US20180251249A1 - Device and method for sterilizing packaging containers by electron beam - Google Patents
Device and method for sterilizing packaging containers by electron beam Download PDFInfo
- Publication number
- US20180251249A1 US20180251249A1 US15/921,879 US201815921879A US2018251249A1 US 20180251249 A1 US20180251249 A1 US 20180251249A1 US 201815921879 A US201815921879 A US 201815921879A US 2018251249 A1 US2018251249 A1 US 2018251249A1
- Authority
- US
- United States
- Prior art keywords
- packaging container
- electron beam
- beam emitter
- electron
- chamber
- Prior art date
- Legal status (The legal status is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the status listed.)
- Abandoned
Links
Images
Classifications
-
- B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
- B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
- B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
- B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
- B65B55/02—Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages
- B65B55/04—Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging
- B65B55/08—Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging by irradiation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
- A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
- A61L2/08—Radiation
- A61L2/087—Particle radiation, e.g. electron-beam, alpha or beta radiation
-
- A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
- A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
- A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
- A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
- A61L2202/20—Targets to be treated
- A61L2202/23—Containers, e.g. vials, bottles, syringes, mail
Definitions
- the present invention relates to a sterilization device for sterilizing packaging containers with electron beams.
- the invention also relates to a method.
- An increasingly common packaging type is the “carton bottle” manufactured in a filling machine in that packaging blanks of the above-described packaging laminate are formed and sealed as a sleeve. Said sleeve is closed in one end in that a top of thermoplastic material is injection moulded directly on the sleeve end portion.
- the sheets of packaging laminate may be cut from a magazine reel of packaging laminate.
- the packaging container When the top is finished the packaging container is ready to be filled with product through the still open bottom, and then sealed and finally folded. Before the filling operation the packaging container undergoes treatment. If distribution and storage is to be made in chilled temperature the packaging container is disinfected, whereas if distribution and storage is to be made in ambient temperature, the packaging container needs to be sterilized and the product needs to be processed so as to obtain sterility. Sterilization is a term referring to any process that eliminates or kills microbial life, including transmissible agents such as for example fungi, bacteria, viruses and spores, which may be present on a surface of the packaging material or in the product. Applied in the food packaging industry this is generally referred to as aseptic packaging, i.e.
- a conventional way of sterilizing a ready-to-fill packaging container is to use hydrogen peroxide, preferably in gas phase.
- Another way to sterilize such packaging containers is to irradiate it by means of a low voltage electron beam emitted from an electron beam emitter.
- An example of linear irradiation by electron beam of ready-to-fill packaging containers is disclosed in the international patent publication WO 2005/002973.
- the electron beam emitter is cylindrical with an electron exit window positioned at one of the distal ends.
- the packaging container is lifted to surround the electron beam emitter during the sterilization cycle.
- Other examples of irradiation of packaging containers, in these cases PET bottles are described in for example WO 2011/011079 and EP 2 371 397. In the disclosed systems emitters are used having a diameter small enough to be passed through a neck portion of the bottles.
- the present invention relates to a sterilization device for sterilizing open packaging containers with electron beams.
- the sterilization device comprises a first chamber comprising at least one first electron beam emitter adapted for sterilization of at least the interior of the packaging container through an opening of the packaging container. It further comprises at least one second electron beam emitter adapted for sterilization of at least a portion of the exterior surface of said packaging container.
- the first chamber has an entry region towards a second chamber, through which entry region a packaging container portion, comprising said opening, is adapted to be passed for entrance into the second chamber.
- the at least one second electron beam emitter is arranged such that its electron exit window is at least substantially facing said entry region, said second electron beam emitter thereby being adapted to sterilize at least any exterior surface of the packaging container portion being passed through the entry region.
- the at least one first electron beam emitter is arranged to sterilize the interior surface before or at the same time as said packaging container portion is entered into the second chamber.
- a sterilization device of the present invention it is possible to sterilize the interior and exterior surfaces of the packaging containers with separate electron beam devices, yet being able to ensure sterility by having the interior and exterior sterilization made at least partly simultaneously. If the interior and exterior sterilization is separated in time it may be more difficult to ensure sterility. If separated in time microbiological material may have a chance to find its way from a not-yet-sterilized surface to an already sterilized surface.
- a clear aseptic barrier is achieved in the packaging container passage into the aseptic chamber.
- the first electron beam emitter and the packaging container are adapted to perform a mutual relative movement, during which movement a portion of the first electron beam emitter is temporarily inserted through the opening of the packaging container, such that interior sterilization of the packaging container takes place.
- the at least one second electron beam emitter is positioned such that an electron cloud emitted from the at least one second electron beam emitter, during operation of the sterilization device, is adapted to form an irradiation barrier at least covering the entry region.
- an electron cloud emitted from the first electron beam emitter is adapted to temporarily meet and partly overlap the electron cloud emitted from the at least one second electron beam emitter, said electron clouds together forming a combined electron cloud, and the opening of the packaging container portion is at least temporarily positioned within the combined cloud.
- the electron cloud of the at least one second electron beam emitter is elongate and defines the entry region, and the entry region is being inclined in relation to a feeding direction of the packaging containers and in relation to a longitudinal direction of the packaging containers, such that a greater exterior surface area of the packaging containers passing through the entry region are sterilized.
- the at least one second electron beam emitter is arranged such that a longitudinal axis thereof and of the electron exit window is inclined in relation to a horizontal direction, and the packaging container is moved along said horizontal direction, with a longitudinal centre axis of the packaging container directed perpendicular to the horizontal direction, in such a way that a portion of the packaging container, comprising the opening, is gradually leaving the entry region and entering the second chamber.
- the second chamber has a bottom wall provided with a slot, and the packaging containers are transported in the second chamber along the slot having the sterilized packaging container portion positioned above said bottom wall, and the rest of the packaging container positioned below said bottom wall, and wherein a sterile gas flow is provided, during operation, from the second chamber and in a direction towards the slot.
- the second chamber is an aseptic chamber.
- the second chamber comprises at least one filling station for filling content into the packaging container, and at least one station for sealing the opening after filling.
- it comprises two second electron beam emitters, arranged opposite each other with their electron exit windows facing each other and the entry region, in such a way that the packaging containers can pass in between them.
- more than one first electron beam emitter is stationary arranged on a rotatable carrier wheel.
- the sterilization device comprises a packaging container conveying system comprising a packaging container conveyor comprising holders adapted to hold the packaging containers, and said packaging container conveyor is used for transporting packaging containers both in the first chamber, the entry region and the second chamber.
- the packaging container conveying system comprises a rotatable guide wheel adapted to cooperate with the carrier wheel and the packaging container conveyor such that each packaging container is adapted to be aligned with a first electron beam emitter, and which guide wheel is provided with packaging container grippers adapted to displace the packaging container in relation to the first electron beam emitter between a first position in which the packaging container and the first electron beam emitter are not engaged with each other and a second position in which the first electron beam emitter is fully inserted into the packaging container.
- the packaging container gripper is adapted to lift the packaging container from the holder to the second position, in which the packaging container is released from the holder, and then to retract the packaging container to the first position and back into the same holder.
- the relative movement is such that the packaging container is moved with a first velocity from the first position to the second position, and with a second velocity from the second position back to the first position, said second velocity being lower than the first velocity.
- the sterilization device is arranged in a filling machine.
- the second chamber comprises at least one filling station for filling content into the packaging container, and at least one station for sealing the opening after filling.
- the invention also comprises a method of sterilizing open packaging containers with electron beams.
- the method comprises sterilizing at least the interior of the packaging container, through an opening of the packaging container, with a first electron beam emitter arranged in a first chamber. It also comprises sterilizing at least a portion of the exterior of the packaging container with at least one second electron beam emitter, wherein said at least one second electron beam emitter being arranged such that its electron exit window is at least substantially facing an entry region, said entry region forming an entrance to a second chamber from the first chamber.
- the step of sterilizing at least a portion of the exterior of the packaging container is performed in said entry region by passing a portion of the packaging container, said portion comprising said opening, through the entry region.
- the step of sterilizing the interior of the packaging container is performed before or at the same time as said packaging container portion is entered into the second chamber.
- the method comprises performing a mutual relative movement between the first electron beam emitter and the packaging container during which movement the step of sterilizing the interior of the packaging container takes place, and during which movement a portion of the first electron beam emitter is temporary inserted through the opening of the packaging container.
- the method comprises forming an irradiation barrier at least covering the entry region during operation of the sterilizing device, said irradiation barrier being formed by an electron cloud emitted from the at least one second electron beam emitter.
- the method comprises forming a combined electron cloud by temporarily letting an electron cloud emitted from the first electron beam emitter meet and partly overlap the electron cloud emitted from the at least one second electron beam emitter, and temporarily positioning the opening of the packaging container within the combined electron cloud.
- the steps are performed in a filling machine.
- the method comprises the additional steps of filling content into the sterilized packaging container, and sealing the opening after filling.
- FIG. 1 a is a side view of a packaging container and an exemplary first electron beam emitter, for sterilizing the interior of the packaging container, in a fully engaged sterilization position,
- FIG. 1 b is a side view of the first electron beam emitter and its electron cloud
- FIG. 1 c is a view of an alternative packaging container and first electron beam emitter
- FIG. 2 a is a perspective view of a second electron beam emitter for sterilizing the exterior of the packaging container
- FIG. 2 b is a perspective view of a cathode which may be used in the electron beam emitter of FIG. 2 a,
- FIG. 2 c is a cross section of the cathode of FIG. 2 b
- FIG. 2 d is a side view of the second electron beam emitter and its electron cloud
- FIG. 2 e is a schematic front view of the second electron beam emitter and its electron cloud
- FIG. 2 f is side view showing two oppositely arranged second electron beam emitters
- FIG. 2 g is a side view of two second electron beam emitters having electron exit windows being inclined relative each other,
- FIG. 3 a is a perspective view of the sterilization device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention.
- FIG. 3 b is a side view of parts of the sterilization device illustrating the movement of the packaging containers relative the electron beam emitters
- FIG. 3 c is a top view showing parts of the sterilization device
- FIG. 3 d is a side view of a first end of an entry region according to the exemplary embodiment
- FIG. 3 e is a side view, corresponding to FIG. 3 d , but of a second end of the entry region, and
- FIG. 3 f is a perspective view partly showing a second chamber of the exemplary embodiment.
- FIG. 1 a an exemplary first electron beam emitter 10 for sterilizing the interior of ready-to-fill packaging containers 12 will be described.
- Such electron beam emitter has been previously described in for example the international publication WO2010/040453.
- the electron beam emitter 10 comprises an electron generator 14 for emitting a substantially circular electron beam 16 along a path.
- the electron generator 14 is enclosed in a hermetically sealed vacuum chamber 18 .
- Said vacuum chamber 18 is provided with an electron exit window 20 .
- the electron generator 14 comprises a cathode housing 22 and a filament 24 .
- an electron beam 16 is generated by heating the filament 24 .
- the electrical resistance of the filament 24 causes the filament to be heated to a temperature in the order of 2000° C. This heating causes the filament 24 to emit a cloud of electrons.
- the electrons are accelerated towards the electron exit window 20 by means of a high-voltage potential between the cathode housing 22 and the exit window 20 (being the anode). Subsequently, the electrons pass through the electron exit window 20 and continue towards the target area, i.e. in this case the inside of the packaging container 12 .
- the filament 24 can be made of tungsten.
- the grid 26 placed between the filament 24 and an electron beam exit window 20 , is provided with a number of openings and is used for diffusing the electron beam 16 into a more uniform beam, and for focusing the electron beam 16 towards the target area.
- the high-voltage potential is created by for example connecting the cathode housing 22 and the filament 24 to a power supply 28 and by connecting the vacuum chamber to ground 30 .
- the filament also needs a second connection 29 .
- the first electron beam emitter 10 is generally denoted low voltage electron beam emitter if the voltage is below 300 kV.
- operating voltages in the order of 50-150 kV is conventionally used.
- the accelerating voltage is in the order of 90-100 kV. This voltage results in a kinetic (motive) energy of 95 keV in respect of each electron.
- another voltage can be chosen, for example in the interval 75-150 kV.
- By applying an electrical potential also to the previously mentioned control grid 26 the emission of electrons may be further controlled. If a separate and variable electrical potential is applied to the control grid 26 it makes it possible to use the control grid 26 for active shaping of the generated electron beam. For these purposes the control grid 26 may be electrically connected to a separate power supply 32 .
- the emitter 10 is, as mentioned, further provided with an electron exit window 20 .
- the window 20 can be made of a metallic foil, such as for example titanium, and can have a thickness in the order of 4-12 ⁇ m.
- a supporting net (not shown) formed of aluminum or copper supports the foil from inside the vacuum chamber 18 . The electrons are exiting the vacuum chamber 18 through the exit window 20 .
- the vacuum chamber 18 is made up of two elongate cylindrical bodies 18 a, 18 b with substantially circular cross sections.
- the cylindrical bodies have a common longitudinal centre axis a.
- the first cylindrical body 18 a has an end surface, in a plane being perpendicular to the centre axis a, being provided with the electron exit window 20 .
- the electron exit window is circular and preferably extends over most of the end surface.
- the diameter of said first body 18 a is small enough to be inserted into the ready-to-fill packaging container 12 , the cross section of said first body is dimensioned such that it can be guided through an opening 34 of the packaging container 12 .
