WO2003026969A1 - Emballage de materiaux particulaires - Google Patents

Emballage de materiaux particulaires Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2003026969A1
WO2003026969A1 PCT/NZ2002/000191 NZ0200191W WO03026969A1 WO 2003026969 A1 WO2003026969 A1 WO 2003026969A1 NZ 0200191 W NZ0200191 W NZ 0200191W WO 03026969 A1 WO03026969 A1 WO 03026969A1
Authority
WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
bag
adapter head
chamber
vacuum
vacuum chamber
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/NZ2002/000191
Other languages
English (en)
Inventor
David Aucamp
Scott Edward Leaning
Colin Brian Buckley
Original Assignee
Xero Limited
Priority date (The priority date 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 date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Xero Limited filed Critical Xero Limited
Publication of WO2003026969A1 publication Critical patent/WO2003026969A1/fr

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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
    • B65B39/00—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers
    • B65B39/06—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers adapted to support containers or wrappers
    • B65B39/08—Nozzles, funnels or guides for introducing articles or materials into containers or wrappers adapted to support containers or wrappers by means of clamps
    • 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
    • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/02—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas
    • B65B31/024—Filling, closing, or filling and closing, containers or wrappers in chambers maintained under vacuum or superatmospheric pressure or containing a special atmosphere, e.g. of inert gas specially adapted for wrappers or bags
    • 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
    • B65B31/00—Packaging articles or materials under special atmospheric or gaseous conditions; Adding propellants to aerosol containers
    • B65B31/04—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied
    • B65B31/041—Evacuating, pressurising or gasifying filled containers or wrappers by means of nozzles through which air or other gas, e.g. an inert gas, is withdrawn or supplied the nozzles acting from above on containers or wrappers open at their top

Definitions

  • This invention relates to the packaging of particulate materials into a flexible container. It has particular application to the packaging of powders or granules of food grade material or materials of a sensitive or hazardous nature, or materials which have traditionally been difficult to package.
  • Particulate materials often present problems during handling processes. Typically they may need to be aerated to stimulate flow, or tend to naturally aerate when flowing, and the lighter weight particles particularly, become airborne and difficult to contain. Sites where particulate materials are handled are often completely shrouded in dust released during handling operations. The packaging of this type of material is therefore particularly difficult, as one is attempting to contain a mass of the material into a confined space.
  • rigid containers are often more expensive, and flexible containers such as bags, sacks, pouches can reduce cost, and improve handling characteristics.
  • particulate materials like cement, dairy products such as milk powder, plastics products such as vinyl resin beads, are filled into bags from gravity feed hoppers, in an open factory environment, resulting in poorly compacted bags and a great deal of contamination from dust and particulate material in the factory and surrounding environment.
  • Contamination can work in two directions. In some cases it is important to prevent the particulate material from contaminating people or equipment in the surrounding environment, but in other cases it is important to prevent contaminants from the surrounding environment entering the particulate material. And in some cases, like the handling of pharmaceutical products, it is important to prevent contamination in both directions at the same time.
  • Some particulate materials like wood dust or flour can produce an explosive mixture when airborne in high concentrations. For this type of material it is therefore particularly important to reduce the escape of dust particles during packaging.
  • the invention provides a packaging machine suitable for completing the packaging of particulate materials (often hereinafter referred to as "product") contained in a flexible container such as a bag, sack, pouch or the like (hereinafter referred to as a "bag”), wherein a plurality of filled bags are provided for delivery to an enclosed environment (hereinafter referred to as a "vacuum chamber”), means are provided for holding a bag or bags in a substantially vertical position within the vacuum chamber, means are provided for controlling the atmosphere whether it be to reduce or increase the pressure, temperature, or humidity, or to alter the makeup of the gases, or any combination of these (often hereinafter referred to as “controlling the atmosphere”) within the vacuum chamber and separately within the bag.
  • a packaging machine suitable for completing the packaging of particulate materials (often hereinafter referred to as "product") contained in a flexible container such as a bag, sack, pouch or the like (hereinafter referred to as a "bag"), wherein a plurality of filled bags are
  • the means for holding the bag in a vertical position includes an adapter head, wherein the adapter head is shaped to fit within the neck of the bag, and has clamping means capable of fully surrounding the bag and clamping it to the adapter head so that the interior of the bag is isolated from the exterior of the bag, and the adapter head has an aperture or apertures for the movement of gases into and out of the bag, allowing sealing of the bag within a controlled atmosphere.
  • the invention may broadly be said to consist of an apparatus for the packaging of particulate material into bags, having;
  • a vacuum chamber at least one door on the vacuum chamber for the insertion and ejection of a bag or bags.
  • a bag may be delivered to and held in a substantially vertical position within the vacuum chamber to achieve a controlled environment packaging completion process.
