WO2020212830A1

WO2020212830A1 - Facility for washing pre-used packaging and washing method

Info

Publication number: WO2020212830A1
Application number: PCT/IB2020/053485
Authority: WO
Inventors: Rachid BRAHMIA
Original assignee: Societe Nouvelle Nettoyage De Precision Industriel 25
Priority date: 2019-04-15
Filing date: 2020-04-14
Publication date: 2020-10-22
Also published as: FR3094900B1; FR3094900A1

Abstract

Facility for washing pre-used packaging and washing method. Facility (1) comprising means for conveying (10) a basket (3) comprising pre-used packaging (E) from a preparation area to a cradle in a working chamber (2), means for rotating the cradle in the working chamber (2), at least one pipe network connecting the working chamber (2) to a washing product tank (4), at least one other pipe network connecting the working chamber (2) to a rinsing product tank (5), the facility (1) also comprising means for washing, rinsing and drying the packaging (E) in the working chamber (2), the facility (1) being characterised in that it comprises means for evacuating (7) the working chamber (2) which are configured such that at least the washing and rinsing of the packaging (E) are carried out in a vacuum. Assembly comprising such a facility (1) and at least one basket (3). Method for washing packaging (E), in particular pre-used food packaging, the method comprising the following steps: - installing a basket (3) of packaging (E) in a cradle of a working chamber (2), - evacuating the pressure in the working chamber (2) and rotating the cradle about itself - starting at least one washing cycle, - starting at least one rinsing cycle, - starting a drying cycle.

Description

Title of the invention: Installation for washing already used packaging and washing process

[0001] [The field of the present invention relates to that of

washing of reusable packaging, especially food packaging that has already been used. The field also relates to the industrial cleaning and disinfection of these packaging, but also that of methods for washing such packaging.

[0002] The term packaging commonly denotes pots, receptacles,

flasks, bottles and other containers intended to contain dry, liquid or pasty products or foods. This term also includes lids, caps, caps or other, hinged or not, as well as the dispensers configured to be mounted on the containers, as well as the gaskets.

elastomers or rubber in glass jars, bottle neck reducers, valve caps, plastic labels, and any other part of a container that is completely or partially covered.

[0003] The field of the invention relates primarily to that of packaging already used, cleaned and intended to contain food products.

[0004] Of course, the field of the invention can also encompass the field of

packaging of non-food products, such as, for example, packaging of products such as detergents, household or body cleaning products such as detergents, shampoos, soaps or shower gels,

cosmetics, and even the packaging of parapharmacy products and drugs.

[0005] Packaging constitutes a major source of waste in

consumer bins. The quantity of this waste is becoming a problem for society when it comes to reprocessing. This is all the more true since most of these packaging are single-use packaging. The implementation of eco-refills reduces the impact of these packaging on the environment, but only partially solves the problem. Supermarkets, as well as companies especially in the food industry, have sought to work on this problem.

To remedy this, it was imagined to create packaging that can be

reused, like the glass canning jars of the last century. Existing packaging is being redesigned to become more resistant and to become reusable. Metal jars with associated lids have in particular been designed to offer an economic model where products, in particular foodstuffs, are sold in reusable packaging filled and labeled by the companies selling these products. A collection and cleaning channel then allows the returned packaging to be returned to the companies for reuse and possibly re-labeling.

[0008] An important point of this economic model is the washing of these

packaging. Indeed, the packaging, once used, can be soiled by the products contained. Worse still, food residues lodged in the packaging may have been the medium for the growth of bacteria or mold. Allergens can also be contained in these packaging.

[0009] For obvious reasons of hygiene and sanitation, it is therefore necessary for companies to use, in order to contain products, packaging free of any allergen, bacteria or mold.

[0010] Such an economic model requires being able to process at least millions of packages each year. The washing must therefore be quick to perform and satisfactory. Packaging made of different materials, such as for example glass, metal, plastic, as well as their closures must be able to be accepted and cleaned.

[0011] It is known in the art to use washing installations, in particular washing tunnels, to wash packaging.

