US3793939A - Installation for sterilizing packages filled with materials, especially foodstuffs or semi-luxuries - Google Patents

Installation for sterilizing packages filled with materials, especially foodstuffs or semi-luxuries Download PDF

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US3793939A
US3793939A US00191239A US3793939DA US3793939A US 3793939 A US3793939 A US 3793939A US 00191239 A US00191239 A US 00191239A US 3793939D A US3793939D A US 3793939DA US 3793939 A US3793939 A US 3793939A
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United States
Prior art keywords
installation
packages
conveying channel
guide groove
zone
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W Wieser
E Munz
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Hero Conserven Lenzburg
NEUWEILER AG
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Hero Conserven Lenzburg
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    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A23—FOODS OR FOODSTUFFS; TREATMENT THEREOF, NOT COVERED BY OTHER CLASSES
    • A23B—PRESERVATION OF FOODS, FOODSTUFFS OR NON-ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES; CHEMICAL RIPENING OF FRUIT OR VEGETABLES
    • A23B2/00—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general
    • A23B2/20—Preservation of foods or foodstuffs, in general by heating materials in packages which are progressively transported, continuously or stepwise, through the apparatus
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65G—TRANSPORT OR STORAGE DEVICES, e.g. CONVEYORS FOR LOADING OR TIPPING, SHOP CONVEYOR SYSTEMS OR PNEUMATIC TUBE CONVEYORS
    • B65G51/00—Conveying articles through pipes or tubes by fluid flow or pressure; Conveying articles over a flat surface, e.g. the base of a trough, by jets located in the surface
    • B65G51/02—Directly conveying the articles, e.g. slips, sheets, stockings, containers or workpieces, by flowing gases