  • the adapter head is capable of receiving an opened bag wherein the adapter head is shaped to fit within the neck of the bag, and has clamping means capable of fully surrounding the bag and clamping it to the adapter head so that the interior of the bag is isolated from the exterior of the bag, and the bag is held in a substantially vertical position within the vacuum chamber.
  • the adapter head is a substantially symmetrical boat shape, having tapered ends capable of being engaged tightly with the clamping means.
  • the adapter head has at least one aperture for the connection of the interior of the bag to at least one vacuum or controlled atmosphere source.
  • the apparatus has a means for controlling the atmosphere separately in the interior of the bag and in the interior of the vacuum chamber
  • a filter or filters are positioned between the bag interior and any controlled atmosphere source, allowing gases but not product to exit the bag.
  • the filter, or filters, between the bag interior and any vacuum or controlled atmosphere source may extend below the adapter head into the interior of the bag, to more efficiently extract and/or replace gases from all parts of the interior of the bag and be withdrawn if necessary to allow for bag sealing.
  • the filter preferably has a perforated filter surface, having apertures small enough to allow the passage of gas, whilst trapping the bulk of the particulate material.
  • the means for sealing the bag when it is filled with product is contained within the vacuum chamber, the means being thermal, pressure or adhesive sealing, closure of self locking features of the bag, or the like, (hereinafter referred to as sealing the bag).
  • the apparatus contains a means of severing excess material created after sealing the bag.
  • the invention may broadly be said to consist in a method of packaging comprising the steps of:
  • any gas inserted into the bag is a controlled atmosphere suited to the product, and at a pressure to suit the packaging process and adjusted if required to suit density requirements for the final packaged product.
  • the bag may be vibrated to assist with air or gas extraction.
  • additional time may be allowed prior to bag sealing to allow the desired de-aeration vacuum level to be achieved.
  • the invention provides apparatus suitable for the packaging of particulate materials into an empty bag, within a vacuum chamber, wherein a plurality of bags, or material for constructing bags are provided for delivery to the vacuum chamber, means are provided for holding the bag in a fill position within the vacuum chamber, means for controlling the atmosphere within the bag, and separately within the vacuum chamber, and supply means for delivering the particulate material to the bag.
  • the invention may broadly be said to consist of an apparatus for the packaging of particulate material into bags, having;
  • a vacuum chamber adjacent to or preferably below the fill hopper, at least one door on the vacuum chamber for the insertion and ejection of a bag or bags.
  • conduit means for delivering product to the bag from the fill hopper.
  • a bag may be delivered to and held in the fill position within the vacuum chamber to achieve a controlled environment packaging process.
  • the fill hopper is a weigh hopper so that a predetermined dose of product can be stored ready for delivery to the bag.
  • the pre-weigh fill hopper is physically isolated from the adapter head and vacuum chamber during the weighing process.
  • the means for physically isolating the fill hopper from the fill head consists of two telescoping pipes, the passageway between the exterior of the inner pipe and the interior of the outer pipe being sealed by a pneumatically or hydraulically expanded seal, or the like, the seal being relaxed or diminished during the weighing operation.
  • the means for physically isolating the fill hopper from the adapter head may be achieved using two telescoping pipes, the passageway between the exterior of the inner pipe and the interior of the outer pipe being sealed by a low friction seal, made of polytetraflouroethylene or the like.
  • the means for physically isolating the fill hopper from the adapter head may be two pipes connected using a light bellows arrangement.
  • the fill hopper has a shut-off valve in the fill pipe upstream of the mechanical isolation means.
  • conduit means for delivering product to the bag from the fill hopper connects to at least one aperture in the adapter head, and the conduit means has at least one valve which can be closed to isolate the interior of the bag from the atmosphere in the hopper.
  • the adapter head is capable of receiving an opened bag wherein the adapter head is shaped to fit within the neck of the bag, and has clamping means capable of fully surrounding the bag and clamping it to the adapter head so that the interior of the bag is isolated from the exterior of the bag, and the bag is held in a filling position within the vacuum chamber, and the adapter head has an aperture or apertures for the delivery of product to the interior of the bag,
  • the adapter head has as least one additional aperture for the connection of the interior of the bag to at least one vacuum or controlled atmosphere source.
  • the adapter head is a substantially symmetrical boat shape, having tapered ends capable of being engaged tightly with the clamping means.
  • a form chamber is situated within the vacuum chamber to control the shape of the bag as it is filled.
  • the apparatus has a means for controlling the atmosphere separately in the interior of the bag and in the interior of the vacuum chamber before, during and after the filling process
  • a filter or filters are positioned between the bag interior and any controlled atmosphere source, allowing gases but not product to exit the bag.
  • the filter, or filters, between the bag interior and any vacuum or controlled atmosphere source may extend below the adapter head into the interior of the bag, to more efficiently extract and/or replace gases from all parts of the interior of the bag and be withdrawn if necessary to allow for bag sealing.
