RU2351518C2 - Container for food products and method of food product transportation - Google Patents

Abstract

FIELD: package industry. ^ SUBSTANCE: container includes tank (3) and replaceable pad (31) installed in tank. In the first invention version, pad includes outlet pipe (33), centering washer for outlet pipe centering in tank outlet hole (15). Hole in centering washer for outlet pipe installation is eccentric. In the second invention version, tank includes bottom with coverable hole intended for pad insertion through it and carrying part of discharge valve on hole closing device. In the third invention version, pad includes excessive pressure protection means leading to external tank wall. ^ EFFECT: use of container facilitates transportation and reduced power cost of container cleaning process significantly. ^ 76 cl, 11 dwg

Description

The invention relates to a container for food products and a method for transporting food products in a tank.

Typically, food products, especially liquid or fluid food products, are delivered to consumers in special containers supplied by the manufacturer or distributor. Since strict hygienic standards apply to the transport of food, sterilized containers must be used to transport certain groups of products. Sterilization of the internal parts of the tank is usually carried out by steam treatment. Sterilization of each tank according to the specified method takes 20-30 minutes and requires a huge amount of energy, especially to produce steam.

In addition to time-consuming sterilization, traditional tanks have other disadvantages. Empty tanks used by the consumer must be pre-cleaned before returning to the manufacturer. Due to the formation of food deposits on the inner walls of the tank, cleaning operations are also very laborious. Moreover, the tanks must undergo regular functional tests, for example, checking the tightness of the tank, since if the tightness is lost, it is possible not only to leak the product, but also to develop microorganisms inside the tank when air enters the tank.

Therefore, the objective of this invention is to create a container for food products, including a tank that requires a less labor-intensive sterilization method and, after emptying it, may be ready for reuse in a shorter time. Another objective of this invention is to provide an appropriate method of transportation.

These tasks are solved by creating a container according to claim 1, an inner liner according to claim 25 and a reservoir according to claim 34, and by creating a method for transporting food products according to claim 36 and ways to prepare the container for filling and emptying, respectively, ways to fill and empty the container according to pp. 37, 39 and 40.

Thus, according to the provisions of this invention, the container includes a reservoir and a liner for accommodating a product that is installed in the reservoir with the possibility of replacement. First of all, we are talking about containers used to transport a food product from the manufacturer to the final processing facility or to the distributor. Such containers are mainly used for the transport of basic food products, such as, for example, fruits or semi-finished products of the fruit processing industry. In this regard, it should be noted that sterilized products must comply with sterility conditions not only at the production stage, but also during transportation.

Furthermore, such containers are preferably reusable containers, i.e. not consumable containers, unlike, for example, boxes with a bag-shaped insert that are used to sell wine or fruit juices to the final consumer and for which reuse is not intended.

Due to the fact that the food product according to this invention is not poured directly into the tank, but is located inside the liner located in the tank, there is no need to sterilize the internal parts of the tank, which, as mentioned above, is a very time-consuming and energy-intensive operation. After using the liner, i.e. after emptying, the used liner is replaced with a new one and thus eliminates the need for laborious cleaning. In addition, requirements for tanks of a type such as, for example, tightness requirements or requirements for food compatibility of the material used, are softer compared to those for traditional tanks.

In a preferred embodiment, the reservoir has a rigid spatial structure, while the liner is flexible and occupies a significantly smaller volume when empty compared to the reservoir. When filling the liner, its volume increases, and the liner itself takes the form of the inner wall of the tank.

The reservoir may preferably be constructed to allow insertion and removal of the liner therein. After using the liner, i.e. after emptying, the insert can thus be quickly and easily removed from the container, and a new insert can be inserted in its place just as quickly and simply.

According to a preferred embodiment, the reservoir may have a tapering funnel-shaped drain located at the bottom of the reservoir, the discharge outlet being eccentrically located. In this case, eccentricity is understood to mean that the drain outlet is not located in the center of the lower part of the tank, but is shifted towards the outer side wall. This facilitates manual installation and removal of the insert, as the insert becomes more easily accessible. Moreover, the funnel-shaped design of the drain ensures that, as far as possible, the liner is completely emptied by gravity or under vacuum. Also, the smoothed funnel shape ensures that the liner filled with the food product adheres to the inner walls of the tank without creases.

In the vertical position of the tank, the outlet may be oriented substantially vertically. Through this, the use of the tank is further facilitated, the possibility of more convenient lateral connection of devices for emptying or filling the tank is provided.

The outlet may have a sufficiently large diameter so that a hand can be inserted into it, preferably at least 10 cm, or more preferably 12 to 16 cm. The large outlet allows users to stick their hands inside the tank and shape the liner inside the tank for its safe filling. The size of the outlet can even be chosen so that through it you can insert the liner into the tank.

According to one embodiment, the reservoir may also include at least one inspection window, especially at the drain. The viewing window allows users to verify the correct deployment of the liner and the presence of folds when the liner adheres to the inner wall of the tank, which is possible during filling. When emptying, it is also easy to check the completeness of emptying the liner through the inspection window.

The tank may also include a holding device, preferably in the upper half, more preferably on the lid, which serves to hold the liner in the tank. By attaching the liner in the upper part of the tank, the liner is not uniformly filled and the liner is evenly further adhered to the inner wall. Also, in this way, the liner is prevented from twisting or tangling, which in the worst case will lead to the liner breaking.

According to another modification, the reservoir may include a lid with a lockable hole for inserting an insert through it. In this embodiment, the liner is inserted into the tank from above through the specified hole, and the area through which the product is fed into the liner due to the large outlet through which the user can access the inside of the tank is aligned with the outlet.