[0012] The packaging used to reuse is mounted on baskets which are

move on a conveyor belt through a washing tunnel comprising an immersion unit in a preliminary bath, a cleaning unit, a rinsing unit and a drying unit. Nozzles successively send cleaning or rinsing liquids to the packaging in order to remove residues still present in the packaging. Jets of hot air then dry the packaging.

[0013] This solution is suitable for lightly soiled packaging, presenting

wide openings, but is not satisfactory for heavily soiled packaging that has contained oil, for example, or honey. In addition, these washing tunnels do not ultimately result in washed packaging free of all allergens, bacteria or mold. It is then necessary to carry out an additional manual washing or a preliminary sorting of the packaging. All of this is detrimental to achieving an efficient, fast and inexpensive cleaning process.

[0014] It is therefore in a step of inventive step that the Applicant wished to propose an invention overcoming the problems of the prior art previously stated, in the form of a solution making it possible to obtain clean and reusable packaging.

[0015] Thus, it is an objective of the invention to provide an installation of

washing of packaging already in use allowing to obtain, after washing, a washed packaging free of any allergens, bacteria or mold, and allowing to process industrial quantities of soiled packaging to be cleaned quickly and inexpensively.

[0016] Another objective of the invention is to provide an installation for washing packaging used to contain products, in particular food products, allowing these packaging to be reused once washed to contain the same products or other products, in particular food products.

Yet another objective of this invention is to provide a washing process making it possible to clean packaging soiled with residues of products, in particular food products, and thus obtain clean packaging, free of any allergen, bacteria or mold, and which can be reused to contain products, in particular food products.

[0018] An additional objective of the invention is to provide a packaging having contained a product, in particular a food product washed by such a process and free from any allergen, bacteria or mold, which can be reused to contain the same product or another product, particularly food.

[0019] To this end, the invention relates to an installation comprising means

for routing a basket comprising packaging already used from a preparation zone to a cradle in a working chamber, means for rotating the cradle in the working chamber, at least one network of pipes connecting the working chamber to a washing product reservoir, at least one other network of pipes connecting the working chamber to a rinsing product reservoir, the installation further comprising means for washing, rinsing and drying the packaging in the working chamber .

[0020] Advantageously, the installation comprises means for evacuating the working chamber configured so that at least the washing and rinsing of the packaging are carried out under vacuum.

[0021] According to an additional characteristic of the invention, each network of

pipes include means for filtering the products between the working chamber and the corresponding reservoir.

[0022] According to an additional characteristic of the invention, the working chamber comprises forced turbulence generators.

[0023] According to an additional characteristic of the invention, the working chamber comprises ultrasound generators.

[0024] According to an additional characteristic of the invention, the working chamber comprises means for raising the temperature prior to washing the basket and the already used and soiled packaging it contains.

[0025] According to an additional feature of the invention, the installation comprises four pipe networks connecting the working chamber to four reservoirs, two detergent reservoirs and two rinsing product reservoirs.

[0026] According to an additional characteristic of the invention, the washing products are an aqueous solution comprising a detergent or a washing agent. [0027] According to an additional characteristic of the invention, the installation comprises a working chamber having a first part configured to carry out washing and a second part configured to carry out rinsing.

[0028] The invention also relates to an assembly comprising an installation having the characteristics of the installation presented above, including or not including one or more of the additional characteristics described above. This set also includes at least one basket in which can be placed soiled or already used packaging. This set is configured to wash, rinse and dry used packaging satisfactorily and efficiently, so that the packaging can be reused once processed by the set.

[0029] The invention also relates to a method for washing packaging

in particular food products already used, said process comprising the following steps:

A) a basket is filled with packaging already used in a preparation area,

B) the basket is transported from the preparation area to a cradle in a working chamber by means of transport,

C) the working chamber is closed with the basket installed in the cradle,

D) the pressure in the working chamber is evacuated,

E) once the vacuum has been reached, the cradle and the basket it contains are rotated on itself in the working chamber by means of rotation which equip the working chamber,

F) a washing cycle is started,

G) once the washing cycle is complete, the working chamber is emptied of all the washing product through the pipe network to the corresponding washing product tank,

H) we start a rinsing cycle,

I) once the rinsing cycle is complete, the working chamber is emptied of all the rinsing product through the piping network to the corresponding rinsing product tank,

J) we start a drying cycle,

K) we stop the rotation of the cradle containing the basket on itself in the work chamber, open the work chamber and remove the basket from the work chamber.

