WO2020216769A1 - Method for decontaminating the inside of a preform by emitting a uv laser beam from outside the preform - Google Patents

Method for decontaminating the inside of a preform by emitting a uv laser beam from outside the preform Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2020216769A1
WO2020216769A1 PCT/EP2020/061157 EP2020061157W WO2020216769A1 WO 2020216769 A1 WO2020216769 A1 WO 2020216769A1 EP 2020061157 W EP2020061157 W EP 2020061157W WO 2020216769 A1 WO2020216769 A1 WO 2020216769A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
preform
laser
laser beam
axis
irradiation
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/EP2020/061157
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Véronique BERNARD
Original Assignee
Sidel Participations
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
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Publication of WO2020216769A1 publication Critical patent/WO2020216769A1/en

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Classifications

    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2/00—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor
    • A61L2/02—Methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects other than foodstuffs or contact lenses; Accessories therefor using physical phenomena
    • A61L2/08—Radiation
    • A61L2/10—Ultraviolet radiation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B65—CONVEYING; PACKING; STORING; HANDLING THIN OR FILAMENTARY MATERIAL
    • B65B—MACHINES, APPARATUS OR DEVICES FOR, OR METHODS OF, PACKAGING ARTICLES OR MATERIALS; UNPACKING
    • B65B55/00—Preserving, protecting or purifying packages or package contents in association with packaging
    • B65B55/02—Sterilising, e.g. of complete packages
    • B65B55/04—Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging
    • B65B55/08—Sterilising wrappers or receptacles prior to, or during, packaging by irradiation
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C3/00—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus; Filling casks or barrels with liquids or semiliquids
    • B67C3/02—Bottling liquids or semiliquids; Filling jars or cans with liquids or semiliquids using bottling or like apparatus
    • B67C3/22—Details
    • B67C3/26—Filling-heads; Means for engaging filling-heads with bottle necks
    • B67C3/2642—Filling-heads; Means for engaging filling-heads with bottle necks specially adapted for sterilising prior to filling
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B67—OPENING, CLOSING OR CLEANING BOTTLES, JARS OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS; LIQUID HANDLING
    • B67C—CLEANING, FILLING WITH LIQUIDS OR SEMILIQUIDS, OR EMPTYING, OF BOTTLES, JARS, CANS, CASKS, BARRELS, OR SIMILAR CONTAINERS, NOT OTHERWISE PROVIDED FOR; FUNNELS
    • B67C7/00—Concurrent cleaning, filling, and closing of bottles; Processes or devices for at least two of these operations
    • B67C7/0073—Sterilising, aseptic filling and closing
    • A—HUMAN NECESSITIES
    • A61—MEDICAL OR VETERINARY SCIENCE; HYGIENE
    • A61L—METHODS OR APPARATUS FOR STERILISING MATERIALS OR OBJECTS IN GENERAL; DISINFECTION, STERILISATION OR DEODORISATION OF AIR; CHEMICAL ASPECTS OF BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES; MATERIALS FOR BANDAGES, DRESSINGS, ABSORBENT PADS OR SURGICAL ARTICLES
    • A61L2202/00—Aspects relating to methods or apparatus for disinfecting or sterilising materials or objects
    • A61L2202/20—Targets to be treated
    • A61L2202/23—Containers, e.g. vials, bottles, syringes, mail

Definitions

  • TITLE "Process for decontaminating the interior of a preform by emission of a UV laser beam from
  • the invention relates to a method for decontaminating the interior of a preform comprising a step of irradiation by means of an ultraviolet laser beam.
  • the purpose of the decontamination treatments applied is to destroy, or at least reduce, the presence of microbiological organisms or microorganisms, such as in particular germs, bacteria, spores, molds, etc. to allow the conservation of food.
  • container is meant a hollow body such as for example a bottle, a flask, a jar, etc., which are as many containers obtained by converting a preform into material.
  • thermoplastic which is most often previously manufactured by injection into a mold.
  • PET Polyethylene
  • Terephthalate is most commonly used for these
  • the preform is successively thermally conditioned in an oven in order to soften the material.
  • the injected preform is directly transformed into a container without then requiring prior thermal conditioning.
  • the decontamination of a preform is carried out in particular by "chemical means” by means of a sterilizing product such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or other product exhibiting bactericidal, virucidal or fungicidal properties. , etc. analogues.
  • a sterilizing product such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or other product exhibiting bactericidal, virucidal or fungicidal properties. , etc. analogues.
  • UV ultraviolet radiation
  • the desired germicidal effect is in particular very effective by exposing the surface to UVc radiation, the wavelength of which is between 230 and 300 nm.
  • UVc radiation the wavelength of which is between 230 and 300 nm.
  • the irradiation of germs by UVc radiation indeed causes a photochemical reaction which degrades the DNA molecules of germs, thus blocking their reproduction process.
  • thermoplastics such as PET absorb ultraviolet radiation, in particular UVc. This prevents UV radiation emitted from the outside from passing through the wall of the preform to reach its internal face.
  • UV decontamination can be moved.
  • the UV source described can comprise laser diodes.
  • the invention proposes a method for decontaminating an internal face of a preform made of thermoplastic material open by an opening, in particular a preform made of PET, comprising a step of irradiation with at least one ultraviolet laser beam emitted along an axis. determined by a laser emitter of a laser device.
  • the method is characterized in that, throughout the duration of the irradiation step, the laser beam is emitted along its rectilinear axis from the outside of the preform to the internal face of the preform by penetrating through its opening. .
  • the preform has an axisymmetric shape with a determined main axis passing through the center of its opening, the axis of the laser beam being inclined by a determined angle with respect to the main axis of the preform;
  • the angle determined between the axis of the laser beam and the main axis of the preform is between 0 ° and 25 °, for example approximately 2 °;
  • the preform rotates relatively to the laser beam around its main axis to allow the laser beam to scan the entire internal face, for example at a speed of the order of 10 revolutions per second;
  • the preform is moved axially along its main axis with respect to the laser emitter;
  • the laser beam has a section of approximately 100 mm 2 ;
  • the laser beam is emitted in the ultraviolet region with a wavelength between 230 and 300 nm, more
  • the laser device is an excimer laser, in particular an exciplex laser, for example a krypton fluoride laser;
  • the laser beam is emitted by pulses at a determined frequency, for example the frequency is between 50 Hz and 300 Hz, more particularly the frequency is for example between 100 Hz and and 200 Hz;
  • Each pulse delivers an energy density less than or equal to 20 mJ / cm 2 , for example of about 15 mJ / cm 2 ;
  • the number of pulses emitted during the entire step of irradiating the internal face is between 50 and 300 pulses, preferably between 100 and 200 pulses;
  • the method comprises, in addition to the irradiation step, a step of heating the body of the preform, for example to a
  • the invention may relate to a process for decontaminating an internal face of a preform made of thermoplastic material through an opening, the preform
  • the method comprising a step (E1) of irradiation with at least one laser beam
  • ultraviolet emitted by a laser emitter of a laser device, the beam being emitted along a rectilinear axis (B) from the outside of the preform to the internal face of the preform by penetrating through its opening, the axis ( B) the laser beam being inclined at an angle between 0 ° and 25 ° with respect to the main axis (A) of the preform, a process in which the preform rotates relatively to the laser beam around its main axis to allow the laser beam to scan the entire inner face.
  • the aforementioned method can advantageously comprise that during the irradiation step, the preform and the laser emitter are moved relative to each other along the main axis of the preform.