  • the fill hopper may be vented and contain a filter within the vent to prevent product leaving the hopper, or to prevent contaminants entering the hopper, or the hopper may have its atmosphere controlled by the introduction of inert or preservative gases or the like.
  • the filter preferably has a perforated filter surface, having apertures small enough to allow the passage of gas, whilst trapping the bulk of the particulate material and or powder associated with the filling operation.
  • the means for sealing the bag when it is filled with product is contained within the vacuum chamber.
  • the apparatus contains a means of severing excess material created after sealing the bag.
  • the invention may broadly be said to consist in a method of packaging comprising the steps of:
  • product is introduced to the bag via a pipe or pipes in the adapter head and gases are passed into or out of the bag via a vent pipe or pipes also in the adapter head.
  • product travels rapidly into the bag by means of differential pressure, the product being held in the hopper at or near atmospheric pressure, and a vacuum being applied to the interior of the bag so that the product is delivered into the bag more rapidly than is possible by gravity alone.
  • the process that causes the bag to inflate prior to filling is due to the controlled pressure differential between the bag and the vacuum chamber.
  • any gas inserted into the bag is a controlled atmosphere suited to the product, and at a pressure to suit the packaging process and adjusted if required to suit density requirements for the final packaged product.
  • the bag may be vibrated to assist with air or gas extraction.
  • additional time may be allowed prior to bag sealing to allow the desired de-aeration vacuum level to be achieved.
  • a specified gas or mixture of gases can be inserted into the bag to suit the packaged material.
  • the invention provides a method of cleaning filters during the packaging of particulate material in a vacuum chamber.
  • each filter has an associated means for supplying gas to the filter in the reverse direction, typically air, so that the gas can pass through the filter, or be pressure pulsed through the filter, to dislodge particulate material.
  • the vent pipe outlet has a valve, which can be closed during the cleaning process.
  • each filter has an associated mechanical scraper which is capable of being moved over the surface of the filter to remove dust or particulate material.
  • the cleaning process can take place prior to delivery of material to the interior of the bag, so that any dislodged material can be sucked into the bag.
  • the cleaning process can take place while the bag is in place, so that dislodged material will remain in the bag.
  • Figure 1 Is a side elevation of a schematic view of the bag and chamber
  • Figure 2 Is an end elevation cross-section of a schematic view of the bag and chamber
  • Figure 3 Is a plan view of adapter head and bag clamps
  • Figure 4 Is a cross section of adapter head and clamps
  • Figure 5 Is a cross section of schematic showing the relationship of the hopper and isolation valves to the chamber
  • Figure 6 Is a cross-section of a schematic view of the bag and chamber, with bag positioned about the adapter head.
  • Figure 7 Is a cross-section of a schematic view of the bag and chamber, showing the action of clamping the bag to the adapter head.
  • Figure 8 Is a cross-section of a schematic view of the bag and chamber, showing the bag clamped to the adapter head.
  • Figure 9 Is a cross-section of a schematic view of the bag and chamber, showing the bag readied, prior to filling.
  • Figure 10 Is a cross-section of a schematic view of the bag and chamber, showing product entering the bag and gas being vented off.
  • Figure 11 Is a side elevation of the filter system during the filling operation.
  • Figure 12 Is a side elevation of the filter system during filter clearing operation.
  • Figure 13 Is a side elevation of the plunge filter system shown with the filter withdrawn.
  • Figure 14 Is a side elevation of the plunge filter system during the bag filling and de- aeration operation.
  • Figure 15 Is a cross-section of a schematic view of the bag and chamber, with bag filled and being de-aerated.
  • Figure 16 Is a cross-section of a schematic view of the bag and chamber, with a preservative gas or desired air pressure being introduced into the product.
  • Figure 17 Is a cross-section of a schematic view of the bag and chamber, showing removal of the clamps.
  • Figure 18 Is a cross-section of a schematic view of the bag and chamber, showing the bag being withdrawn from the adapter head.
  • Figure 19 Is a cross-section of a schematic view of the bag and chamber, showing the bag being sealed.
  • Figure 20 Is a cross-section of a schematic view of the bag and chamber, showing the sealing bars being retracted.
  • Figure 21 Is a cross-section of a schematic view of the bag and chamber, showing the pressure in the chamber being restored to atmospheric prior to release of the bag from the chamber.
  • Figure 22 Is a plan view of two preferred filling machines about a bag loader and an out- feed conveyor.
  • Figure 23 Is an end view of one of those filling machines.
  • Figure 24 Is a front view of one of those filling machines.