[0030] According to an additional characteristic of the invention, the washing step F of this process comprises the following steps:

i) the working chamber, in which the basket contained in the cradle rotates, is filled with a washing product coming from a tank through a network of pipes connecting the working chamber to said washing product tank, ii) forced turbulence generators and / or

ultrasound generators that equip the working chamber.

[0031] According to an additional characteristic of the invention, the rinsing step H of this process comprises the following steps:

i) the working chamber, in which the basket contained in the cradle rotates, is filled with a rinsing product from a reservoir through a network of pipes connecting the working chamber to said rinsing product reservoir, ii) the forced turbulence generators and / or the ultrasound generators which equip the working chamber are put into action.

[0032] According to an additional characteristic of the invention, the drying step J of this process comprises one and / or the other of the following steps:

i) the pressure in the working chamber is evacuated to an absolute pressure between 0 and 5 millibars, preferably between 0 and 1 millibar, ii) the pressure in the working chamber is raised to a pressure

atmospheric temperature and hot air is blown to dry the packaging.

According to an additional characteristic of the invention, the packaging washing process comprises a second rinsing cycle repeating steps I and J carried out prior to step K and using regenerated demineralized water from a second tank rinse aid.

According to an additional characteristic of the invention, steps F and G of the washing process are carried out in a first part of the working chamber, and steps Fl and following are carried out in a second part of the working chamber . According to an additional characteristic of the invention, prior to step F, a prewash cycle is carried out consisting in sending water vapor alone or mixed with a detergent or a detergent through nozzles to the basket . This makes it possible to soften and / or peel off residues on packaging already used.

According to an additional characteristic of the invention, during the washing and / or rinsing cycle, the washing and / or rinsing product is circulated through the network of pipes from the working chamber to the tank corresponding by a first pipe equipped with filtration means, and from the reservoir to the working chamber by a second pipe.

[0037] According to an additional characteristic of the invention, the emptying is carried out following the washing and / or rinsing cycle via the first pipe of the corresponding pipe network.

[0038] According to an additional characteristic of the invention, following step G and prior to step H, a second washing cycle is launched according to step F and G.

According to an additional characteristic of the invention, following step J and prior to step K, a second rinsing cycle is carried out according to step Fl and I, said second rinsing cycle using a rinse aid from a second rinse aid reservoir.

[0040] According to an additional characteristic of the invention, following a cycle of

washing or rinsing, the cradle accommodating the basket is left to drain for a defined time.

[0041] Other objects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the description which follows relating to embodiments which are given only by way of indicative and non-limiting examples.

[0042] The understanding of this description will be facilitated by referring to

drawings annexed and in which:

[0043] [Fig.1] is a schematic top view of an installation according to

invention; [0044] [Fig.2] is a view of a basket containing packaging already used carried by conveying means from a preparation zone to a working chamber of an installation according to the invention.

[0045] The installation is considered in the description and the claims to be placed on the ground, in use.

The invention relates to an installation 1 for washing packaging E.

E packaging have already been used and are soiled by products which were contained in these E packaging, or by the development of bacteria, molds or fungi on residues left on the walls of said packaging E. An example of installation 1 according to the invention is illustrated in the figures. This installation 1 thus illustrated comprises a working chamber 2. Conveying means 10 of the installation 1, here in the form of a roller conveyor and a jack, make it possible to supply the installation 1 from a preparation area.

[0047] A basket 3 can be filled by an open upper part 30

already used E packaging to be washed in the preparation area. Such an example of a basket is illustrated in FIG. 2. It is screened to allow the cleaning and rinsing products to pass. The basket 3 may include a mesh cover to be placed on the open upper part 30 once the basket is full.