According to another modification, the reservoir may include a bottom with a closing hole for inserting a liner through it, at least one part of the drain may be on the closing device of the hole. Similarly to the previous modification, the liner is inserted into the tank by removing or opening the lid and then proceed to align the liner relative to the drain outlet.

According to one preferred embodiment, the liner may include an outlet equipped with a closure, in particular a membrane or a bursting diaphragm, which ensures sterility of the inner surface of the liner. A membrane or bursting diaphragm is a particularly preferred option since it can be pushed out or torn by the food product itself during filling so that the inside of the liner remains sterile right up to the filling.

In particular, sterility of basic food materials can be ensured in this way.

The outlet pipe may preferably have a smaller outer diameter than the outlet of the tank. This is especially necessary if the insert is inserted through an opening in the lid or in the bottom, since the outlet pipe must then be connected from the inside to the drain outlet. And, accordingly, the user can grab the outlet pipe with his hand through the large outlet in the tank and bring it into the outlet.

To center the outlet in the outlet of the tank, it is preferable to use a centering washer. Since the outlet pipe has a smaller outer diameter, it is fixed by means of a centering washer, which fixes the pipe in the desired position and prevents its displacement, which is possible during filling or emptying of the liner, which in the worst case can lead to rupture of the liner. The centering is preferably realized by physically positively connecting the centering washer and the outlet pipe.

According to another modification, the centering washer can be made integrally with the outlet pipe. In this embodiment, the liner is completely inserted through the outlet, i.e. there is no need for a closing hole in the bottom or in the lid. At the same time, the centering washer ensures that the outlet pipe is correctly positioned.

In a preferred embodiment, the hole in the centering washer into which the outlet pipe is inserted may be eccentric. The outlet has a larger outer diameter than the outlet, which is advantageous if the hole in the centering washer is eccentric and allows the outlet of the liner to be positioned in the outlet as far as possible, thus providing a more complete emptying of the liner.

Preferably, part of the outlet of the reservoir protrudes somewhat from the centering washer. If this condition is met, direct or indirect connection of the device for filling or emptying to this part of the exhaust pipe is possible.

According to yet another modification, a valve device may be mounted on a protruding portion of an exhaust pipe. When using a traditional valve device similar to that used in traditional tanks, it is possible to use standard devices for filling and emptying without the use of any additional adapters.

It is desirable that at least one seal is present in the mounted state between the outlet pipe and the valve device. This eliminates the possibility of leakage of the food product.

According to one preferred embodiment, it is possible to use a fastening device for attaching the outlet to the outlet. This mounting device may fasten the outlet to the outlet, preferably providing resistance to torsional loads. This design of the mounting device prevents torsional loads during filling or emptying of the liner, which, in the worst case, can lead to rupture of the liner.

According to another modification, the mounting device can also hermetically mount the valve device to the outlet pipe. In this modification, only one mounting device was used to attach the centering washer, exhaust pipe and valve device to the tank.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the liner may include means of protection against excessive pressure, in particular a bursting diaphragm or a safety valve, preferably a pressure relief valve. This eliminates the possibility of overfilling the liner, which leads to the appearance of excessive pressure and, in the worst case, to rupture of the liner.

Preferably, the overpressure protection devices communicate with the outside of the tank. Due to this, in case of overfilling of the tank, the released food product will not contaminate the inside of the tank. And cleaning the inside of the tank is much more time consuming than cleaning the outside. Moreover, the allocation of excess food product is easily determined by means of protection against excessive pressure and means that it is necessary to stop filling the liner.

Favorable is the inclusion in the composition of the liner holding means for attaching the liner to the tank, especially in the upper half of the tank. By combining the use of these holding means and the holding device of the tank, the liner can be installed in the tank in a suspended state, which ensures full fit of the liner to the inner wall of the tank and prevents wrinkling.

It is desirable that the means of protection against excessive pressure are installed on the restraining means. By such a solution, except on the outlet pipe, another device should be installed in the same way on the liner only at the second point, in this case, means of protection against excessive pressure together with holding means. Due to this, the manufacturability of the liner is increased.

The invention also relates to an insert for use in a container as described above.

The liner in accordance with the provisions of this invention is made of a food-grade polymer film, in particular polypropylene or polyethylene, and is equipped with a sterilized outlet pipe. Since the shape of the container corresponding to the provisions of this invention is determined by the shape of the tank, structurally rigid materials are not required for storing the food product, but ordinary plastics suitable for storing food can be used. Since the food product is located inside the tank, there is no need to protect the liner from sunlight, for example, by means of aluminum foil. Therefore, in a preferred embodiment, the liner is made only of plastic.

To maintain the sterility of the inner surface of the liner, it is desirable that the outlet nozzle includes a closing device, in particular a membrane or a bursting diaphragm. A membrane or bursting diaphragm is a particularly preferred option since it can be pushed out or torn by the food product itself during filling so that the inside of the liner remains sterile right up to the filling.

In particular, this ensures the sterility of basic food materials.

When using a membrane or a bursting diaphragm, it can be designed to provide shatterproof bursting of the diaphragm at a given pressure.

The design of the membrane or bursting diaphragm with a shatterproof gap prevents fragments of these elements from entering the liner and contamination of the food product. Preferred is a design that eliminates the possibility of overlapping by a membrane or a bursting diaphragm drain when emptying the liner. Due to this, the probability of obstacles during emptying of the liner is excluded.

According to one preferred embodiment of the invention, the liner may include means of protection against excessive pressure, in particular a bursting diaphragm or a safety valve, preferably a pressure relief valve. This eliminates the possibility of overfilling the liner, which leads to the appearance of excessive pressure and, in the worst case, to rupture of the liner.