  • This embodiment allows both to irradiate the entire internal surface of the preform, at the same time to take advantage of a
  • the invention relates to a method for decontaminating an internal face of a preform made of thermoplastic material opened by an opening, in particular of a preform made of PET, comprising an irradiation step (E1). with at least one ultraviolet laser beam, which beam is emitted along an axis (B) determined by a laser emitter of a laser device, method in which, throughout the duration of irradiation step (E1), the beam (28) laser is emitted along its axis (B) rectilinear from the outside of the preform (10) to the internal face (24) of the preform (10) by penetrating through its opening (16), the method comprising in addition to the stage
  • This other embodiment makes it possible both to decontaminate the interior of the preform without slowing down the processing rate, and with a sufficient level of decontamination. Indeed, the inventor realized that treating with
  • the invention also relates to a decontamination installation for implementing the method carried out according to
  • a support intended to carry a preform, the support being mounted on the base;
  • an ultraviolet laser device comprising a laser emitter which is carried by the base.
  • the base is movable to allow the transport of the preforms during the irradiation step.
  • the invention relates to a decontamination installation suitable for the implementation of one of the aforementioned methods, comprising:
  • a base a support, intended to carry a preform of material
  • thermoplastic said preform comprising an opening, and having an axisymmetric shape with a determined main axis (A) passing through the center of its opening, the support being mounted on the base;
  • an ultraviolet laser device allowing the establishment of the irradiation step (E1), the device comprising a laser emitter which is carried by the base and configured to emit at least one ultraviolet laser beam emitted along a rectilinear axis (B) from the outside of the preform, to the internal face of the preform by penetrating through its opening
  • the installation comprising means for rotating the preform relative to the laser beam about its main axis (A) so that the laser beam scans the entire internal face.
  • the installation comprises means for relative movement between the preform and the laser transmitter along the main axis (A) of the preform.
  • the invention relates to an installation of
  • decontamination suitable for the implementation of one of the aforementioned processes, comprising:
  • a support intended to carry a preform of material
  • thermoplastic the support being mounted on the base
  • an ultraviolet laser device allowing the establishment of the irradiation step (E1), the device comprising a laser emitter which is carried by the base and configured to emit at least one ultraviolet laser beam from outside the preform, up to the internal face of the preform by penetrating through its opening, and
  • a device for heating the body of said preforms preferably arranged so as to heat the body of said preforms prior to the action of irradiating the preform by the ultraviolet laser device.
  • the ultraviolet laser device is designed to emit the laser beam by pulses at a frequency
  • Figure 1 is an axial sectional view of a preform intended to be decontaminated during the process carried out according to the teachings of the invention
  • Figure 2 is an axial sectional view which shows the preform of Figure 1 during the decontamination process carried out according to the teachings of the invention.
  • FIG. 3 is a block diagram which represents the two stages of the decontamination process carried out according to the
  • thermoplastic material there is shown in Figure 1, without limitation, an example of a preform 10 of thermoplastic material.
  • the preform 10 is here made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
  • Such a preform is generally obtained by injection of plastic material and has characteristics (dimensions, distribution of the material, etc.) which are determined by the final container to be obtained, in particular its shape or even its capacity.
  • the preform 10 has an axisymmetric shape with the main axis "A" shown vertically in FIG. 1.
  • the preform comprises in particular a tubular body 12 closed at a lower end by a bottom 14 and which opens upwards through an upper opening 16 delimited. radially by a neck 18.
  • the main axis "A" of the preform 10 passes through the middle of the neck 18.
  • the neck 18 of the preform 10 has its final shape at the end of the manufacture by injection of the preform 10 and corresponds to the neck of the final container.
  • An edge 20 of the free upper end of the neck 18, also called the mouthpiece, circumferentially delimits the circular opening 16 constituting the only access to the interior of the preform 10.
  • the neck 18 has a flange 22 which extends radially outwardly projecting.
  • the body 12 is delimited by a tubular wall which has an internal face 24 located inside the preform 10 and an external face 26 located outside.
  • the preform has for example an opening 16 with an internal diameter of approximately 20 mm and a total height of approximately 90 mm.
  • the thickness of the wall delimiting the body 12 is for example about 3 mm.
  • the invention proposes a method for decontaminating the internal face 24 of the preform 10 comprising a step "E1"
  • the laser beam 28 is delivered by the laser emitter 30 which has an exit face 31 which allows the laser beam 28 to exit into the open air in a straight line along its rectilinear "B" axis.
  • the laser emitter 30 forms a source of radiation
  • UVc ultraviolet type C
  • a monochromatic source is an ideal source emitting a sine wave of a single frequency.
  • its frequency spectrum consists of a single line of zero spectral width (Dirac).
  • a real source having a frequency emission spectrum which extends over a band of low spectral width but not zero, centered on a main frequency where the intensity of the radiation is maximum.
  • a real source is considered to be monochromatic.
  • the laser beam 28 is formed of coherent and directional light radiation which retains high energy even when moving away from the emitter 30.
  • the section of the laser beam 28 must have dimensions adapted to the dimensions of the preform 10.
  • the laser beam 28 is here calibrated by interposing a diaphragm 32 comprising a hole 34 for the passage of the laser beam 28 having the desired dimensions. .
  • the laser beam 28, after passing through the hole 34 has a calibrated section, for example of 100 mm 2 .
  • the section may have an outline of circular, square or any other shape suitable for the treatment.
  • the laser beam 28 is emitted along its rectilinear axis “B” from the outside of the preform 10 to the internal face 24. of the preform 10 by moving in a straight line and entering the preform 10 only through its opening 16.
  • the laser emitter 30 is arranged outside the preform 10 throughout the duration of the irradiation step “E1”.
  • the laser beam 28 moves in a straight line along its axis "B" from the exit face 31 to the internal face 24 of the preform 10 without being guided.
  • the laser emitter 30 is equipped with means for guiding the direction of emission of the laser beam 28, such as optical elements or mirrors. These guide means are considered to be part of the laser emitter 30 and they are therefore also arranged outside the preform 10.
  • FIG. 2 shows an example of a decontamination installation in which the preform 10 is intended to be carried by a support 36, generally close to its collar 22. This is for example a clamp which clamps.
  • the support 36 is mounted on a base 38.
  • the support 36 is intended to maintain the main axis "A" of the preform 10 in a determined orientation, here vertical, relative to the base 38.
  • the base 38 is for example a mobile element allowing the transport of the preforms 10 during the irradiation step “E1”. This is for example a transfer wheel.
  • the base 38 is for example fixed relative to the ground.
  • the laser emitter 30 is carried by the base 38. It is arranged so that the laser beam 28 is emitted along its axis "B" in the direction of the internal face 24 of the preform 10 by penetrating inside it. the preform 10 through its opening 16, preferably without touching the neck 18 or the edge 20.
  • the emitter 30 is arranged so that the axis "B" of the laser beam 28 is inclined at an angle a with respect to the main axis "A" of the preform 10 to decontaminate the internal face 24 of the preform 10. .
  • this angle a is particularly important because, in the event of a value that is too low or too high, the internal face of the bottom 14 of the preform is found overexposed to UVc radiation, either directly or by reflection on the internal face 24 of the body 12. of the laser beam 28. However, when the plastic material is overexposed to UVc radiation, its surface is degraded, and the preform 10 is no longer usable.
  • an angle a between the axis "B" of the laser beam 28 and the main "A" axis of the preform between 0 ° and 25 °, for example between 1 ° and 5 °, more particularly around 2 °, one could obtain the desired decontamination effect of the internal face 24 of the body 12 and the bottom 14 without causing
  • the preform is rotated about its main "A" axis relative to the laser beam 28 to allow the laser beam 28 to scan the entire face. internal 24.
  • the angle a formed between the axis "B" of the laser beam 28 and the main axis "A" of the preform 10 remains
  • the emitter is movable with respect to the preform so that the angle a varies in a controlled manner during the decontamination process.
  • the preform 10 rotates with a continuous and constant rotational speed of the order of 10 revolutions per second.
  • a speed of rotation makes it possible to guarantee a sufficient level of exposure to decontaminate the entire internal face 24 of the preform 10 without degrading the thermoplastic material.
  • the preform 10 is for example rotated by friction of the external face 26 of the body 12 with at least one drive roller 40.