- the second body 18 b is provided with the electron beam generator 14 , and the diameter of said second body 18 b is larger than the first body 18 a.
- the diameter of the emitted electron beam 16 while still inside the emitter 10 , is smaller than the diameter of the first body 18 a.
- the first electron beam emitter 10 emits, from its electron exit window 20 , a first electron cloud I illustrated schematically by a dashed line in FIG. 1 b.
- the cross sectional shape is circular, as shown, or droplet-shaped.
- the shape of the electron cloud is defined by the shape of the window and by the Brownian motion of individual electrons leaving the electron exit window.
- the electron cloud is axis-symmetrical, around axis a, and the cloud volume is thereby spherical (or droplet-shaped).
- the dose rate at the boundary of the electron cloud I is approx. 1000-1600 kGy/s. In the centre of the electron cloud the dose rate is higher.
- the energy of the first electron beam emitter 10 needs to be matched with the sterilization time available, the packaging container size and shape, the packaging container velocity relative the electron beam emitter, and the above number should be seen purely as an example.
- a packaging container 12 which is in a shape ready to be filled with product through the opening 34 . It comprises a sleeve body 12 a and a top portion 12 b. The top portion comprises a neck or spout sealed with a screw cap. The sleeve body 12 a is provided with the opening 34 .
- the opening 34 of the packaging container 12 is an open bottom end, which after filling will be sealed and folded to form a substantially flat bottom surface. It should however be understood that this opening 34 , through which the first electron beam device 10 is received and through which filling will be made, may in other embodiments be arranged in the top of the packaging container, provided by a neck or spout portion of the packaging container 12 . FIG. 1 c illustrates such embodiment. The neck or spout portion will, after filling, be sealed by for instance a screw cap.
- Such electron beam emitter may also be used for web sterilization, as described for example in the international publication WO2004/110868, and has previously been described in for example the international publication WO2013/004565.
- FIG. 2 a an exemplary hermetically sealed second electron beam emitter 36 for exterior sterilization is shown.
- the purpose of the drawing is simply to illustrate the basic components of the emitter, and it should be emphasized that the purpose is not to provide a true constructional drawing or in any other way limit the present invention.
- the main component of the electron beam emitter is the tubular body 38 , which has an elongate shape along the longitudinal centre axis b.
- An electron exit window 40 provides an outlet for electrons from the vacuum inside the tubular body 38 .
- the electron exit window 40 is substantially rectangular having its longest extension in a direction along the longitudinal centre axis b.
- the electron exit window 40 is substantially flat and protrude from the perimeter surface of the tubular body 38 .
- the window 40 can be made of a metallic foil, such as for example titanium, and can have a thickness in the order of 4-12 ⁇ m.
- a supporting structure (not shown) provided with holes supports the foil from inside the vacuum chamber.
- the supporting structure is for example made of aluminium or copper.
- the exit window 40 comprises subassemblies not relevant for the present invention, yet having the properties of providing an outlet window for electrons while maintaining vacuum inside the body 38 .
- An exemplary electron exit window that can be used is described in the international publication No. WO2010/102757.
- a proximal end of the body 38 comprises an assembly including electrical connections 42 .
- FIG. 2 b shows the emitter 36 without the tubular body 38 , and a cathode 44 is shown.
- the cathode 44 comprises a cathode housing 46 , which is also shown in the very schematic cross section of FIG. 2 c .
- the cathode housing 46 is formed as a semi-annular shell, the open side of which is covered by a control grid 48 .
- Inside the annular shell of the cathode housing 46 one or more filaments 50 (see FIG. 2 c ) are arranged, extending from a proximal end of the cathode housing 46 to a distal end thereof.
- an electron beam is generated by heating the filament 50 , using a current, and by accelerating the electron towards the electron exit window 40 by means of a high-voltage potential between the cathode housing 46 and the exit window 40 (being the anode), i.e. the same process as for the electron beam device of FIG. 1 a.
- the high-voltage potential is created by for example connecting the cathode housing to a power supply and by connecting the tubular body 38 to ground.
- an electrical potential also to the control grid 48 the emission of electrons may be further controlled. This can be achieved by connecting the control grid 48 to a separate power supply.
- the control grid 48 comprises a flat perforated surface comprising a pattern of openings or through-holes for passage of electrons.
- the open side of the cathode housing 46 , carrying the control grid 48 should for obvious reasons be facing the electron exit window 40 .
- the cathode housing 46 and the control grid 48 are mounted together by means of attachment means 52 . If there is a difference in electrical potential between the cathode housing 46 and the grid 48 said attachment means 52 are preferably electrical isolator elements.
- Free longitudinal end portions 54 of the control grid 48 are bent in a direction towards each other, i.e. in a lateral direction being perpendicular to the extension of the longitudinal end portions, to form bulge-like shapes for the formation of electron beam shaping electrodes.
- Such electrodes are sometimes referred to as “Wehnelt” electrodes.
- the bulge-like shape will assist in the generation of a smooth predictable electrical field to the benefit of performance of the electron beam emitter. They help shaping the electric field so that the electrons will hit the exit window 40 in an essentially right angle, i.e. in a direction essentially perpendicular to the plane of the exit window 40 .
- the described cathode is fitted into the electron beam emitter as shown in FIG. 2 b .
- the proximal end as well as the distal end of the cathode housing 46 comprises electrical connections as well as physical suspensions for the filament 50 .
- this arrangement is housed inside or covered with a dome-shaped cap 56 .
- the cathode housing 46 is suspended to the elongate body and the suspension is encapsulated by an annular cover 58 .
- This second electron beam emitter 36 has an accelerating voltage in the order of 95 kV. This voltage results in a kinetic (motive) energy of 95 keV in respect of each electron. However, another voltage can be chosen, for example in the interval 75-150 kV.
- the electron cloud of the second electron beam emitter 36 is shown in FIGS. 2 d and 2 e , denoted II and represented by a dashed line.
- the cloud II has a substantially circular cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis b, see FIG. 2 d . Further, seen in FIG. 2 e , the cloud II has a somewhat rectangular or rounded cross section in a plane parallel to the electron exit window.
- the electron cloud II has an extension in three dimensions and forms a volume in front of, and covering, the electron exit window 40 .
- the dose rate at the boundary of the electron cloud II is approx. 400-800 kGy/s. In the centre of the electron cloud II the dose rate is higher.
- Two second electron beam emitters 36 can be arranged opposite each other, with their electron exit windows 40 facing each other, forming a gap in between them. Such an arrangement is shown in FIG. 2 f
- the electron beams generated by the second electron beam emitters 36 overlap each other and form a total electron cloud III.
- the boundary of the cross section of that electron cloud is shown with dashed line.
- the total electron cloud III fills the gap.
- Either the planes of the electron exit windows 40 are parallel to each other, as seen in FIG. 2 f , or are slightly inclined in relation to each other as shown in FIG. 2 g . In the latter case the inclination may be defined by an angle a between the two electron exit windows 40 .
- FIG. 3 a shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the sterilization device of the present invention.
- the object of the sterilization device is to sterilize ready-to-fill packaging containers in a filling machine. It is positioned downstream of the module manufacturing the open packaging container.
- this module comprises sub-modules in which packaging laminate blanks are formed into sleeves and provided with top portions being injection moulded.
- this module may include a blow-moulding device. Upstream in the filling machine, i.e. after the sterilization device, a filling module is provided for filling a product into the packaging container and a sealing module for sealing the packaging container after filling.
- the sterilization device comprises a first chamber, denoted 60 , being a sterilization chamber in which interior sterilization of the packaging containers 12 is to be performed.
- the first chamber 60 will hereinafter be referred to as sterilization chamber.
- the sterilization chamber 60 is provided with several first electron beam emitters 10 , of the type described above with reference to for example FIG. 1 a, arranged on a rotatable carrier wheel 62 . Only the lower portions 18 a of the first electron beam emitters 10 are shown in the figure. In this example twelve first electron beam emitters 10 are provided, but the number may be changed depending on the application (capacity, package size etc).
- the first electron beam emitters 10 are arranged evenly distributed near the perimeter of the carrier wheel 62 with their longitudinal centre axes a parallel to a centre rotation axis c of the carrier wheel 62 .
- the direction of the rotation is represented by arrow A.
- the first emitters 10 are arranged with their electron exit windows 20 directed downwards in the figure and aligned with a virtual horizontal plane. Further, the first electron beam emitters 10 are stationary arranged on the carrier wheel 62 such that they will follow the rotation of the carrier wheel 62 .
- the sterilization device is provided with a first conveyor 64 for conveying packaging containers 12 through the sterilization device.
- the first conveyor may be comprised by two or more co-operating conveyors or may, as in this embodiment, comprise one single conveyor.
- the conveyor represented by the dashed line 64
- the conveyor is a belt or chain provided with packaging container holders 66 .
- the holders 66 are only very schematically shown.
- the packaging container 12 is adapted to be arranged in the packaging container holder 66 such that its open bottom end is directed upwards, in a direction facing the electron exit window 20 of the first electron beam emitter 10 , as seen in for example FIG. 1 a.
- the holder 66 will grip the packaging container around its sleeve 12 a, near the top portion 12 b of the packaging container 12 .
- This conveyor 64 can of course be designed in any conventional way.
- the movement of the belt or chain is continuous in the present embodiment, may be intermittent in other embodiments.
- the direction of the movement is illustrated by the arrow B.
- the first conveyor 64 is guided along the perimeter of a packaging container in-feed wheel 68 .
- Said in-feed wheel 68 cooperates with a guiding wheel 70 .
- the guide wheel 70 is arranged underneath the carrier wheel 62 and has its centre rotation axis aligned with the centre rotation axis c of the carrier wheel 62 .
- the first conveyor 64 is first guided by the in-feed wheel 68 . Then it is tangentially transferred, as seen in FIG. 3 c , at a packaging container sterilization in-feed position 72 , over to the guide wheel 70 . From the packaging container sterilization in-feed position 72 the first conveyor 64 is guided along the perimeter of the guide wheel 70 .
- the guide wheel 70 is rotating, in relation to the carrier wheel 62 , such that each packaging container 12 is synchronously moved with a first electron beam emitter 10 , keeping the longitudinal axis a of the first electron beam emitter 10 aligned with a longitudinal axis of the packaging container 12 , see common longitudinal axis a in FIG. 1 a.
- the guiding wheel further has a packaging container out-feed position 74 at which the first conveyor 64 is tangentially directed away from the guide wheel 70 and towards an entry region 76 of a second chamber 78 .
- the entry region 76 and the second chamber 78 represented in combination by the box sketched with dashed lines in FIG. 3 a , will be described later.
- the guide wheel 70 is provided with packaging container gripping means (not shown) which gripping means is adapted to cooperate with the first conveyor 64 around its perimeter.
- the guide wheel 70 , with the packaging container grippers, and the first conveyor 64 , with packaging container holders 66 are simultaneously moved, and each gripping means will be aligned with a respective holder 66 such that a packaging container 12 can be displaced from the holder 66 by the gripper and then back to the same holder.
- the gripping means is adapted to vertically displace the packaging container 12 in relation to the first electron beam emitter 10 . It displaces the packaging container 12 between a first position in which the packaging container 12 and the electron beam emitter 10 are not engaged with each other and a second position in which the packaging container 12 and the electron beam emitter 10 are fully engaged with each other.
- the packaging container 12 and the electron beam emitter 10 are engaged the packaging container 12 has been raised to a position in which it partly encloses the electron beam emitter 10 , i.e. the first electron beam emitter has been temporary inserted into the opening 34 of the packaging container 12 .
- the packaging container 12 is positioned underneath the electron beam emitter 10 , i.e.
- the packaging container 12 has not started to surround the emitter 10 , or has just been displaced down from the engaged position.
- the packaging container 12 is positioned in the first position, i.e. not in engagement with the electron beam emitter 10 .
- the relative movement between the first electron beam emitter 10 and the packaging container 12 is illustrated in FIG. 3 b and the arrow V represents the vertical movement direction.
- the electron beam emitters 10 are arranged stationary in the carrier wheel 62 and cannot move towards the packaging container 12 . Due to their considerable weight, the fragile electron exit windows 20 and the high voltage connections it is an advantage to have the first electron beam emitters 10 stationary, and move the packaging containers 12 instead.
- the electron beam emitter 10 is moved and the packaging container is stationary in the vertical direction. The electron beam emitter is hence lowered into the open end of the packaging container.
- each first electron beam emitter 10 is arranged with its first body 18 a below the carrier wheel 62 and its second body 18 b above the carrier wheel 62 together with any power transformers and high voltage connections (together represented as a cylinder in for example FIG. 3 a ).
- the first electron beam emitter 10 is adapted to sterilize the interior surface of the packaging container 12 at least during a portion of the displacement from the in-feed position 72 to the out-feed position 74 .
- the interior of the packaging container 12 corresponds to all inside surfaces of the packaging container 12 .
- the interior sterilization is performed by means of the mutual relative movement between the first electron beam emitter 10 and the packaging container 12 .
- a portion of the first electron beam emitter is temporary inserted through the opening 34 of the packaging container 12 during the relative movement.
- the packaging containers 12 held by the packaging container holders 66 of the first conveyor, is aligned with a corresponding electron beam emitter 10 and is gripped by the gripping means.
- the gripping means preferably grips the packaging container 12 around the sleeve 12 a.
- the gripping means is adapted to raise the packaging container 12 towards the first electron beam emitter 10 for performing interior sterilisation.