The installation 1 and at least one basket 3 constitute an assembly configured to allow washing, rinsing and drying of packaging already used filling the basket. This set allows efficient and satisfactory cleaning of soiled E packaging.

The roller conveyor makes it possible to move the basket 3 until it is placed in front of an opening in the working chamber 2, and the jack pushes the basket 3 into a cradle inserted in the working chamber 2.

[0050] The working chamber 2 has the general shape of a tubular vessel around a longitudinal steering axis AA ’parallel to the direction of insertion of the basket 3 into the cradle. It has an opening at one end

longitudinal. The working chamber 2 also comprises means of rotation of the cradle in the working chamber 2, for example in the form of a pinion of an electric motor cooperating with toothed rings

peripherals to the cradle to rotate it on itself, around an axis parallel to the longitudinal axis of the working chamber 2. This also rotates the basket 3 it contains on itself. Here, the longitudinal axis and the axis of rotation are coincident. A door 20 closes the opening of the working chamber 2 in a hermetic manner.

The cradle comprises a housing configured to receive the basket 3 and maintain it during the rotations of the cradle. It comprises in particular wedges movable from a release position to a locking position, configured to hold the lid of the basket 3 thereon in their locking position and to keep the basket 3 and its cover integral with the cradle. In the absence of a cover, the cradle has a removable mesh plate which covers and secures the open upper part 30 of the basket 3.

The working chamber 2 is connected by three pipe networks

separate to three respective reservoirs 4, 5, 6. The first reservoir 4 is configured to contain a washing product, the second reservoir 5 is configured to contain a first rinse product and the third reservoir 6 is configured to contain a second washing product. rinsing. Each pipe network comprises a product inlet pipe from the corresponding reservoir 4, 5, 6 to the working chamber 2, closed by a valve, and a product discharge pipe from the working chamber 2 to the reservoir 4, 5, 6 corresponding, also closed by a valve. The movement of a product in the corresponding pipeline network is done using pumps. Each discharge pipe comprises means 4a, 5a, 6a for filtering products in the form for example of cotton filters to trap particles between 5 micrometers and 200 micrometers.

The working chamber 2 also comprises washing means, of

rinsing and drying the packaging E in the working chamber 2.

In fact, the working chamber 2 is configured to be filled with a washing product or a rinsing product and it is equipped with a filling level detector in its upper part. It is also equipped with generators of forced turbulence also called IFW generators according to an acronym derived from the English terms of “Injection Flood Washing”, and it is also equipped with ultrasound generators. These generators, or at least their respective nozzles and sonotrodes, are arranged radially to the axis of rotation of the cradle on a portion of the working chamber 2 and oriented towards the cradle. These generators are part of the washing and rinsing means. The working chamber 2 also includes units for blowing hot air, in particular between 80 ° C and 140 ° C, which form part of the drying means.

The working chamber 2 also comprises means for raising

temperature that can be used as part of a pre-wash cycle for basket 3 and the already used E-packages it contains. These temperature rise means can be in the form of water vapor generators alone or mixed with a washing agent or a detergent opening through nozzles fitted to the working chamber 2. These nozzles are directed towards the basket 3 in order to soften and / or loosen residues on already used and soiled packaging. This step also has the advantage of allowing a rise in temperature of the basket 3 and the packaging E that it contains. Thus, during subsequent contact with a hot washing product, said product does not undergo a drop in temperature and ensures an actual washing temperature that meets expectations.

The installation 1 also comprises evacuation means 7, comprising a vacuum unit, which allow the absolute pressure in the working chamber 2 and the tanks 4, 5, 6 to be lowered. vacuum, we denote a decrease in absolute pressure in the working chamber 2 and the reservoirs 4, 5, 6 to a value less than 80 millibars during the washing and rinsing cycle, or even less than 20 millibars during the cleaning cycle. pre-wash described above. The absolute pressure in the working chamber 2 can also be less than 5 millibars, or even less than 1 millibar during vacuum drying of the packaging E. These means for evacuating 7 form part of the drying means in particular.