  • the jaws of the clamp comprise for example guide rollers 42 which allow the preform 10 to be held firmly while allowing its rotation.
  • the laser transmitter 30 comprises means for allowing the rotation of the laser beam 28 around the main axis "A" of the preform 10.
  • the preform 10 is moved axially along its main axis “A” relative to the emitter.
  • the point of application of the laser beam 28 on the internal face 24 is capable of moving, forming a spiral. This is required in particular for preforms whose length is large relative to the section of the laser beam 28.
  • the maximum magnitude of the axial displacement is limited between a depressed position in which the laser beam 28 is near a first end of a diameter of the edge 20 of the neck 18 to a withdrawn position in which the laser beam 28 is. arranged at the opposite end of said diameter.
  • the displacement is carried out without ever touching the edge 20, and while maintaining its angle determined with the main axis "A" of the preform 10 during its displacement.
  • the support 36 is for example mounted movably on a motorized carriage relative to the base 38.
  • the laser beam 28 is emitted in pulses.
  • Each pulse lasts for example between 20 ns and 30 ns, for example 22 ns or 25 ns.
  • the pulses are emitted at a determined frequency, for example the frequency is between 50 Hz and 300 Hz, more particularly, the frequency is for example between 100 Hz and 200 Hz.
  • the laser device 29 is configured so that each pulse delivers an energy density less than or equal to 20 mJ / cm 2 , preferably of the order of 15 mJ / cm 2 , so as not to damage the thermoplastic material. .
  • the laser emitter 30 emits between 50 and 300 pulses, preferably between 100 and 200 pulses, during the entire step “E1” of irradiating the internal face 24 of the preform 10. It has been observed that the use of such a laser beam 28 made it possible to obtain a sufficient decontamination rate regardless of the distance at which the laser emitter 30 is located because of the advantageous properties of the laser beam 28 compared to a conventional UV lamp.
  • the decontamination process has, in addition to the irradiation step “E1”, a step “E0” of heating the body 12 of the preform 10.
  • step “E1” of heating the body 12 of the preform 10.
  • the cumulative effect of step “E1 has in fact been observed.
  • the heating step “E0” precedes, for example, the irradiation step “E1” as shown in FIG. 3.
  • the heating step “E0 is carried out after the irradiation step“ E1 ”.
  • the invention thus makes it possible to decontaminate the interior of the
  • preform 10 without using chemicals, and limiting the amount of energy used.
  • the invention also makes it possible to maintain the integrity of the material constituting the preform.

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  • Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • General Health & Medical Sciences (AREA)
  • Toxicology (AREA)
  • Engineering & Computer Science (AREA)
  • Mechanical Engineering (AREA)
  • Epidemiology (AREA)
  • Life Sciences & Earth Sciences (AREA)
  • Animal Behavior & Ethology (AREA)
  • Public Health (AREA)
  • Veterinary Medicine (AREA)
  • Blow-Moulding Or Thermoforming Of Plastics Or The Like (AREA)

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for decontaminating an inner face (24) of a hollow preform (10), in particular a PET preform, which is made of thermoplastic material and open at an opening (16), comprising a step (E1) of irradiation with at least one ultraviolet laser beam (28) which is emitted along an axis (B) determined by a laser transmitter (30) of a laser device (29), the method being characterised in that, for the entire duration of the irradiation step (E1), the laser beam (28) is emitted along the rectilinear axis (B) thereof from outside the preform (10) to the inner face (24) of the preform (10), passing through the opening (16) thereof.

Description

DESCRIPTION DESCRIPTION
TITRE : "Procédé de décontamination de l'intérieur d'une préforme par émission d'un faisceau laser UV depuis TITLE: "Process for decontaminating the interior of a preform by emission of a UV laser beam from
l'extérieur de la préforme" the outside of the preform "
Domaine technique de l'invention Technical field of the invention
L'invention concerne un procédé de décontamination de l'intérieur d'une préforme comportant une étape d'irradiation au moyen d'un faisceau laser ultraviolet. The invention relates to a method for decontaminating the interior of a preform comprising a step of irradiation by means of an ultraviolet laser beam.
Arrière-plan technique Technical background
Dans le domaine des emballages agro-alimentaires, il est connu de réaliser un traitement de décontamination pour aseptiser ou stériliser au moins l'intérieur d'un récipient destiné à recevoir des denrées alimentaires. In the field of agri-food packaging, it is known practice to carry out a decontamination treatment to sanitize or sterilize at least the interior of a container intended to receive foodstuffs.
Les traitements de décontamination appliqués ont pour but de détruire, ou au moins de réduire, la présence d'organismes microbiologiques ou micro-organismes, tels qu'en particulier les germes, les bactéries, les spores, les moisissures, etc. afin de permettre la conservation des denrées. The purpose of the decontamination treatments applied is to destroy, or at least reduce, the presence of microbiological organisms or microorganisms, such as in particular germs, bacteria, spores, molds, etc. to allow the conservation of food.
Par récipient, on entend un corps creux tel que par exemple une bouteille, un flacon, un pot, etc., qui sont autant de récipients obtenus par transformation d'une préforme en matière By container is meant a hollow body such as for example a bottle, a flask, a jar, etc., which are as many containers obtained by converting a preform into material.
thermoplastique qui est le plus souvent préalablement fabriquée par injection dans un moule. thermoplastic which is most often previously manufactured by injection into a mold.
Des matières thermoplastiques, le PET (Polyéthylène Thermoplastic materials, PET (Polyethylene
Téréphtalate) est le plus communément utilisé pour ces Terephthalate) is most commonly used for these
applications. applications.
De manière connue, la préforme est successivement conditionnée thermiquement dans un four afin d'en ramollir la matière In known manner, the preform is successively thermally conditioned in an oven in order to soften the material.
constitutive puis transformée en un récipient par soufflage dans un moule au moyen d'au moins un fluide sous pression, avec ou sans étirage. constituent then transformed into a container by blowing in a mold by means of at least one pressurized fluid, with or without stretching.
En variante, la préforme injectée est directement transformée en récipient sans requérir alors de conditionnement thermique préalable. As a variant, the injected preform is directly transformed into a container without then requiring prior thermal conditioning.
Dans l'état de la technique, la décontamination d'une préforme est notamment réalisée par "voie chimique" au moyen d'un produit stérilisant tel que du peroxyde d'hydrogène (H2O2) ou autre produit présentant des propriétés bactéricide, virucide, fongicide, etc. analogues. In the state of the art, the decontamination of a preform is carried out in particular by "chemical means" by means of a sterilizing product such as hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) or other product exhibiting bactericidal, virucidal or fungicidal properties. , etc. analogues.
Bien que de tels procédés de décontamination par voie chimique donnent satisfaction, on recherche cependant des solutions alternatives qui, sans produit stérilisant, soient en particulier plus respectueuses de l'environnement, tout en conservant des niveaux de décontamination équivalents. Although such chemical decontamination processes are satisfactory, however, alternative solutions are sought which, without sterilizing product, are in particular more respectful of the environment, while maintaining equivalent levels of decontamination.
Une solution alternative possible consiste à réaliser la A possible alternative solution is to perform the
décontamination par irradiation de la face interne de la préforme au moyen d'une source émettant un rayonnement ultraviolet, dit UV. decontamination by irradiation of the internal face of the preform by means of a source emitting ultraviolet radiation, called UV.
