enclosure 180. The sterilization enclosure 180 may be one of many different structures known and used in the art. For example, the sterilization enclosure 180 may be a cabinet that encloses the clean equipment and is sealed to prevent any of the exterior contaminants. Additionally, within the sterilization enclosure 180, a HEPA 182 air filter can be included to help ensure clean sterilized controlled air within the sterilization enclosure 180. The HEPA 182 air filter can provide positive pressure and flow rates suitable for help maintain the sterility of bottles, caps 104, product and critical surfaces.

The operation of the sterilization system 100 as illustrated in Figure 1A can be performed in many different methods. For example, first, system 100 can be pre-sterilized prior to production initiation. The electrolyzed water of an electrolyzed water generator 110 can be used for the sterilization of critical surfaces on the system 100 by spraying electrolyzed water on the critical surfaces and throughout the system 100 within the sterilization enclosure 180.

After the system 100 and the critical surfaces are pre-sterilized, the bottles 102 can be loaded in the bottle magazine 122. The bottles 102 can be loaded in the bottle magazine 122 automatically by mechanical systems or manually by operators. The bottles 102 will then be transported by means of the bottle conveyor 124 to the bottle rinser 126. During this transport, the bottles 102 can move along the bottle conveyor 124 of the non-aseptic, non-sterile or non-sterile area in the enclosure of the bottle. sterilization 180 to sterile / clean aseptic area.

Once the bottles 102 reach the bottle rinser 126, the bottles 102 can be loaded onto the bottle rinser conveyor 130. The bottles 102 can enter the bottle enclosure 134 where the bottles 102 will be sprayed with electrolyzed water. Additionally, the bottle rinsing conveyor 130 can reverse the bottle 102, so that the openings of the bottles 102 face down or side. After the bottle-rinsing conveyor 130 reverses the bottles 102, the bottle-spraying device 128 can spray electrolyzed water on the bottles 102 as described above. After spraying the bottles 102, the bottle rinsing conveyor 130 can then. invert the bottles 102 in a vertical position with the opening facing upwards. The bottles 102 will then be reloaded on the bottle conveyor 124 and transported to the filling station 160.

Additionally, and concurrently to the bottle operation described above, the caps 104 can be loaded into the lid magazine 142. Similarly, the caps 104 can be automatically loaded into the lid magazine 142 by mechanical systems or manually by operators The covers 104 can be transported by way of the lid conveyor 144 to the lid rinser 146. During this transport, the lids 104 can move along the lid conveyor 144 of the non-aseptic, non-sterile or non-clean area in the enclosure of the lid. sterilization 180 to sterile / clean aseptic area.

Once the caps 104 reach the lid rinser 146, the lids 104 can be loaded onto the conveyor and the lid rinser 150. The lids 104 can enter the lid enclosure 154 where the lids 104 will be sprayed with electrolyzed water. Additionally, the cap rinsing conveyor 150 can invert the lids 104, so that the lids 104 face downwardly. After the caps 104 have been inverted, the lid spray device 148 can spray electrolyzed water onto the caps 104 as is. described in the above. After spraying the caps 104, the lid rinsing conveyor 150 can then invert the lids 104 in the vertical position with the opening facing upwards. The caps 104 will then be reloaded onto the lid conveyor 144 and transported to the filling station 160.

As the bottles 102 reach the filling station 160, the bottles 102 are loaded. on the filler 162 of the bottle conveyor 124. Each of the bottles 102 is then connected to, associated with, attached to, etc. one of the filling heads 168 of the filler 162. The filler spraying device 170 can spray electrolyzed water on the bottles 102 as the filling heads 168 are connected. After the bottles 102 are connected to the filling heads 168, the sterile air blower 174 can provide a gentle blow of sterile air over the area of the bottle to remove any residual electrolyzed water. - As the bottles are turned around the filler 162, the bottle. 102 is filled with the drink. After the bottle 102 has been filled to the appropriate volume, one of the caps 104 of the cap conveyor 144 is placed on each of the bottles 102. Similar to the filling process, the filtering device of the filler 170 can spray electrolyzed water. over the area of the bottle / cap as the caps 104 are placed on the bottles 102. After the capping process, the sterile air blower 174 can provide a pressurized sterile air blowing over the bottle / cap area for Remove any residual electrolyzed water. The filled and capped bottles 102 can then be transferred from the filler 162 to the filler conveyor 164 where the filled and capped bottles 102 will be transported from the filler 162 to a location where the bottles 102 can be packaged and prepared for transport.