- the packaging container 12 is temporary released from the holder 66 of the first conveyor 64 . Since the first electron beam emitter 10 is aligned with the opening 34 of the packaging container 12 the electron beam emitter 10 is inserted in the packaging container 12 . Hence, sterilization of the interior of the packaging container is commenced.
- the packaging container has been displaced such that the packaging container 12 is fully engaged with the first electron beam emitter 10 .
- the first electron beam emitter 10 is fully inserted in the packaging container 12 as shown in FIG. 1 a. This is also partly visible in FIG. 3 b .
- the innermost area of the packaging container 12 may be sterilized, in this case the top portion 12 b of the packaging container 12 .
- the interior sterilization cycle is completed when the packaging container 12 reaches the out-feed position 74 .
- the packaging container 12 is retracted, or has already been retracted, from the second position back to the first position.
- the packaging container 12 is then ready to be fed out from the sterilization chamber 60 .
- the first electron beam emitters 10 are continuously operated, i.e. the electron emission is not shut off between sterilization cycles, i.e. it is kept in operation also in between two packaging containers being sterilized by the same electron beam emitter.
- a position 80 in FIG. 3 c there is provided a position, denoted 80 in FIG. 3 c , in which a sensor may be placed in front of the electron exit window 20 of any passing first electron beam emitters 10 in order to measure any dose control parameters.
- the out-feed position 74 is arranged near the packaging container entry region 76 briefly mentioned above.
- the packaging containers 12 are adapted to partly enter the second chamber 78 being located downstream of the sterilization chamber 60 .
- the entry region 76 is shown as a box indicated by dashed lines in FIGS. 3 b and 3 c .
- the packaging containers 12 will first be fed through the sterilization chamber 60 and then via the entry region 76 subsequently enter the second chamber 78 (also represented as a dashed box in the figures).
- the second chamber 78 is an aseptic chamber, and hereinafter it will be referred to as aseptic chamber 78 .
- An aseptic chamber 78 is a chamber suitable for aseptic packaging as described in the introductory portion.
- the aseptic chamber comprises stations (not shown) in which the packaging container 12 is adapted to be filled with a product, such as for example a beverage, and sealed.
- a product such as for example a beverage
- the sealing station may look different.
- the sealing station comprises sealing bars for heat sealing the packaging material.
- the sealing station instead comprises a capping station.
- the packaging containers 12 Before the packaging containers 12 have been sealed it needs to be ensured that the environment around them is sterile, that the packaging containers 12 entering the aseptic chamber 78 from the sterilization chamber 60 are sterile, and that no contaminated air is allowed to escape into the aseptic chamber 78 from the sterilization chamber 60 .
- the guide wheel 70 further has a packaging container out-feed position 74 , see for example FIG. 3 c , at which the first conveyor 64 is tangentially directed away from the guide wheel 70 and towards the entry region 76 .
- the entry region 76 forms an opening between the sterilization chamber 60 and the aseptic chamber 78 .
- Said entry region correspond to a volume through which the packaging containers are transported before they enter the aseptic chamber 78 .
- two second electron beam emitters 36 are arranged on each side of the opening. They are of the type described in relation to FIGS. 2 a - 2 g, but may be of another suitable type.
- the two second electron beam emitters 36 are arranged opposite each other with their electron exit windows 40 facing each other and the volume of the entry region 76 .
- the entry region 76 being the packaging container entrance, to the aseptic chamber 78 from the sterilization chamber 60 , will during operation be totally covered by the unified electron cloud III of the two second emitters 36 .
- the total cloud III forms an irradiation barrier or sterilization sluice at least covering the entry region 76 , i.e. the unified cloud III forms an irradiated volume blocking the entrance to the aseptic chamber 78 .
- the entry region 76 extends along the entire electron exit window 40 , in a direction along the axis b, between a first end 76 a and a second end 76 b.
- the distance between the electron exit windows 40 is adapted to the size of the radial cross section of the packaging container 12 , and should be kept only slightly larger such that the packaging container 12 can easily be passed between them.
- the second electron beam emitters 36 are positioned in a space between the first electron beam emitters 10 of the carrier wheel 62 and the guide wheel 70 carrying the gripping means. A portion of one of the second electron beam emitters 36 is located close to the centre of the guide wheel 70 . This is to create a compact unit and to facilitate co-operation between the first and second electron beam emitters such that simultaneous sterilization can be obtained, as will be described later.
- the entry region 76 formed between the electron exit windows 40 of the second electron beam emitters 36 is, as mentioned before, aligned with the first conveyor 64 extending tangentially from the packaging container out-feed point 74 on the guide wheel 70 , and also tangentially from a virtual circle formed by the first electron beam emitters 10 as they rotate with the carrier wheel 62 .
- the first electron beam emitters 36 rotating with the carrier wheel 62 , are adapted to be moved near the first end 76 a of the entry region 76 such that its electron cloud I at least partly moves into the entry region 76 .
- the first electron beam emitter 10 is moved above the body 38 of the innermost second electron beam emitter 36 . This is also shown in FIG. 3 c , showing the entry region 76 and the electron beam emitters 36 from above.
- the entry region 76 and the second electron beam emitters 36 are inclined in relation to a feeding direction of the packaging containers.
- the feeding direction is horizontal and shown as an arrow F in the figure.
- the inclination is achieved in that the second electron beam emitters 36 are arranged such that the longitudinal axis b thereof, and of the electron exit window 40 , is inclined an angle ⁇ in relation to the horizontal direction, and that the packaging containers are adapted to be moved along said horizontal direction F. Further, the packaging containers are moved along the horizontal direction with their longitudinal centre axes a directed perpendicular to said horizontal direction.
- the sterilization device will now be further described in relation to the exterior sterilization of the packaging container 12 .
- the first electron beam emitter 10 is positioned right above the opening 34 of the packaging container 12 .
- the electron cloud I emitted from the first electron beam emitter 10 is adapted to temporarily meet and partly overlap the total electron cloud III emitted from the second electron beam emitters 36 .
- the electron clouds I, III of the first and second electron beam emitters form a combined electron cloud and the opening of the packaging container 12 is in this at least temporarily positioned within the combined cloud. This is shown in FIG. 3 d.
- the electron cloud I of the first electron beam emitter 10 at least partly overlap the electron cloud III of the second electron beam emitters, upon finalising the interior sterilization of the packaging container 12 , it can then be ensured that every portion of the packaging container 12 reaching the inside of the aseptic chamber 78 has been fully sterilized.
- by creating electron clouds I, III being partly overlapping it is ensured that any microbiological material on the inside surface of the packaging container cannot escape to the outside surface, or vice versa, without being killed.
- the electron cloud I of the first electron beam emitter forms an irradiation barrier in itself; an irradiation lock inside the packaging container 12 during sterilization. Since non-sterile packaging containers are fed into the sterilization chamber 60 , and since the exterior of the packaging containers do not become sterile until being passed into the aseptic chamber 78 , the sterilization cannot be regarded as sterile as such. Hence it is an advantage to have the electron cloud I being able to form an irradiation lock inside the packaging container 12 to protect the already sterilized portion of the packaging container interior from re-infection. No dirt or microbiological material or particle can manage to travel through the cloud I and into the sterilized interior of the packaging container 12 without being killed/sterilized. The volume of the electron cloud I of the first emitter 10 covers the opening 34 of the packaging container 12 . Hence, the sterility of the interior, below the electron cloud I, can be assured even during the time when the packaging container 12 is still in the sterilization chamber 60 .
- an aseptic barrier line denoted P
- the aseptic barrier line P is a virtual boundary between the sterilization chamber 60 and the aseptic chamber 78 .
- the line is defined by the end of the electron cloud III of the second electron beam emitters nearest the aseptic chamber 78 .
- the packaging containers pass that line in the entry region they pass out of the electron cloud III.
- the line P is inclined at the entry region, just as the second electron beam emitters 36 , and is located a distance above the electron exit windows 40 .
- To the right of the entry region the line P is straight and defines a virtual boundary between the sterilization chamber 60 and the aseptic chamber 78 . This will be further described later on.
- FIG. 3 d shows the overlapping electron clouds, the first and second emitters 10 , 36 and a packaging container 12 at the first end 76 a of the entry region 76 .
- the packaging container 12 is at the first position, meaning that the packaging container and the first electron beam emitter 10 is no longer engaged with each other. Still, the uppermost end of the packaging container 12 , being the open bottom end of the packaging container 12 , is still affected by the electron cloud I from the first electron beam emitter 10 , although the first electron beam emitter 10 is no longer inside the packaging container 12 .
- the packaging container 12 has been partly passed into the combined electron cloud III of the second beam emitters 36 , and a portion of the exterior of the packaging container 12 has already been sterilized by the electron cloud III of the second beam emitters 36 .
- a sterilized portion of the packaging container 12 will gradually leave the entry region 76 and enter the aseptic chamber 78 along the aseptic barrier line P (also seen in FIG. 3 b ).
- a fully sterilised portion of the packaging container is positioned in the aseptic chamber 78 , while a still unsterilized portion is kept outside of the aseptic chamber 78 .
- the length of the sterilized portion protruding in the aseptic chamber 78 is preferably in the interval of about 30-120 mm, as measured from the opening 34 and down along the centre axis of the packaging container 12 .
- the length of the protruding portion is 75 mm.
- the packaging container 12 is fed in the horizontal direction F both in the entry region 76 and in the aseptic chamber 78 .
- the sterilization device is shown with some of the walls separating the sterilization chamber 60 from the aseptic chamber 78 being visible.
- the aseptic chamber 78 has a bottom wall 82 in which a slot 84 is provided.
- One portion of the slot 84 is positioned above the entry region 76 , and at this portion the surrounding bottom wall 82 is inclined similar to the entry region 76 .
- This inclined bottom wall 82 portion is formed by baffle plates for example made of stainless steel.
- the packaging containers 12 are transported along the slot 84 having the sterilized packaging container portion positioned above said bottom wall 82 , and the rest of the packaging container positioned below said bottom wall 82 .
- a sterile gas flow is provided top-down, i.e. from the second chamber 78 and in a direction downwards through the slot 84 .
- a venting station for ventilating ozone out of the interior of the packaging container. It is a known fact that ozone is created in air during electron beam sterilization, and that it is preferred to remove such ozone before filling product into the packaging containers.
- a packaging container In order for a packaging container to for example reach a sterilization level referred to as “commercially sterile” an absorbed dose of approximately 25 kGy is needed in every point of the interior surface of the packaging container.
- the interior sterilization is performed during a relative movement between the packaging container and the first electron beam emitter.
- the dose has to be calculated by the dose rate (dose delivery per time unit, mentioned as kGy/s) delivered by the emitter and the time each portion of the interior surface of the packaging container is exposed to the electron cloud.
- kGy/s dose delivery per time unit
- a preferred movement profile comprises a first stage of quickly raising the packaging container to surround the first electron beam emitter, and then a second stage of slowly lowering the packaging container.
- the packaging container is moved with a first velocity from the first position to the second position, and with a second velocity from the second position back to the first position, said second velocity being lower than the first velocity.
- the interior sterilization is considered to be made during the slow lowering of the packaging container.
- the slow lowering should be slow enough to not create air flows into the packaging container having a velocity higher than that of the relative movement.
- the volume of the gap between the packaging container and the first electron beam emitter as well as the volume of the first electron beam emitter are factors that influence the velocity of the flows created into the packaging container.
- the first stage of quickly raising the packaging container to surround the first electron beam emitter will take approximately half the time compared to the time spent for the second stage of slowly lowering the packaging container.
- the first velocity is approximately twice as high as the second velocity.
- An exemplary movement profile for the described embodiment starts with a quick raise of the packaging container during 0.4 s. The raise is followed by a pause in 0.1 s during which there is no motion. The movement profile is completed by a subsequent slow lowering of the packaging container during 1 s. Hence a total time of 1.5 s is used for the interior sterilization. Approximately 2 ⁇ 3 of the time is used for the lowering of the packaging container.
- the first conveyor 64 is preferably endless and a portion of it is positioned underneath the bottom wall 82 of the aseptic chamber 78 such that the packaging containers 12 can be transported to the filling and sealing stations with one and the same conveyor 64 as used in the sterilization chamber 60 . Thereby unnecessary packaging container handovers between conveyors can be avoided.
- two second electron beam emitters 36 are shown opposite each other.
- there is only one second electron beam emitter and the packaging container is made to rotate approximately one round around its own longitudinal axis when passing through the entry region.
- the opening between the sterilization chamber and the aseptic chamber should not be larger than that the electron cloud, generated by the single second electron beam emitter, can cover the opening.
- the sterilization device has been described and illustrated in a schematic way in the above described embodiments and in the drawings. Only parts of the sterilization device being involved in the invention have been described, but it is to be understood that the sterilization device comprises also additional parts such as drive units for driving for example the carrier wheel, the guide wheel and the in-feed wheel as well as the first conveyor. It is also to be understood that the sterilization device comprises an irradiation shield enclosing the sterilization device for securing that electrons and x-rays are not spread to the environment outside of the device.
- the packaging containers are carton bottles being sterilized and filled through an open bottom end, and hence that end is the portion of the packaging container being fed into the aseptic chamber.
- the invention can be applied also for other types of bottles, for example PET-bottles, for which sterilization and filling is made through the spout/neck.
- FIG. 1 c shows sterilization with an electron beam emitter inserted through the spout/neck of a bottle.