  • the invention may also broadly be said to consist in the parts, elements and features referred to or indicated in the specification of the application, individually or collectively, and any or all combinations of any two or more of the said parts, elements or features, and where elements or features are mentioned herein and which have known equivalents in the art to which this invention relates, such known equivalents are deemed to be incorporated herein as individually set forth
  • This example deals with the placement of an empty bag within a chamber and filling the bag within the chamber under a controlled atmosphere.
  • Figures 1-21 show only a bag within a chamber to illustrate schematically the filling operation.
  • Figures 22-24 illustrate a full-scale pilot plant embodying this invention.
  • the sequence of events, the timing, the use of vacuum, the use of other gases- or otherwise controlled atmospheres will depend on the product being packaged and the environment in which it is to be packaged.
  • the following provides a typical sequence for packaging a dairy product like whey protein concentrate powder.
  • the apparatus is provided with a vacuum chamber (2) containing an optional form cavity (3), an adapter head (4), a fill pipe (5), a vent pipe (6), a seal bar (7) and a clamp bar (8).
  • the apparatus is provided with a vacuum chamber (2) containing an optional form cavity (3), an adapter head (4) incorporating a fill pipe (5) and a vent pipe (not shown), seal bars (7) and clamping bars (8).
  • the bag (9) is shown presented to the adapter head (4).
  • the adapter head (4) is shown with a central fill pipe (5), flanked by two vent pipes (6).
  • the fill pipe (5) communicates with a fill hopper or other supply means.
  • the adapter head is substantially a symmetrical boat shape, and is sized to fill the neck of the bag allowing it to be tightly clamped around the adapter head and yet hold the bag open enough to allow for the ingress of powder or the like.
  • the clamping bars (8) can be brought into contact with the adapter head (4) to provide a seal between the bag (not shown) and the adapter head (4). This allows the vacuum or atmosphere witib n the bag to be controlled separately from that of the vacuum chamber.
  • the clamping arrangement also allows the exterior surface of the bag to remain substantially clean and uncontaminated by the product.
  • the disconnection means comprises a flanged collar (18) containing an airtight seal formed by inflating a ring or collar about the outlet of the hopper. By inflating this collar (18), an airtight seal can be formed between the adapter head (4) and the base of the hopper (14). By deflating the collar (18), the hopper is physically separated from the adapter head (4) as required for the pre-weighing process.
  • a bag (9) is delivered to the adapter head (4).
  • the bags may be provided from a stack of pre-made bags stored in a magazine, or be made from a roll of tube material, or other similar means.
  • the chamber is open, bags are picked up from the bag loader and moved into the bag filling position, in which a bag is positioned below a respective weigh hopper, and is connected to the adapter head (4). Delivery of the bag is by means of suction pads and mo eable arms, so that a bag can be picked up from a supply of bags, moved into position, and then opened sufficiently so that it can be inserted over the adapter head (4).
  • clamp bars (8) surrounding the bag (9) move to meet the bag (9), forming a tight seal between the adapter head (4) and the bag (9).
  • a low level of vacuum is drawn on the vacuum chamber (2) evacuating atmosphere from the vacuum chamber (2), and air is allowed to travel from the fill pipe (5) and or the vent pipe (6) into the bag (9).
  • the bag By controlling the relative pressure within and outside the bag, it is possible to inflate the bag so that it is ready for delivery of product, and yet the bag can be maintained at a much lower pressure than atmospheric, so that there is a significant pressure differential between the atmospheric pressure within the weigh hopper, and the residual pressure within the bag. Consequently the pressure differential will allow the material to be pushed into the bag much faster than if it were to fall into the bag simply under the influence of gravity.
  • a 25kg bag can be filled with particulate material within about three seconds using the process of this invention, compared with a fill time of about ten seconds for a typical gravity hopper.
  • a predetermined amount of product (10) is released into the fill pipe (5).
  • Gas removal from the bag (9) is assisted by applying vacuum to the vent pipe (6).
  • the weigh hopper can be disconnected from the bag by means of an isolating valve (refer back to Figure 5, valve (16)) so that the bag is no longer exposed to hopper internal pressure.
  • FIGs 11-14 provide an illustration of the filter system in the adapter head.
  • the relative pressure between the bag (9) interior and the vacuum chamber (2) is maintained by extracting air from the bag through the vent pipe (6) and from the vacuum chamber vent pipe (not shown).
  • a filter (12) in the vent pipe (6) prevents product leaving the bag (9) via the vent pipe (6).
  • the use of the vacuum in combination with the adapter head creates the airflow in the chamber and bag as indicated by the arrows. By evacuating the bag in this manner, and or inserting a controlled amount of a selected gas into the interior of the bag via vent pipe (6), the density and to some extent the shape of the bag can be controlled.
  • the bag For example by sealing the bag under a controlled vacuum, and by using a substantially gas impermeable material for the inner pouch of the bag, whether the exterior of the bag is made of Kraft paper, a plastics material, or some composite, the bag maintains a higher density, and a much firmer shape than a bag filled under atmospheric pressure.