En effet, une telle décontamination par irradiation présente l'avantage de ne nécessiter l'emploi d'aucun produit chimique appliqué sur la préforme à décontaminer et ceci au bénéfice notamment d'une absence ultérieure d'éventuelles traces Indeed, such decontamination by irradiation has the advantage of not requiring the use of any chemical product applied to the preform to be decontaminated and this in particular to the benefit of a subsequent absence of any traces.
résiduelles dans le récipient final obtenu à partir de la préforme. L'effet germicide recherché est notamment très efficace par exposition de la surface à un rayonnement UVc dont la longueur d'onde est comprise entre 230 et 300 nm. L'irradiation de germes par des un rayonnement UVc provoque en effet une réaction photochimique qui dégrade les molécules ADN des germes, bloquant ainsi leur processus de reproduction. residuals in the final container obtained from the preform. The desired germicidal effect is in particular very effective by exposing the surface to UVc radiation, the wavelength of which is between 230 and 300 nm. The irradiation of germs by UVc radiation indeed causes a photochemical reaction which degrades the DNA molecules of germs, thus blocking their reproduction process.
La décontamination par irradiation au moyen d'un rayonnement ultraviolet n'a cependant été jusqu'alors mise en oeuvre que pour traiter l'extérieur de la préforme. However, decontamination by irradiation by means of ultraviolet radiation has hitherto only been implemented to treat the outside of the preform.
L'une des raisons constituant un obstacle à l'utilisation de rayonnement ultraviolet pour décontaminer l'intérieur d'une préforme tient au fait que les matières thermoplastiques comme le PET absorbent le rayonnement ultraviolet, notamment les UVc. Ceci empêche les rayonnements UV émis depuis l'extérieur de traverser la paroi de la préforme pour atteindre sa face interne. One of the reasons constituting an obstacle to the use of ultraviolet radiation to decontaminate the interior of a preform is that thermoplastics such as PET absorb ultraviolet radiation, in particular UVc. This prevents UV radiation emitted from the outside from passing through the wall of the preform to reach its internal face.
De plus, une exposition trop importante d'une face de la préforme à un rayonnement UV risque de provoquer un échauffement local et une dégradation de la préforme. In addition, too much exposure of one face of the preform to UV radiation risks causing local heating and degradation of the preform.
On a déjà proposé de décontaminer l'intérieur d'une préforme au moyen d'une source de rayonnement ultraviolet non cohérente, telle qu'une lampe à UV. On pourra se reporter à la demande de brevet FR3002455. Cependant, un tel procédé présente une efficacité limitée car l'intensité du rayonnement UV émis perd diminue avec le carré de la distance parcourue du fait de la diffusion du rayonnement UV dans toutes les directions. It has already been proposed to decontaminate the interior of a preform by means of a source of non-coherent ultraviolet radiation, such as a UV lamp. Reference may be made to patent application FR3002455. However, such a method has limited efficiency because the intensity of the UV radiation emitted loses decreases with the square of the distance traveled due to the diffusion of UV radiation in all directions.
Par ailleurs, le brevet US9700072 décrit une source de Furthermore, US9700072 describes a source of
décontamination UV pouvant être déplacée. Dans une variante, la source UV décrite peut comprendre des diodes laser. UV decontamination can be moved. In a variant, the UV source described can comprise laser diodes.
Résumé de l'invention Summary of the invention
L'invention propose un procédé de décontamination d'une face interne d'une préforme en matériau thermoplastique ouverte par une ouverture, notamment d'une préforme en PET, comportant une étape d'irradiation avec au moins un faisceau laser ultraviolet émis selon un axe déterminé par un émetteur laser d'un dispositif laser. The invention proposes a method for decontaminating an internal face of a preform made of thermoplastic material open by an opening, in particular a preform made of PET, comprising a step of irradiation with at least one ultraviolet laser beam emitted along an axis. determined by a laser emitter of a laser device.
Le procédé est caractérisé en ce que, pendant toute la durée de l'étape d'irradiation, le faisceau laser est émis selon son axe rectiligne depuis l'extérieur de la préforme jusqu'à la face interne de la préforme en pénétrant par son ouverture. The method is characterized in that, throughout the duration of the irradiation step, the laser beam is emitted along its rectilinear axis from the outside of the preform to the internal face of the preform by penetrating through its opening. .
Selon d'autres caractéristiques du procédé, pouvant être According to other characteristics of the process, which can be
considérées séparément ou en combinaison : - la préforme présente une forme axisymétrique d'axe principal déterminé passant au centre de son ouverture, l'axe du faisceau laser étant incliné d'un angle déterminé par rapport à l'axe principal de la préforme ; considered separately or in combination: the preform has an axisymmetric shape with a determined main axis passing through the center of its opening, the axis of the laser beam being inclined by a determined angle with respect to the main axis of the preform;
- l'angle déterminé entre l'axe du faisceau laser et l'axe principal de la préforme est compris entre 0° et 25°, par exemple environ 2° ; the angle determined between the axis of the laser beam and the main axis of the preform is between 0 ° and 25 °, for example approximately 2 °;
- la préforme tourne relativement au faisceau laser autour de son axe principal pour permettre au faisceau laser de balayer la totalité de la face interne, par exemple à une vitesse de l'ordre de 10 tours par seconde ; the preform rotates relatively to the laser beam around its main axis to allow the laser beam to scan the entire internal face, for example at a speed of the order of 10 revolutions per second;
- durant l'étape d'irradiation, la préforme est déplacée axialement selon son axe principal par rapport à l'émetteur laser ; - During the irradiation step, the preform is moved axially along its main axis with respect to the laser emitter;
- le faisceau laser présente une section d'environ 100 mm2 ; - The laser beam has a section of approximately 100 mm 2 ;
- le faisceau laser est émis dans le domaine de l'ultraviolet avec une longueur d'onde comprise entre 230 et 300 nm, plus - the laser beam is emitted in the ultraviolet region with a wavelength between 230 and 300 nm, more
particulièrement entre 240 nm et 260 nm, par exemple 248 nm ;particularly between 240 nm and 260 nm, for example 248 nm;
- le dispositif laser est un laser à excimère, notamment un laser à exciplexe, par exemple un laser à fluorure de krypton ; the laser device is an excimer laser, in particular an exciplex laser, for example a krypton fluoride laser;
- le faisceau laser est émis par impulsions à une fréquence déterminée, par exemple la fréquence est comprise entre 50 Hz et 300 Hz, plus particulièrement la fréquence est par exemple comprise entre 100 Hz et et 200 Hz ; the laser beam is emitted by pulses at a determined frequency, for example the frequency is between 50 Hz and 300 Hz, more particularly the frequency is for example between 100 Hz and and 200 Hz;
- chaque impulsion délivre une densité d'énergie inférieure ou égale à 20 mJ/cm2, par exemple d'environ 15 mJ/cm2 ; - Each pulse delivers an energy density less than or equal to 20 mJ / cm 2 , for example of about 15 mJ / cm 2 ;
- le nombre d'impulsions émise durant la totalité de l'étape d'irradiation de la face interne est comprise entre 50 et 300 impulsions, de préférence entre 100 et 200 impulsions ; - the number of pulses emitted during the entire step of irradiating the internal face is between 50 and 300 pulses, preferably between 100 and 200 pulses;
- le procédé comporte en plus de l'étape d'irradiation, une étape de chauffage du corps de la préforme, par exemple à une - the method comprises, in addition to the irradiation step, a step of heating the body of the preform, for example to a
température supérieure ou égale à une température de transition du matériau la constituant. temperature greater than or equal to a transition temperature of the material constituting it.
Selon un mode de réalisation, l’invention peut porter sur un procédé de décontamination d'une face interne d'une préforme en matériau thermoplastique par une ouverture, la préforme According to one embodiment, the invention may relate to a process for decontaminating an internal face of a preform made of thermoplastic material through an opening, the preform
présentant une forme axisymétrique d'axe (A) principal déterminé passant au centre de son ouverture, le procédé comportant une étape (E1) d'irradiation avec au moins un faisceau laser having an axisymmetric shape with a determined main axis (A) passing through the center of its opening, the method comprising a step (E1) of irradiation with at least one laser beam
ultraviolet, émis par un émetteur laser d'un dispositif laser, le faisceau étant émis selon un axe (B) rectiligne depuis l'extérieur de la préforme jusqu'à la face interne de la préforme en pénétrant par son ouverture, l'axe (B) du faisceau laser étant incliné d'un angle compris entre 0° et 25° par rapport à l'axe (A) principal de la préforme, procédé dans lequel la préforme tourne relativement au faisceau laser autour de son axe principal pour permettre au faisceau laser de balayer la totalité de la face interne. ultraviolet, emitted by a laser emitter of a laser device, the beam being emitted along a rectilinear axis (B) from the outside of the preform to the internal face of the preform by penetrating through its opening, the axis ( B) the laser beam being inclined at an angle between 0 ° and 25 ° with respect to the main axis (A) of the preform, a process in which the preform rotates relatively to the laser beam around its main axis to allow the laser beam to scan the entire inner face.