- the portion of the packaging container being fed into the aseptic chamber is naturally the spout and optionally at least a portion of the bottle top portion (shoulder portion).
- the interior and exterior sterilization can be made similar to what have been described above.
- the first electron beam emitter needs to have a first body 18 a having a diameter small enough to be inserted into the neck opening of the bottle. Further, the portion of the exterior to be sterilised and entered into the aseptic chamber can be kept relatively small. If the bottle is provided with a neck flange, such as a “neck ring”, the division between sterilised and unsterilized can for example be set to the level of the neck ring., i.e. the threaded portion above the neck ring can be sterilized and entered into the aseptic chamber, whereas the portion below the neck ring can be kept unsterilized and below the bottom wall. Similarly, the present invention is of course also applicable to sterilization of plastic bottle pre-forms, e.g. PET pre-forms. Sterilization of pre-forms is made before they are blow-moulded into a finished PET bottle.
- a neck flange such as a “neck ring”
- the first chamber has been described as a sterilization chamber and the second chamber as an aseptic chamber, both aimed for aseptic packaging.
- the first chamber can be less clean than the second chamber, and the second chamber not being clean to an aseptic level.
- the dose applied by the electron beam emitters is normally lower than the dose used for aseptic packaging, and the word “sterilize” should in that context be interpreted as “hygienically treat” or “disinfect”.
Abstract
A sterilization device for sterilizing open packaging containers with electron beams includes a chamber having at least one electron beam emitter adapted for sterilization of at least an interior surface of the packaging container through an opening of the packaging container, and a sensor configured to measure a dose parameter of the at least one electron beam emitter. A method of sterilizing open packaging containers with electron beams includes sterilizing at least an interior of the packaging container, through an opening of the packaging container, with an electron beam emitter arranged in a chamber, and measuring a dose parameter of the at least one electron beam emitter by a sensor.
Description
- The present application is a Continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 14/654,812 filed Jun. 22, 2015, which is the National Stage of PCT/EP2013/076870 filed Dec. 17, 2013, and claims the benefit of SE 1350773-6 filed Jun. 25, 2013, SE 1350256-2 filed Mar. 4, 2013, SE 1350127-5 filed Feb. 1, 2013, SE 1350054-1 filed Jan. 17, 2013, and EP 12198586.5 filed Dec. 20, 2012, the entire contents of each of which is incorporated by reference herein.
- The present invention relates to a sterilization device for sterilizing packaging containers with electron beams. The invention also relates to a method.
- Within the food industry, it is common practice to pack liquid and partly liquid food products in packaging containers manufactured from a packaging laminate comprising a core layer of paper or paperboard and one or more barrier layers of, for example, polymer material or aluminium foil.
- An increasingly common packaging type is the “carton bottle” manufactured in a filling machine in that packaging blanks of the above-described packaging laminate are formed and sealed as a sleeve. Said sleeve is closed in one end in that a top of thermoplastic material is injection moulded directly on the sleeve end portion. The sheets of packaging laminate may be cut from a magazine reel of packaging laminate.
- When the top is finished the packaging container is ready to be filled with product through the still open bottom, and then sealed and finally folded. Before the filling operation the packaging container undergoes treatment. If distribution and storage is to be made in chilled temperature the packaging container is disinfected, whereas if distribution and storage is to be made in ambient temperature, the packaging container needs to be sterilized and the product needs to be processed so as to obtain sterility. Sterilization is a term referring to any process that eliminates or kills microbial life, including transmissible agents such as for example fungi, bacteria, viruses and spores, which may be present on a surface of the packaging material or in the product. Applied in the food packaging industry this is generally referred to as aseptic packaging, i.e. packaging sterilized products in sterilized packaging containers, i.e. keeping both the product and the packaging container free from living germs and microorganisms, so that the freshness of the product can be preserved without special cooling requirements, i.e. so that sterility can be maintained inside a packaging container although it is stored in ambient temperature. In the food packaging industry the term commercially sterile is also commonly used. According to Codex Alimentarius Commission ((WHO/FAO) CAC/RCP 40-1993) commercial sterility means “the absence of microorganisms capable of growing in the food at normal non-refrigerated conditions at which the food is likely to be held during manufacture, distribution and storage”.
- A conventional way of sterilizing a ready-to-fill packaging container is to use hydrogen peroxide, preferably in gas phase.
- Another way to sterilize such packaging containers is to irradiate it by means of a low voltage electron beam emitted from an electron beam emitter. An example of linear irradiation by electron beam of ready-to-fill packaging containers is disclosed in the international patent publication WO 2005/002973. The electron beam emitter is cylindrical with an electron exit window positioned at one of the distal ends. The packaging container is lifted to surround the electron beam emitter during the sterilization cycle. Other examples of irradiation of packaging containers, in these cases PET bottles, are described in for example WO 2011/011079 and EP 2 371 397. In the disclosed systems emitters are used having a diameter small enough to be passed through a neck portion of the bottles.
- The present invention relates to a sterilization device for sterilizing open packaging containers with electron beams. The sterilization device comprises a first chamber comprising at least one first electron beam emitter adapted for sterilization of at least the interior of the packaging container through an opening of the packaging container. It further comprises at least one second electron beam emitter adapted for sterilization of at least a portion of the exterior surface of said packaging container. The first chamber has an entry region towards a second chamber, through which entry region a packaging container portion, comprising said opening, is adapted to be passed for entrance into the second chamber. The at least one second electron beam emitter is arranged such that its electron exit window is at least substantially facing said entry region, said second electron beam emitter thereby being adapted to sterilize at least any exterior surface of the packaging container portion being passed through the entry region. The at least one first electron beam emitter is arranged to sterilize the interior surface before or at the same time as said packaging container portion is entered into the second chamber.
- With a sterilization device of the present invention it is possible to sterilize the interior and exterior surfaces of the packaging containers with separate electron beam devices, yet being able to ensure sterility by having the interior and exterior sterilization made at least partly simultaneously. If the interior and exterior sterilization is separated in time it may be more difficult to ensure sterility. If separated in time microbiological material may have a chance to find its way from a not-yet-sterilized surface to an already sterilized surface.
- Further, with a sterilization device of the present invention a clear aseptic barrier is achieved in the packaging container passage into the aseptic chamber. Hence, there is created a passage into the aseptic chamber for packaging containers, or portions thereof, but the passage is protected by an electron cloud such that anything being transported through that passage will be sterilized before being entered into that aseptic chamber.
- In one or more embodiments the first electron beam emitter and the packaging container are adapted to perform a mutual relative movement, during which movement a portion of the first electron beam emitter is temporarily inserted through the opening of the packaging container, such that interior sterilization of the packaging container takes place.
- Further, in one or more embodiment the at least one second electron beam emitter is positioned such that an electron cloud emitted from the at least one second electron beam emitter, during operation of the sterilization device, is adapted to form an irradiation barrier at least covering the entry region.
- In one or more embodiments an electron cloud emitted from the first electron beam emitter is adapted to temporarily meet and partly overlap the electron cloud emitted from the at least one second electron beam emitter, said electron clouds together forming a combined electron cloud, and the opening of the packaging container portion is at least temporarily positioned within the combined cloud.
- In one or more further embodiments the electron cloud of the at least one second electron beam emitter is elongate and defines the entry region, and the entry region is being inclined in relation to a feeding direction of the packaging containers and in relation to a longitudinal direction of the packaging containers, such that a greater exterior surface area of the packaging containers passing through the entry region are sterilized.
- In one or more embodiments the at least one second electron beam emitter is arranged such that a longitudinal axis thereof and of the electron exit window is inclined in relation to a horizontal direction, and the packaging container is moved along said horizontal direction, with a longitudinal centre axis of the packaging container directed perpendicular to the horizontal direction, in such a way that a portion of the packaging container, comprising the opening, is gradually leaving the entry region and entering the second chamber.
- In one or more additional embodiments the second chamber has a bottom wall provided with a slot, and the packaging containers are transported in the second chamber along the slot having the sterilized packaging container portion positioned above said bottom wall, and the rest of the packaging container positioned below said bottom wall, and wherein a sterile gas flow is provided, during operation, from the second chamber and in a direction towards the slot.
- In one or more embodiments the second chamber is an aseptic chamber.
- In one or more embodiments the second chamber comprises at least one filling station for filling content into the packaging container, and at least one station for sealing the opening after filling.
- Further, in one or more embodiments it comprises two second electron beam emitters, arranged opposite each other with their electron exit windows facing each other and the entry region, in such a way that the packaging containers can pass in between them.
- In one or more embodiments more than one first electron beam emitter is stationary arranged on a rotatable carrier wheel.
- In one or more further embodiments the sterilization device comprises a packaging container conveying system comprising a packaging container conveyor comprising holders adapted to hold the packaging containers, and said packaging container conveyor is used for transporting packaging containers both in the first chamber, the entry region and the second chamber.
- In one or more additional embodiments the packaging container conveying system comprises a rotatable guide wheel adapted to cooperate with the carrier wheel and the packaging container conveyor such that each packaging container is adapted to be aligned with a first electron beam emitter, and which guide wheel is provided with packaging container grippers adapted to displace the packaging container in relation to the first electron beam emitter between a first position in which the packaging container and the first electron beam emitter are not engaged with each other and a second position in which the first electron beam emitter is fully inserted into the packaging container.
- In one or more embodiments the packaging container gripper is adapted to lift the packaging container from the holder to the second position, in which the packaging container is released from the holder, and then to retract the packaging container to the first position and back into the same holder.
- In one or more embodiments the relative movement is such that the packaging container is moved with a first velocity from the first position to the second position, and with a second velocity from the second position back to the first position, said second velocity being lower than the first velocity.
- In one or more embodiments the sterilization device is arranged in a filling machine.
- In one or more embodiments the second chamber comprises at least one filling station for filling content into the packaging container, and at least one station for sealing the opening after filling.
- The invention also comprises a method of sterilizing open packaging containers with electron beams. The method comprises sterilizing at least the interior of the packaging container, through an opening of the packaging container, with a first electron beam emitter arranged in a first chamber. It also comprises sterilizing at least a portion of the exterior of the packaging container with at least one second electron beam emitter, wherein said at least one second electron beam emitter being arranged such that its electron exit window is at least substantially facing an entry region, said entry region forming an entrance to a second chamber from the first chamber. The step of sterilizing at least a portion of the exterior of the packaging container is performed in said entry region by passing a portion of the packaging container, said portion comprising said opening, through the entry region. The step of sterilizing the interior of the packaging container is performed before or at the same time as said packaging container portion is entered into the second chamber.
- In one or more embodiments the method comprises performing a mutual relative movement between the first electron beam emitter and the packaging container during which movement the step of sterilizing the interior of the packaging container takes place, and during which movement a portion of the first electron beam emitter is temporary inserted through the opening of the packaging container.
- In one or more further embodiments the method comprises forming an irradiation barrier at least covering the entry region during operation of the sterilizing device, said irradiation barrier being formed by an electron cloud emitted from the at least one second electron beam emitter.
- In one or more embodiments the method comprises forming a combined electron cloud by temporarily letting an electron cloud emitted from the first electron beam emitter meet and partly overlap the electron cloud emitted from the at least one second electron beam emitter, and temporarily positioning the opening of the packaging container within the combined electron cloud.
- In one or more embodiments the steps are performed in a filling machine.
- In one or more embodiments the method comprises the additional steps of filling content into the sterilized packaging container, and sealing the opening after filling.
- In the following, an embodiment of the invention will be described in greater detail, with reference to the enclosed schematic drawings, in which:
-
FIG. 1a is a side view of a packaging container and an exemplary first electron beam emitter, for sterilizing the interior of the packaging container, in a fully engaged sterilization position, -
FIG. 1b is a side view of the first electron beam emitter and its electron cloud, -
FIG. 1c is a view of an alternative packaging container and first electron beam emitter, -
FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a second electron beam emitter for sterilizing the exterior of the packaging container, -
FIG. 2b is a perspective view of a cathode which may be used in the electron beam emitter ofFIG. 2 a, -
FIG. 2c is a cross section of the cathode ofFIG. 2 b, -
FIG. 2d is a side view of the second electron beam emitter and its electron cloud, -
FIG. 2e is a schematic front view of the second electron beam emitter and its electron cloud, -
FIG. 2f is side view showing two oppositely arranged second electron beam emitters, -
FIG. 2g is a side view of two second electron beam emitters having electron exit windows being inclined relative each other, -
FIG. 3a is a perspective view of the sterilization device according to an exemplary embodiment of the invention, -
FIG. 3b is a side view of parts of the sterilization device illustrating the movement of the packaging containers relative the electron beam emitters, -
FIG. 3c is a top view showing parts of the sterilization device, -
FIG. 3d is a side view of a first end of an entry region according to the exemplary embodiment, -
FIG. 3e is a side view, corresponding toFIG. 3d , but of a second end of the entry region, and -
FIG. 3f is a perspective view partly showing a second chamber of the exemplary embodiment. - When irradiating packaging containers of bottle-type, as described in the introduction, two types of electron beam emitters can typically be employed. One is being used for interior sterilization and the other for exterior sterilization.