  • an optional or additional filter (12) can be of an optional form as a plunge type filter, which can be driven into the particulate material (10) within the bag (9) to more efficiently extract gases from all parts of the particulate material (10).
  • a rigid filter is desired, e.g. a sintered metal type.
  • Figure 13 shows the plunge filter (12) withdrawn as it would be while a new bag (9) is installed onto the adapter head (4)
  • Figure 14 shows the plunge filter (12) extended into the particulate material (10) as it would be during the filling process, while the gases are being extracted via the vent pipe (6).
  • the filter is then retracted prior to bag closure and sealing.
  • the plunge filter (12) can be mechanically scraped by a scraper ring during retraction of the filter.
  • the filter (12) may become partially blocked due to build up of the particulate material on its surface, and a plunge type filter may become attached to the particulate material in the bag.
  • This build up or attachment is alleviated by providing each filter with an associated means for supplying gas, most commonly air, to the filter in the reverse direction.
  • This is best illustrated in Figure 12.
  • the arrows illustrate the flow of air in the system. As can be seen the flow of air down the vent pipe (6) blows the particulate material (10) away from the filter (12). The reversal in airflow can be undertaken without interrupting the filling process.
  • the filter may also have a valve controlling the airflow in the filter outlet. This valve can then be closed during the cleaning process so the air can be applied in a singly continuous supply or in pulses to allow effective dislodging of the particulate material.
  • the same arrangement can be applied to the filters located at the adapter head and the fill hopper.
  • the filter associated with the fill hopper it is particularly advantageous to clean the filter prior to delivery of the material into the interior of the bag so any dislodged material will be sucked into the bag.
  • the cleaning may take place during filling of the bag or at the end of the filling process while the bag is still in place so that any dislodged material will remain in the bag.
  • the fill pipe (5) is sealed, the pressure in the vacuum chamber (2), the bag (9) and the product (10) can be altered to further assist the de-aeration process.
  • air or a controlled atmosphere such as Carbon Dioxide or Nitrogen, or a gas such as a preservative, may be introduced to saturate the product (10) through the vent pipe (6).
  • the desired bag (9) internal pressure or gas volume is achieved.
  • Gas or air may also be added or removed via vent pipe (11) so that the desired vacuum chamber (2) internal pressure is achieved.
  • the bag (9) is drawn away from the adapter head (4) by lowering the form chamber or platform on which the bag rests, and the top of the bag is extended by moveable arms, stretching the bag (9) closed.
  • seal bars (7) extend to meet and seal the bag (9).
  • the preferred sealing method is thermal sealing, but other means such as pressure or adhesive sealing, or closure of self locking features of the bag, or the like may be employed.
  • the seal bars (8) retract after the bag (9) is sealed.
  • the vacuum chamber (2) interior pressure is restored to local atmospheric pressure .
  • the bag is then moved to the out-feed conveyor, clearing the chamber (2) for the next bag filling operation.
  • Figures 22 and 23 show the layout of a plant comprising two chambers situated about an external bag loader (19) and an out-feed conveyor (20). Each plant has means for delivering powder from an upper hopper (22), via augers (21) to separate pre-weigh hoppers (14), each being connected by a fill pipe (5) to the adapter head within each chamber.
  • the upper hopper (22) stores the bulk material for example a powder such as milk powder, vinyl resin, or other granular or dusty material.
  • This is delivered by the augers (21) to a pair of pre-weigh hoppers (14).
  • Each pre-weigh hopper has an appropriate load cell or cells so that a predetermined amount of product is stored in each weigh hopper prior to the bag filling operation.
  • the product travels via the fill pipe (5) in to the bag (not shown) contained within the vacuum chamber (2).
  • This figure also shows the location of the bag loader (19) situated between the two vacuum chambers (2).
  • the operation is fully automatic, so the bag filling operation is repetitive, and essentially dust free.
  • This type of machine can be used to fill bags typically from 5kg to 50kg.
  • a 25kg cement bag may be packed using this type of machine, or a 25kg dairy bag can be filled with milk powder or other dairy products.
  • This example deals with the placement of a filled bag within a chamber and removing gas and optionally further modifying the atmosphere within it, and sealing it within a controlled environment.
  • Figures 1 to 4, 6 to 7 and 10 to 21 show a bag within a chamber to illustrate schematically the filling operation described in Example 1. These same figures can also be used to describe this second example where a filled bag (9) is introduced to the vacuum chamber (2). But it is important to note that the fill pipe (5) shown in these figures will be permanently closed or be removed completely in this second example.
  • the sequence of events, the timing, the use of vacuum, the use of other gases or otherwise controlled atmospheres will depend on the particulate material and the environment in which it is to have its packaging completed. The following provides a typical sequence for completing the packaging of a dairy product like whole milk powder.