For reasons of flexibility of use of tanks 4, 5, 6 and a

cost reduction by producing identical equipment, all tanks 4, 5, 6 can be identical. Thus, the reservoirs 4, 5, 6 of the installation 1 comprise means for heating the product which they contain in the form for example of heating resistors. The reservoirs 4, 5, 6 may contain means for detecting the quantity of active detergent or detergent remaining in the washing product contained in said reservoir. These detection means detect, for example, a measurement of the pH of the washing product in order to estimate the quantity of active detergent remaining in the washing product. These detection means are coupled to a detergent or detergent dispenser in the corresponding reservoir with means for controlling the dispensing of detergent or detergent in the product contained in the reservoir. Reservoirs 4,

5, 6 comprise an evaporator configured to retain and dissociate oils, for example from the detergent which the reservoir contains.

The installation 1, according to an embodiment not illustrated here, may include four pipe networks connecting the working chamber 2 to four reservoirs, with two reservoirs 4 of detergent and two reservoirs 5, 6 of cleaning product. rinsing.

The washing product used here is an aqueous solution comprising a

detergent or laundry agent mixed with deionized water. In the case of two detergent reservoirs 4, a first detergent reservoir can be used to wash packages E at low temperature, with a detergent at a temperature between 20 ° C and 40 ° C, and a second detergent reservoir can be used to wash packages E at high temperature, with detergent at a temperature above 75 ° C. Low temperature washing may be necessary for E packaging soiled with egg preparations. Prior sorting of the packaging E is then preferably carried out before washing.

In the case of two reservoirs 5, 6 of rinsing product, we can have a first reservoir 5 containing demineralized water used to perform a first rinsing cycle after the washing cycle, and a second reservoir 6 containing demineralized water to perform a second rinsing cycle after the first rinsing cycle. This will ensure a satisfactory rinse.

The installation also comprises, for at least this second rinsing product, means for regenerating demineralized water in addition to filtration means 6a on the corresponding network of pipes, to ensure the cleanest possible rinsing product.

[0061] The installation 1 may, according to an embodiment not shown here, comprise a working chamber 2 in two parts, interconnected for example by an airlock. This makes it possible to provide a first part of the working chamber 2 in which the washing cycle (s) and possibly a prewash cycle are carried out, and a second part of the working chamber 2 in which the rinsing cycle (s) and the washing cycle are carried out. or drying cycles.

The installation may, according to an embodiment not illustrated here, also include an additional tank and a network of pipes connecting the tanks to each other, equipped or not with filtration means. This optimizes the heating and the replacement of detergents and rinses. Thus, instead of throwing away all the washing and rinsing products, regenerated demineralized water can be preheated in this additional tank. A detergent tank is then emptied and it is filled with laundry or detergent mixed with a rinse aid already used to perform a first rinse after washing, from a rinse aid tank. This rinse aid reservoir is filled with demineralized water already used for a second rinse, from another rinse aid reservoir. Finally, this other tank is filled with demineralized water from the additional tank.

Such an installation 1 illustrated in the figures is configured to implement a packaging washing process as described below. This process is particularly suitable for cleaning E food packaging soiled after first use.

This method comprises the steps described below.

Optionally, we sort the packaging E already used for washing either E packaging requiring cleaning at low temperature, in particular between 20 ° C and 35 ° C, or E packaging supporting high temperature cleaning, especially higher at 70 ° C, or even higher than 85 ° C. Is filled, by an open upper part 30, a basket 3 of packaging E already used and soiled in a preparation area. The packages E comprising an opening of diameter smaller than the body of the package E are positioned in an orientation transverse to the longitudinal direction of the basket 3. For packages E with a wide opening, such as plates, they are placed in bulk in the basket 3 Optionally, the open upper part 30 of the basket 3 is covered with a mesh cover.

The basket 3 is transported from the preparation zone to a working chamber 2 by conveyor means 10 of the conveyor belt type. The basket 3 is brought into the working chamber 2, more precisely in a cradle of the working chamber 2.