- In the following, and with reference to
FIG. 1 a, an exemplary firstelectron beam emitter 10 for sterilizing the interior of ready-to-fill packaging containers 12 will be described. Such electron beam emitter has been previously described in for example the international publication WO2010/040453. - The
electron beam emitter 10 comprises anelectron generator 14 for emitting a substantiallycircular electron beam 16 along a path. Theelectron generator 14 is enclosed in a hermetically sealedvacuum chamber 18. Saidvacuum chamber 18 is provided with anelectron exit window 20. - The
electron generator 14 comprises acathode housing 22 and afilament 24. In use, anelectron beam 16 is generated by heating thefilament 24. When an electrical current is fed through thefilament 24, the electrical resistance of thefilament 24 causes the filament to be heated to a temperature in the order of 2000° C. This heating causes thefilament 24 to emit a cloud of electrons. The electrons are accelerated towards theelectron exit window 20 by means of a high-voltage potential between thecathode housing 22 and the exit window 20 (being the anode). Subsequently, the electrons pass through theelectron exit window 20 and continue towards the target area, i.e. in this case the inside of thepackaging container 12. - The
filament 24 can be made of tungsten. Thegrid 26, placed between thefilament 24 and an electronbeam exit window 20, is provided with a number of openings and is used for diffusing theelectron beam 16 into a more uniform beam, and for focusing theelectron beam 16 towards the target area. - The high-voltage potential is created by for example connecting the
cathode housing 22 and thefilament 24 to apower supply 28 and by connecting the vacuum chamber to ground 30. The filament also needs a second connection 29. The firstelectron beam emitter 10 is generally denoted low voltage electron beam emitter if the voltage is below 300 kV. For sterilization of packaging containers operating voltages in the order of 50-150 kV is conventionally used. In the disclosed design the accelerating voltage is in the order of 90-100 kV. This voltage results in a kinetic (motive) energy of 95 keV in respect of each electron. However, another voltage can be chosen, for example in the interval 75-150 kV. By applying an electrical potential also to the previously mentionedcontrol grid 26 the emission of electrons may be further controlled. If a separate and variable electrical potential is applied to thecontrol grid 26 it makes it possible to use thecontrol grid 26 for active shaping of the generated electron beam. For these purposes thecontrol grid 26 may be electrically connected to aseparate power supply 32. - The
emitter 10 is, as mentioned, further provided with anelectron exit window 20. Thewindow 20 can be made of a metallic foil, such as for example titanium, and can have a thickness in the order of 4-12 μm. A supporting net (not shown) formed of aluminum or copper supports the foil from inside thevacuum chamber 18. The electrons are exiting thevacuum chamber 18 through theexit window 20. - In this embodiment the
vacuum chamber 18 is made up of two elongatecylindrical bodies 18 a, 18 b with substantially circular cross sections. The cylindrical bodies have a common longitudinal centre axis a. The firstcylindrical body 18 a has an end surface, in a plane being perpendicular to the centre axis a, being provided with theelectron exit window 20. The electron exit window is circular and preferably extends over most of the end surface. The diameter of saidfirst body 18 a is small enough to be inserted into the ready-to-fill packaging container 12, the cross section of said first body is dimensioned such that it can be guided through anopening 34 of thepackaging container 12. The second body 18 b is provided with theelectron beam generator 14, and the diameter of said second body 18 b is larger than thefirst body 18 a. The diameter of the emittedelectron beam 16, while still inside theemitter 10, is smaller than the diameter of thefirst body 18 a. - The first
electron beam emitter 10 emits, from itselectron exit window 20, a first electron cloud I illustrated schematically by a dashed line inFIG. 1 b. The cross sectional shape is circular, as shown, or droplet-shaped. The shape of the electron cloud is defined by the shape of the window and by the Brownian motion of individual electrons leaving the electron exit window. The electron cloud is axis-symmetrical, around axis a, and the cloud volume is thereby spherical (or droplet-shaped). The dose rate at the boundary of the electron cloud I is approx. 1000-1600 kGy/s. In the centre of the electron cloud the dose rate is higher. The energy of the firstelectron beam emitter 10 needs to be matched with the sterilization time available, the packaging container size and shape, the packaging container velocity relative the electron beam emitter, and the above number should be seen purely as an example. - In
FIG. 1a packaging container 12 is shown which is in a shape ready to be filled with product through theopening 34. It comprises asleeve body 12 a and a top portion 12 b. The top portion comprises a neck or spout sealed with a screw cap. Thesleeve body 12 a is provided with theopening 34. - In
FIG. 1a theopening 34 of thepackaging container 12 is an open bottom end, which after filling will be sealed and folded to form a substantially flat bottom surface. It should however be understood that thisopening 34, through which the firstelectron beam device 10 is received and through which filling will be made, may in other embodiments be arranged in the top of the packaging container, provided by a neck or spout portion of thepackaging container 12.FIG. 1c illustrates such embodiment. The neck or spout portion will, after filling, be sealed by for instance a screw cap. - A typical electron beam emitter for interior sterilization has now been described.
- In the following a typical electron beam emitter for exterior sterilization of ready-to-fill packaging containers will be described. Such electron beam emitter may also be used for web sterilization, as described for example in the international publication WO2004/110868, and has previously been described in for example the international publication WO2013/004565.
- In
FIG. 2a an exemplary hermetically sealed secondelectron beam emitter 36 for exterior sterilization is shown. The purpose of the drawing is simply to illustrate the basic components of the emitter, and it should be emphasized that the purpose is not to provide a true constructional drawing or in any other way limit the present invention. - The main component of the electron beam emitter is the
tubular body 38, which has an elongate shape along the longitudinal centre axis b. Anelectron exit window 40 provides an outlet for electrons from the vacuum inside thetubular body 38. Theelectron exit window 40 is substantially rectangular having its longest extension in a direction along the longitudinal centre axis b. Theelectron exit window 40 is substantially flat and protrude from the perimeter surface of thetubular body 38. Thewindow 40 can be made of a metallic foil, such as for example titanium, and can have a thickness in the order of 4-12 μm. A supporting structure (not shown) provided with holes supports the foil from inside the vacuum chamber. The supporting structure is for example made of aluminium or copper. - The
exit window 40 comprises subassemblies not relevant for the present invention, yet having the properties of providing an outlet window for electrons while maintaining vacuum inside thebody 38. An exemplary electron exit window that can be used is described in the international publication No. WO2010/102757. - A proximal end of the
body 38 comprises an assembly includingelectrical connections 42. -
FIG. 2b shows theemitter 36 without thetubular body 38, and acathode 44 is shown. Thecathode 44 comprises acathode housing 46, which is also shown in the very schematic cross section ofFIG. 2c . Thecathode housing 46 is formed as a semi-annular shell, the open side of which is covered by acontrol grid 48. Inside the annular shell of thecathode housing 46 one or more filaments 50 (seeFIG. 2c ) are arranged, extending from a proximal end of thecathode housing 46 to a distal end thereof. In use, an electron beam is generated by heating thefilament 50, using a current, and by accelerating the electron towards theelectron exit window 40 by means of a high-voltage potential between thecathode housing 46 and the exit window 40 (being the anode), i.e. the same process as for the electron beam device ofFIG. 1 a. The high-voltage potential is created by for example connecting the cathode housing to a power supply and by connecting thetubular body 38 to ground. By applying an electrical potential also to thecontrol grid 48 the emission of electrons may be further controlled. This can be achieved by connecting thecontrol grid 48 to a separate power supply. - The
control grid 48 comprises a flat perforated surface comprising a pattern of openings or through-holes for passage of electrons. The open side of thecathode housing 46, carrying thecontrol grid 48, should for obvious reasons be facing theelectron exit window 40. Thecathode housing 46 and thecontrol grid 48 are mounted together by means of attachment means 52. If there is a difference in electrical potential between thecathode housing 46 and thegrid 48 said attachment means 52 are preferably electrical isolator elements. Freelongitudinal end portions 54 of thecontrol grid 48 are bent in a direction towards each other, i.e. in a lateral direction being perpendicular to the extension of the longitudinal end portions, to form bulge-like shapes for the formation of electron beam shaping electrodes. Such electrodes are sometimes referred to as “Wehnelt” electrodes. The bulge-like shape will assist in the generation of a smooth predictable electrical field to the benefit of performance of the electron beam emitter. They help shaping the electric field so that the electrons will hit theexit window 40 in an essentially right angle, i.e. in a direction essentially perpendicular to the plane of theexit window 40. - The described cathode is fitted into the electron beam emitter as shown in
FIG. 2b . The proximal end as well as the distal end of thecathode housing 46 comprises electrical connections as well as physical suspensions for thefilament 50. At the distal end this arrangement is housed inside or covered with a dome-shaped cap 56. At its proximal end thecathode housing 46 is suspended to the elongate body and the suspension is encapsulated by an annular cover 58. - This second
electron beam emitter 36 has an accelerating voltage in the order of 95 kV. This voltage results in a kinetic (motive) energy of 95 keV in respect of each electron. However, another voltage can be chosen, for example in the interval 75-150 kV. - The electron cloud of the second
electron beam emitter 36 is shown inFIGS. 2d and 2e , denoted II and represented by a dashed line. The cloud II has a substantially circular cross section in a plane perpendicular to the longitudinal axis b, seeFIG. 2d . Further, seen inFIG. 2e , the cloud II has a somewhat rectangular or rounded cross section in a plane parallel to the electron exit window. Thus the electron cloud II has an extension in three dimensions and forms a volume in front of, and covering, theelectron exit window 40. The dose rate at the boundary of the electron cloud II is approx. 400-800 kGy/s. In the centre of the electron cloud II the dose rate is higher. - Two second
electron beam emitters 36 can be arranged opposite each other, with theirelectron exit windows 40 facing each other, forming a gap in between them. Such an arrangement is shown inFIG. 2f The electron beams generated by the secondelectron beam emitters 36 overlap each other and form a total electron cloud III. The boundary of the cross section of that electron cloud is shown with dashed line. The total electron cloud III fills the gap. Either the planes of theelectron exit windows 40 are parallel to each other, as seen inFIG. 2f , or are slightly inclined in relation to each other as shown inFIG. 2g . In the latter case the inclination may be defined by an angle a between the twoelectron exit windows 40. -
FIG. 3a shows a perspective view of an embodiment of the sterilization device of the present invention. The object of the sterilization device is to sterilize ready-to-fill packaging containers in a filling machine. It is positioned downstream of the module manufacturing the open packaging container. In carton bottle machines this module comprises sub-modules in which packaging laminate blanks are formed into sleeves and provided with top portions being injection moulded. In case of a PET-bottle machine this module may include a blow-moulding device. Upstream in the filling machine, i.e. after the sterilization device, a filling module is provided for filling a product into the packaging container and a sealing module for sealing the packaging container after filling. - In this embodiment the sterilization device comprises a first chamber, denoted 60, being a sterilization chamber in which interior sterilization of the
packaging containers 12 is to be performed. Thefirst chamber 60 will hereinafter be referred to as sterilization chamber. Thesterilization chamber 60 is provided with several firstelectron beam emitters 10, of the type described above with reference to for exampleFIG. 1 a, arranged on arotatable carrier wheel 62. Only thelower portions 18 a of the firstelectron beam emitters 10 are shown in the figure. In this example twelve firstelectron beam emitters 10 are provided, but the number may be changed depending on the application (capacity, package size etc). The firstelectron beam emitters 10 are arranged evenly distributed near the perimeter of thecarrier wheel 62 with their longitudinal centre axes a parallel to a centre rotation axis c of thecarrier wheel 62. The direction of the rotation is represented by arrow A. Thefirst emitters 10 are arranged with theirelectron exit windows 20 directed downwards in the figure and aligned with a virtual horizontal plane. Further, the firstelectron beam emitters 10 are stationary arranged on thecarrier wheel 62 such that they will follow the rotation of thecarrier wheel 62. - Further, the sterilization device is provided with a
first conveyor 64 for conveyingpackaging containers 12 through the sterilization device. The first conveyor may be comprised by two or more co-operating conveyors or may, as in this embodiment, comprise one single conveyor. - In this exemplary embodiment the conveyor, represented by the dashed
line 64, is a belt or chain provided withpackaging container holders 66. Theholders 66 are only very schematically shown. Thepackaging container 12 is adapted to be arranged in thepackaging container holder 66 such that its open bottom end is directed upwards, in a direction facing theelectron exit window 20 of the firstelectron beam emitter 10, as seen in for exampleFIG. 1 a. Theholder 66 will grip the packaging container around itssleeve 12 a, near the top portion 12 b of thepackaging container 12. Thisconveyor 64 can of course be designed in any conventional way. - The movement of the belt or chain is continuous in the present embodiment, may be intermittent in other embodiments. The direction of the movement is illustrated by the arrow B.