Definitions

  • ABSTRACT An installation for the sterilization of packages filled with materials, especially with foodstuffs or semiluxuries, wherein such installation is equipped with a conveying channel which extends between an inlet sluice and a free outlet, this conveying channel possessing a pre-heating zone, a sterilization zone and a cooling zone.
  • the packages are transported through the conveying channel solely by means of a throughflowing fluid medium serving as an energy transmis sion agent.
  • the conveying channel extends through such a tortuous or twisted path and through such elevational positions that the pressure at the sterilization zone is greater than at the pre-heating zone and cooling zone.
  • the pre-heating zone and the sterilization zone collectively possess their own heatable fluid medium circulation system which is separated by a pressure sluice from the fluid medium circulation system of the cooling zone.
  • the present invention relates to a new and improved installation for the sterilization of packages filled with materials, especially with foodstuffs or so-called semiluxuries.
  • semi-luxuries are intended to designate products or materials which are not especially consumed for nutritional reasons, typically well known examples thereof are coffee, tea, tobacco, alcohol, some medicines and the like.
  • the invention is considered to have utility for the handling of packages or the like the contents of which desirably should be sterilized.
  • Another and more specific object of the present invention relates to a new and improved construction of installation for the sterilization of packaged articles in an extremely reliable, efficient and economical fashion.
  • Still a further significant object of the present invention relates to a novel construction of sterilization installation for goods which is relatively simple in construction, economical to manufacture, not readily subject to breakdown, and provides for an efficient and controlled sterilization of the goods.
  • the inventive installation is of the type comprising a conveying channel extending between an inlet sluice and a free outlet.
  • This conveying channel embodying a pre-heatingzone, a sterilization zone, and a cooling zone and through which the packages are conveyed solely by means of a throughflowing fluid medium serving as an energy transmission agent.
  • the conveying channel extends through such a tortuous or twisted path and at such elevational positions that the pressure at the sterilization zone is greater than at the pre-heating zone and at the cooling zone.
  • the pre-heating zone and sterilization zone collectively exhibit their own heatable fluid medium circulation system which is separated from the fluid medium circulation system of the cooling zone by means of a pressure sluice.
  • Water has advantageously been found to constitute a useful fluid medium agent for the transmission of heat and for conveying the packages through the conveying or transport channel, this water, if desired, can have added thereto suitable additives for the purpose of changing the boiling temperature, for corrosion inhibitng purposes, for the killing of germs and the like. Still, by way of completeness, it should however be mentioned that other fluid mediums for the transmission of heat and for the conveying action can be employed, such as, for instance, oil, especially if highsterilization temperatures are desired.
  • packages as employed herein is used in its broader sense as relating to any suitable type of enclosure for the materials to be sterilized.
  • FIG. 1 is a schematic side view of a preferred embodiment of inventive sterilization installation
  • FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a container for receiving one or more packages
  • FIG. 3 is a side view, partially in section, of the inlet sluice of the sterilization installation depicted in FIG.
  • FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the inlet sluice of FIG. 3, taken substantially along the line lV-IV thereof;
  • FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the inlet sluice depicted in FIG. 3, taken substantially along the line VV thereof;
  • FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view of the inlet sluice, similar to the showing of FIG. 4, and with an electromagnet as the infeed device;
  • FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view of the inlet sluice, similar to the showing of FIG. 4, and with a resilient or spring element serving as the infeed device;
  • FIG. 8 is a side view, also partially in section, of a bypass or bridging mechanism at the sterilization zone of the sterilization installation of FIG. 1;
  • FIG. 9 is a fragmentary view on an enlarged scale and also in cross-section of a control element arranged in the conveying channel;
  • FIGS. 10 and 11 schematically illustrate the control mechanism for controlling the heating devices for the pre-heating zone and the sterilization zone
  • FIG. 12 is a schematic view of a further embodiment of sterilization installation designed according to the teachings of this invention.
  • FIG. 1 there is schematically illustrated in side view a sterilization installation designed according to the concepts of this invention and which will be seen to contain an inlet sluice 10, a conveying channel 12, and a free outlet or discharge 14.
  • the conveying channel 12 extends in coils in a zigzag or serpentine configuration from the inlet sluice l0 and initially passes through a first zone or region defining a pre-heating zone V, then through a further zone or region of progressively decreasing elevation which defines a sterilization zone S.
  • the conveying channel 12 is connected through the agency of a pressure sluice 16 with a cooling zone K.
  • This cooling zone K will be understood to embody a riser or upright column 18, at the topmost or culmination point 20 of which there is arranged a conventional aeration device 22.
  • This riser 18 subdivides the cooling zone K into a rearward pressure zone and a forward pressureless zone.
  • the pre-heating zone V and the sterilization zone S are equipped with their own fluid medium-circulation system.
  • the embodiment under consideration the
  • circulating fluid medium is considered to be water, the infeed 24 of which is provided at the infeed sluice l and the outfeed or discharge 26 of which is provided at the pressure sluice 16.
  • a primary or main heater means 27 In order to heat up the water serving both as a conveying agent and thermal energytransmission agent there is provided a primary or main heater means 27 and an auxiliary heater means 28.
  • the primary heater means 27 will be seen to be equipped with heating devices 27a, 27b, and 270 which are cally distributively arranged along the length of the conveying channel 12, and which are actuated through the agency of any suitable non-illustrated temperature feeler which measures the temperature of the water flowing through the conveying channel or conduit arrangement 12.
  • the auxiliary heater means 22 likewise contains a series of heating devices 28a, 28b, 28c, 28d and 28a, which are locally arranged in distributed fashion along the length of the conveying channel 12, these heating devices being actuated through the agency of a control mechanism 30. The actuation thereof occurs as a functionof the throughput of the packages or containers conveyed through the conveying channel 12.
  • the control mechanism 30 receives pulses from the feelers 32 and 34 (FIGS. 1 and 11), which respond to the infed number of packages 36 or containers 44. A detailed description of the heating system will be undertaken hereinafter in conjunction with FIGS. 10 and 11.
  • inlet studs or connections 42 which are preferably different from one another and which can be closed by slides 40 or equivalent devices.
  • the individual packages 36 can be serially processed one after the other in the sterilization installation, and thus the packages essentially fill the cross-section of the conveying channel 12.