A liner design that includes holding means for securing the liner inside the reservoir is desirable. By the combined use of the holding means and the holding device of the tank, the liner can be installed in the tank in a suspended state, which ensures full fit of the liner to the inner wall of the tank and prevents wrinkling.

According to one preferred embodiment, a holding means and / or overpressure protection means may be marked with an indication of the orientation of the liner relative to the outlet when it is inserted inside the container tank so that after the insert is installed, the outlet is adjacent to the outlet. If the liner is inserted into the tank from above, the user can find out, by marking, in which position of the liner the outlet will be opposite the outlet at the bottom of the tank. This prevents twisting and tangling of the liner inside the tank and reduces the likelihood of wrinkling when filling the liner.

It is desirable that the empty liner be folded in such a way as to prevent wrinkling when the liner adheres to the inner wall of the tank during filling of the liner with food. The most favorable in terms of the absence of folds when the liner snaps against the inner wall of the tank is the Z-shaped folding of the liner.

In a preferred embodiment, the folded liner may have at least one adhesive strip or at least one rubber screed to partially deploy the liner depending on the level of filling. When the product is fed into the liner, the part that is not held by adhesive strips or rubber ties is developed first. Due to this, the liner is first adjacent to the bottom of the tank and then the liquid level gradually rises. Thus, the likelihood of wrinkling is also reduced.

According to one preferred embodiment, the outlet, holding means and / or overpressure protection means can be made of weldable plastic. Due to this, the production cost is reduced and radiation sterilization can be performed.

The invention also relates to a tank intended for use in a container as described above. According to a preferred embodiment, the reservoir may have a tapering funnel-shaped discharge located at the bottom of the reservoir, the outlet of which is made somewhat eccentric. Due to the eccentricity of the outlet, as already described above, access to the liner is greatly simplified. Due to this, the liner in the container can be easily aligned with the outlet. Moreover, thanks to the funnel-shaped discharge, the fuller emptying of the insert is possible.

It is preferable to have at least one aeration and / or deaeration device in the tank. Since during the filling the liner accepts a food product and increases in volume, it is necessary to provide for the possibility of compensating for this expansion by allocating an appropriate volume of air from the tank. This is achieved using a deaeration device. Similarly, an aeration device is provided to prevent the occurrence of negative pressure during emptying.

The invention also relates to a method for transporting food products in a container, which is characterized in that the food product is transported in a removable liner installed inside the tank. Due to the fact that the food product is not poured directly into the tank, but is located inside the liner located in the tank, there is no need to sterilize the internal parts of the tank, which is a very labor-consuming and energy-intensive operation. After using the liner, i.e. after emptying, the used liner is replaced with a new one and thus eliminates the need for laborious cleaning.

The invention also relates to a method for preparing to fill or empty the container, as described above, in which the connecting piece is connected to the outlet of the liner, intended to connect the device for filling or emptying, respectively, characterized in that before connecting the corresponding device for filling or emptying the area from the connecting part to the closing device of the exhaust pipe is disinfected. This is necessary in order to disinfect the entire container, since the liner is sterilized only from the inside, which is provided by a closing device.

However, the space between the two elements must also comply with sanitary standards and must also be decontaminated. For this purpose, it is preferable to use cold disinfection by spraying a disinfectant.

It is preferable that a valve device be used as a connecting part, and that a disinfectant is supplied through the open valve device into the space between the valve device and the closing device, and then the valve device is closed so that the disinfectant remains in the indicated space until it is filled or emptied. Thus, the intermediate region is not only disinfected shortly before filling or emptying, but will also remain sterile for a long time.

The invention also relates to a method for filling a container, as described above, which includes the following steps: attaching a filling device, deaerating the space between the liner and the tank, and filling the liner through the outlet of the liner.

The invention also relates to a method for emptying a container, as described above, which includes the following steps: attaching a device for emptying, aeration of the space between the liner and the tank and emptying the liner through the outlet of the liner.

One embodiment of the invention is explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Figa - front view of the proposed container for food products,

Figb is a side view of the proposed container for food products,

Figa - top view of the liner corresponding to the provisions of the present invention, in the expanded state,

Fig.2b is a side view in section of a liner according to the provisions of the present invention,

Figa is a view in section of the configuration of the tank of the proposed container, shown in Fig.1,

Figure 3b is an exploded cross-sectional view of the bottom of the container of Figure 1;

Figv is an exploded cross-sectional view of the upper part of the container shown in Fig.1,

Figure 4 - schematic cross section of a filled liner in the tank of the proposed container,

Figure 5 - block diagram of the proposed method of installing the liner in the tank,

6 is a flowchart explaining the proposed method of filling a container in accordance with the provisions of this invention, and

7 is a flowchart explaining the proposed method of emptying a container in accordance with the provisions of this invention.

On figa shows a front view of the proposed container 1 for transportation of food products. On figb shows a side view of the container 1. The containers are intended primarily for the transport of food products, such as harvesting, and this category also includes harvesting with the presence of small parts of fruits and berries. When using these basic substances in the manufacture of products with a neutral pH, such as puddings, etc., the use of a sterilized container is required.

In the container 1 according to this invention, the product is not poured directly into the tank 3, but into a removable liner (described below) installed in the tank 3.

The container 1 according to this invention is similar to traditional standard containers, however, according to the embodiment shown in figa and 1b, there are changes in the lower part and in the lid.

The container 1 includes a reservoir 3, a base 5, a drain 7 located in the lower part of the reservoir 3, which in this embodiment has a funnel shape, and a lid 9 with an opening closed by a closing device 11.

For transporting food products, the tank 3 is approximately 1000 liters in volume.

Depending on the product, larger or smaller tanks may be used.

The tank 3 is able to withstand excess pressure of about 1 bar and is characterized by a range of permissible operating temperatures from -20 to + 130 ° C. The tank 3 is preferably made of metal, in particular aluminum or special steel.