- At a packaging container in-feed, where the packaging container enters the
sterilization chamber 60, thefirst conveyor 64 is guided along the perimeter of a packaging container in-feed wheel 68. Said in-feed wheel 68 cooperates with a guidingwheel 70. Theguide wheel 70 is arranged underneath thecarrier wheel 62 and has its centre rotation axis aligned with the centre rotation axis c of thecarrier wheel 62. - As mentioned, the
first conveyor 64 is first guided by the in-feed wheel 68. Then it is tangentially transferred, as seen inFIG. 3c , at a packaging container sterilization in-feed position 72, over to theguide wheel 70. From the packaging container sterilization in-feed position 72 thefirst conveyor 64 is guided along the perimeter of the guide wheel 70.Theguide wheel 70 is rotating, in relation to thecarrier wheel 62, such that eachpackaging container 12 is synchronously moved with a firstelectron beam emitter 10, keeping the longitudinal axis a of the firstelectron beam emitter 10 aligned with a longitudinal axis of thepackaging container 12, see common longitudinal axis a inFIG. 1 a. - It should be noted that only the
lower portions 18 a of the firstelectron beam emitters 10 are visible inFIG. 3 c. - The guiding wheel further has a packaging container out-
feed position 74 at which thefirst conveyor 64 is tangentially directed away from theguide wheel 70 and towards anentry region 76 of asecond chamber 78. Theentry region 76 and thesecond chamber 78, represented in combination by the box sketched with dashed lines inFIG. 3a , will be described later. - The
guide wheel 70 is provided with packaging container gripping means (not shown) which gripping means is adapted to cooperate with thefirst conveyor 64 around its perimeter. Theguide wheel 70, with the packaging container grippers, and thefirst conveyor 64, withpackaging container holders 66, are simultaneously moved, and each gripping means will be aligned with arespective holder 66 such that apackaging container 12 can be displaced from theholder 66 by the gripper and then back to the same holder. - The gripping means is adapted to vertically displace the
packaging container 12 in relation to the firstelectron beam emitter 10. It displaces thepackaging container 12 between a first position in which thepackaging container 12 and theelectron beam emitter 10 are not engaged with each other and a second position in which thepackaging container 12 and theelectron beam emitter 10 are fully engaged with each other. When thepackaging container 12 and theelectron beam emitter 10 are engaged thepackaging container 12 has been raised to a position in which it partly encloses theelectron beam emitter 10, i.e. the first electron beam emitter has been temporary inserted into theopening 34 of thepackaging container 12. When they are not engaged thepackaging container 12 is positioned underneath theelectron beam emitter 10, i.e. thepackaging container 12 has not started to surround theemitter 10, or has just been displaced down from the engaged position. At the in-feed position 72 and out-feed position 74 thepackaging container 12 is positioned in the first position, i.e. not in engagement with theelectron beam emitter 10. The relative movement between the firstelectron beam emitter 10 and thepackaging container 12 is illustrated inFIG. 3b and the arrow V represents the vertical movement direction. - In this embodiment the
electron beam emitters 10 are arranged stationary in thecarrier wheel 62 and cannot move towards thepackaging container 12. Due to their considerable weight, the fragileelectron exit windows 20 and the high voltage connections it is an advantage to have the firstelectron beam emitters 10 stationary, and move thepackaging containers 12 instead. However, in an alternative embodiment theelectron beam emitter 10 is moved and the packaging container is stationary in the vertical direction. The electron beam emitter is hence lowered into the open end of the packaging container. - Preferably, each first
electron beam emitter 10 is arranged with itsfirst body 18 a below thecarrier wheel 62 and its second body 18 b above thecarrier wheel 62 together with any power transformers and high voltage connections (together represented as a cylinder in for exampleFIG. 3a ). - The first
electron beam emitter 10 is adapted to sterilize the interior surface of thepackaging container 12 at least during a portion of the displacement from the in-feed position 72 to the out-feed position 74. The interior of thepackaging container 12 corresponds to all inside surfaces of thepackaging container 12. The interior sterilization is performed by means of the mutual relative movement between the firstelectron beam emitter 10 and thepackaging container 12. As mentioned a portion of the first electron beam emitter is temporary inserted through theopening 34 of thepackaging container 12 during the relative movement. At the in-feed position 72 thepackaging containers 12, held by thepackaging container holders 66 of the first conveyor, is aligned with a correspondingelectron beam emitter 10 and is gripped by the gripping means. The gripping means preferably grips thepackaging container 12 around thesleeve 12 a. When thecarrier wheel 62 rotates, so that theelectron beam emitter 10 andpackaging container 12 rotates from the in-feed position 72 to the out-feed position 74, the gripping means is adapted to raise thepackaging container 12 towards the firstelectron beam emitter 10 for performing interior sterilisation. During that movement thepackaging container 12 is temporary released from theholder 66 of thefirst conveyor 64. Since the firstelectron beam emitter 10 is aligned with theopening 34 of thepackaging container 12 theelectron beam emitter 10 is inserted in thepackaging container 12. Hence, sterilization of the interior of the packaging container is commenced. Somewhere between the in-feed position 72 and the out-feed position 74 the packaging container has been displaced such that thepackaging container 12 is fully engaged with the firstelectron beam emitter 10. In the fully engaged second position the firstelectron beam emitter 10 is fully inserted in thepackaging container 12 as shown inFIG. 1 a. This is also partly visible inFIG. 3b . In that position the innermost area of thepackaging container 12 may be sterilized, in this case the top portion 12 b of thepackaging container 12. - The interior sterilization cycle is completed when the
packaging container 12 reaches the out-feed position 74. When thepackaging container 12 reaches said out-feed position 74, thepackaging container 12 is retracted, or has already been retracted, from the second position back to the first position. Thepackaging container 12 is then ready to be fed out from thesterilization chamber 60. - The first
electron beam emitters 10 are continuously operated, i.e. the electron emission is not shut off between sterilization cycles, i.e. it is kept in operation also in between two packaging containers being sterilized by the same electron beam emitter. Between the out-feed position 74 and the in-feed position 72 there is provided a position, denoted 80 inFIG. 3c , in which a sensor may be placed in front of theelectron exit window 20 of any passing firstelectron beam emitters 10 in order to measure any dose control parameters. - The out-
feed position 74 is arranged near the packagingcontainer entry region 76 briefly mentioned above. At thisentry region 76 thepackaging containers 12 are adapted to partly enter thesecond chamber 78 being located downstream of thesterilization chamber 60. Theentry region 76 is shown as a box indicated by dashed lines inFIGS. 3b and 3c . Hence, thepackaging containers 12 will first be fed through thesterilization chamber 60 and then via theentry region 76 subsequently enter the second chamber 78 (also represented as a dashed box in the figures). In this embodiment thesecond chamber 78 is an aseptic chamber, and hereinafter it will be referred to asaseptic chamber 78. Anaseptic chamber 78 is a chamber suitable for aseptic packaging as described in the introductory portion. During production ofpackaging containers 12 the environment in the aseptic chamber should be sterile, i.e. free from dirt and microbiological material. The aseptic chamber comprises stations (not shown) in which thepackaging container 12 is adapted to be filled with a product, such as for example a beverage, and sealed. Depending on which end of thepackaging container 12 that is open, the bottom as shown inFIG. 1 a, or the neck as shown inFIG. 1 b, the sealing station may look different. In the case of filling into an open bottom end the sealing station comprises sealing bars for heat sealing the packaging material. In the case of filling through a spout in a neck region of a packaging container the sealing station instead comprises a capping station. - Before the
packaging containers 12 have been sealed it needs to be ensured that the environment around them is sterile, that thepackaging containers 12 entering theaseptic chamber 78 from thesterilization chamber 60 are sterile, and that no contaminated air is allowed to escape into theaseptic chamber 78 from thesterilization chamber 60. - As mentioned above the
guide wheel 70 further has a packaging container out-feed position 74, see for exampleFIG. 3c , at which thefirst conveyor 64 is tangentially directed away from theguide wheel 70 and towards theentry region 76. Theentry region 76 forms an opening between thesterilization chamber 60 and theaseptic chamber 78. Said entry region correspond to a volume through which the packaging containers are transported before they enter theaseptic chamber 78. On each side of the opening two secondelectron beam emitters 36 are arranged. They are of the type described in relation toFIGS. 2a -2 g, but may be of another suitable type. The two secondelectron beam emitters 36 are arranged opposite each other with theirelectron exit windows 40 facing each other and the volume of theentry region 76. Their longitudinal axes b are parallel to each other, but theirelectron exit windows 40 are slightly inclined in relation to each other as shown inFIG. 2g . Theentry region 76, being the packaging container entrance, to theaseptic chamber 78 from thesterilization chamber 60, will during operation be totally covered by the unified electron cloud III of the twosecond emitters 36. Hence, the total cloud III forms an irradiation barrier or sterilization sluice at least covering theentry region 76, i.e. the unified cloud III forms an irradiated volume blocking the entrance to theaseptic chamber 78. Theentry region 76 extends along the entireelectron exit window 40, in a direction along the axis b, between afirst end 76 a and asecond end 76 b. The distance between theelectron exit windows 40 is adapted to the size of the radial cross section of thepackaging container 12, and should be kept only slightly larger such that thepackaging container 12 can easily be passed between them. - As shown in
FIG. 3a the secondelectron beam emitters 36 are positioned in a space between the firstelectron beam emitters 10 of thecarrier wheel 62 and theguide wheel 70 carrying the gripping means. A portion of one of the secondelectron beam emitters 36 is located close to the centre of theguide wheel 70. This is to create a compact unit and to facilitate co-operation between the first and second electron beam emitters such that simultaneous sterilization can be obtained, as will be described later. - The
entry region 76 formed between theelectron exit windows 40 of the secondelectron beam emitters 36 is, as mentioned before, aligned with thefirst conveyor 64 extending tangentially from the packaging container out-feed point 74 on theguide wheel 70, and also tangentially from a virtual circle formed by the firstelectron beam emitters 10 as they rotate with thecarrier wheel 62. The firstelectron beam emitters 36, rotating with thecarrier wheel 62, are adapted to be moved near thefirst end 76 a of theentry region 76 such that its electron cloud I at least partly moves into theentry region 76. Upon further rotation of thecarrier wheel 62 the firstelectron beam emitter 10 is moved above thebody 38 of the innermost secondelectron beam emitter 36. This is also shown inFIG. 3c , showing theentry region 76 and theelectron beam emitters 36 from above. - As shown in
FIG. 3b , theentry region 76 and the second electron beam emitters 36 (of which only one is shown in the figure) are inclined in relation to a feeding direction of the packaging containers. In this embodiment the feeding direction is horizontal and shown as an arrow F in the figure. The inclination is achieved in that the secondelectron beam emitters 36 are arranged such that the longitudinal axis b thereof, and of theelectron exit window 40, is inclined an angle β in relation to the horizontal direction, and that the packaging containers are adapted to be moved along said horizontal direction F. Further, the packaging containers are moved along the horizontal direction with their longitudinal centre axes a directed perpendicular to said horizontal direction. - The sterilization device will now be further described in relation to the exterior sterilization of the
packaging container 12. - When a
packaging container 12 reaches the out-feed position 74 it is directed tangentially and arrives at thefirst end 76 a of theentry region 76. At this point in time the interior sterilization is about to be finalized. During the initial entry of thepackaging container 12 into theentry region 76, at thefirst end 76 thereof, the firstelectron beam emitter 10 is positioned right above theopening 34 of thepackaging container 12. In this moment the electron cloud I emitted from the firstelectron beam emitter 10 is adapted to temporarily meet and partly overlap the total electron cloud III emitted from the secondelectron beam emitters 36. The electron clouds I, III of the first and second electron beam emitters form a combined electron cloud and the opening of thepackaging container 12 is in this at least temporarily positioned within the combined cloud. This is shown inFIG. 3 d. - By letting the electron cloud I of the first
electron beam emitter 10 at least partly overlap the electron cloud III of the second electron beam emitters, upon finalising the interior sterilization of thepackaging container 12, it can then be ensured that every portion of thepackaging container 12 reaching the inside of theaseptic chamber 78 has been fully sterilized. In other words, by creating electron clouds I, III being partly overlapping it is ensured that any microbiological material on the inside surface of the packaging container cannot escape to the outside surface, or vice versa, without being killed. - It should be pointed out that also the electron cloud I of the first electron beam emitter forms an irradiation barrier in itself; an irradiation lock inside the
packaging container 12 during sterilization. Since non-sterile packaging containers are fed into thesterilization chamber 60, and since the exterior of the packaging containers do not become sterile until being passed into theaseptic chamber 78, the sterilization cannot be regarded as sterile as such. Hence it is an advantage to have the electron cloud I being able to form an irradiation lock inside thepackaging container 12 to protect the already sterilized portion of the packaging container interior from re-infection. No dirt or microbiological material or particle can manage to travel through the cloud I and into the sterilized interior of thepackaging container 12 without being killed/sterilized. The volume of the electron cloud I of thefirst emitter 10 covers theopening 34 of thepackaging container 12. Hence, the sterility of the interior, below the electron cloud I, can be assured even during the time when thepackaging container 12 is still in thesterilization chamber 60. - In
FIG. 3b an aseptic barrier line, denoted P, is shown. The aseptic barrier line P is a virtual boundary between thesterilization chamber 60 and theaseptic chamber 78. At the entry region the line is defined by the end of the electron cloud III of the second electron beam emitters nearest theaseptic chamber 78. When the packaging containers pass that line in the entry region they pass out of the electron cloud III. As can be seen in the figure the line P is inclined at the entry region, just as the secondelectron beam emitters 36, and is located a distance above theelectron exit windows 40. To the right of the entry region the line P is straight and defines a virtual boundary between thesterilization chamber 60 and theaseptic chamber 78. This will be further described later on. -
FIG. 3d shows the overlapping electron clouds, the first andsecond emitters packaging container 12 at thefirst end 76 a of theentry region 76. Thepackaging container 12 is at the first position, meaning that the packaging container and the firstelectron beam emitter 10 is no longer engaged with each other. Still, the uppermost end of thepackaging container 12, being the open bottom end of thepackaging container 12, is still affected by the electron cloud I from the firstelectron beam emitter 10, although the firstelectron beam emitter 10 is no longer inside thepackaging container 12. At the same time thepackaging container 12 has been partly passed into the combined electron cloud III of thesecond beam emitters 36, and a portion of the exterior of thepackaging container 12 has already been sterilized by the electron cloud III of thesecond beam emitters 36. - While the
packaging container 12 is fed further into and along theentry region 76, a sterilized portion of thepackaging container 12 will gradually leave theentry region 76 and enter theaseptic chamber 78 along the aseptic barrier line P (also seen inFIG. 3b ). At asecond end 76 b of theentry region 76, shown inFIG. 3e , a fully sterilised portion of the packaging container is positioned in theaseptic chamber 78, while a still unsterilized portion is kept outside of theaseptic chamber 78. The length of the sterilized portion protruding in theaseptic chamber 78 is preferably in the interval of about 30-120 mm, as measured from theopening 34 and down along the centre axis of thepackaging container 12. Preferably, the length of the protruding portion is 75 mm. - As is shown in the figures the
packaging container 12 is fed in the horizontal direction F both in theentry region 76 and in theaseptic chamber 78. - In
FIG. 3f the sterilization device is shown with some of the walls separating thesterilization chamber 60 from theaseptic chamber 78 being visible. As can be seen theaseptic chamber 78 has abottom wall 82 in which aslot 84 is provided. One portion of theslot 84 is positioned above theentry region 76, and at this portion the surroundingbottom wall 82 is inclined similar to theentry region 76. This inclinedbottom wall 82 portion is formed by baffle plates for example made of stainless steel. In thesecond chamber 78 thepackaging containers 12 are transported along theslot 84 having the sterilized packaging container portion positioned above saidbottom wall 82, and the rest of the packaging container positioned below saidbottom wall 82. - To secure the aseptic condition in the aseptic chamber 78 a sterile gas flow is provided top-down, i.e. from the
second chamber 78 and in a direction downwards through theslot 84. Before thepackaging container 12 is fed to the filling station for filling content into thepackaging container 12 may be transported past a venting station for ventilating ozone out of the interior of the packaging container. It is a known fact that ozone is created in air during electron beam sterilization, and that it is preferred to remove such ozone before filling product into the packaging containers. - In the following the sterilisation as such is discussed further.