  • the apparatus is provided with a vacuum chamber (2) containing an optional form cavity (3), an adapter head (4), a vent pipe (6), a seal bar (7) and a clamp bar (8).
  • the apparatus is provided with a vacuum chamber (2) containing an optional form cavity (3), an adapter head (4) incorporating a vent pipe (not shown), seal bars (7) and clamping bars (8).
  • the bag (9) is shown presented to the adapter head (4).
  • the adapter head (4) is shown with two vent pipes (6).
  • the adapter head is substantially a symmetrical boat shape, and is sized to fill the neck of the bag allowing it to be tightly clamped around the adapter head.
  • the clamping bars (8) can be brought into contact with the adapter head (4) to provide a seal between the bag (not shown) and the adapter head (4). This allows the vacuum or atmosphere within the bag to be controlled separately from that of the vacuum chamber.
  • a bag (9), filled elsewhere with a particulate material, is delivered to the adapter head (4).
  • clamp bars (8) surrounding the bag (9) move to meet the bag (9), forming a tight seal between the adapter head (4) and the bag (9).
  • gas removal from the bag (9) is accomplished by applying vacuum to the vent pipe (6).
  • FIGs 11-14 provide an illustration of the filter system in the adapter head.
  • the relative pressure between the bag (9) interior and the vacuum chamber (2) is maintained by extracting air from the bag through the vent pipe (6) and from the vacuum chamber vent pipe (not shown).
  • a filter (12) in the vent pipe (6) prevents product leaving the bag (9) via the vent pipe (6).
  • the use of the vacuum in combination with the adapter head creates the airflow in the chamber and bag as indicated by the arrows. By evacuating the bag in this manner, and or inserting a controlled amount of a selected gas into the interior of the bag prior via vent pipe (6), the density and to some extent the shape of the bag can be controlled.
  • the bag For example by sealing the bag under a controlled vacuum, and by using a substantially gas impermeable material for the inner pouch of the bag, whether the exterior of the bag is made of Kraft paper, a plastics material, or some composite, the bag maintains a higher density, and a much firmer shape than a bag filled under atmospheric pressure.
  • an optional or additional filter (12) can be of an optional form as a plunge type filter, which can be driven into the particulate material (10) within the bag
  • a rigid filter is desired, e.g. a sintered metal type.
  • Figure 13 shows the plunge filter (12) withdrawn as it would be while a new bag (9) is installed onto the adapter head (4).
  • Figure 14 shows the plunge filter (12) extended into the particulate material (10) as it would be during the filling process, while the gases are being extracted via the vent pipe (6).
  • the filter is then retracted prior to bag closure and sealing.
  • the plunge filter (12) can be mechanically scraped by a scraper ring during retraction of the filter.
  • the filter (12) may become partially blocked due to build up of the particulate material on its surface, and a plunge type filter may become attached to the particulate material in the bag.
  • This build up or attachment is alleviated by providing each filter with an associated means for supplying gas, most commonly air, to the filter in the reverse direction. This is best illustrated in Figure 12.
  • the arrows illustrate the flow of air in the system. As can be seen the flow of air down the vent pipe (6) blows the particulate material
  • the filter may also have a valve controlling the airflow in the filter outlet. This valve can then be closed during the cleaning process so the air can be applied in a singly continuous supply or in pulses to allow effective dislodging of the particulate material.
  • the pressure in the vacuum chamber (2), the bag (9) and the product (10) can be further altered to assist the de-aeration process, which can take some time.
  • air or a controlled atmosphere such as Carbon Dioxide or Nitrogen, or a gas such as a preservative, may be introduced to saturate the product (10) through the vent pipe (6).
  • the desired bag (9) internal pressure or gas volume is achieved.
  • Gas or air may also be added or removed via vent pipe (11) so that the desired vacuum chamber (2) internal pressure is achieved.
  • the bag (9) is drawn away from the adapter head (4) by lowering the form chamber or platform on which the bag rests, and the top of the bag is extended by moveable arms, stretching the bag (9) closed.
  • seal bars (7) extend to meet and seal the bag (9).
  • the preferred sealing method is thermal sealing, but other means such as pressure or adhesive sealing, or closure of self locking features of the bag, or the like may be employed.
  • the vacuum chamber (2) interior pressure is restored to local atmospheric pressure.
  • the bag is then moved to the out-feed conveyor, clearing the chamber (2) for the next bag filling operation.
  • Example 1 Typical for the packaging of a particulate material such as Sodium Caseinate using the apparatus and method described in Example 1 ;
  • Packaging per Examples 1 or 2 include greater packing density and a more compact pack. By controlling the vacuum within the bag it is possible to control the packed product density and the "softness” or “hardness” of the resulting pack.