We close the working chamber 2 with inside the basket 3 installed in the cradle. The open upper part 30 of the basket 3 is concealed by the cover or closure means of the cradle covering the open upper part 30 of the basket 3.

The absolute pressure in the working chamber 2 and attached reservoirs 4, 5, 6 containing a washing product or a rinsing product is evacuated, with evacuating means 7. By vacuum is meant a pressure of less than 80 millibars, or even 20 millibars.

Once the vacuum has been reached, the cradle and the basket 3 which it contains on itself are rotated in the working chamber 2 along an axis AA 'of rotation parallel to the direction of insertion of the basket 3 in the cradle.

Optionally, a prewash cycle is launched consisting of sending water vapor alone or mixed with a detergent or a detergent through nozzles in the direction of the packages E in the basket 3. The absolute pressure in the working chamber 2 is of the order of 20 millibars, in particular between 15 and 25 millibars.

We start a washing cycle.

To do this, we fill the working chamber 2, in which turns the

basket 3 contained in the cradle, of a washing product from a reservoir 4 through a network of pipes connecting the working chamber 2 to said reservoir 4 detergent. This detergent can be at a temperature

greater than or equal to 75 ° C, or even greater than 80 ° C if the packaging can be washed at high temperature, or less than or equal to 35 ° C if the packaging must be washed at low temperature. Once the working chamber 2 is filled with washing product, forced turbulence generators and / or ultrasound generators are put into action which equip the working chamber 2.

[0074] Optionally, during this washing step, the

washing product through the network of pipes from the working chamber 2 to the corresponding tank 4 by a first pipe corresponding to the drain pipe, and from the tank 4 to the working chamber 2 by a second corresponding pipe to the

supply line. The washing product is filtered by cotton filters forming filtration means 4a of the products fitted to the first

pipeline.

Once the washing cycle is complete, the working chamber 2 is emptied of all the washing product through the network of pipes, and in particular the first pipe, to the tank 4 of the corresponding washing product.

[0076] Optionally, the cradle accommodating the

basket 3 for a defined time, this draining being done while maintaining the rotation of the cradle or not. The dripping drops are recovered to evacuate them to the reservoir 4 of the corresponding washing product through the first corresponding pipe. This draining can last a few tens of seconds. If the means for rotating the cradle on itself are stopped, they are restarted to again rotate the cradle and the basket 3 that it contains on itself.

Also optionally, according to an embodiment not illustrated here, another washing cycle is launched using the washing product from the same tank 4 as the first washing cycle, or using a washing product from a second detergent reservoir. The latter solution makes it possible to use a second, less dirty detergent. This new washing cycle can be completed with a draining step according to the same methods as the draining step presented in the previous paragraph. Also optionally, according to an embodiment not illustrated here, the basket 3, and possibly the cradle, is moved from a first part of the working chamber 2 to a second part of a working chamber 2 can be isolated from the first part.

A rinsing cycle is then launched.

To do this, we fill the working chamber 2, in which turns the

basket 3 contained in the cradle, of a rinsing product coming from a reservoir 5 through a network of pipes connecting the working chamber 2 to said rinsing product tank 5 This rinsing product can be at a temperature greater than or equal at 75 ° C, or even greater than 80 ° C if the E packaging can be washed at high temperature, or less than or equal to 35 ° C if the E packaging must be washed at low temperature. Once the working chamber 2 has been filled with rinsing product, the forced turbulence generators and / or the ultrasound generators which equip the working chamber 2 are activated.

Optionally, during this rinsing step, the rinsing product is circulated through the network of pipes from the working chamber 2 to the corresponding reservoir 5 by a first pipe, and from the reservoir 5 to to working chamber 2 by a second

pipeline. The rinsing product is filtered by cotton filters forming filtration means 5a of the products equipping the first pipe.

Once the rinsing cycle is complete, the working chamber 2 is emptied of all the rinsing product through the pipe network, and in particular the first pipe, to the reservoir 5 of the corresponding rinsing product.