  • a container 44 of the type illustrated in FIG. 2 and the cross-section of which essentially corresponds to the cross-section of the conveying channel 12.
  • One such container 44 can accommodate either only a single package or, if desired, a number of packages. Under certain circumstances, it is advantageous to equip the container with appropriate inserts which render possible a positional fixing of one or a number of such packages.
  • the container 44 is preferably equipped with a perforated wall 46 having bores or openings 48, the relationship between these openings 48 and the solid parts of the wall 46 being calculated such that a sufficient flushing of the container 44 with water is insured for and, on the other hand, the container still provides a sufficient flow resistance to the water that it will be entrainable conveyed by such water. While as a general rule such container 44 would be provided with a floor or bottom, it is not necessary in every instance to also equip such with a cover portion, since sliding out of the packages is prevented by the wall portions of the conveying channel.
  • packages is also intended to encompass containers or the like, particularly the containers 44 of the type illustrated in FIG. 2 and which can accommodate one or a number of such packages.
  • containers Through the use of containers, it is possible to appreciably increase the possibilities of use of the sterilization installation. Hence, it is not only possible to sterilize packages of different format and shapes, rather, if desired, it is possible to transport a number of packages in a single container. This considerably increases the throughput of the installation.
  • FIG. 3 illustrates the inlet sluice 10 in side view and partially broken away.
  • This inlet sluice 10 will be seen to comprise a hollow cylindrical housing 50 which is closed in fluid tight manner at both ends or sides by means of the housing side portions or end walls 52 and 54.
  • a pocket impeller or pocket wheel 56 is suitably rotatably mounted within housing 50, this pocket impeller 56 having a plurality of pockets 58 for receiving the packages 36, for instance in the form of food cans.
  • Pocket wheel 56 is driven by any suitable and therefore schematically depicted drive mechanism 60. Further, pocket wheel 56 is disposed to rotate in an at least approximately vertical plane.
  • inlet sluice 10 The upper end of inlet sluice 10 is equipped with an inlet stud or connection 62 with which there is coupled an infeed or delivery mechanism 63 of the type illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • the packages 36 move from this location into the individual pockets 58 of the pocket wheel 56.
  • outlet or discharge stud 64 At the lower end of inlet sluice 10 there is provided an outlet or discharge stud 64, at which location the packages are transferred to the conveying or conveyor channel 12.
  • the outlet stud or connection 64 is arranged tangentially with regard to this housing.
  • a guide groove 66 is machined or otherwise provided at the housing side portion 52.
  • This guide groove 66 extends tangentially from the outlet stud 64 at least up to the circularshaped conveying or transport path for the packages 36 determined by the pocket wheel 56. It is advantageous if the guide groove 66 extends over a portion of this circular-shaped conveying path. There is provided a preferably uniform transition 68 from the circular-shaped conveying path into the guide groove 66. This transition location 68 is advantageously disposed at the region of the guide groove 66 which follows the circular shaped conveying path.
  • nozzles 70 for the discharge of water jets. These nozzles 70 are located at the region of the guide groove 66 and are directed towards such guide groove. Further, such nozzles 70 are provided preferably at least approximately over the entire length of such guide groove 66.
  • the pocket wheel 56 is guided in a fluidtight fashion at least directly before and after the zone determined by the guide groove 66.
  • This can be realized in a conventional manner, for instance through the use of suitable sealing ledges arranged in the housing and/or at the pocket wheel 56.
  • suitable sealing ledges arranged in the housing and/or at the pocket wheel 56.
  • the inlet stud 62 as well as the pockets 58 of the pocket wheel 56 located at this region are essentially free of liquid.
  • FIG. 4 it will be seen that the radially outwardly disposed side of the guide groove is equipped with radially inwardly directed ledge means 78 forming a lateral groove means 80 within such guide groove.
  • suction opening 74 for the purpose of sucking water out of the pockets 58. It is preferable if the suction opening 74 is located at a housing portion and specifically at the region of the base of the pockets 58.
  • inlet sluice The function of the inlet sluice is as follows: At the inlet stud or connection 62 packages 36 are introduced from the delivery mechanism 63 into the individual pockets 58 of the pocket wheel 56. This pocket wheel 56 rotates continuously in a counterclockwise direction, so that the packages 36 ultimately arrive at the outfeed region of the inlet sluice provided with the guide groove 66. At this location, the packages are subjected to the influence of the pressurized fluid medium emanating from the nozzles 70, so that the packages 36 are pressed into the guide groove 66.
  • the arms 76 of the pocket wheel 56 which define the pockets 58 thereof move the packages further, but since the latter, however, now engage with the guide groove 66, they can no longer follow the circular path of travel of the pocket wheel, rather wander tangentially in the direc tion of the outlet stud or connection 64. Conveying of the packages 36 through the action of the arms 76 is assisted by the water streams emanating from the nozzles 70.
  • the arms 76 are preferably inclined at their rear side 76a, in a direction opposite to the conveying direction and at their front side are beveled at the outer portion 76b opposite the conveying direction, as best seen by referring to FIG. 1.
  • the guide groove 66 is provided at its radially outwardly situated side with a radially inwardly directed ledge 78, by means of which there is formed within the guide groove a lateral groove 80 with which engages the flanged edge of the bottom or top of the package which has been ejected into the guide groove.
  • the water which discharges through the nozzles 70 preferably possesses that temperature necessary for sterilization. This water flows further into the preheating zone V and sterilization zone S and thus entrains the package 36.
  • the water emanating from the end of the sterilization zone S at the location of the dis charge 26 can be again heated-up by means of any suitable non'illustrated heating device and reintroduced via the nozzles into the inlet sluice 10.
  • the inlet sluice can also be designed with certain modifications.
  • the infeed device is constituted by a magnet 71 arranged at the guide groove at the region of the pocket wheel.
  • This magnet 71 can be a permanent magnet, although it is preferable to use an electromagnet.
  • the package which of course in this case is at least partially formed of a ferromagnetic material, will be acted upon by the magnetic lines or force or magnetic field of the electromagnet 71, and will be drawn into the guide groove.
  • the introduction device is constituted by a spring mechanism 73, preferably a blade or leaf spring, which is arranged at the region of the guide groove 66, and specifically opposite such guide groove 66 at the housing side portion 54, as shown.
  • the arrangement is undertaken such that the spring device 73 presses the packages 36 conveyed by the pocket wheel 56 at the region of the guide groove 66 against such guide groove.
  • the spring device 73 can be advantageously designed in such a manner that it can be brought into its rest position by the arms 76 of the pocket wheel 56.