  • a further advantage of the first example is that by controlling the delivery of the dusty powder or granular material into the bag whilst the bag is maintained within a vacuum chamber, the differential pressure in delivering the powder to the bag will minimise the escape of dust, or product, reducing contamination of the bag exterior, and reducing contamination of the machinery and atmosphere surrounding the machinery. This is particularly important where escaping product may create a health, fire or explosive hazard. For example packing of flour, and certain industrial products, may create a significant fire hazard, and in some cases may result in an explosion. Other products such as cement powder can be very abrasive, and it is preferable that such powder is not allowed to escape, or contaminate the machinery.
  • the packaging method described in the first example is an essentially closed system, it is possible to significantly reduce contamination of the product from the surrounding environment. For example a packaged food or pharmaceutical product which can be degraded by oxygen or bacteria will benefit greatly from this packaging machine and method.
  • This invention can be used with any form of open top bag. It is not necessary for the bag to have a separate valve or opening, as the pressure differential between the hopper and the interior of the bag is sufficient to allow for speedy filling of the product, with minimal contamination by dust or the like.
  • the invention has been designed for use with flowable material such as powders, and granules, it will be possible to adapt this invention to allow for the filling of liquids, pastes or slurries in addition to powders.
  • the primary advantage of the invention is in the use of filling open top bags with dusty powders or granules.
  • the bag can be sealed within the vacuum chamber, and any residual powder dust or granules trapped within the vacuum chamber can be collected, with minimal contamination to the atmosphere when the filling machine is open.
  • Figures 1-21 show a schematic view of the filling operation. Mention is made there of a form chamber.
  • a form chamber may be used in some cases where the bag needs to be pre-configured to a particular shape. However, we have found that in most cases such a form chamber is not necessary. The design of the bag itself, and perhaps vibration or shaking of the bag prior to sealing is sufficient to form the filled bag into the desired shape.
  • FIGS 22-23 show one bag filling operation per chamber. It will be possible to make use of this invention with multiple bag filling operations per chamber.

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  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Chemical & Material Sciences (AREA)
  • Dispersion Chemistry (AREA)
  • Vacuum Packaging (AREA)

Abstract

L'invention concerne une machine commandée d'emballage de matériau particulaire dans des sacs comprenant une enceinte à vide (2), un conduit à vide (11), connecté à l'enceinte et à une source de vide, des moyens de mise en place d'un sac (9) sur une tête d'adaptateur (4), à l'intérieur de l'enceinte à vide (2), des moyens (8) de serrage du sac (9) sur la tête de l'adaptateur (4) de façon que l'intérieur du sac (9) soit isolé du reste de l'enceinte (2), la tête d'adaptateur (4) possédant au moins un tuyau de remplissage et au moins un tuyau d'évent (6). Une trémie pondérale (14) est disposée au dessus de la tête d'adaptateur (4) et peut être reliée au tuyau de remplissage au moyen d'un collier (18) et de vannes d'isolement (16) et (17). Lors du fonctionnement, un sac (9) est serré sur la tête d'adaptateur (4) au moyen de pinces complémentaires (8), l'enceinte est fermée et mise sous vide, alors qu'en même temps la pression à l'intérieur du sac (9) est régulée de façon à maintenir une pression relative par rapport à l'enceinte (2). La trémie pondérale (14) contenant une quantité déterminée de poudre est connectée au tuyau de remplissage, les vannes (16) et (17) sont ouvertes et la poudre est tirée dans le sac (9) par gravité et éventuellement par la différence de pression existant entre la pression atmosphérique de la trémie (14) et le vide dans le sac (9). Les vannes (16) et (17) sont fermées. Tout air entraîné dans le sac (9) est éliminé par aspiration via le tuyau d'évent (6). Le sac (9) est scellé à l'intérieur de l'enceinte à vide (2). Cette enceinte (2) est alors ouverte et le sac (9) est expulsé.