Le procédé précité peut avantageusement comprendre que durant l'étape d'irradiation, la préforme et l’émetteur laser sont déplacés l’un par rapport à l’autre selon l’axe principal de la préforme. Ce mode de réalisation permet à la fois d’irradier la totalité de la surface interne de la préforme, à la fois de profiter d’une The aforementioned method can advantageously comprise that during the irradiation step, the preform and the laser emitter are moved relative to each other along the main axis of the preform. This embodiment allows both to irradiate the entire internal surface of the preform, at the same time to take advantage of a
irradiation suffisante pour tuer les micro-organismes avec une densité d’irradiation suffisante, et à la fois d’éviter la dégradation du matériau de la préforme en contrôlant de manière plus efficace la distribution d’irradiation sur toute ladite surface interne de la préforme. sufficient irradiation to kill microorganisms with sufficient irradiation density, and both to prevent degradation of the preform material by more effectively controlling the irradiation distribution over said entire inner surface of the preform.
Selon un autre mode de réalisation, l’invention porte sur un procédé de décontamination d'une face interne d'une préforme en matériau thermoplastique ouverte par une ouverture, notamment d'une préforme en PET, comportant une étape (E1) d'irradiation avec au moins un faisceau laser ultraviolet, lequel faisceau est émis selon un axe (B) déterminé par un émetteur laser d'un dispositif laser, procédé dans lequel, pendant toute la durée de l'étape (E1) d'irradiation, le faisceau (28) laser est émis selon son axe (B) rectiligne depuis l'extérieur de la préforme (10) jusqu'à la face interne (24) de la préforme (10) en pénétrant par son ouverture (16), le procédé comportant en plus de l'étape According to another embodiment, the invention relates to a method for decontaminating an internal face of a preform made of thermoplastic material opened by an opening, in particular of a preform made of PET, comprising an irradiation step (E1). with at least one ultraviolet laser beam, which beam is emitted along an axis (B) determined by a laser emitter of a laser device, method in which, throughout the duration of irradiation step (E1), the beam (28) laser is emitted along its axis (B) rectilinear from the outside of the preform (10) to the internal face (24) of the preform (10) by penetrating through its opening (16), the method comprising in addition to the stage
d'irradiation, une étape de chauffage du corps de la préforme, de préférence antérieure à l’étape d’irradiation, par exemple à une température supérieure ou égale à une température de transition du matériau la constituant. irradiation, a step of heating the body of the preform, preferably prior to the irradiation step, for example at a temperature greater than or equal to a transition temperature of the material constituting it.
Le procédé précité peut avantageusement comprendre que faisceau laser soit émis par impulsions à une fréquence The aforementioned method can advantageously comprise that the laser beam is emitted by pulses at a frequency
déterminée. determined.
Cet autre mode de réalisation permet à la fois de décontaminer l’intérieur de la préforme sans ralentir la cadence de traitement, et avec un niveau suffisant de décontamination. En effet, l’inventeur s’est rendu compte que le fait de traiter aux This other embodiment makes it possible both to decontaminate the interior of the preform without slowing down the processing rate, and with a sufficient level of decontamination. Indeed, the inventor realized that treating with
ultraviolets une préforme déjà chaude rendait l’effet ultraviolet rays an already hot preform gave the effect
décontaminant bien supérieur au cumule de l’effet de la chaleur et de l’effet des UV considérés séparément. En effet les micro organismes sont déjà fragilisés par l’effet thermique sont plus rapidement détruit par les UV. decontaminant far superior to the combined effect of heat and UV effect considered separately. In fact, microorganisms are already weakened by the thermal effect and are more quickly destroyed by UV rays.
L'invention concerne aussi une installation de décontamination pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé réalisé selon les The invention also relates to a decontamination installation for implementing the method carried out according to
enseignements de l'invention, caractérisée en ce qu'il comporte :teachings of the invention, characterized in that it comprises:
- une base ; - a base ;
- un support destiné à porter une préforme, le support étant monté sur la base ; a support intended to carry a preform, the support being mounted on the base;
- un dispositif laser ultraviolet comportant un émetteur laser qui est porté par la base. - an ultraviolet laser device comprising a laser emitter which is carried by the base.
Selon une autre caractéristique de l'installation, la base est mobile pour permettre le transport des préformes pendant l'étape d'irradiation. According to another characteristic of the installation, the base is movable to allow the transport of the preforms during the irradiation step.
Selon un mode de réalisation, l’invention porte sur une installation de décontamination convenant à la mise en oeuvre d’un des procédés précité, comportant : According to one embodiment, the invention relates to a decontamination installation suitable for the implementation of one of the aforementioned methods, comprising:
une base, un support, destiné à porter une préforme en matériau a base, a support, intended to carry a preform of material
thermoplastique, la dite préforme comprenant une ouverture, et présentant une forme axisymétrique d'axe (A) principal déterminé passant au centre de son ouverture, le support étant monté sur la base; et thermoplastic, said preform comprising an opening, and having an axisymmetric shape with a determined main axis (A) passing through the center of its opening, the support being mounted on the base; and
un dispositif laser ultraviolet permettant la mise de place de l'étape d'irradiation (E1), le dispositif comportant un émetteur laser qui est porté par la base et configuré pour émettre au moins un faisceau laser ultraviolet émis selon un axe (B) rectiligne depuis l'extérieur de la préforme, jusqu'à la face interne de la préforme en pénétrant par son ouverture an ultraviolet laser device allowing the establishment of the irradiation step (E1), the device comprising a laser emitter which is carried by the base and configured to emit at least one ultraviolet laser beam emitted along a rectilinear axis (B) from the outside of the preform, to the internal face of the preform by penetrating through its opening
installation dans laquelle l'axe (B) du faisceau laser est incliné d'un angle (a) compris entre 0° et 25° par rapport à l'axe (A) principal de la préforme, installation in which the axis (B) of the laser beam is inclined at an angle (a) between 0 ° and 25 ° relative to the main axis (A) of the preform,
l’installation comprenant des moyens de mise en rotation de la préforme relativement au faisceau laser autour de son axe (A) principal afin que le faisceau laser balaye la totalité de la face interne. the installation comprising means for rotating the preform relative to the laser beam about its main axis (A) so that the laser beam scans the entire internal face.
Avantageusement, l’installation comprend des moyens de déplacement relatif entre la préforme et l'émetteur laser selon l’axe (A) principal de la préforme. Selon un autre mode de réalisation, l’invention porte sur une installation de Advantageously, the installation comprises means for relative movement between the preform and the laser transmitter along the main axis (A) of the preform. According to another embodiment, the invention relates to an installation of
décontamination convenant à la mise en œuvre d’un des procédés précité, comportant : decontamination suitable for the implementation of one of the aforementioned processes, comprising:
une base, a base,
un support, destiné à porter une préforme en matériau a support, intended to carry a preform of material
thermoplastique, le support étant monté sur la base; et thermoplastic, the support being mounted on the base; and
un dispositif laser ultraviolet permettant la mise de place de l'étape d'irradiation (E1), le dispositif comportant un émetteur laser qui est porté par la base et configuré pour émettre au moins un faisceau laser ultraviolet depuis l'extérieur de la préforme, jusqu'à la face interne de la préforme en pénétrant par son ouverture, et an ultraviolet laser device allowing the establishment of the irradiation step (E1), the device comprising a laser emitter which is carried by the base and configured to emit at least one ultraviolet laser beam from outside the preform, up to the internal face of the preform by penetrating through its opening, and
un dispositif de chauffe du corps desdites préformes, agencé de préférence de manière à chauffer le corps desdites préformes antérieurement à l’action d’irradiation de la préforme par le dispositif laser ultraviolet. a device for heating the body of said preforms, preferably arranged so as to heat the body of said preforms prior to the action of irradiating the preform by the ultraviolet laser device.