The funnel-shaped drain 7 can be either part of the tank 3 or can be a separate part, hermetically attached to the bottom of the tank 3. At the drain 7 there may be a viewing window 13 through which the filling of the container 1 is checked. Additional viewing windows 13 on the side wall of the tank are also possible. 3.

At the bottom of the drain 7 there is an eccentric (i.e. displaced relative to the center towards the lateral edge of the tank 3) an outlet hole 15. This hole has a connecting flange used to fasten the liner (described below) installed in the tank 3 by means of a centering washer (described below). A valve device 17 can be hermetically connected to the liner, which serves to fill or empty the liner by means of a filling or emptying device (not shown). The device for filling or emptying is attached to the connecting part 19. For example, a flap valve can act as a valve device 17.

In this embodiment, the cover 9 is equipped with two valves 21 and 23, one of which acts as a safety valve, and the second as a valve for filling and emptying, respectively. The hole in the lid 9 is closed by a closing device 11. For quick closing and opening, a bayonet-type lock can be used, which, in addition, provides a preliminary alignment of the closing device 11 with respect to the tank 3. The closing device 11, in turn, has a hole in the form of a well, which can be inserted holding means 25 of the liner placed inside the tank. The holding means 25 is attached to the closure 11 by means of a connecting nut 27. In a preferred embodiment, the closure 11 and the connecting nut 27 in the closed state provide a tight seal of the tank 3.

According to one modification, at least one of the valves 21, 23 can also be installed on the closure device 11. In addition, the lid 9 can also be equipped with a stacker for stacking the container 1. Finally, the tank 3 can be equipped with a holding device for fastening liner.

On figa and 2b schematically shows a top view and a cross section of a liner 31 corresponding to the provisions of the present invention, which as a replaceable element is installed in the reservoir 3 of the container 1 shown in Fig.1. In this embodiment, the liner is made of three layers of food-grade polymer film. One of the most suitable materials is polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). Since the liner 31 is located inside the container 1, there is no need to apply an additional metal coating, such as aluminum, to protect from exposure to sunlight. Therefore, the insert 31 can only be made of plastic.

At one end of the insert 31 is an outlet pipe 33 through which the insert 31 is filled and emptied. The insert 31 is welded to the outlet pipe 33. A pipe 33 located between the valve device 17 and the rest of the insert 31, after installation in the container shown figure 1, should, like other elements, comply with sanitary and hygienic requirements for the transport of food. For this, the outlet pipe 33 is made of food-grade plastics and sterilized by gamma radiation.

To prevent air from entering the interior 32 of the insert 31 before use, the opening of the outlet pipe 33 is closed by a closing device 35. For example, a membrane or a bursting diaphragm can act as a closing device 35. Such a solution has the advantage that these elements can be punched or torn respectively by the incoming flow of the food product, so that the inner parts of the insert 31 remain sterile until the last moment. The design of the membrane or bursting diaphragm provides splinter-free uniform bursting, which prevents the membrane material or bursting diaphragm, respectively, from entering the liner 31. In addition, the design of the closing device 35 prevents the fragments or splinters from blocking the above elements of the outlet pipe 33 when the product is evacuated from the liner 31.

And finally, on the discharge pipe 33, a sealing device 37 is made, for example, a sealing ring, or a double sealing ring, which serves to seal the exhaust pipe 33 with the valve device 17 shown in FIG. 1.

On the opposite end of the liner 31 are holding means 25, described above in the example of figa and 1b and which serve to attach the liner 31 to the top of the tank 3. In the embodiment of the liner 31 shown in figa and 2b, holding means 25 additionally include means of protection against excessive pressure 39. Thanks to them, the excess pressure that occurs when the liner 31 is overfilled is relieved. Similar to the outlet pipe 33, holding means 25 and means of protection against excessive pressure 39 are also manufactured They are made of plastic and can be sterilized by radiation.

As a means of protection against excessive pressure 39, a safety valve or, in a simpler embodiment of the invention, a bursting diaphragm is used. The set pressure for the protective equipment 39 usually has a value of approximately 1.5 bar gauge pressure.

As shown in figure 1, the liner 31 is attached to the reservoir 3 by means of a connecting nut 27. For this purpose, a thread 41 is made on the holding means 25.

The volume V and the shape of the liner 31 correspond to the volume and shape of the reservoir 3. Thus, the probability of wrinkling on the liner 31 during filling is reduced in terms of abutment against the inner walls of the reservoir 3.

The likelihood of wrinkling is also reduced by a special method of folding the liner 31 in the longitudinal direction L, in particular Z-folding, and / or pulling in a certain way the lower part of the liner 31 with rubber ties or similar means, for example, adhesive strips, so that the liner 31 accepts during filling first the shape of the lower part of the tank 3, and only then the insert 31 is displayed in the upper part.

Next, an example of FIGS. 3a and 3b will explain in detail the method of attaching the liner 31 to the outlet 15 and the closing device 11 of the tank 3.

FIG. 3a shows a cross-section through the container 1 along the line of the outlet 15. Parts with numbers that match the numbers in FIGS. 1a or 1b are elements that have already been described in detail previously and therefore will not be described again. The drain 7 in this embodiment is made as part of the reservoir 3, and the outlet 15 is eccentric with respect to the central axis M of the reservoir 3. In the vertical position of the container 1, the opening 15 is also vertical.

Thus, access to the outlet is simplified. Which, in turn, facilitates mounting and orientation of the insert 31.