Figure 5 illustrates a sterilization system 200 similar to the sterilization system 100 illustrated in Figures 1A through ID and explained in the foregoing. The sterilization system 200 includes a bottle station 220, a lid station 240 and a filling station 260 similar to the sterilization system 100 in Figures 1A through ID. However, instead of a linear bottle rinser 126 as illustrated in Figure IB, the bottle rinser 226 shown in Figure 5 is a rotary bottle rinser. The bottle rinser 226 may include at least one bottle spray device 228. Generally, the bottle rinser 226 may spray or supply electrolyzed water onto the bottles 102 as they pass through a given location in the bottle rinser. rotary 226. The bottle rinser 226 may include one or more nozzles 232 for spraying electrolyzed water onto the bottles 102. Specifically, the nozzles 232 spray a preset amount of electrolyzed water onto the bottles 102. The bottle spray device 226 may be connect or associate with an electrolyzed water generator 210. In one embodiment of the invention, the nozzles 232 can spray electrolyzed water at a low concentration, low temperature and a high residence time. For example, nozzles 232 can spray electrolyzed water at a concentration range of about 50 to 100 PPM as measured as pure chlorine, a temperature range of approximately 10 to 30 degrees Celsius, and a time interval of approximately 5 to 30 minutes of residence time. In one embodiment of the invention, the nozzles 232 can spray electrolyzed water at a high concentration, high temperature, and a low residence time. For example, nozzles 232 can spray electrolyzed water at a concentration range of about 100 to 1000 PPM as measured as pure chlorine, a temperature range of about 25 to 60 degrees Celsius, and a time interval of about 5 to 30. seconds of residence time.

The rotary bottle rinser 226 can be in line with the other conveyors leading to the filling station 260. Additionally, the rotary bottle rinser 226 can be configured to reverse the position of the bottles 102, so that the opening of the bottles 102 is downward or laterally facing when bottles 102 pass through bottle spraying device 228. Once bottles 102 are sprayed with electrolyzed water, the rotary bottle rinser 226 can then reverse the position of bottles 102 again. in a vertical position with the opening facing up.

In another embodiment without departing from this invention, as illustrated in Figure 6, the sterilization system 300 may include a bottle station 320, a cap station 340, a filling station 360 and a sterilization enclosure 380. The station bottle 320 may include a mechanical mist generator 332 in place of the nozzles as shown in Figures 1A to IB. The mechanical fog generator 332 can be connected to an electrolyzed water generator 310. The mechanical fog generator 332 can produce small droplets or a mist of electrolyzed water that is dispersed throughout the sterilization enclosure 380. The electrolyzed water mist can sterilizing the bottles 102 using the electrolyzed water at a concentration range of about 50 to 1000 PPM as measured as pure chlorine and a range of about 10 to 65 degrees Celsius.

As described above, a bottle conveyor 324 can be configured to reverse the position of the bottles 102 so that the opening of the bottles 102 is downward or laterally facing when the bottles 102 pass through the water mist electrolyzed After the bottles 102 have been subjected to sufficient fogging, the bottle conveyor 324 can again reverse the position of the bottles 102 to a vertical position with the opening facing upwards.

Additionally, the electrolyzed water mist may be dispersed within a bottle enclosure 33. As described above, the bottle enclosure 334 can be used to contain the electrolyzed water mist. The bottle enclosure 334 may include panels that encircle an area around or associated with the area around the mechanical mist generator 332 and the bottle conveyor 324. The bottle enclosure 334 may also be a cabinet encircling the application area of the bottle. fog on the bottles 102.

During the application of fog to the bottles 102 with the electrolyzed water mist, the bottles 102 may contain a small residue of the electrolyzed water which may remain after sterilization of the bottles 102. The electrolyzed water within the bottles 102 is not a adulteration problem or product safety problem. In many cases, there is no significant sensory impact. However, to help remove this waste of electrolyzed water, a sterile air blower 336 can be included without departing from the invention. The sterile air blower 336 can provide a pressurized blowing of sterile air into the bottles 102 when the bottle is inverted with the opening facing down or. with the vertical bottle of the opening facing upwards. This sterile air blowing can be enough to remove most of the residual electrolyzed water.