PCT/NZ2002/000191 2001-09-25 2002-09-24 Emballage de materiaux particulaires WO2003026969A1 (fr)

Applications Claiming Priority (6)

Application Number Priority Date Filing Date Title
NZ51447001 2001-09-25
NZ514472 2001-09-25
NZ51447101 2001-09-25
NZ51447201 2001-09-25
NZ514470 2001-09-25
NZ514471 2001-09-25

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Cited By (10)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
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WO2004011335A1 (fr) * 2002-07-26 2004-02-05 Levati Food Tech S.R.L. Procede et dispositif de remplissage de sachets ou d'enveloppes contenant particulierement des produits alimentaires et/ou pharmaceutiques
WO2007091943A1 (fr) * 2006-02-10 2007-08-16 Ecolean Research & Development A/S Dispositif de remplissage d'un contenant du type pliable
DE102006010092A1 (de) * 2006-03-06 2007-09-13 Robert Bosch Gmbh Vorrichtung zum Abfüllen eines feinkörnigen Gutes
WO2010018239A1 (fr) * 2008-08-08 2010-02-18 Ulma Packaging Technological Center, S. Coop. Système et procédé d'emballage vertical
CN101792032A (zh) * 2008-12-16 2010-08-04 赢创德固赛有限责任公司 分装细碎材料到容器中的真空装料机至料仓的优化连接
CN102530275A (zh) * 2012-02-27 2012-07-04 无锡超科食品有限公司 食品包装系统
JP2016518569A (ja) * 2013-05-15 2016-06-23 ヴァクテック アクチェンゲゼルシャフト 真空断熱体の製造方法
CN106428783A (zh) * 2016-11-19 2017-02-22 无锡当升智能装备科技有限公司 粉料灌装机用灌装口结构
JP2017100790A (ja) * 2015-12-04 2017-06-08 キヤノン株式会社 粉体の充填方法および装置
CN108820275A (zh) * 2018-09-10 2018-11-16 云南昆船电子设备有限公司 一种精准计量的自动装箱系统

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DE2803549A1 (de) * 1977-06-13 1979-01-04 Mecachimco S A R L Verfahren zur absaugung und evakuierung von luft, insbesondere aus verpackungen, und vorrichtung zur anwendung dieses verfahrens
WO1995031375A1 (fr) * 1994-05-17 1995-11-23 Sanfilippo James J Systeme et procede de remplissage et scellement de recipients en atmosphere controlee
US5809744A (en) * 1997-09-10 1998-09-22 J.M. Huber Corporation Semi-bulk vacuum packer for fine low bulk density dry powders
WO1999033703A1 (fr) * 1997-12-24 1999-07-08 Sealed Air New Zealand Limited Procede et appareil de modification de l'atmosphere a l'interieur d'un emballage
WO2001066416A1 (fr) * 2000-03-03 2001-09-13 Ramon Munoz Navarro Machine de remplissage en vrac automatique et procede correspondant

Cited By (18)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
WO2004011335A1 (fr) * 2002-07-26 2004-02-05 Levati Food Tech S.R.L. Procede et dispositif de remplissage de sachets ou d'enveloppes contenant particulierement des produits alimentaires et/ou pharmaceutiques
US8186392B2 (en) 2006-02-10 2012-05-29 Ecolean Research & Development A/S Device for filling of a container of collapsible type
EA012428B1 (ru) * 2006-02-10 2009-10-30 Эколин Рисерч Энд Дивелопмент А/С Устройство для наполнения контейнера складного типа
WO2007091943A1 (fr) * 2006-02-10 2007-08-16 Ecolean Research & Development A/S Dispositif de remplissage d'un contenant du type pliable
AU2007212782B2 (en) * 2006-02-10 2010-01-07 Ecolean Ab Device for filling of a container of collapsible type
KR101355951B1 (ko) * 2006-02-10 2014-01-29 에코린 에이비 접이식 형태의 용기를 채우기 위한 장치
JP4880000B2 (ja) * 2006-02-10 2012-02-22 エコ、レーン、リサーチ、アンド、デベロップメント、アクティーゼルスカブ 折りたたみ式容器の充填用器具
DE102006010092A1 (de) * 2006-03-06 2007-09-13 Robert Bosch Gmbh Vorrichtung zum Abfüllen eines feinkörnigen Gutes
WO2010018239A1 (fr) * 2008-08-08 2010-02-18 Ulma Packaging Technological Center, S. Coop. Système et procédé d'emballage vertical
CN101792032A (zh) * 2008-12-16 2010-08-04 赢创德固赛有限责任公司 分装细碎材料到容器中的真空装料机至料仓的优化连接
CN102530275B (zh) * 2012-02-27 2015-07-01 无锡超科食品有限公司 食品包装系统
CN102530275A (zh) * 2012-02-27 2012-07-04 无锡超科食品有限公司 食品包装系统
JP2016518569A (ja) * 2013-05-15 2016-06-23 ヴァクテック アクチェンゲゼルシャフト 真空断熱体の製造方法
KR101933756B1 (ko) 2013-05-15 2018-12-28 바-큐-텍 아게 진공 단열체를 생산하기 위한 방법
JP2017100790A (ja) * 2015-12-04 2017-06-08 キヤノン株式会社 粉体の充填方法および装置
CN106428783A (zh) * 2016-11-19 2017-02-22 无锡当升智能装备科技有限公司 粉料灌装机用灌装口结构
CN108820275A (zh) * 2018-09-10 2018-11-16 云南昆船电子设备有限公司 一种精准计量的自动装箱系统
CN108820275B (zh) * 2018-09-10 2023-12-22 云南昆船电子设备有限公司 一种精准计量的自动装箱系统

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