As shown in figa, the liner 31 can be inserted into the inside of the tank through the hole 43 in the lid 9 of the tank 3. On the liner 31 is a schematic designation of a rubber screed 45, which tightens the lower part of the liner 31, so that the liner 31 is initially attached to the walls the lower part of the reservoir 3. The holding means 25 are marked 46. It is necessary so that the user, when entering the liner 31 from above, knows what position the outlet pipe 33 is in relation to the outlet 15. This is prevented I twist the liner 31 when installed in the tank 3.

In the above embodiment of the reservoir 3 of the container 1 shown in FIG. 3a, the insert 31 is inserted from above and fastened at the bottom to the outlet pipe 33, and in the upper part by means of retaining means 25 to the reservoir 3. However, the invention is not limited to this method insert insertion. Alternatively, if the outlet 15 is large enough, the insert 31 can be completely inserted through the hole 15. In this case, you can do without modifying the cover 9 of the tank 3. However, in this case, means of protection against excessive pressure 39 should also be placed on the outlet 15. According to another modification, the lower part of the tank 3, in particular the drain 7, may be of a design that makes it possible to disconnect this element from the rest of the tank 3 along the dotted line in the drawing. In this case, there is no need to modify the cover 9 of the tank 3, and when the bottom is removable, the insert 31 can be introduced through the drain 7.

Next, the example of FIG. 3b describes the alignment and attachment of the outlet pipe 33 to the outlet 15, as well as the alignment and attachment of the holding means 25 of the insert 31 in the upper part of the tank 3, as shown in FIG.

On figb shows an exploded cross-sectional view of the lower part of the tank 3 with figa. On figb it is seen that the outlet pipe 33 of the liner 31 is removed from the inner part of the tank 3 into the outlet 15 for mounting the liner 31 in the lower part of the tank 3 to the outlet 15.

As can be seen from figb, the outlet 15 has a larger cross-section than the outer diameter of the outlet pipe 33. The outlet 15 is designed so that the user of the container 1 can enter his hand inside the tank, grab the outlet pipe 33 and pull it through the outlet 15 The outlet 15 has a diameter of at least 10 cm, and is preferably in the range of 12 to 16 cm.

To prevent excessive load on the welds of the liner 31, the outlet pipe 33 is centered by a centering washer 47 in the outlet 15, preferably in a positive connection. The through hole 49 in the centering washer 47 is eccentric, so that the outlet pipe 33 is located as low as possible to the lower edge 51 of the outlet 15. This makes it easier to empty the liner 31, since the outlet pipe 33 of the upright container 1 is the bottom point of the vessel.

In this modification, according to which the insert 31 is introduced through the outlet 15, the outlet pipe 33 and the centering washer 47 can be made in one piece.

When assembled, when viewed from the inside of the tank, part of the outlet pipe 33 extends outward from the centering washer 47. Next, the valve device 17 is sealed to this protruding part, on which the seal 37 is also located. In this example, the shut-off valve acts as the valve device 17 with shutter 53. By means of thread 55, a device for filling or emptying can be connected to the valve device 17.

The fastening of the outlet pipe 33 to the drain 7 should have maximum resistance to torsional loads. Therefore, it is possible to use, for example, a bayonet lock for fastening the connecting flange 57 and the centering washer 47. The valve device 17 can be attached either to the centering washer 47 or to the connecting flange 57 by means of a seal with a clip.

Before filling with the food product, it is necessary to ensure that after the assembly of the elements, the space between the shutter 53 and the closing device 35 of the insert 31 is cleaned or sterilized in accordance with sanitary requirements. This can be achieved by spraying a disinfectant, which after closing the valve device 17 remains in this cavity and is removed from it only during filling or emptying.

On figv shows an exploded cross-sectional view of the upper part of the tank 3 with figa. On figv it is seen how, using the retaining means in the lid 9 of the container 1, the insert 31 is fixed to the tank 3.

The holding means 25 are inserted through an opening in the closure 11 and attached to the closure 11 by means of a connecting nut 27, this connection being characterized by resistance to torsional loads. This fastener is hermetic and prevents leakage of the food product when the insert 31 is broken. Further, the closing device 11 is hermetically attached to the cover 9. In this case, the use of a bayonet lock is also preferable, since this design excludes the transfer of torsional loads to the insert 31.

In an embodiment of the invention other than that shown in FIG. 3c, the valves 21 and 23 may be located on the closure 11.

Figure 4 schematically shows a cross-section of an inventive container 1 with a filled liner 31. The liner 31 is adjacent to the inner walls of the tank 3, including the cover 9 and drain 7. The outlet pipe 33 together with the valve device 17 is attached to the connecting flange 57 of the tank 3 by means of a centering washer 47.

The holding means 25 located in the lid 9 are attached to the closing device 11, which, in turn, closes the hole in the lid 9. The insert 31 is able to take the form of a reservoir 3 in the filled state and adheres to the inner wall of the reservoir 3 without creasing.

The inventive use of the described container 1 for transporting food products, in particular sterile basic food materials, will be described below.

The flowchart of FIG. 5 explains a method for installing an insert 31 into a reservoir 3 of a container 1 according to the provisions of the present invention. In step S1, the closing device 11 is removed from the lid 9 of the tank 3. Next, in step S2, the holding means 25 are passed through the hole in the closing device 11 from the inside out and hermetically fastened to the closing device 11 by means of the connecting nut 27. Then, in step S3, the free-hanging device is lowered from above insert 31 into the reservoir 3. At this stage, you must be careful and follow the marking 46 so that the outlet pipe 33 is opposite the outlet 15. This means that the assembled insert 31 in vertically hangs in the tank 3 and that at the filling stage no deformation will occur. In step S4, the closure 11 is attached to the lid 9 via a torsion-resistant bayonet lock.