- In order for a packaging container to for example reach a sterilization level referred to as “commercially sterile” an absorbed dose of approximately 25 kGy is needed in every point of the interior surface of the packaging container. In the embodiment the interior sterilization is performed during a relative movement between the packaging container and the first electron beam emitter. Hence, the dose has to be calculated by the dose rate (dose delivery per time unit, mentioned as kGy/s) delivered by the emitter and the time each portion of the interior surface of the packaging container is exposed to the electron cloud. An increase in speed of the relative movement will lead to a decrease of the time available for the interior sterilization, and in order to maintain the same dose the dose rate of the emitter needs to be increased. Similar, if the speed of the relative movement is decreased, the time available for sterilization will increase and the dose rate of the emitter will have to be decreased in order not to overexpose the interior surface. In this context any air flows or turbulences in the sterilization chamber need to be taken into account. Air flowing faster than the speed of the relative movement will affect the sterilization result. Such airflow may make a microorganism travel too fast past the electron cloud, which may lead to that microorganism is not being killed. Hence, it is important to control the velocity of the airflows in the sterilization chamber such that it is not higher than the speed of the relative movement. An important aspect is also the flow created in the packaging container because of the relative movement. When the packaging container is lowered from the first electron beam emitter air will automatically be sucked into the packaging container, creating backflow, i.e. an airflow into the packaging container which in some cases may be disturbing for the sterilization effect. To obtain an efficient sterilization and a secure process it has been found that a preferred movement profile comprises a first stage of quickly raising the packaging container to surround the first electron beam emitter, and then a second stage of slowly lowering the packaging container. In other words, the packaging container is moved with a first velocity from the first position to the second position, and with a second velocity from the second position back to the first position, said second velocity being lower than the first velocity. Although the first electron beam emitter is continuously in operation, i.e. continuously emitting electrons, the interior sterilization is considered to be made during the slow lowering of the packaging container. The slow lowering should be slow enough to not create air flows into the packaging container having a velocity higher than that of the relative movement. The volume of the gap between the packaging container and the first electron beam emitter as well as the volume of the first electron beam emitter are factors that influence the velocity of the flows created into the packaging container.
- In the embodiment described the first stage of quickly raising the packaging container to surround the first electron beam emitter will take approximately half the time compared to the time spent for the second stage of slowly lowering the packaging container. Hence, the first velocity is approximately twice as high as the second velocity. An exemplary movement profile for the described embodiment starts with a quick raise of the packaging container during 0.4 s. The raise is followed by a pause in 0.1 s during which there is no motion. The movement profile is completed by a subsequent slow lowering of the packaging container during 1 s. Hence a total time of 1.5 s is used for the interior sterilization. Approximately ⅔ of the time is used for the lowering of the packaging container. The
first conveyor 64 is preferably endless and a portion of it is positioned underneath thebottom wall 82 of theaseptic chamber 78 such that thepackaging containers 12 can be transported to the filling and sealing stations with one and thesame conveyor 64 as used in thesterilization chamber 60. Thereby unnecessary packaging container handovers between conveyors can be avoided. - Although the present invention has been described with respect to several embodiments, it is to be understood that various modifications and changes may be made without departing from the object and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims.
- In the embodiment two second
electron beam emitters 36 are shown opposite each other. In an alternative embodiment there is only one second electron beam emitter, and the packaging container is made to rotate approximately one round around its own longitudinal axis when passing through the entry region. In order to ensure an irradiation lock, the opening between the sterilization chamber and the aseptic chamber should not be larger than that the electron cloud, generated by the single second electron beam emitter, can cover the opening. - The sterilization device has been described and illustrated in a schematic way in the above described embodiments and in the drawings. Only parts of the sterilization device being involved in the invention have been described, but it is to be understood that the sterilization device comprises also additional parts such as drive units for driving for example the carrier wheel, the guide wheel and the in-feed wheel as well as the first conveyor. It is also to be understood that the sterilization device comprises an irradiation shield enclosing the sterilization device for securing that electrons and x-rays are not spread to the environment outside of the device.
- In the embodiment the packaging containers are carton bottles being sterilized and filled through an open bottom end, and hence that end is the portion of the packaging container being fed into the aseptic chamber. However, it is easily realized that the invention can be applied also for other types of bottles, for example PET-bottles, for which sterilization and filling is made through the spout/neck. As previously mentioned
FIG. 1c shows sterilization with an electron beam emitter inserted through the spout/neck of a bottle. In this case the portion of the packaging container being fed into the aseptic chamber is naturally the spout and optionally at least a portion of the bottle top portion (shoulder portion). The interior and exterior sterilization can be made similar to what have been described above. The first electron beam emitter needs to have afirst body 18 a having a diameter small enough to be inserted into the neck opening of the bottle. Further, the portion of the exterior to be sterilised and entered into the aseptic chamber can be kept relatively small. If the bottle is provided with a neck flange, such as a “neck ring”, the division between sterilised and unsterilized can for example be set to the level of the neck ring., i.e. the threaded portion above the neck ring can be sterilized and entered into the aseptic chamber, whereas the portion below the neck ring can be kept unsterilized and below the bottom wall. Similarly, the present invention is of course also applicable to sterilization of plastic bottle pre-forms, e.g. PET pre-forms. Sterilization of pre-forms is made before they are blow-moulded into a finished PET bottle. - In the described embodiment the first chamber has been described as a sterilization chamber and the second chamber as an aseptic chamber, both aimed for aseptic packaging. In another embodiment, in which the packages are disinfected or hygienically treated, not aiming for aseptic level, i.e. not aiming for commercial sterility, the first chamber can be less clean than the second chamber, and the second chamber not being clean to an aseptic level. In such an embodiment the dose applied by the electron beam emitters is normally lower than the dose used for aseptic packaging, and the word “sterilize” should in that context be interpreted as “hygienically treat” or “disinfect”.
Claims (20)
1. A sterilization device for sterilizing open packaging containers with electron beams, said sterilization device comprising:
a chamber comprising at least one electron beam emitter adapted for sterilization of at least an interior surface of the packaging container through an opening of the packaging container; and
a sensor configured to measure a dose parameter of the at least one electron beam emitter.
2. The sterilization device of claim 1 , wherein
the electron beam emitter and the packaging container are adapted to perform a mutual relative movement, during which movement a portion of the electron beam emitter is temporarily inserted through the opening of the packaging container, such that interior sterilization of the packaging container takes place, and
a dose rate of the at least one electron beam emitter is adjusted based on speed of the mutual relative movement and the measured dose parameter.
3. The sterilization device of claim 2 , wherein the mutual relative movement is such that the packaging container is moved with a first velocity from a first position to a second position, and with a second velocity from the second position back to the first position, said second velocity being lower than the first velocity.
4. The sterilization device of claim 1 , further comprising
at least one second electron beam emitter adapted for sterilization of at least a portion of an exterior surface of said packaging container, wherein
said chamber has an entry region towards a second chamber, through which entry region a packaging container portion, comprising said opening, is adapted to be passed for entrance into the second chamber,
said at least one second electron beam emitter being arranged such that its electron exit window is at least substantially facing said entry region, said second electron beam emitter thereby being adapted to sterilize at least any exterior surface of the packaging container portion being passed through the entry region, and
said at least one electron beam emitter being arranged to sterilize the interior surface before or at the same time as said packaging container portion is entered into the second chamber.
5. The sterilization device of claim 4 , wherein the at least one second electron beam emitter is positioned such that an electron cloud emitted from the at least one second electron beam emitter, during operation of the sterilization device, is adapted to form an irradiation barrier at least covering the entry region, and wherein an electron cloud emitted from the at least one electron beam emitter is adapted to temporarily meet and partly overlap the electron cloud emitted from the at least one second electron beam emitter, said electron clouds together forming a combined electron cloud, and wherein the opening of the packaging container portion is at least temporarily positioned within the combined cloud.
6. The sterilization device of claim 4 , wherein the electron cloud of the at least one second electron beam emitter is elongate and defines the entry region, and wherein the entry region is being inclined in relation to a feeding direction of the packaging containers and in relation to a longitudinal direction of the packaging containers, such that a greater exterior surface area of the packaging containers passing through the entry region are sterilized.
7. The sterilization device of claim 6 , wherein the at least one second electron beam emitter is arranged such that a longitudinal axis thereof and of the electron exit window is inclined in relation to a horizontal direction, and that the packaging container is moved along said horizontal direction, with a longitudinal center axis of the packaging container directed perpendicular to the horizontal direction, in such a way that a portion of the packaging container, comprising the opening, is gradually leaving the entry region and entering the second chamber.
8. The sterilization device of claim 4 , wherein the second chamber has a bottom wall provided with a slot, and wherein the packaging containers are transported in the second chamber along the slot having the sterilized packaging container portion positioned above said bottom wall, and the rest of the packaging container positioned below said bottom wall, and wherein a sterile gas flow is provided, during operation, from the second chamber and in a direction towards the slot.
9. The sterilization device of claim 4 , wherein the at least one second electron beam emitter comprises two second electron beam emitters, arranged opposite each other with their electron exit windows facing each other and the entry region, in such a way that the packaging containers can pass in between them.
10. The sterilization device of claim 4 , further comprising a packaging container conveying system comprising a packaging container conveyor comprising holders adapted to hold the packaging containers, and wherein said packaging container conveyor is used for transporting packaging containers both in the chamber, the entry region and the second chamber.
11. The sterilization device of claim 10 , wherein the packaging container conveying system comprises a rotatable guide wheel adapted to cooperate with a carrier wheel carrying a plurality of said electron beam emitters and the packaging container conveyor such that each packaging container is adapted to be aligned with a corresponding one of said plurality of said electron beam emitters, and which guide wheel is provided with packaging container grippers adapted to displace each packaging container in relation to the electron beam emitter with which the packaging container is aligned between a first position in which the packaging container and the electron beam emitter with which the packaging container is aligned are not engaged with each other and a second position in which the electron beam emitter with which the packaging container is aligned is fully inserted into the packaging container.
12. The sterilization device of claim 11 , wherein the packaging container grippers are adapted to lift each packaging container from a corresponding one of said holders to the second position, in which the packaging container is released from said corresponding one of said holders, and then to retract the packaging container to the first position and back into said corresponding one of said holders.
13. The sterilization device of claim 1 , wherein the sensor is disposed in front of an electron exit window of the at least one electron beam emitter as the at least one electron beam emitter passes the sensor.
14. A method of sterilizing open packaging containers with electron beams, said method comprising
sterilizing at least an interior of the packaging container, through an opening of the packaging container, with an electron beam emitter arranged in a chamber; and
measuring a dose parameter of the at least one electron beam emitter by a sensor.
15. The method of claim 14 , further comprising
performing mutual relative movement between the electron beam emitter and the packaging container during which movement the sterilizing of the interior of the packaging container takes place, and during which movement a portion of the electron beam emitter is temporarily inserted through the opening of the packaging container; and
adjusting a dose rate of the at least one electron beam emitter based on speed of the mutual relative movement and the measured dose parameter.
16. The method of claim 15 , wherein the mutual relative movement is performed such that the packaging container is moved with a first velocity from a first position to a second position, and with a second velocity from the second position back to the first position, said second velocity being lower than the first velocity.