As further illustrated in Figure 6, cap station 340 may include a mechanical mist generator 352 in place of the nozzles as depicted in Figure 1. Mechanical fog generator 352 may be connected to an electrolyzed water generator 310. The mechanical fog generator 352 can produce small droplets or a mist of electrolyzed water which is dispersed throughout the sterilization enclosure 280. The electrolyzed water mist can sterilize the caps 104 using electrolyzed water at a concentration range of about 50 to 1000 PPM as measured as pure chlorine and a temperature range of approximately 10 to 65 degrees Celsius. .

As described above, a lid conveyor 344 can be configured to reverse the position of the caps 104, so that the lids 104 face down laterally when the lids 104 pass through the electrolyzed water mist. After the caps 104 have been sufficiently fogged, the lid conveyor 244 can again reverse the position of the caps 104 in an upright position with the lid facing upwards.

Additionally, the electrolyzed water mist may be dispersed within a cap enclosure 354. As described above, the cap enclosure 354 may be used to contain the electrolyzed water mist. The lid enclosure 354 may include panels that encircle an area around or associated with the area around the mechanical fog generator 352 and the lid conveyor 344. The lid enclosure 354 may also be a cabinet encircling the application area of the enclosure 354. fog over the covers 104.

During the application of mist to the caps 104 with electrolyzed water mist, the caps 104 may contain a small residue of the electrolyzed water which may remain after the sterilization of the caps 104. The electrolyzed water within the caps 104 is not a problem of adulteration or product safety problem. In many cases, there is no significant sensory impact. However, to help remove this waste of electrolyzed water, a sterile air blower 356 can be included without departing from the invention. The sterile air blower 356 can provide a pressurized blowing of sterile air on or into the caps 104 when the caps are reversed with the opening facing down with the cap vertical with the opening facing up. The sterile air blower may • be sufficient to remove most of the residual electrolyzed water.

In another embodiment without departing from this invention, the mechanical fog generators 332, 352 for the bottles 102 and the caps 104 as illustrated in Figure 6 can be replaced by the electrostatically charged fog generator. In this mode, the fog generator produces an electrostatic mist-positively charged electrolyzed water. Additionally, bottles 102, covers 104 and critical surfaces can be negatively charged or earthed, in order to attract electrostatic mist positively charged with electrolyzed water. The bottles 102, caps 104 and critical surfaces can act as a magnet that attracts electrostatic mist-positively charged electrolyzed water to help sterilize bottles 102, caps 104 and critical surfaces.

Figure 7 illustrates another embodiment of a sterilization system 400 used to achieve sterile beverages and sterilize bottles 102, caps 104, and critical surfaces. The bottles 102 can contain the sterile beverage and the caps 104 can cover the bottles 102. The sterilization system 400 can include a bottle station 420, a lid station 440, a filling station 460 and a sterilization enclosure 480. The sterilization system 400 can use electrolyzed water generated by an electrolyzed water generator 410 to sterilize the bottles 102, the caps 104 and the critical surfaces.

As illustrated in Figure 7, the sterilization system 400 may include a bottle station 420. The bottle station 420 may include a bottle charger 422 and a bottle conveyor (s) 424. The bottle charger 422 may include a container containing the fully formed non-sterilized or non-sanitized empty bottles 102. Additionally, the bottle loader 422 may include a device (not shown) within the container for automatically loading the bottles 102 onto the bottle conveyor 424. An exemplary configuration of bottle station 420 is illustrated in Figure 7. Bottle station 420 may be of other types and / or configurations of bottle stations without departing from this invention.

Additionally, as illustrated in Figure 7, the sterilization system 400 may include a lid station 440. The lid station 440 may include a lid loader 442 and a lid conveyor (s) 444. The lid loader 442 it may include a container containing the non-sanitized or non-sanitized lids 104. Additionally, the lid loader 442 may include a device (not shown) within the container for automatically loading the lids 104 onto the lid conveyor 444. An exemplary configuration of the cover station 440 is illustrated in Figure 7. The cover station 440 may be of other types and / or configurations of cap stations without departing from this invention.