  • the introduction device instead of embodying the spring mechanism 73 of FIG. 7, is a cam-or plunger device, which has not been particularly illustrated, and which is arranged at the region of the guide groove and the housing side portion situated opposite such guide groove.
  • the cam-or plunger device is controlled in such a way that it presses the packages into the guide groove as soon as such are located at the operable zone of such guide groove.
  • the inlet side of the sluice can be wet, that is to say, the inlet side also can be immersed in water, for instance at a lower pressure, and the packages can be fed into a water stream of higher pressure.
  • the inlet sluice affords the advantage that the outfeed or delivery of the packages to be transported, for instance, the canned goods, always occurs quickly and in a trouble-free manner owing to the infeed or introduction mechanism so that a high throughput or capacity is guaranteed for the installation.
  • FIG. 8 illustrates details of the bridging or by-pass mechanism 38 depicted in FIG. 1, and which bridges or by-passes four of the superimposed coils or windings of the conveying channel of the sterilization zone S.
  • the infeed 82 and the outfeed 84 of the by-pass conveying channel 86 are formed by a respective curved pipe 88 having an associated branch line 90.
  • the curved pipe means 88 is located at the conveying channel of the sterilization zone S.
  • flap means 92 close the access to the branch line 90.
  • the side'of the flaps 92 which face the main conveying channel is profiled in such a way that it forms a practically continuous wall portion of the main conveying channel.
  • the bypass conveying channel 86 is switched-in then the flap of the infeed 82 and the outfeed 84 are positionally reversed, and now close the flow cross-section of the main conveying channel and simultaneously form a practically continuous wall portion to the branch line 90. In this way, both the water as well as also the therewith entrained packages are directly conveyed into the by-pass conveying channel 86.
  • shut-off element 94 is constituted by a blocking flap member 96 which preferably opens in the feed or conveying direction of the water. In the closed condition of this blocking flap member 96 such bears against a stop or impact member 98. In the open condition thereof the shut-off or blocking flap member 96 is disposed within a wall recess 100, so that such blocking flap member forms a straight and unhindered throughpassage for the packages.
  • control element 102 is provided at the by-pass mechanism 38 as well as also at the other portions of the conveying channel, and which control element 102 indicates the throughput or passage of a package 36.
  • This control element 102 is depicted on an enlarged scale in FIG. 9. It will be seen to encompass a feeler member 104 disposed in the wall of the conveying channel 86 in the case of the by-pass mechanism 38, and in the case of the main conveying channel 12 in the wall thereof.
  • This feeler member 104 can be constituted by a regulatable contact switch which, upon passage of a package, suitably mechanically closes a switching contact.
  • feeler member 104 It is also possible to use as the feeler member 104 a proximity initiator which responds to the passage of metallic objects by changing a switching condition, as is well known for such type devices. It is a particularly simple and operationally reliable solution to use as the feeler only a contact element which, as indicated in FIG. 9, by means of the insulation member 105, is situated isolated in the wall of the conveying channel and at which a metallic package produces an electrical connection between the wall of the conveying channel and the contact element of the feeler.
  • the control element 102 can be electrically connected with a switching panel or board and at that location can illuminate a control lamp upon passage of a package. In this way it is possible to ascertain at any instance of time whether and where, if need be, disturbances have arisen with regard to the throughflow of the packages.
  • a main or primary heater means 27 and an auxiliary heater means 28 are provided for controlling the heat content of the sterilization installation.
  • the heating devices 27a to 27c and 28a to 28:: of the main heater means 27 and the auxiliary heater means 28, respectively, which are arranged along the length of the conveying channel 12, can be of different type construction.
  • the heating devices can be in the form of resistor heaters which are arranged locally about the conveying channel.
  • induction heating devices could be conceivably employed.
  • a particularly advantageous manner of heating can be realized by locally infeeding hot steam into the water of the conveying channel.
  • valves 105a 1050 and 1060 106e which release the infeed of vapor from a vapor or steam line 108 to the individual heating devices 27a 27c and 28a 28c respectively.
  • the main heater means 27 serves for maintaining a certain temperature of the water in the conveying or transport channel 12. This temperature is monitored by means of one or a number of conventional temperature feelers. In the event that the water cools down, then, through the agency of one or a number of the heating devices 27a 27c, thermal energy, i.e., in the present exemplary embodiment under consideration, hot steam or vapor is infed, until the temperature feeler again indicates the desired temperature.
  • the auxiliary or supplementary heater means 28 serves for balancing out thermal losses which occur owing to the heating-up of each individual package. Accordingly, at each heating device 28a 28e, upon passage of a package through such heating device, only so much hot vapor or steam is infed as has been withdrawn or consumed by the package for heating such up at the associated region of the conveying channel. This quantity of thermal energy of the water which has been consumed by the package can be previously calculated and/or experimentally determined and, of course, varies for different packages and different goods contained therein.
  • the auxiliary heating means provides for a really good maintenance of a constant temperature of the water in the conveying channel since it responds practically without any timedelay to each load of the sterilization installation.
  • the control of the heating devices 28a 28a and the associated valves 106a 106b takes places through the agency of the control device 30 il lustrated in detail in FIGS. 10 and 11.
  • the feeler 32 situated in front of the infeed or inlet sluice 10 determines the presence of each incoming package 36 and upon throughpassage of each such package delivers a pulse to a storage 110.
  • This storage 110 embodies a timedelay element 112 which only then releases the stored pulse to the individual heating devices 28a 28c when the associated package 36 has at least approximately arrived at such heating devices.
  • the magnitude of the infeed of thermal energy that is, the quantity of hot steam or vapor which is delivered, can be regulated at each heating device in accordance with the momentary heat consumption of the packages.
  • the storage means 110 of this embodiment incorporates a rotatable disc 114, the velocity .of which can be adjusted, and which at the region of its periphery is equipped with a continuous series of switching pins or bolts 116.
  • an extinguishing head 118 which resets all switching bolts 116 set at the other side of the disc 114.
  • a setting head 120 which is operatively coupled with the feeler 32 and, viewed in the direction of travel of the disc 114, is disposed after the extinguishing head 118.
  • This setting head 120 upon the presence of a package 36, pushes through at least one switching bolt 116 to the side of the extinguishing head 118.
  • switches 122a l22e which are spaced fromone another an amount proportional to the spacing of the heating devices 28a 282.