In the next steps, the liner 31 hanging inside the tank 3 will be attached to the outlet 15 of the tank 3. For this, in step S5, the outlet pipe 33 is pulled through the outlet 15 of the tank 3. Since the outlet 15 is large enough, the user can insert a hand into the tank 3 grab the outlet pipe 33 and withdraw it through the outlet. Next, in step S6, the outlet pipe 33 is centered in the outlet 15 by means of a centering washer 47. Using a bayonet lock, the outlet pipe 33 located in the centering washer is attached to the connecting flange 57, and this connection is resistant to torsion loads (step S7).

Next, remove the cap (option) from the outlet pipe 33 and install the valve device 17 on the outlet pipe 33 (step S8). Next, a valve device 17, for example a flap valve, is fastened to an outlet pipe 33, a centering washer 47 or a connecting flange 57 by means of a seal with a clamp (step S9).

Since the outlet pipe 33 and the valve device 17 must be sterile, in step S10, the interior between the valve device 17 and the closing device 35 is disinfected with a suitable disinfectant solution through an open valve 17. Spraying of the disinfectant solution is suitable as a disinfection method. To prevent leakage of the disinfectant solution after disinfection, close the valve device 17. In addition, a plug can be screwed onto the thread 55 of the valve device 17, which is removed immediately before using the container.

In the next step, the container is prepared for filling. The filling method according to the provisions of the present invention is explained using the flowchart in Fig.6.

First, in step S20, the plug is unscrewed from the thread 55. Next, in step S21, a filling device is connected to the thread 55. To prevent excessive increase in pressure in the tank 3 when filling the insert 31, the tank 3 is deaerated through the valve 21, 23 (S22).

If the valve device 17 is closed, the assembly is steamed. In this case, the disinfectant solution instantly evaporates in the space between the valve device and the closing device 35, and at the same time additionally sterilizes the cavity (step S23). This ensures a sterile environment in the container 1.

Then, in step S24, the shutter 53 of the valve device 17 is opened and the food product is supplied inside the insert 31 after breaking through the closing device 35.

Then, at step S25, the liner 31 is filled. The filling process can be controlled through the inspection window 13. Under the action of the approaching product, the liner 31 opens and evenly adheres to the inner wall of the tank 3, and due to the rubber screed 46 preventing further excessive opening of the liner 31, the lower part is first filled .

After supplying the required volume of product, the valve device 17 is closed again and the filling device is turned off (step S26).

Overfill of liner 31 is prevented by means of overpressure protection 39, which prevents leakage of an excess amount of incoming product. In addition to, or instead of, these means, one can rely on monitoring the pressure of the pump supplying the product to the liner 31. Accordingly, when the pressure increases, filling must be stopped.

If it is found that during filling the liner is not correctly expanded inside the tank 3, a small amount of gas, for example nitrogen, can be supplied into the liner in the form of a pulse so that it is distributed along the inner wall before filling. The amount of gas must be such that the safety valve 39 does not work after filling.

The filled container 1 can now be sent for loading and the food product located in the liner inside the tank can be safely and in compliance with all sterility standards sent to the consumer.

At the consumer site, the container 1 is emptied in accordance with the block diagram of FIG. 7. In step S30, the plug mounted on the thread 55 is removed. Next, in step S31, an evacuation device is connected to the specified thread.

After performing this operation, it is necessary to ensure the disinfection of the space between the emptying device and the valve device 17. For this, the same method can be applied as when filling the tank 3.

Then, in step S32, aeration of the tank 3 is performed through the valve 21, 23. In this operation, the use of gas, in particular nitrogen, is also possible. To start emptying, open the valve 53 of the valve device 17 and pump the food product through the emptying device using a pump (step S34).

After emptying the liner 31 of the tank 3, turn off the emptying device (step S35) and screw the plug onto the thread 55 again. Now, the container 1 together with the used liner 31 can be returned to the food manufacturer.

At the manufacturer's site, the used liner 31 is removed from the reservoir 3. Before removing the liner, for example, by weighing the container for residual product in the liner 31 can be checked. If there is too much product left in the liner, it must be pumped out before removing the liner 31. This operation is performed according to the method shown in Fig.7. Next, the valve device 17 is removed from the outlet pipe 33, and a plug is installed on the outlet pipe 33 to prevent leakage of product residues. Next, remove the closing device 11 from the lid 9 of the tank 3, as described above, and unscrew the connecting nut 27. Now you can remove the liner 31 from the tank 3 and discard it. Next, the valve device 17 is cleaned and immersed in a bactericidal solution. In case of contamination, the tank 3 itself is also cleaned.

Thanks to the inventive container 1 described, the tank 3 and the insert 31, and due to the application of the described methods, it is now no longer necessary to clean the inside of the transport tank after it is returned. In particular, energy-intensive disinfection of containers that need to be sterilized to comply with sanitary standards for the transport of sterile products may be omitted. Thanks to the use of a removable liner that is disposed of after use, the procedure for residual emptying of the container has been greatly simplified and the problem of the formation of deposits inside the tank 3 has been removed. In addition, the free volume of the tank 3 should also not be sterilized, for example, by injecting nitrogen if it is partially filled.

In the case of transportation of food products with high viscosity, the liner can be emptied by simply displacing it with compressed air, which is fed through the lid. In this case, there is no need to use a pump. Since the product in the insert 31 is separated from the compressed air, it is not necessary to comply with the special requirements for the sterility of the supplied air.

Due to the exclusion of the treatment process from the service cycle, less energy and water is wasted and waste water emissions are significantly reduced.

Moreover, damage to the tank does not entail spoilage of the product, since the latter is protected by liner 31. Thus, tanks 3 can be used longer at a lower frequency of maintenance. Due to the exclusion of the cleaning procedure, the tanks also return to circulation faster.