Additionally, as illustrated in Figure 7, the sterilization system 400 may include a filling station 460. The filling station 460 may consist of a filler 462 and a conveyor system of a filler 464. The filler 462 may be a filler Rotary Additionally, the filler 462 can be of other types and configurations of filling systems without departing from this invention. The filler 462 can receive the bottles 102 within the bottle conveyor 424 and fill the bottles 102 with a beverage. Also, the filler 462 can receive the caps 104 of the lid conveyor 444 and place the caps 104 on the bottles 102 after the bottles 102 have been filled. Additionally, there can be a lid sealing device 466 on the filler 462 for secure the tapas. 104 that have been sealed to the bottles 102. The filler 462 can perform other operations without departing from this invention, such as placing a seal on the bottle after filling and before placing the caps 104 of the bottles 102. The station filling 460 may also include a filler conveyor system 474 that transports the filled and capped bottles of the filler 462 to a location where the bottles 102 can be packaged and. prepared for transport.

Additionally, as illustrated in Figure 7, the sterilization system 400 may include a sterilization enclosure 480. This sterilization enclosure 480 may maintain the aseptic conditions for the bottles 102, caps 104 and critical surfaces throughout the filling process. The sterilization enclosure 480 can provide a controlled environment for the clean / sterilized area within the sterilization enclosure 480. The sterilization enclosure 480 maintains the sterility of the non-sterile / non-sterilized area outside the sterilization enclosure 480. The sterilization enclosure 480 it can be one of many different structures known and used in the art. For example, the sterilization enclosure 480 may be a cabinet enclosing the clean and sealed equipment to prevent any of the exterior contaminants.

In one embodiment of this invention, the electrolyzed water can be used to pre-sterilize the system 400 before the start of production and before loading and filling the bottles 102 and the caps 104. Additionally, the electrolyzed water is You can use to sterilize the 400 system if sterility is lost, such as for equipment maintenance or component problems that require intervention by an operator or technician. For example, electrolyzed water can be used for sterilization of critical surfaces on the system 400. Critical surfaces may include filler surfaces or equipment 462, such as a filling chamber (the internal filler chamber 462), the heads filling 468 (which connect or associate with the bottles 102 to fill the bottles 102 with the beverage), the stage sealing device 466 (which seals the caps 104 of the bottles 102), or any other surfaces that can make contact with the areas on the bottles 102 or the caps 104 may come into contact with the beverage. At least one mechanical fog generator 472 connected to an electrolyzed water generator 410 can be used to provide an electrolyzed water mist that performs the pre-sterilization functions.

Additionally, electrolyzed water can be used to help maintain the sterility of system 400 and critical surfaces during the filling process. For example, mechanical fog generator 472 can be connected to an electrolyzed water generator 410. The generator 472 can produce mechanical mist small booties or a mist of electrolyzed water is dispersed throughout the enclosure 480. sterilization fog Electrolyzed water can sterilize and maintain the sterility of bottles 102, caps 104, and critical surfaces using electrolyzed water at a concentration range of about 50 to 1000 PPM as measured as pure chlorine and a temperature range of about 10 to 65 Celsius degrees. As discussed in the above, electrolyzed water does not provide a problem of product adulteration and there can be no significant sensory impact.

The operation of the sterilization system 400 as illustrated in Figure 7 can be performed in many different methods. For example, first, sterilization system 400 can be pre-sterilized prior to production initiation. The electrolyzed water can be used for the sterilization of critical surfaces on the system by applying mist to the system 400 and the critical surfaces with electrolyzed water within the sterilization enclosure 480.

After the. system 400 and the critical surfaces are pre-sterilized, the bottles 102 can be loaded from the bottle loader 422. The bottles 102 can be loaded into the bottle loader 422 automatically by mechanical systems or manually by operators. The bottles 102 will then be transported via the bottle conveyor 434 to the filling station 460. During this transport, the bottles 102 can move along the bottle conveyor 424 in the sterilization enclosure 480.

Additionally, and concurrently with the bottle operation described in the foregoing, the caps 104 can be loaded into the lid loader 442. Similarly, the lids 104 can be automatically loaded into the lid loader 442 by mechanical systems or manually by operators The caps 104 can be transported by way of lid conveyors 444 to the filling station 460. During this transport, the caps 104 can move along the lid conveyor 444 in the sterilization enclosure 480.