Avantageusement, le dispositif laser ultraviolet est conçu pour émettre le faisceau laser par impulsions à une fréquence Advantageously, the ultraviolet laser device is designed to emit the laser beam by pulses at a frequency
déterminée. determined.
Brève description des figures Brief description of the figures
D'autres caractéristiques et avantages de l'invention apparaîtront au cours de la lecture de la description détaillée qui va suivre pour la compréhension de laquelle on se reportera aux dessins annexés dans lesquels : [Fig. 1] La figure 1 est une vue en coupe axiale d'une préforme destinée à être décontaminée durant le procédé réalisé selon les enseignements de l'invention ; Other characteristics and advantages of the invention will become apparent on reading the detailed description which follows, for the understanding of which reference is made to the appended drawings in which: [Fig. 1] Figure 1 is an axial sectional view of a preform intended to be decontaminated during the process carried out according to the teachings of the invention;
[Fig.2] La figure 2 est une vue en coupe axiale qui représente la préforme de la figure 1 durant le procédé de décontamination réalisé selon les enseignements de l'invention. [Fig.2] Figure 2 is an axial sectional view which shows the preform of Figure 1 during the decontamination process carried out according to the teachings of the invention.
[Fig. 3] La figure 3 est un schéma-bloc qui représente les deux étapes du procédé de décontamination réalisé selon les [Fig. 3] FIG. 3 is a block diagram which represents the two stages of the decontamination process carried out according to the
enseignements de l'invention. teachings of the invention.
Description détaillée de l'invention Detailed description of the invention
On a représenté à la figure 1, à titre non limitatif, un exemple d’une préforme 10 en matière thermoplastique. La préforme 10 est ici réalisée en polyéthylène téréphtalate (PET). There is shown in Figure 1, without limitation, an example of a preform 10 of thermoplastic material. The preform 10 is here made of polyethylene terephthalate (PET).
Une telle préforme est généralement obtenue par injection de matière plastique et présente des caractéristiques (dimensions, répartition de la matière, etc.) qui sont déterminées par le récipient final à obtenir, en particulier sa forme ou encore sa contenance. Such a preform is generally obtained by injection of plastic material and has characteristics (dimensions, distribution of the material, etc.) which are determined by the final container to be obtained, in particular its shape or even its capacity.
La préforme 10 présente une forme axisymétrique d'axe "A" principal représenté verticalement à la figure 1. La préforme comporte notamment un corps 12 tubulaire fermé à une extrémité inférieure par un fond 14 et qui débouche vers le haut par une ouverture 16 supérieure délimitée radialement par un col 18. The preform 10 has an axisymmetric shape with the main axis "A" shown vertically in FIG. 1. The preform comprises in particular a tubular body 12 closed at a lower end by a bottom 14 and which opens upwards through an upper opening 16 delimited. radially by a neck 18.
L'axe "A" principal de la préforme 10 passe au milieu du col 18. Le col 18 de la préforme 10 présente sa forme définitive à l’issue de la fabrication par injection de la préforme 10 et correspond au col du récipient final. Un bord 20 d'extrémité supérieure libre du col 18, aussi appelé buvant, délimite circonférentiellement l’ouverture 16 circulaire constituant le seul accès à l’intérieur de la préforme 10. The main axis "A" of the preform 10 passes through the middle of the neck 18. The neck 18 of the preform 10 has its final shape at the end of the manufacture by injection of the preform 10 and corresponds to the neck of the final container. An edge 20 of the free upper end of the neck 18, also called the mouthpiece, circumferentially delimits the circular opening 16 constituting the only access to the interior of the preform 10.
Dans l’exemple représenté à la figure 1, le col 18 comporte une collerette 22 qui s’étend radialement en saillie vers l’extérieur. In the example shown in Figure 1, the neck 18 has a flange 22 which extends radially outwardly projecting.
Le corps 12 est délimité par une paroi tubulaire qui présente une face interne 24 située à l'intérieur de la préforme 10 et une face externe 26 située à l'extérieur. The body 12 is delimited by a tubular wall which has an internal face 24 located inside the preform 10 and an external face 26 located outside.
La préforme présente par exemple une ouverture 16 de diamètre interne d'environ 20 mm et une hauteur totale d'environ 90 mm. L'épaisseur de la paroi délimitant le corps 12 est par exemple d'environ 3 mm. Ces valeurs sont indiquées à titre d'exemple non limitatif, les préformes pouvant présenter des dimensions différentes tout en gardant des proportions globalement The preform has for example an opening 16 with an internal diameter of approximately 20 mm and a total height of approximately 90 mm. The thickness of the wall delimiting the body 12 is for example about 3 mm. These values are given by way of non-limiting example, the preforms possibly having different dimensions while keeping the overall proportions.
identiques. identical.
L'invention propose un procédé de décontamination de la face interne 24 de la préforme 10 comportant une étape "E1" The invention proposes a method for decontaminating the internal face 24 of the preform 10 comprising a step "E1"
d'irradiation de la face interne 24 avec au moins un faisceau 28 laser ultraviolet émis selon un axe "B" déterminé par un émetteur 30 laser relié à un dispositif 29 laser, comportant notamment une cavité laser dans laquelle le rayonnement laser est créé. Le faisceau 28 laser est délivré par l'émetteur 30 laser qui présente une face 31 de sortie qui permet au faisceau 28 laser de sortir à l'air libre en ligne droite selon son axe "B" rectiligne. irradiation of the internal face 24 with at least one ultraviolet laser beam 28 emitted along an axis "B" determined by a laser emitter 30 connected to a laser device 29, comprising in particular a laser cavity in which the laser radiation is created. The laser beam 28 is delivered by the laser emitter 30 which has an exit face 31 which allows the laser beam 28 to exit into the open air in a straight line along its rectilinear "B" axis.
L'émetteur 30 laser forme une source de rayonnement The laser emitter 30 forms a source of radiation
électromagnétique monochromatique dont le spectre d’émission s’étend pour l’essentiel dans le domaine des ultraviolets de type C (UVc) dont la longueur d'onde est comprise entre 230 nm et 300 nm. La longueur d'onde est particulièrement efficace pour un usage de décontamination lorsqu'elle est comprise entre 240 nm et 260 nm, par exemple 248 nm. monochromatic electromagnetic whose emission spectrum extends essentially in the field of ultraviolet type C (UVc) whose wavelength is between 230 nm and 300 nm. The wavelength is particularly effective for decontamination use when it is between 240 nm and 260 nm, for example 248 nm.
En théorie, une source monochromatique est une source idéale émettant une onde sinusoïdale de fréquence unique. En d’autres termes, son spectre en fréquence est constitué d’une seule raie de largeur spectrale nulle (Dirac). In theory, a monochromatic source is an ideal source emitting a sine wave of a single frequency. In other words, its frequency spectrum consists of a single line of zero spectral width (Dirac).
Dans la pratique, une telle source n’existe pas, une source réelle ayant un spectre d’émission en fréquence qui s’étend sur une bande de largeur spectrale faible mais non nulle, centrée sur une fréquence principale où l’intensité du rayonnement est maximale. Pour les besoins de la présente demande, on considère comme monochromatique une telle source réelle. In practice, such a source does not exist, a real source having a frequency emission spectrum which extends over a band of low spectral width but not zero, centered on a main frequency where the intensity of the radiation is maximum. For the purposes of the present application, such a real source is considered to be monochromatic.