Claims (76)

1. A food container, in particular for sterile basic food materials, comprising a reservoir (3) and an insert (31) for storing a product mounted in a replaceable reservoir (3), in which the reservoir (3) includes a tapering, in particular a funnel-shaped drain (7) and an outlet (15), and in which the outlet (15) has a sufficiently large diameter that allows the user to enter a hand through it, and the insert (31) includes an outlet (33) and a centering washer (47) to center the outlet of the outlet pipe (33) in the outlet (15) of the tank (3), while the hole in the centering washer (47) for installing the outlet (33) is eccentric. 2. The container according to claim 1, in which the reservoir (3) has a design that allows you to install in it and remove from it the liner (31). 3. The container according to claim 1, in which the vertical position of the tank (3), the outlet (15) is oriented essentially vertically. 4. The container according to claim 3, in which the tank (3), in particular the drain (7), includes at least one viewing window (13). 5. The container according to claim 4, in which the reservoir (3) includes a holding device, preferably in the upper half of the structure, more preferably on the lid (9), which serves to hold the liner (31) in the reservoir (3). 6. The container according to claim 5, in which the tank (3) includes a lid (9) with a lockable hole for inserting an insert (31) through it. 7. The container according to claim 6, in which the reservoir (3) includes a bottom with a closable hole, which is designed to enter through the liner (31) and in which at least part of the drain (7) is located on the closure of the hole. 8. The container according to claim 7, in which on the outlet pipe (33) placed in the insert (31), there is a closing device (35) for maintaining the sterility of the inner surface of the insert (31), in particular a membrane or a bursting diaphragm. 9. The container of claim 8, in which the outlet pipe (33) has a smaller outer diameter than the outlet (15) of the tank (3). 10. The container according to claim 9, in which the centering washer (47) is made in one piece with the exhaust pipe (33). 11. The container of claim 10, in which part of the outlet pipe (33) protrudes from the centering washer (47) and accordingly protrudes from the reservoir (3) to the outside. 12. The container according to claim 11, comprising a valve device (17) mounted on the protruding part of the exhaust pipe (33). 13. The container according to item 12, in which in the assembled state between the outlet pipe (33) and the valve device (17) at least one seal (37) is placed. 14. The container according to item 13, which includes fastening means for fastening the outlet pipe (33) to the outlet (15). 15. The container according to 14, in which the fastening means fasten the outlet pipe (33) to the outlet (15) with resistance to torque loads. 16. The container according to claim 14 or 15, wherein the valve device (17) is hermetically attached to the outlet pipe (33) using fasteners. 17. The container according to clause 16, in which the liner (31) includes means of protection against excessive pressure (39), in particular a bursting diaphragm or safety valve, in the preferred embodiment, a pressure relief valve. 18. The container according to 17, in which the means of protection against excessive pressure (39) communicate with the outer side of the tank (3). 19. The container according to claim 17, in which the liner (31) includes holding means (25) for attaching the liner (31) to the tank (3), especially in the upper half of the tank (3). 20. The container according to one of paragraphs.17-19, in which the holding means (25) have protective equipment against excessive pressure (39). 21. A food container, in particular for sterile basic food materials, including a reservoir (3) and a product insert (31) installed in a replaceable reservoir (3), in which the reservoir (3) includes a bottom with a closable opening , which is intended to enter through it the liner (31) and in which at least part of the drain (7) is located on the closing device of the hole. 22. The container according to item 21, in which the tank (3) has a design that allows you to install in it and remove from it the liner (31). 23. The container according to claim 22, wherein the tank (3) includes a tapering, in particular a funnel-shaped drain (7), which is located in the lower part of the tank (3) and the outlet (15) of which is eccentric. 24. The container according to one of paragraphs.21-23, in which the vertical position of the tank (3), the outlet (15) is oriented essentially vertically. 25. The container according to item 23, in which the outlet (15) has a sufficiently large diameter, allowing the user to enter through it a hand, preferably at least 10 cm, in a more preferred embodiment, 12-16 cm 26. The container according to paragraph 24, in which the tank (3), in particular the drain (7), includes at least one viewing window (13). 27. The container according to p. 26, in which the reservoir (3) includes a holding device, preferably in the upper half of the structure, more preferably on the lid (9), which serves to hold the liner (31) in the reservoir (3). 28. The container according to item 27, in which the tank (3) includes a lid (9) with a lockable hole designed to enter through it the liner (31). 29. A container according to claim 28, wherein the insert (31) includes an outlet (33) on which there is a closing device (35) for maintaining the sterility of the inner surface of the insert (31), in particular a membrane or rupture diaphragm. 30. The container according to clause 29, in which the outlet pipe (33) has a smaller outer diameter than the outlet (15) of the tank (3). 31. The container according to clause 29 or 30, including a centering washer (47) for centering the outlet pipe (33) in the outlet (15) of the tank (3). 32. The container according to p, in which the centering washer (47) is made in one piece with the exhaust pipe (33). 33. The container according to p, in which the hole in the centering washer (47) for installing the outlet pipe (33) is eccentric. 34. The container according to item 33, in which part of the outlet pipe (33) protrudes from the centering washer (47) and accordingly protrudes from the reservoir (3) to the outside. 35. The container according to clause 34, comprising a valve device (17) mounted on the protruding part of the exhaust pipe (33). 36. The container according to clause 35, in which at least one seal (37) is placed between the exhaust pipe (33) and the valve device (17) in the assembled state. 37. The container according to clause 36, including fasteners intended for fastening the outlet pipe (33) to the outlet (15). 38. The container according to clause 37, in which the fastening means (33) fasten the outlet pipe (33) to the outlet (15) to provide resistance to torque loads. 39. A container according to claim 37 or 38, wherein the valve device (17) is hermetically attached to the outlet pipe (33) using fasteners. 