  • one of the switches 122a 122a is coupled with one of the heating devices 28a 28e and is actuated by the set switching bolts 116b.
  • the non-set or reset switching bolts 116a cannot influence the switches 122a l22e.
  • the setting head 120 and the extinguishing head 118 can be electromagnetically actuated or, as shown in the illustrated embodiment, actuated by means of a cylinder-piston unit 124, the control of which is undertaken through the action of an elec tromagnetic valve means 126.
  • control mechanism 30 possesses an additional feeler 34 which is arranged at a spacing in front of the infeed or inlet sluice 10, and this feeler 34 delivers a pulse to a timing element 128 each time that a package is conveyed past such feeler 34.
  • this timing element 128 is placed into operation each time a package moves past it and, upon the occurrence of a gap or space between two packages, falls back to null.
  • the timing element 128 operates continuously and following an adjustable predetermined time-interval, delivers a withdrawal pulse to the extinguishing head 118, by means of which the latter is retracted out of its extinguishing position, so that all set switching bolts 1161; can pass without obstruction.
  • the setting head 120 which is actuated through the agency of the feeler 32 is also operable through the agency of the feeler 34 and the timing element 128 even during retraction of the extinguishing head 118, so that upon throughpassage of a package the switching bolts 116 will be continuously set by the setting head 120. Since, however, the extinguishing head 118 in its retracted position does not reset any set switching bolt 1 16b, the extinguishing head 118 at the region of the set switching bolts l16b travels empty, so that the storage 110, that is to say, the extinguishing head 118, the switching bolts 116, the rotating disc 114, and the setting head 120 are protected.
  • the delay of the time-delay element 112 of the storage 110 is determined by the drive of the rotating disc 114 which has not been particularly shown.
  • This drive can be adjusted with regard to its speed of movement in such a manner that one revolution corresponds exactly to the throughpassage of a package from the feeler 32 up to the region of the last heating device 28e. In the event that the conveying channel possesses a greater throughpassage velocity then it is possible to appropriately more quickly rotate the disc 114.
  • the described control mechanism for the heating devices enables a considerably more precise and simpler heating of the pre-heating zone and the sterilization zone.
  • the previously known prior art control devices based solely upon thermostatic feelers, were much too sluggish and notwithstanding complicated constructions, did not provide for any exact temperature conditions, that is, they were not capable of balancing out quickly enough the disturbance or error magnitudes caused by the packages.
  • the necessary measures for heating at certain sections of the conveying channel have been directly taken into account.
  • the heating device of the instant invention works practically without any time-delay, since, at the given sections of the conveying channel, at the moment there is present a fault in the heat or thermal content occasioned by the packages there will again be delivered a correspondingly larger amount of thermal energy or heat.
  • the sterilization installation of this development possesses two separate water cycling or circulation systems, and specifically, one circulation system for the pre-heating zone V and the sterilization zone S and another circulation system for the cooling zone K.
  • one circulation system for the pre-heating zone V and the sterilization zone S and another circulation system for the cooling zone K By virtue of these measures, it is possible to collect the water arriving from the sterilization zone, and to again deliver such into the system. Indeed, it would be possible to again heat up the collected water prior to reintroducing such into the conveying channel, but the water however is hot enough to be infed to the inlet sluice.
  • the actual heating up for bal ancing out the thermal losses during collection of the water preferably only then takes place by means of the main heater 27. Since the water departing from the sterilization zone is naturally quite hot, the provision of a separate water circulation system for the pre-heating and sterilization zones allows for a considerable saving in steam and therefore energy.
  • the double water guide arrangement presupposes that a pressure sluice 16 is provided between the sterilization zone S and the cooling zone K as such has been illustrated in FIG. 1.
  • Such pressure sluice 16 will be seen to be provided with a separation compartment arranged at the end of the conveying channel of the sterilization zone S, at which there is provided a pressure line as an outflow or discharge 26 for the water and which conducts the water into a nonillustrated pressure container.
  • the pressure in the pressure line and in the pressure container essentially is dependent upon the hydrostatic and dynamic pressure of the sterilization installation.
  • the packages separated from the water arrive at a drop tube 132 which is at an overpressure, such drop tube 132 being supplied with cooling water at its lower end through the agency of the infeed line or conduit 134.
  • An air cushion 136 further insures for a separation of both water infeeds.
  • the pressure region of the cooling zone K is disposed preferably higher than the level of the inlet or infeed sluice 10, and moreover, possesses a riser column 18, by means of which there can be determined the hydrostatic pressure of the entire sterilization installation.
  • a riser column 18 by means of which there can be determined the hydrostatic pressure of the entire sterilization installation.
  • an aeration device 22 At the top or culmination point of this riser 18, there is provided, as previously considered, an aeration device 22, by means of which the water can escape freely out of the riser column 118, that is, without any suction action exerted upon the water at the rearward portion of the sterilization installation.
  • the packages are delivered through the agency of a numberof coils or windings of the main channel 12 and practically without any appreciable overpressure, to an outlet 14 which is likewise contructed as a separation compartment or chamber.
  • the packages 36 arrive through the agency of a slide into the open and the cooling water is withdrawn by means of the discharge conduit or line 138.
  • the described sterilization installation of this invention possesses a whole multitude of advantages which have already been mentioned for the most part heretofore.
  • the sterilization installation owing to the tortuous guiding of the conveying channel, can be extremely easily and simply accommodated to each constructional situation encountered.
  • the guiding of the channel permits matching the length of the conveying channel and its height with respect to one another such that there is possible the greatest possible accommodation of the fluid medium pressure in the conveying channel to the internal pressure of the package which increases with increasing heating.
  • the installation can be guided or configured for very complicated paths of travel or courses for the packages since, for the purpose of conveying the packages, there is only used water which, in contract to mechanical conveying installations, can be despatched in the most simple way over very complicated paths.
  • the installation on the one hand, by virtue of its continuous and intermittent operation possibilities, and, on the other hand, by virtue of the arrangement of the by-pass devices, is extremely versatile, so that it can be used for the most different kinds of good which are required to be sterilized.