A 102 measures the bottles and the caps 104 are moved in the sterilization enclosure 480, electrolyzed water mist produced by the mist generator 472 electrolyzed water sterilizes the bottles and caps 104. 102 measures the bottles reach filler, the bottles 102 are loaded into the filler 462 of the bottle conveyor 424. Each of the bottles 102 is then connected to, associated with, attached to, etc., one of the filling heads 468 of the filler 462. As the bottles 102 rotate around the filler 462, the bottles 102 are filled with a beverage. After the bottles 102 have been filled to the appropriate volume, one of the covers 104 of the lid conveyor 444 is placed on the bottle. Throughout the filling and capping process, the electrolyzed water mist surrounds the process and maintains the sterility of the system. The filled bottles and lids 102 can be transferred from the filler 462 to the filler conveyor 464 where the filled and capped bottles 102 will be transported from the filler 462 to a location where the bottles 102 can be packaged and prepared for transport.

In another embodiment, the mechanical fog generators 472 illustrated in Figure 7 can be replaced by an electrostatically charged fog generator as described above. In this mode, the fog generator produces an electrostatic mist positively charged with electrolyzed water. Additionally, the bottles 102, the covers 104 and the critical surfaces can be negatively charged or grounded, in order to attract the electrostatic mist positively charged with electrolyzed water. The bottles 102, covers 104 and critical surfaces act as a magnet that attracts positively charged electrostatic mist of electrolyzed water to help sterilize and maintain the sterility of the bottles 102, the caps 104 and the critical surfaces.

Figure 8 illustrates yet another embodiment of a portion of a sterilization system that includes an isolator 590 around the critical surfaces of the filler 562. In this embodiment, the isolator 590 encloses and provides a controlled environment for the area surrounding critical surfaces. over filler 562. Isolator 590 may be one of many different structures known and used in the art. For example, insulator 590 can a cabinet that encircles critical surfaces and is sealed to prevent any of the exterior contaminants. Additionally, any of the methods described in the foregoing for pre-sterilization and sterility maintenance can be used with the 590 isolator and the sterilization / sterility maintenance of the critical surfaces. For example, pre-sterilization and sterility maintenance can be provided by an electrolyzed water generator 510 which provides: 1) intermittent water spray of nozzles 572 on critical surfaces within isolator 590; 2) a mechanical fog generator 573 connected to an electrolyzed water source 510 to provide an electrolyzed guide mist throughout the insulator 590; and 3) an electrostatic mist generator connected to an electrolyzed water source to provide a positively charged electrostatic mist throughout the insulator 590, or any combination thereof. In this embodiment, the bottles 102 and / or the caps 104 can be sterilized before reaching the isolator 590. Additionally, the nozzles 102, and / or the caps 104 can not be sterilized before reaching the isolator 590, and the described means in the foregoing, intermittent spray, mechanical fog or electrostatically charged mist, can be used to sterilize the bottles 102 and / or the caps 104 within the insulator 590.

In another embodiment similar to the embodiment illustrated in Figure 8, the sterilization system may include one or multiple small chambers or enclosures in place of the complete isolator. One or multiple small chambers can encircle or enclose the critical surfaces or critical path areas identified in the above, such as the area surrounding the filler heads connecting to or associated with the bottle 102 to fill the bottles 102 with the beverage, or the area surrounding the cap sealing device that seals the bottles 102 and seals the caps 104 on the bottles 102. These small chambers or enclosures do not need to be completely enclosed around the area. Small chambers or enclosures can provide positive airflow protection to maintain sterility or sanitization on those surfaces and critical areas, such as with HEPA filtered air or an electrolyzed mist within the chamber or small enclosure.