L’avantage d’un rayonnement monochromatique est que, bien choisi, il peut être concentré sur une longueur d'onde The advantage of monochromatic radiation is that, if chosen correctly, it can be focused on a wavelength
particulièrement efficace pour exterminer les germes présents dans la préforme 10. particularly effective for exterminating the germs present in the preform 10.
En outre, le faisceau 28 laser est formé d'un rayonnement lumineux cohérent et directionnel qui conserve une grande énergie même en s'éloignant de l'émetteur 30. In addition, the laser beam 28 is formed of coherent and directional light radiation which retains high energy even when moving away from the emitter 30.
Il s'agit ici d'un dispositif 29 laser faisant partie de la famille des lasers à excimère. Il s'agit plus particulièrement d'un laser à exciplexe, par exemple d'un laser à fluorure de krypton (KrF) qui émet un faisceau 28 laser dont la longueur d'onde est de 248 nm. La section du faisceau 28 laser doit présenter des dimensions adaptées aux dimensions de la préforme 10. A cet effet, le faisceau 28 laser est ici calibré par interposition d'un diaphragme 32 comportant un trou 34 de passage du faisceau 28 laser présentant les dimensions voulues. Ainsi, le faisceau 28 laser, après passage dans le trou 34, présente une section calibrée, par exemple de 100 mm2. La section peut présenter un contour de forme circulaire, carré ou de toute autre forme adaptée au traitement. This is a laser device 29 belonging to the family of excimer lasers. It is more particularly an exciplex laser, for example a krypton fluoride (KrF) laser which emits a laser beam whose wavelength is 248 nm. The section of the laser beam 28 must have dimensions adapted to the dimensions of the preform 10. For this purpose, the laser beam 28 is here calibrated by interposing a diaphragm 32 comprising a hole 34 for the passage of the laser beam 28 having the desired dimensions. . Thus, the laser beam 28, after passing through the hole 34, has a calibrated section, for example of 100 mm 2 . The section may have an outline of circular, square or any other shape suitable for the treatment.
Comme représenté à la figure 2, pendant toute la durée de l'étape "E1" d'irradiation, le faisceau 28 laser est émis selon son axe "B" rectiligne depuis l'extérieur de la préforme 10 jusqu'à la face interne 24 de la préforme 10 en se déplaçant en ligne droite et en pénétrant dans la préforme 10 uniquement par son ouverture 16. As shown in FIG. 2, throughout the duration of the irradiation step “E1”, the laser beam 28 is emitted along its rectilinear axis “B” from the outside of the preform 10 to the internal face 24. of the preform 10 by moving in a straight line and entering the preform 10 only through its opening 16.
A cet effet, l'émetteur 30 laser est agencé à l'extérieur de la préforme 10 pendant toute la durée de l'étape "E1" d'irradiation. Dans le mode de réalisation représenté aux figures, le faisceau 28 laser se déplace en ligne droite selon son axe "B" depuis la face 31 de sortie jusqu'à la face interne 24 de la préforme 10 sans être guidé. For this purpose, the laser emitter 30 is arranged outside the preform 10 throughout the duration of the irradiation step “E1”. In the embodiment shown in the figures, the laser beam 28 moves in a straight line along its axis "B" from the exit face 31 to the internal face 24 of the preform 10 without being guided.
En variante non représentée de l'invention, l'émetteur 30 laser est équipé de moyens de guidage de la direction d'émission du faisceau 28 laser, tels que des éléments optiques ou des miroirs. Ces moyens de guidage sont considérés comme faisant parti de l'émetteur 30 laser et ils sont donc aussi agencés à l'extérieur de la préforme 10. In a variant of the invention that is not shown, the laser emitter 30 is equipped with means for guiding the direction of emission of the laser beam 28, such as optical elements or mirrors. These guide means are considered to be part of the laser emitter 30 and they are therefore also arranged outside the preform 10.
On a représenté à la figure 2 un exemple d'installation de décontamination dans lequel la préforme 10 est destinée à être portée par un support 36, généralement à proximité de sa collerette 22. Il s'agit par exemple d'une pince qui serre FIG. 2 shows an example of a decontamination installation in which the preform 10 is intended to be carried by a support 36, generally close to its collar 22. This is for example a clamp which clamps.
radialement la préforme 10 à proximité de sa collerette 22 ou encore d'une encoche dans laquelle le corps 12 de la préforme 10 est reçue de manière à reposer par sa collerette 22 sur le pourtour de l'encoche. radially the preform 10 near its flange 22 or else a notch in which the body 12 of the preform 10 is received so as to rest by its flange 22 on the periphery of the notch.
Le support 36 est monté sur une base 38. Le support 36 est destiné à maintenir l'axe "A" principal de la préforme 10 dans une orientation déterminée, ici verticale, par rapport à la base 38. The support 36 is mounted on a base 38. The support 36 is intended to maintain the main axis "A" of the preform 10 in a determined orientation, here vertical, relative to the base 38.
La base 38 est par exemple un élément mobile permettant le transport des préformes 10 pendant l'étape "E1" d'irradiation. Il s'agit par exemple d'une roue de transfert. The base 38 is for example a mobile element allowing the transport of the preforms 10 during the irradiation step “E1”. This is for example a transfer wheel.
Selon une variante de l'invention, la base 38 est par exemple fixe par rapport au sol. According to a variant of the invention, the base 38 is for example fixed relative to the ground.
L'émetteur 30 laser est porté par la base 38. Il est agencé de manière à ce que le faisceau 28 laser soit émis selon son axe "B" en direction de la face interne 24 de la préforme 10 en pénétrant à l'intérieur de la préforme 10 par son ouverture 16, de préférence sans toucher le col 18, ni le bord 20. The laser emitter 30 is carried by the base 38. It is arranged so that the laser beam 28 is emitted along its axis "B" in the direction of the internal face 24 of the preform 10 by penetrating inside it. the preform 10 through its opening 16, preferably without touching the neck 18 or the edge 20.
L'émetteur 30 est agencé de manière que l'axe "B" du faisceau 28 laser soit incliné d'un angle a par rapport à l'axe "A" principal de la préforme 10 pour décontaminer la face interne 24 de la préforme 10. The emitter 30 is arranged so that the axis "B" of the laser beam 28 is inclined at an angle a with respect to the main axis "A" of the preform 10 to decontaminate the internal face 24 of the preform 10. .
La valeur de cet angle a est particulièrement importante car en cas de valeur trop basse ou trop élevée, la face interne du fond 14 de la préforme se retrouve surexposée au rayonnement UVc, soit directement, soit par réflexion sur la face interne 24 du corps 12 du faisceau 28 laser. Or, lorsque le matériau plastique est surexposé au rayonnement UVc, sa surface s'en trouve dégradée, et la préforme 10 n'est plus utilisable. The value of this angle a is particularly important because, in the event of a value that is too low or too high, the internal face of the bottom 14 of the preform is found overexposed to UVc radiation, either directly or by reflection on the internal face 24 of the body 12. of the laser beam 28. However, when the plastic material is overexposed to UVc radiation, its surface is degraded, and the preform 10 is no longer usable.
Par ailleurs, il n'est pas possible de remédier à ce problème en diminuant la puissance du faisceau 28 laser puisque la face interne 24 de la préforme 10 serait alors insuffisamment irradiée, et la décontamination ne serait alors pas suffisante. Furthermore, it is not possible to remedy this problem by reducing the power of the laser beam 28 since the internal face 24 of the preform 10 would then be insufficiently irradiated, and the decontamination would then not be sufficient.
Ce sont les raisons pour lesquelles on a considéré que l'usage d'un rayon laser émis depuis l'extérieur de la préforme 10 n'était pas possible pour un usage de décontamination. These are the reasons why it has been considered that the use of a laser beam emitted from the outside of the preform 10 was not possible for use in decontamination.