  • a package containing goods or materials which should be rapidly sterilized can be conducted much more quickly through the installation, without having to increase the conveying speed of the water. This takes place solely by shortening the conveying path by means of such by-pass or shunting mechanisms, as discussed above.
  • the sterilization installation of this invention it is also possible to treat or handle packages which require very long sterilization times.
  • the installation can be intermittently operated, whereby the travel periods, for instance, of one time unit, and the standstill periods of for instance two time units, can be continuously alternated or changed. In this way it is possible to have long residence times, without having to reduce the waterand therefore the conveying speeds below a minimum value which is still acceptable for the installation.
  • FIG. 12 there is illustrated a further embodiment of sterilization installation which is suitable for high throughput velocities or long sterilization times.
  • a high throughput requires a high conveying speed, whereby with predetermined treatment times, long conveying paths are required. This leads to extremely long conveying channels.
  • the same results are obtained with continuously operating sterilization installations, in which packages should be processed, the contents of which require an extremely long sterilization time.
  • the total pressure at the conveying channel does not increase proportionally with the decrease of the elevational position of the conveying channel, that is, with an increase of the hydrostatic pressure, rather reduces by the amount of the friction in the conveying channel.
  • the required pressure can be maintained at a usable magnitude along the entire conveying channel.
  • An installation for the sterilization of packages filled with materials, especially with foodstuffs or semiluxuries comprising an inlet sluice and a free outlet, a conveying channel extending between said inlet sluice and said free outlet, said conveying channel comprising a pre-heating zone, a sterilization zone and a cooling zone, the packages being transported through said conveying channel solely by means of a through-flowing fluid medium serving as an energy transmission agent, said conveying channel extending through a tortuous path and through such elevational positions that the pressure at said sterilization zone is greater than at said pre-heating zone and said cooling zone, said inlet sluice comprising a housing closed in a fluid tight fashion including a pair of side walls, an inlet stud and an outlet stud for introducing packages containing the material to be sterilized into said conveying channel, said housing being in the form of a substantially hollow cylindrical body member, a wheel rotatably mounted within said housing providing a circular shaped transport path for said packages, and including a plurality
  • said conveying channel defines a main conveying channel means having an infeed location and an outfeed location
  • said by-pass means providing a by-pass conveying channel
  • a respective flap member for connecting said bypass conveying channel with said infeed and outfeed locations of said main conveying channel means
  • said flap members being movable between a switching-out position and a switching-in position, said flap members when assuming said switching-out position blocking said by-pass conveying channel and forming a portion of the wall of said main conveying channel means, said flap members when assuming said switched-in position blocking said main conveying channel means and forming a portion of said by-pass conveying channel.
  • shut-off element is a closure flap which opens in the direction of conveying of the packages.
  • control means which are distributively arranged along the length of said conveying channel, said control means being responsive to the movement of packages or containers moving therepast.
  • control means comprise respective feelers.
  • said introduction mechanism comprises a magnet arranged at said guide groove at the region of said pocket wheel.
  • said introduction mechanism comprises a magnet situated opposite said pocket wheel at an end wall of said outlet stud.
  • said introduction mechanism comprises a resilient device arranged at the region of said guide groove and a portion of said housing situated opposite said guide groove, and wherein said resilient device presses the packages conveyed by said pocket wheel to the region of said guide groove against such guide groove.
  • said introduction device comprises means arranged at the region of said guide groove and a portion of said housing situated opposite said guide groove for pressing said packages into the guide groove as soon as such have arrived at the region of said guide groove.
  • said introduction device comprises nozzle means for the outflow of streams of fluid medium, said nozzle means being located at a side of said housing which is located opposite said guide groove and at the region of said guide groove, said nozzle means being directed towards guide groove.
  • said pocket wheel comprises a number of receiving pockets formed by arm means, and wherein said arm means of said pockets, viewed in the direction of conveying of the material, are inclined at their rearward side opposite to the direction of conveying and are beveled in a direction opposite to the direction of conveying of the materials at their front side at the outer portion of said arms.
  • heating devices comprise steam inlet connection means, and valve means for controlling the opening of said steam inlet connection means.
  • control means for each heating device comprises a feeler responding to each throughpassing package or container and delivering a pulse for switching-in said heating devices.
  • control means comprises a feeler, a storage means, said feeler delivering a pulse to said storage means each time a package or container moves past such feeler, said storage means storing said pulse and with an adjustable time-delay delivering in succession actuation pulses to said heating devices.
  • said storage means incorporating a rotatable disc member, the speed of rotation of which can be adjusted, said rotatable disc member being provided at the region of its periphery with a continuous series of switching pins, a resetting head disposed at one side of said disc member for resetting all switching pins which have been set at the other side of said disc member, and a setting head arranged at the other side of said disc member which upon the presence of a package pushes at least one switching pin through to the side of said resetting head, said setting head being coupled with a first feeler and viewed in the direction of travel of said disc member being arranged aftersaid resetting head, and wherein the side of said resetting head there are arranged along the series of switching pins and at a spacing corresponding to the spacing of the heating devices from one another switch means which are coupled with said heating devices and are closed by the set switching pins.
  • control means comprises a second feeler disposed behind said first feeler, a timing element, said second feeler delivering pulses to said timing element, said timing element in the presence of the passage of a number of packages without any gaps therebetween delivering a restoring pulse to said resetting head, whereby said resetting head is moved back out of its resetting position.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Wood Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Zoology (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Food Science & Technology (AREA)
  • Polymers & Plastics (AREA)
  • Physics & Mathematics (AREA)
  • Fluid Mechanics (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Food Preservation Except Freezing, Refrigeration, And Drying (AREA)
  • Apparatus For Disinfection Or Sterilisation (AREA)
US00191239A 1971-09-28 1971-10-21 Installation for sterilizing packages filled with materials, especially foodstuffs or semi-luxuries Expired - Lifetime US3793939A (en)