The various embodiments of the invention described and illustrated with reference to Figures 1A-8 provide great benefits and advantages. First, the safety and health efficiency of the electrolyzed water is improved 'as compared to the use of other sterilizing agents used in the prior art. Electrolyzed water is considered a very benign chemical when compared to other sterilized agents used in the prior art. Additionally, there are no problems of food adulteration, in order to minimize any of the possible consumption problems. Second, this sterilization system can sterilize at a high speed under an adjustment of conditions, in order to increase the performance of the production system. Third, electrolyzed water can be produced on site and as necessary. Other chemicals and sterilizing agents need to be sorted and supplied to the production facility. Fourth, there is no necessary rinsing stage when using electrolyzed water which reduces water resources. The rinsing step required for other sterilizing agents is increased equipment costs, increased production time, and increased water usage (for rinsing). Fifth, during the changes, or maintenance work, the pre-sterilization stage with electrolyzed water is a shorter time requirement that is necessary for the chemicals and other changes of agents of use and maintenance work. Additionally, the use of electrolyzed water for sterilization allows the use of lightweight bottles. The embodiments of the invention of this sterilization system can be easily retrofitted with the existing hot fill sterilization systems. The invention herein has been described and illustrated with reference to the embodiments of Figures 1A-8, but it should be understood that the features of the invention are susceptible to modification, alteration, change or substitution without departing significantly from the spirit of the invention. For example, the dimensions, size and shape of the various bottles, lids, conveyors and other equipment or components can be altered to suit specific applications. Accordingly, the specific embodiments illustrated and described herein are for illustrative purposes only and the invention is not limited except by the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims (23)

1. A sterilization system used to achieve sterile drinks and sterilize bottles and lids, wherein the bottles contain the sterile beverage and the lids cover the bottles, the sterilization system characterized in that it comprises: a bottle sterilizer for sterilizing the bottles, wherein the bottle sterilizer discharges electrolyzed water onto the bottles; a lid sterilizer for sterilizing the lids, wherein the lid sterilizer discharges electrolyzed water onto the lids; Y a filling station that includes a filler sterilizer and a filler that includes contact surfaces with the product, wherein the filler fills the bottles with the beverage and covers the bottles, where the filler sterilizer sterilizes the filling station before the initiation of production by discharging electrolyzed water on the contact surfaces with the product.

2. The sterilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottle sterilizer, the lid sterilizer, and the filler sterilizer include a mechanical sprinkler that includes nozzles that discharge a spray of electrolyzed water onto the bottles, lids, and capsules. surfaces of contact with the product respectively.

3. The sterilization system according to claim 2, characterized in that the electrolyzed water spray is at a concentration range of about 50 to 100 PPM as measured as pure chlorine, a temperature range of about 10 to 30 degrees Celsius, and a containment time interval of approximately 5 to 30 minutes.

4. The sterilization system according to claim 2, characterized in that the electrolyzed water spray is in a concentration range of about 100 to 1000 PPM as measured as pure chlorine, a temperature range of about 25 to 65 degrees Celsius , and a containment time interval of approximately 5 to 30 seconds.

5. The compliance sterilization system, with claim 1, characterized in that the bottle sterilizer, the lid sterilizer and the filler sterilizer includes a fog generator that discharges a mist of electrolyzed water onto the bottles, lids and surfaces of the bottle. contact with the product respectively.

6. The sterilization system according to claim 5, characterized in that the electrolyzed water mist is discharged at a concentration range of about 50 to 100 PPM as measured as pure chlorine and a temperature range of about 10 to 30 degrees Celsius.

7. The sterilization system according to claim 5, characterized in that the electrolyzed water mist is discharged at a concentration range of about 100 to 1000 PPM as measured as pure chlorine and a temperature range of about 25 to 65 degrees Celsius.

8. The sterilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that the bottle sterilizer, the lid sterilizer and the filler sterilizer includes an electrostatic mist generator that discharges an electrostatically charged mist of electrolyzed water onto the nozzles, the caps and the surfaces of contact with the product respectively.

9. The sterilization system according to claim 8, characterized in that the electrostatically charged mist of electrolyzed water is at a concentration range of about 50 to -100 PPM as measured as pure chlorine and a temperature range of about 10 to 30 degrees. Celsius.

10. The sterilization system according to claim 8, characterized in that the electrostatically charged mist of electrolyzed water is at a concentration range of about 100 to 1000 PPM as measured as pure chlorine and a temperature range of about 25 to 65 degrees Celsius .

11. The sterilization system according to claim 1, characterized in that the electrolyzed water is produced by passing water through an electrochemical cell which results in two electrically opposed streams, a first stream having a disinfecting property and including a positively charged stream. with a pH between about 6-8, and a second stream having a detergent property and including a negatively charged stream with a pH between about 11 and 13.