40. The container according to claim 39, wherein the liner (31) includes overpressure protection (39), in particular a bursting diaphragm or safety valve, preferably a pressure relief valve. 41. The container according to claim 40, in which the means of protection against excessive pressure (39) communicate with the outer side of the tank (3). 42. The container according to paragraph 41, in which the liner (31) includes holding means (25) for attaching the liner (31) to the tank (3), especially in the upper half of the tank (3). 43. The container according to item 42, in which on the holding means (25) there are means of protection against excessive pressure (39). 44. A food container, in particular for sterile basic 'food materials, including a reservoir (3) and a liner (31) for placing a product installed in a replaceable reservoir (3), in which the liner (31) includes means of protection against excessive pressure (39), in particular a bursting diaphragm or safety valve, in the preferred embodiment, a pressure relief valve, and in which the means of protection against excessive pressure (39) communicate with the outer side of the tank (3). 45. The container according to item 44, in which the tank (3) has a design that allows you to install in it and remove from it the liner (31). 46. The container according to item 44, in which the tank (3) includes a tapering, in particular a funnel-shaped drain (7), which is located in the lower part of the tank (3) and the outlet (15) of which is located eccentrically. 47. The container according to one of claims 44-46, wherein in the vertical position of the reservoir (3), the outlet (15) is oriented essentially vertically. 48. The container according to item 47, in which the outlet (15) has a sufficiently large diameter, allowing the user to enter through it a hand, preferably at least 10 cm, in a more preferred embodiment, 12-16 cm 49. A container according to claim 48, wherein the reservoir (3), in particular the drain (7), includes at least one inspection window (13). 50. The container according to § 49, in which the reservoir (3) includes a holding device, preferably in the upper half of the structure, more preferably on the lid (9), which serves to hold the liner (31) in the reservoir (3). 51. The container according to item 50, in which the tank (3) includes a lid (9) with a lockable hole designed to enter through it the liner (31). 52. The container according to paragraph 51, in which the reservoir (3) includes a bottom with a closable hole, which is designed to enter through it the liner (31) and in which at least part of the drain (7) is on the closing device of the hole. 53. The container according to paragraph 52, in which the liner (31) includes an outlet pipe (33), on which there is a closing device (35) to maintain the sterility of the inner surface of the liner (31), in particular a membrane or rupture diaphragm. 54. The container according to item 53, in which the outlet pipe (33) has a smaller outer diameter than the outlet (15) of the tank (3). 55. The container according to item 53 or 54, including a centering washer (47) for centering the outlet pipe (33) in the outlet (15) of the tank (3). 56. The container according to item 55, in which the centering washer (47) is made in one piece with the exhaust pipe (33). 57. The container according to item 56, in which the hole in the centering washer (47) for installing the outlet pipe (33) is eccentric. 58. The container according to clause 57, in which part of the outlet pipe (33) protrudes from the centering washer (47) and accordingly protrudes out of the reservoir (3). 59. The container according to § 58, comprising a valve device (17) mounted on the protruding portion of the exhaust pipe (33). 60. The container according to § 59, in which in the assembled state between the outlet pipe (33) and the valve device (17) at least one seal (37) is placed. 61. The container according to claim 60, including fastening means for fastening the outlet pipe (33) to the outlet (15). 62. The container according to item 61, in which the fastening means (33) fasten the outlet pipe (33) to the outlet (15) to provide resistance to torque loads. 63. The container according to claim 61 or 62, wherein the valve device (17) is hermetically attached to the outlet pipe (33) using fasteners. 64. The container according to item 63, in which the liner (31) includes holding means (25) for mounting the liner (31) to the tank (3), especially in the upper half of the tank (3). 65. The container according to item 64, in which on the holding means (25) there are means of protection against excessive pressure (39). 66. An insert (31) for use in a container according to one of claims 1 to 65, made of a food-grade polymer film, in particular polypropylene or polyethylene, is provided with a sterilized outlet pipe (33). 67. An insert according to claim 66, wherein the outlet pipe (33) includes a closing device (35) for maintaining the sterility of the inner surface of the insert (31), in particular a membrane or rupture diaphragm. 68. The liner according to Claim 67, wherein, when using a membrane or a bursting diaphragm, the membrane or bursting diaphragm has a structure providing for its non-fragmentation rupture at a given pressure. 69. An insert as claimed in claim 67 or 68, comprising means for protecting against excessive pressure (39), in particular a bursting diaphragm or safety valve, preferably a pressure relief valve. 70. The liner according to claim 69, including holding means (25) for fastening the liner (31) inside the tank (3). 71. The liner according to claim 70, wherein the retaining means (25) and / or overpressure protective devices (39) are marked (59) indicating such an orientation of the liner (31) when it is inserted into the reservoir (3) of the container ( 1) relative to the orientation of the outlet (15), so that after installing the liner (31), the outlet (33) is adjacent to the outlet (15). 72. An insert as claimed in claim 71, wherein the empty insert (31) is folded in such a way that when filling with a food product, it ensures that the insert (31) does not fit into the inner wall of the tank (3) without folds. 73. An insert as claimed in claim 72, wherein the folded insert (31) has a rubber screed or adhesive strip (45) that partially opens the insert (31) depending on the degree of fullness. 74. The liner according to claim 73, in which the outlet pipe (33), overpressure protection means (39) and / or holding means (25) are made of weldable plastic. 75. The tank for use in the container (1) according to one of claims 1 to 65, including a tapering, in particular a funnel-shaped drain (7) located in the lower part of the tank (3), the outlet (15) of which is located eccentrically. 76. The tank according to claim 75, comprising at least one device (21, 23) for aeration and / or deaeration.

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