Optionally, the cradle accommodating the basket 3 is allowed to drain for a defined time, this draining being done while maintaining the rotation of the cradle or not. The dripping drops are recovered to evacuate them to the reservoir 5 of the corresponding rinsing product. This draining can last a few tens of seconds. If the means for rotating the cradle on itself are stopped, they are restarted to again rotate the cradle and the basket 3 which it contains on itself. Also optionally, according to an embodiment not illustrated here, another rinsing cycle is launched using the rinsing product from the same tank 5 as the first rinsing cycle, or using a rinsing product from a second rinsing product reservoir 6. The latter solution makes it possible to use a second, less dirty rinse aid. This is the solution adopted in the embodiment of the invention illustrated here. This second rinsing is carried out with regenerated demineralized water. This new rinsing cycle can be terminated by a draining step according to the same methods as the draining step presented in the previous paragraph.

Then launching a drying cycle.

This drying cycle may include the fact that the pressure is lowered in the working chamber 2 to an absolute pressure of between 0 and 5 millibars, preferably between 0 and 1 millibar, with the means for evacuating 7 of the working chamber 2.

This drying cycle can comprise, alternatively or

complementary, a blowing of hot air to dry the packaging E, the hot air being for example between 80 ° C and 140 ° C and blown by nozzles equipping the working chamber 2. The pressure in the working chamber 2 is then returned to a so-called normal atmospheric pressure, corresponding to the atmospheric pressure measured around the installation 1. This drying can last for example 5 minutes, which allows the drying of the packaging E and also their sterilization.

Finally, the rotation of the cradle containing the basket 3 on itself is stopped in the working chamber 2.

The working chamber 2 is opened and the basket 3 is taken out of the chamber.

work 2.

This first washing process is particularly implemented by

by means of an installation having the characteristics of the installation 1 described above, and by the use of at least one basket 3 as described above. Such a washing process can advantageously be implemented by an installation 1 according to the invention, and by an assembly according to the invention comprising the installation 1 and at least one basket 3.

Claims

[Claim 1] Installation (1) for washing packaging already used

comprising conveyance means (10) of a basket (3) comprising packages (E) already used from a preparation zone to a cradle in a working chamber (2), means for rotating the cradle in the chamber working (2), at least one network of pipes connecting the working chamber (2) to a tank (4) for washing product, at least one other network of pipes connecting the working chamber (2) to a tank ( 5) for rinsing product, the installation (1) further comprising means for washing, rinsing and drying the packaging (E) in the working chamber (2), characterized in that the installation (1 ) comprises means (7) for evacuating the working chamber (2) configured so that at least the washing and rinsing of the packages (E) take place under vacuum.

[Claim 2] Installation (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that each network of pipes comprises filtration means (4a, 5a, 6a) of the products between the working chamber (2) and the corresponding reservoir.

[Claim 3] Installation (1) according to one of the claims

previous ones, characterized in that the working chamber (2) comprises forced turbulence generators.

[Claim 4] Installation (1) according to one of the claims

above, characterized by the fact that the working chamber (2) includes ultrasound generators.

[Claim 5] Installation (1) according to one of the claims

above, characterized in that the working chamber (2) comprises means for raising the temperature prior to washing the basket (3) and the packaging (E) already used and soiled therein.

[Claim 6] Installation (1) according to one of the claims

above, characterized in that the washing product is an aqueous solution comprising a detergent or a washing agent.

[Claim 7] Installation (1) according to one of the claims

previous ones, characterized by the fact that it comprises four networks of pipes connecting the working chamber (2) to four reservoirs, two reservoirs (4) for washing product and two reservoirs (5, 6) for rinsing product.

[Claim 8] Installation (1) according to one of the claims

above, characterized by the fact that it comprises a working chamber (2) having a first part configured to wash the packaging (E) and a second part configured to rinse the packaging (E).

[Claim 9] An assembly comprising an installation (1) according to one of the preceding claims, and at least one basket (3) in which can be placed packaging (E) already used, characterized in that this assembly is configured to washing, rinsing and drying said packaging so that they can be reused.