12. A sterilization system used to achieve sterile drinks and sterilize bottles and lids, wherein the bottles contain the sterile beverage and the lids cover the bottles, the sterilization system characterized in that it comprises: an electrolyzed water generator that produces electrolyzed water; a bottle station to sterilize the bottles, the bottle station that includes a bottle loader to load the bottles, a bottle conveyor to transport the bottles, and a bottle rinser located along the bottle conveyor and connected to the generator of electrolyzed water, where the bottle rinser sprays the electrolyzed water on the bottles; a lid station for sterilizing the lids, the lid station including a lid loader for loading the lids, a lid conveyor for transporting the lids, and a lid rinser located along the lid conveyor and connected to the generator of electrolyzed water, where the lid rinser sprays the electrolyzed water over the lids; a filling station connected to the bottle station and the cover station, wherein the filling station includes a filler with critical surfaces which are potential contact surfaces with the product during the filling operation and where the filler fills the bottles with the beverage and covers the bottles after the bottles are filled with the beverage, and wherein the filling station also includes a spray device connected to the electrolized water generator that sprays the electrolyzed water on the critical surfaces of the filler.

13. The sterilization system according to claim 12, characterized in that the critical surfaces include one or more of the following: the internal chamber of the filler, the filling heads that connect to or are associated with the bottles for the filling of bottles with the beverage , or a lid sealing device that seals the caps on the bottles.

14. The sterilization system according to claim 12, characterized in that the electrolyzed water is sprayed at a concentration range of about 50 to 100 PPM as measured as pure chlorine, a low temperature range of about 10 to 30 degrees Celsius and a residence time interval of approximately 5 to 30 minutes.

15. The sterilization system according to claim 12, characterized in that the electrolyzed water is sprayed at a concentration range of about 100 to 1000 PPM as measured as pure chlorine, a temperature range of about 25 to 65 degrees Celsius and a range of of residence time of approximately 5 to 30 seconds.

16. The sterilization system according to claim 12, further comprising a sterilization enclosure that completely encloses the filler, wherein the sterilization enclosure maintains aseptic conditions for the bottles, caps and critical surfaces.

17. The sterilization system according to claim 16, characterized in that the sterilization enclosure includes a HEPA air filter to provide positive air pressure and appropriate air flow rates throughout the sterilization enclosure.

18. A sterilization system used to achieve sterile drinks and sterilize bottles and lids, wherein the bottles contain the sterile beverage and the lids cover the bottles, the sterilization system characterized in that it comprises: a bottle station that includes a bottle loader for loading the bottles and a bottle conveyor for transporting the bottles; a lid station including a lid loader for loading the lids and a lid conveyor for transporting the lids; a filling station connected to the bottle station and the cover station, wherein the filling station has a filler with critical surfaces which are potential product contact surfaces during the filling operation, wherein the filler fills the bottles with drink and cover the bottles after the bottles are filled with the drink; a sterilization enclosure that completely encloses the filler, where the sterilization enclosure maintains the aseptic conditions for the bottles, covers and critical surfaces; an electrolyzed water generator that produces electrolyzed water; a fog generator connected to the electrolysed water generator, where the fog generator produces a mist of electrolyzed water that is dispersed within the sterilization enclosure, where the electrolyzed water mist sterilizes the bottles, covers and critical surfaces.

19. The sterilization system according to claim 18, characterized in that the critical surfaces include one or more of the following: internal chamber of the filler, filling heads that are connected to are associated with the bottles to fill the bottles with the beverage, or a lid sealing device that seals the lids on the bottles.

20. The sterilization system according to claim 18, characterized in that the electrolyzed water generator produces electrolyzed water at a concentration range of about 50 to 1000 PPM as measured as pure chlorine.

21. The sterilization system according to claim 18, characterized in that the fog generator produces an electrostatic mist, positively charged with electrolyzed water.

22. The sterilization system according to claim 21, characterized in that bottles, caps, and critical surfaces are negatively charged or earthed, where bottles, caps and critical surfaces attract electrostatic mist, positively charged of electrolyzed water, in order to sterilize bottles, covers and critical surfaces.

23. A method for achieving sterile drinks and sterilizing bottles and caps, characterized in that it comprises: sterilize the bottles when using electrolyzed water on the bottles; sterilize the covers when using electrolyzed water on the covers; Y sterilize a filler with electrolyzed water before the start of production.