Applications Claiming Priority (1)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
CH1409371A CH539397A (de) 1971-09-28 1971-09-28 Anlage zum Sterilisieren von mit Gut, insbesondere mit Lebens- oder Genussmitteln, gefüllten Packungen

Publications (1)

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US3793939A true US3793939A (en) 1974-02-26

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US00191239A Expired - Lifetime US3793939A (en) 1971-09-28 1971-10-21 Installation for sterilizing packages filled with materials, especially foodstuffs or semi-luxuries

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US (1) US3793939A (cg-RX-API-DMAC10.html)
CH (1) CH539397A (cg-RX-API-DMAC10.html)
DE (1) DE2149122C2 (cg-RX-API-DMAC10.html)
FR (1) FR2155152A5 (cg-RX-API-DMAC10.html)
IT (1) IT942679B (cg-RX-API-DMAC10.html)

Cited By (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4636366A (en) * 1980-07-19 1987-01-13 Machinefabriek Lan B.V. Device for sterilizng holders containing products
US4863377A (en) * 1986-04-08 1989-09-05 Neuweiler Ag Apparatus for the hydraulic conveyance of substances and use thereof
US5160755A (en) * 1990-01-26 1992-11-03 Campbell Soup Company Canned product sterilizing process
US5269216A (en) * 1991-03-28 1993-12-14 Metalquimia S.A. Automatic machine for sterilization and aseptic packing of meat products
US5277923A (en) * 1990-01-26 1994-01-11 Campbell Soup Company Process for preparing food products
US5397583A (en) * 1992-12-16 1995-03-14 Sun-Maid Growers Of California, Inc. High-moisture raisins for use in food processing
US5537916A (en) * 1995-05-19 1996-07-23 Metalquimia, S.A. Automatic machine for sterilization and aseptic packing of pasteurized meat products
US5546849A (en) * 1995-03-06 1996-08-20 North Carolina State University Hydrostatic heating apparatus
FR2842995A1 (fr) * 2002-07-30 2004-02-06 Kaufler Sa "procede et installation de traitement de produits alimentaires, a circulation de liquide"
US20120079951A1 (en) * 2003-10-08 2012-04-05 Kraft Foods Global Brands Llc Apparatus and Method for Surface Treatment of a Food Product
WO2013127528A1 (en) * 2012-02-28 2013-09-06 Philip Morris Products S.A. Pasteurization of packaged tobacco

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DE3121783A1 (de) * 1981-06-02 1983-01-05 Daniel 94410 St. Maurice Gaignoux Vorrichtung zum ueberfuehren von koerpern, insbesondere von mit gut gefuellten packungen
DE3508145A1 (de) * 1985-03-07 1986-09-11 Alfred Bolz GmbH & Co KG, 7988 Wangen Vorrichtung zum druckabbau in einem von fluessigkeit durchstroemten rohr in dem festkoerper befoerdert werden
DE3508948A1 (de) * 1985-03-13 1986-09-18 Alfred Bolz GmbH & Co KG, 7988 Wangen Hydro-pneumatische vorrichtung fuer den hydraulischen kapselaustrag
DE3508949A1 (de) * 1985-03-13 1986-09-18 Alfred Bolz GmbH & Co KG, 7988 Wangen Vorrichtung zum foerdern und behandeln von koerpern in einer rohrleitung
DE3508950A1 (de) * 1985-03-13 1986-09-25 Alfred Bolz GmbH & Co KG, 7988 Wangen Hydro-pneumatische rohrpumpe fuer den hydraulischen kapseltransport
EP0408789A1 (de) * 1989-07-20 1991-01-23 Alfred Bolz Vorrichtung zum hydraulischen Transport von mit Gut gefüllten Behältnissen
DE4315430C1 (de) * 1993-05-08 1994-09-29 Kraftanlagen Ag Verfahren und Einrichtung zur Druckänderung in wasserdurchströmten Rohrleitungen
FR2856044A1 (fr) 2003-06-13 2004-12-17 Daniel Gaignoux Procede et installation pour le transport d'objets dans un flux de liquide
DE102008038521B3 (de) * 2008-08-20 2010-07-15 Andreas Kausler Heizungssystem
NL2013735B1 (en) * 2014-11-04 2016-10-04 Jbt B&Bs B V Device for the filling and/or closing of containers having a drive shaft decontamination box.