[Claim 10] A method of washing packaging (E) in particular

food products already used, said process comprising the following steps:

A) a basket (3) is filled with packaging (E) already used in a preparation area,

B) the basket (3) is transported from the preparation area to a cradle in a working chamber (2) by conveyor means (10),

C) the working chamber (2) is closed with the basket (3) installed in the cradle,

D) the pressure in the working chamber (2) is evacuated,

E) once the vacuum has been reached, the cradle containing the basket (3) is rotated on itself in the working chamber (2) by means of rotation which equip the working chamber (2),

F) a washing cycle is started,

G) once the washing cycle is complete, the working chamber (2) is emptied of all the washing product through the pipe network to the tank (4) of the corresponding washing product,

H) we start a rinsing cycle,

I) once the rinsing cycle is complete, the working chamber (2) is emptied of all the rinsing product through the network of pipes to the tank (5) the corresponding rinse aid,

J) we start a drying cycle,

K) we stop the rotation on itself of the cradle containing the basket (3) in the working chamber (2), we open the working chamber (2) and the basket (3) is taken out of the working chamber ( 2).

[Claim 1 1] A washing process according to claim 10, characterized in that the washing step F of this process comprises the following steps:

i) the working chamber (2), in which the basket (3) contained in the cradle rotates, is filled with a washing product from a reservoir (4) through a network of pipes connecting the working chamber (2) said detergent reservoir (4),

ii) forced turbulence generators and / or ultrasound generators which equip the working chamber (2) are put into action.

[Claim 12] A washing method according to claim 10 or

Claim 1, characterized in that the rinsing step H of this process comprises the following steps:

i) the working chamber (2), in which the basket (3) contained in the cradle rotates, is filled with a rinsing product from a reservoir (5) through a network of pipes connecting the working chamber (2) said rinsing product reservoir (5),

[Claim 13] Washing process according to one of claims 10 to 12, characterized in that the drying step J of this process comprises one and / or the other of the following steps:

i) the pressure in the working chamber (2) is evacuated to an absolute pressure between 0 and 5 millibars, preferably between 0 and 1 millibar,

ii) the pressure in the working chamber (2) is raised to normal atmospheric pressure and hot air is blown to dry the packages (E).

[Claim 14] A washing process according to one of claims 10 to

13, characterized in that the process comprises a second additional rinsing cycle repeating steps I and J carried out prior to step K, and characterized in that regenerated demineralized water from a second reservoir ( 6) rinse aid.

[Claim 15] Washing process according to one of claims 10 to

14, characterized in that steps F and G of the washing process are carried out in a first part of the working chamber (2), and characterized in that steps H and following are carried out in a second part of the working chamber (2).

[Claim 16] Washing method according to one of claims 10 to

15, characterized in that, prior to step F, a prewash cycle is carried out consisting of sending water vapor alone or mixed with a detergent or detergent through nozzles to the basket (3).

[Claim 17] A washing process according to one of claims 10 to

16, characterized in that, during the washing and / or rinsing cycle, the corresponding washing and / or rinsing product is circulated through the corresponding network of pipes from the working chamber (2) to reservoir (4, 5, 6) corresponding by a first pipe equipped with filtration means (4a, 5a, 6a), and from the reservoir (4, 5, 6) to the working chamber (2) by a second pipeline.

[Claim 18] A washing process according to claim 17, characterized in that following the washing and / or rinsing cycle, the corresponding washing and / or rinsing product is emptied by the first pipe of the network. corresponding pipelines.

[Claim 19] Washing process according to one of claims 10 to

18, characterized in that, following step G and prior to step H, a second washing cycle is started according to step F and step G.

[Claim 20] Washing method according to one of claims 10 to

19, characterized in that, following step J and prior to step K, a second rinsing cycle is launched according to step F1 and step I. [Claim 21] Washing method according to one of claims 10 to 20, characterized in that, following a washing or rinsing cycle, the cradle accommodating the basket (3) is allowed to drain for a defined time. , this draining being done while maintaining the rotation of the cradle or not.