17. The method of claim 14 , further comprising sterilizing at least a portion of an exterior of the packaging container with at least one second electron beam emitter, wherein
said at least one second electron beam emitter is arranged such that its electron exit window is at least substantially facing an entry region, said entry region forming an entrance to a second chamber from the chamber,
the sterilizing of at least a portion of the exterior of the packaging container is performed in said entry region by passing a portion of the packaging container, said portion comprising said opening, through the entry region, and
the sterilizing of the interior of the packaging container is performed before or at the same time as said packaging container portion is entered into the second chamber.
18. The method of claim 17 , further comprising forming an irradiation barrier at least covering the entry region during operation of the sterilizing device, said irradiation barrier being formed by an electron cloud emitted from the at least one second electron beam emitter, and forming a combined electron cloud by temporarily letting an electron cloud emitted from the at least one electron beam emitter meet and partly overlap the electron cloud emitted from the at least one second electron beam emitter, and temporarily positioning the opening of the packaging container within the combined electron cloud.
19. The method of claim 17 , wherein the sterilizing of at least the interior of the packaging container and the sterilizing of at least a portion of the exterior of the packaging container are performed in a filling machine, and further comprising filling content into the sterilized packaging container, and sealing the opening after filling.
20. The method of claim 14 , further comprising passing the at least one electron beam transmitter by the sensor such the sensor is disposed in front of an electron exit window of the at least one electron beam emitter.
Priority Applications (1)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
US15/921,879 US20180251249A1 (en) | 2012-12-20 | 2018-03-15 | Device and method for sterilizing packaging containers by electron beam |
Applications Claiming Priority (13)
Application Number | Priority Date | Filing Date | Title |
---|---|---|---|
EP12198586.5 | 2012-12-20 | ||
EP12198586.5A EP2746174B1 (en) | 2012-12-20 | 2012-12-20 | Device and method for sterilizing packaging containers by electron beam |
SE1350054-1 | 2013-01-17 | ||
SE1350054 | 2013-01-17 | ||
SE1350127-5 | 2013-02-01 | ||
SE1350127 | 2013-02-01 | ||
SE1350256 | 2013-03-04 | ||
SE1350256-2 | 2013-03-04 | ||
SE1350773 | 2013-06-25 | ||
SE1350773.6 | 2013-06-25 | ||
PCT/EP2013/076870 WO2014095838A1 (en) | 2012-12-20 | 2013-12-17 | Device and method for sterilizing packaging containers by electron beam |
US201514654812A | 2015-06-22 | 2015-06-22 | |
US15/921,879 US20180251249A1 (en) | 2012-12-20 | 2018-03-15 | Device and method for sterilizing packaging containers by electron beam |
Related Parent Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/654,812 Continuation US9969512B2 (en) | 2012-12-20 | 2013-12-17 | Device and method for sterlizing packaging containers by electron beam |
PCT/EP2013/076870 Continuation WO2014095838A1 (en) | 2012-12-20 | 2013-12-17 | Device and method for sterilizing packaging containers by electron beam |
Publications (1)
Publication Number | Publication Date |
---|---|
US20180251249A1 true US20180251249A1 (en) | 2018-09-06 |
Family
ID=49766110
Family Applications (2)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/654,812 Expired - Fee Related US9969512B2 (en) | 2012-12-20 | 2013-12-17 | Device and method for sterlizing packaging containers by electron beam |
US15/921,879 Abandoned US20180251249A1 (en) | 2012-12-20 | 2018-03-15 | Device and method for sterilizing packaging containers by electron beam |
Family Applications Before (1)
Application Number | Title | Priority Date | Filing Date |
---|---|---|---|
US14/654,812 Expired - Fee Related US9969512B2 (en) | 2012-12-20 | 2013-12-17 | Device and method for sterlizing packaging containers by electron beam |
Country Status (5)
Country | Link |
---|---|
US (2) | US9969512B2 (en) |
EP (4) | EP2935021B1 (en) |
JP (4) | JP6282667B2 (en) |
CN (1) | CN104870319B (en) |
WO (3) | WO2014095838A1 (en) |
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20200108165A1 (en) * | 2018-10-05 | 2020-04-09 | Carlos Manuel Poventud-Estrada | Handheld and rechargeable battery operated device invented to eliminate the bad odor produced by human flatulence and feces by ignition. |
Families Citing this family (17)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US9758268B2 (en) | 2013-06-25 | 2017-09-12 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. | Method and device for sterilizing packaging material |
EP3099339B1 (en) | 2014-01-31 | 2018-12-26 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. | Device and method for sterilization of packaging containers |
EP3099340B1 (en) | 2014-01-31 | 2019-01-02 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance SA | Device and method for sterilizing a packaging container |
US9878060B2 (en) * | 2014-02-19 | 2018-01-30 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. | Sterilization device and an electron beam emitter |
WO2016079032A1 (en) | 2014-11-18 | 2016-05-26 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. | Low voltage electron beam dosimeter device and method |
JP2018502020A (en) | 2015-01-14 | 2018-01-25 | 日立造船株式会社 | Electron beam sterilization equipment with self-generated stationary sterilization unit |
JP6068693B1 (en) * | 2016-01-08 | 2017-01-25 | 浜松ホトニクス株式会社 | Electron beam irradiation device |
RU2737900C9 (en) * | 2017-03-15 | 2021-01-25 | Грифольс Энджиниринг, С.А. | Device for sterilization of flexible packages with electron beam irradiation and a method of sterilizing flexible packages |
US11485526B2 (en) * | 2017-09-27 | 2022-11-01 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A. | Packaging apparatus for forming sealed packages |
FR3073774B1 (en) | 2017-11-22 | 2019-11-15 | Hexcel Reinforcements | REINFORCING MATERIAL COMPRISING A POROUS LAYER OF A PARTIALLY RETICULATED THERMOPLASTIC POLYMER AND RELATED METHODS |
CN109000811A (en) * | 2018-10-15 | 2018-12-14 | 哈尔滨博实自动化股份有限公司 | A kind of thermometric of the intelligent automation operation on continuous casting platform, sampling storage device |
FR3088202B1 (en) * | 2018-11-09 | 2020-10-16 | Sidel Participations | TREATMENT PROCESS FOR THE STERILIZATION BY IRRADIATION OF CONTAINERS OF THERMOPLASTIC MATERIAL |
DE102019118238A1 (en) * | 2019-07-05 | 2021-01-07 | Krones Aktiengesellschaft | Method and device for irradiating packaging and / or preforms by means of electron beams |
CN114832124A (en) * | 2021-02-02 | 2022-08-02 | 湖州超群电子科技有限公司 | Electronic irradiation sterilization and disinfection system for open container and use method thereof |
CN114906420A (en) * | 2021-02-07 | 2022-08-16 | 湖州超群电子科技有限公司 | Novel electron beam sterilization and disinfection system and method for open container |
WO2022271933A1 (en) | 2021-06-23 | 2022-12-29 | Kimtron, Inc. | System and method for ultra-close proximity irradiation of rotating biomass |
CN114246960B (en) * | 2021-12-27 | 2024-01-26 | 常熟荣瑞灭菌技术有限公司 | Electron beam type baffling dead-angle-free normal-temperature sterilization device |
Family Cites Families (16)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
JPS61104905A (en) * | 1984-10-18 | 1986-05-23 | 四国化工機株式会社 | Packaging machine |
JPH10218133A (en) * | 1997-02-03 | 1998-08-18 | Toppan Printing Co Ltd | Apparatus for sterilizing external face of container |
JP2002078780A (en) * | 2000-06-26 | 2002-03-19 | Mitsubishi Heavy Ind Ltd | Electron beam irradiation method and apparatus therefor |
SE526700C2 (en) | 2003-06-19 | 2005-10-25 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance | Apparatus and method for sterilizing an electron beam material web |
SE0302024D0 (en) * | 2003-07-08 | 2003-07-08 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance | Device and method of sterilization |
SE530018C2 (en) * | 2006-06-13 | 2008-02-12 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance | Sterilization method for a formed food package in packaging machine involves sterilizing two areas of inside surface of package via electron beam sterilizing devices, transporting package to filling station, and sealing package once filled |
JP2009539718A (en) * | 2006-06-13 | 2009-11-19 | テトラ ラバル ホールデイングス エ フイナンス ソシエテ アノニム | Package sterilization method |
ITMO20070137A1 (en) * | 2007-04-18 | 2008-10-19 | Maria Prudenziati | INTEGRATED, FLEXIBLE AND TOTALLY COMPUTERIZED INNOVATIVE SYSTEM FOR THE PRODUCTION AND STERILIZATION OF PREFORMATIONS AND / OR SHAPED PET BOTTLES AND DIFFERENT SIZES, THEIR SEALING AND MARKING. |
DE102008045187A1 (en) | 2008-08-30 | 2010-03-04 | Krones Ag | Electron beam sterilization for containers |
SE0802101A2 (en) | 2008-10-07 | 2010-07-20 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance | Switchable device for electron beam sterilization |
SE533567C2 (en) | 2009-03-11 | 2010-10-26 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance | Method of mounting a window for outgoing electrons and a window unit for outgoing electrons |
US20110012030A1 (en) | 2009-04-30 | 2011-01-20 | Michael Lawrence Bufano | Ebeam sterilization apparatus |
US8293173B2 (en) * | 2009-04-30 | 2012-10-23 | Hitachi Zosen Corporation | Electron beam sterilization apparatus |
DE102010012569A1 (en) | 2010-03-23 | 2011-09-29 | Krones Ag | Device for sterilizing containers |
DE102011012342A1 (en) * | 2011-02-24 | 2012-08-30 | Krones Aktiengesellschaft | Method and device for the sterilization of containers |
EP2729939B1 (en) | 2011-07-04 | 2018-02-14 | Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance SA | An electron beam device and a method of manufacturing said electron beam device |
-
2013
- 2013-12-17 WO PCT/EP2013/076870 patent/WO2014095838A1/en active Application Filing
- 2013-12-17 EP EP13811186.9A patent/EP2935021B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2013-12-17 JP JP2015548439A patent/JP6282667B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2013-12-17 US US14/654,812 patent/US9969512B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2013-12-17 WO PCT/EP2013/076874 patent/WO2014095842A1/en active Application Filing
- 2013-12-17 EP EP13820754.3A patent/EP2935022B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2013-12-17 JP JP2015548442A patent/JP6322211B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2013-12-17 EP EP18163319.9A patent/EP3360810A1/en not_active Withdrawn
- 2013-12-17 EP EP13805905.0A patent/EP2935020B1/en not_active Not-in-force
- 2013-12-17 CN CN201380067716.7A patent/CN104870319B/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2013-12-17 JP JP2015548440A patent/JP6320414B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2013-12-17 WO PCT/EP2013/076871 patent/WO2014095839A1/en active Application Filing
-
2018
- 2018-01-22 JP JP2018008369A patent/JP6554192B2/en not_active Expired - Fee Related
- 2018-03-15 US US15/921,879 patent/US20180251249A1/en not_active Abandoned
Cited By (1)
Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
---|---|---|---|---|
US20200108165A1 (en) * | 2018-10-05 | 2020-04-09 | Carlos Manuel Poventud-Estrada | Handheld and rechargeable battery operated device invented to eliminate the bad odor produced by human flatulence and feces by ignition. |
Also Published As
Publication number | Publication date |
---|---|
JP6554192B2 (en) | 2019-07-31 |
JP2016503744A (en) | 2016-02-08 |
JP6320414B2 (en) | 2018-05-09 |
EP2935020A1 (en) | 2015-10-28 |
EP2935021A1 (en) | 2015-10-28 |
CN104870319A (en) | 2015-08-26 |
JP6322211B2 (en) | 2018-05-09 |
WO2014095839A1 (en) | 2014-06-26 |
US20150336701A1 (en) | 2015-11-26 |
CN104870319B (en) | 2019-04-23 |
WO2014095842A1 (en) | 2014-06-26 |
WO2014095838A1 (en) | 2014-06-26 |
EP2935021B1 (en) | 2017-04-19 |
JP2018083665A (en) | 2018-05-31 |
JP6282667B2 (en) | 2018-02-21 |
EP2935022B1 (en) | 2018-05-02 |
JP2016506340A (en) | 2016-03-03 |
US9969512B2 (en) | 2018-05-15 |
EP2935022A1 (en) | 2015-10-28 |
EP2935020B1 (en) | 2019-07-03 |
JP2016501790A (en) | 2016-01-21 |
EP3360810A1 (en) | 2018-08-15 |
Similar Documents
Publication | Publication Date | Title |
---|---|---|
US20180251249A1 (en) | Device and method for sterilizing packaging containers by electron beam | |
JP4757258B2 (en) | Apparatus and method for sterilizing filling of packaging unit components, in particular bottles and / or caps | |
US9969513B2 (en) | Device and method for sterilization of packaging containers | |
EP2746174B1 (en) | Device and method for sterilizing packaging containers by electron beam | |
JP6543260B2 (en) | Device and method for sterilizing packaging containers | |
RU2651292C2 (en) | Sterilizing machine and method of sterilization of packaging containers | |
WO2015124357A1 (en) | E-beam container sterilization apparatus | |
US10053252B2 (en) | Method and device for sterilizing packaging material |
Legal Events
Date | Code | Title | Description |
---|---|---|---|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: DOCKETED NEW CASE - READY FOR EXAMINATION |
|
STPP | Information on status: patent application and granting procedure in general |
Free format text: NON FINAL ACTION MAILED |
|
STCB | Information on status: application discontinuation |
Free format text: ABANDONED -- FAILURE TO RESPOND TO AN OFFICE ACTION |