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US1999430A (en) * 1932-03-30 1935-04-30 Schmidt John Cooking apparatus
US2264611A (en) * 1940-07-05 1941-12-02 Kenneth E Bemis Time and temperature control means for cooking machines
US2468794A (en) * 1946-05-14 1949-05-03 Fmc Corp Vented cooker valve
US3146691A (en) * 1959-10-12 1964-09-01 Martin William Mck Heating device
US3437495A (en) * 1964-09-08 1969-04-08 Cryodry Corp Aseptic canning of foods having solid or semi-solid components
US3473934A (en) * 1965-07-19 1969-10-21 Fmc Corp Method of processing food products in glass containers
US3563161A (en) * 1967-08-03 1971-02-16 Int Machinery Corp Sa Rotary pressure cooker
US3566774A (en) * 1968-11-14 1971-03-02 Int Machinery Corp Container transfer mechanism
US3584569A (en) * 1968-08-14 1971-06-15 Ursina Ag Apparatus for the sterilization of filled packages having pressure sensitive closures and filled with material,especially foodstuffs or condiments or the like
US3586510A (en) * 1969-06-13 1971-06-22 Us Agriculture Helical pump system and use in processing of foods
US3619126A (en) * 1963-10-01 1971-11-09 Pierre Carvallo Method of continuously heat-treating products in sealed containers, and apparatus for performing the same

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BE653205A (cg-RX-API-DMAC10.html) * 1963-10-01 1965-01-18
FR1591576A (cg-RX-API-DMAC10.html) * 1968-05-29 1970-05-04
CH502774A (de) * 1969-01-29 1971-02-15 Hero Conserven Schleuse zum Einführen von Körpern in einen unter Überdruck stehenden Flüssigkeitsstrom, insbesondere zum Einschleusen von Konservendosen in einen Druckkocher
DE1957060A1 (de) * 1969-11-13 1971-05-19 Plasco Ag Verfahren und Vorrichtung zum Garen,zur Sterilisation und zur Kuehlung von in verschweissten Folienbeuteln vacuumverpackten Produkten,insbesondere von Lebens- und Futtermitteln
DE1962428A1 (de) * 1969-12-12 1971-06-16 Plasco Ag Vorrichtung zum kontinuierlichen Garen von Gut in geschlossenen Packungen

Patent Citations (11)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US1999430A (en) * 1932-03-30 1935-04-30 Schmidt John Cooking apparatus
US2264611A (en) * 1940-07-05 1941-12-02 Kenneth E Bemis Time and temperature control means for cooking machines
US2468794A (en) * 1946-05-14 1949-05-03 Fmc Corp Vented cooker valve
US3146691A (en) * 1959-10-12 1964-09-01 Martin William Mck Heating device
US3619126A (en) * 1963-10-01 1971-11-09 Pierre Carvallo Method of continuously heat-treating products in sealed containers, and apparatus for performing the same
US3437495A (en) * 1964-09-08 1969-04-08 Cryodry Corp Aseptic canning of foods having solid or semi-solid components
US3473934A (en) * 1965-07-19 1969-10-21 Fmc Corp Method of processing food products in glass containers
US3563161A (en) * 1967-08-03 1971-02-16 Int Machinery Corp Sa Rotary pressure cooker
US3584569A (en) * 1968-08-14 1971-06-15 Ursina Ag Apparatus for the sterilization of filled packages having pressure sensitive closures and filled with material,especially foodstuffs or condiments or the like
US3566774A (en) * 1968-11-14 1971-03-02 Int Machinery Corp Container transfer mechanism
US3586510A (en) * 1969-06-13 1971-06-22 Us Agriculture Helical pump system and use in processing of foods

Cited By (14)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US4636366A (en) * 1980-07-19 1987-01-13 Machinefabriek Lan B.V. Device for sterilizng holders containing products
US4863377A (en) * 1986-04-08 1989-09-05 Neuweiler Ag Apparatus for the hydraulic conveyance of substances and use thereof
US5301603A (en) * 1990-01-26 1994-04-12 Campbell Soup Company Sterilizing system
US5160755A (en) * 1990-01-26 1992-11-03 Campbell Soup Company Canned product sterilizing process
US5277923A (en) * 1990-01-26 1994-01-11 Campbell Soup Company Process for preparing food products
US5374437A (en) * 1991-03-28 1994-12-20 Metalquimia S.A. Pasteurization, sterilization and aseptic packing method for meat products
US5269216A (en) * 1991-03-28 1993-12-14 Metalquimia S.A. Automatic machine for sterilization and aseptic packing of meat products
US5397583A (en) * 1992-12-16 1995-03-14 Sun-Maid Growers Of California, Inc. High-moisture raisins for use in food processing
US5546849A (en) * 1995-03-06 1996-08-20 North Carolina State University Hydrostatic heating apparatus
US5537916A (en) * 1995-05-19 1996-07-23 Metalquimia, S.A. Automatic machine for sterilization and aseptic packing of pasteurized meat products
FR2842995A1 (fr) * 2002-07-30 2004-02-06 Kaufler Sa "procede et installation de traitement de produits alimentaires, a circulation de liquide"
US20120079951A1 (en) * 2003-10-08 2012-04-05 Kraft Foods Global Brands Llc Apparatus and Method for Surface Treatment of a Food Product
WO2013127528A1 (en) * 2012-02-28 2013-09-06 Philip Morris Products S.A. Pasteurization of packaged tobacco
EP2915441A1 (en) * 2012-02-28 2015-09-09 Philip Morris Products S.A. Pasteurization of packaged tobacco

Also Published As

Publication number Publication date
FR2155152A5 (cg-RX-API-DMAC10.html) 1973-05-18
IT942679B (it) 1973-04-02
DE2149122C2 (de) 1984-01-26
CH539397A (de) 1973-07-31
DE2149122A1 (de) 1973-04-05

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