Or, l'inventeur a constaté que, de manière surprenante, en sélectionnant un angle a entre l'axe "B" du faisceau 28 laser et l'axe "A" principal de la préforme compris entre 0° et 25°, par exemple entre 1° et 5°, plus particulièrement d'environ 2°, on pouvait obtenir l'effet de décontamination recherché de la face interne 24 du corps 12 et du fond 14 sans provoquer de Now, the inventor has found that, surprisingly, by selecting an angle a between the axis "B" of the laser beam 28 and the main "A" axis of the preform between 0 ° and 25 °, for example between 1 ° and 5 °, more particularly around 2 °, one could obtain the desired decontamination effect of the internal face 24 of the body 12 and the bottom 14 without causing
dégradation de la face interne 24 de la préforme 10. degradation of the internal face 24 of the preform 10.
Pour obtenir une décontamination de l'ensemble de la face interne 24 de la préforme 10, la préforme est mise en rotation autour de son axe "A" principal relativement au faisceau 28 laser pour permettre au faisceau 28 laser de balayer la totalité de la face interne 24. Ainsi, l'angle a formé entre l'axe "B" du faisceau 28 laser et l'axe "A" principal de la préforme 10 demeure To obtain decontamination of the entire internal face 24 of the preform 10, the preform is rotated about its main "A" axis relative to the laser beam 28 to allow the laser beam 28 to scan the entire face. internal 24. Thus, the angle a formed between the axis "B" of the laser beam 28 and the main axis "A" of the preform 10 remains
sensiblement constante durant la totalité de l'étape "E1" substantially constant during the whole of step "E1"
d'irradiation. irradiation.
En variante non représentée de l'invention, l'émetteur est mobile par rapport à la préforme de manière que l'angle a varie de manière commandée durant le procédé de décontamination. In a variant of the invention that is not shown, the emitter is movable with respect to the preform so that the angle a varies in a controlled manner during the decontamination process.
Par exemple la préforme 10 tourne avec une vitesse rotation continue et constante de l'ordre de 10 tours par seconde. Une telle vitesse de rotation permet de garantir un niveau d'exposition suffisant pour décontaminer l'ensemble de la face interne 24 de la préforme 10 sans en dégrader le matériau thermoplastique. For example, the preform 10 rotates with a continuous and constant rotational speed of the order of 10 revolutions per second. Such a speed of rotation makes it possible to guarantee a sufficient level of exposure to decontaminate the entire internal face 24 of the preform 10 without degrading the thermoplastic material.
La préforme 10 est par exemple mise en rotation par friction de la face externe 26 du corps 12 avec au moins un galet moteur 40. Lorsque la préforme est tenue par une pince, des mors de la pince comportent par exemple des galets 42 de guidage qui permettent de tenir fermement la préforme 10 tout en permettant sa rotation. The preform 10 is for example rotated by friction of the external face 26 of the body 12 with at least one drive roller 40. When the preform is held by a clamp, the jaws of the clamp comprise for example guide rollers 42 which allow the preform 10 to be held firmly while allowing its rotation.
En variante non représentée de l'invention, par inversion In a variant of the invention not shown, by inversion
mécanique, l'émetteur 30 laser comporte des moyens pour permettre la rotation du faisceau 28 laser autour de l'axe "A" principal de la préforme 10. mechanically, the laser transmitter 30 comprises means for allowing the rotation of the laser beam 28 around the main axis "A" of the preform 10.
Selon une variante de l'invention, durant l'étape "E1" d'irradiation, la préforme 10 est déplacée axialement selon son axe "A" principal par rapport à l'émetteur. Ainsi, le point d'application du faisceau 28 laser sur la face interne 24 est susceptible de bouger en formant une spirale. Ceci est notamment requis pour des préformes dont la longueur est grande par rapport à la section du faisceau 28 laser. According to a variant of the invention, during step “E1” of irradiation, the preform 10 is moved axially along its main axis “A” relative to the emitter. Thus, the point of application of the laser beam 28 on the internal face 24 is capable of moving, forming a spiral. This is required in particular for preforms whose length is large relative to the section of the laser beam 28.
L'amplitude maximale du déplacement axial est délimitée entre une position enfoncée dans laquelle le faisceau 28 laser est à proximité d'une première extrémité d'un diamètre du bord 20 du col 18 jusqu'à une position retirée dans laquelle le faisceau 28 laser est agencée à l'extrémité opposée dudit diamètre. Le déplacement est réalisé sans jamais toucher le bord 20, et tout en conservant son angle a déterminé avec l'axe "A" principal de la préforme 10 durant son déplacement. The maximum magnitude of the axial displacement is limited between a depressed position in which the laser beam 28 is near a first end of a diameter of the edge 20 of the neck 18 to a withdrawn position in which the laser beam 28 is. arranged at the opposite end of said diameter. The displacement is carried out without ever touching the edge 20, and while maintaining its angle determined with the main axis "A" of the preform 10 during its displacement.
Pour réaliser ce mouvement de translation axial, le support 36 est par exemple monté mobile sur un chariot motorisé par rapport à la base 38. Durant l'étape "E1" d'irradiation, le faisceau 28 laser est émis par impulsions. Chaque impulsion dure par exemple entre 20 ns et 30 ns, par exemple 22 ns ou 25 ns. Les impulsions sont émises à une fréquence déterminée, par exemple la fréquence est comprise entre 50 Hz et 300 Hz, plus particulièrement, la fréquence est par exemple comprise entre 100 Hz et 200 Hz. To achieve this axial translational movement, the support 36 is for example mounted movably on a motorized carriage relative to the base 38. During the irradiation step “E1”, the laser beam 28 is emitted in pulses. Each pulse lasts for example between 20 ns and 30 ns, for example 22 ns or 25 ns. The pulses are emitted at a determined frequency, for example the frequency is between 50 Hz and 300 Hz, more particularly, the frequency is for example between 100 Hz and 200 Hz.
Le dispositif 29 laser est configuré de manière à ce que chaque impulsion délivre une densité d'énergie inférieure ou égale à 20 mJ/cm2, de préférence de l'ordre de 15 mJ/cm2, afin de ne pas endommager le matériau thermoplastique. The laser device 29 is configured so that each pulse delivers an energy density less than or equal to 20 mJ / cm 2 , preferably of the order of 15 mJ / cm 2 , so as not to damage the thermoplastic material. .
Par exemple, l'émetteur 30 laser émet entre 50 et 300 impulsions, de préférence entre 100 et 200 impulsions, durant la totalité de l'étape "E1" d'irradiation de la face interne 24 de la préforme 10. On a constaté que l'utilisation d'un tel faisceau 28 laser permettait d'obtenir un taux de décontamination suffisant indépendamment de la distance à laquelle se trouve l'émetteur 30 laser du fait des propriétés avantageuses du faisceau 28 laser par rapport à une lampe à UV classique. For example, the laser emitter 30 emits between 50 and 300 pulses, preferably between 100 and 200 pulses, during the entire step “E1” of irradiating the internal face 24 of the preform 10. It has been observed that the use of such a laser beam 28 made it possible to obtain a sufficient decontamination rate regardless of the distance at which the laser emitter 30 is located because of the advantageous properties of the laser beam 28 compared to a conventional UV lamp.
Avantageusement le procédé de décontamination présente, en plus de l'étape "E1" d'irradiation, une étape "E0" de chauffage du corps 12 de la préforme 10. On a en effet constaté l'effet cumulée de l'étape "E1" d'irradiation et de l'étape "E0" de chauffage du matériau thermoplastique, par exemple au-delà de sa température de transition vitreuse, permettait d'améliorer le taux de Advantageously, the decontamination process has, in addition to the irradiation step “E1”, a step “E0” of heating the body 12 of the preform 10. The cumulative effect of step “E1 has in fact been observed. "irradiation and step" E0 "of heating the thermoplastic material, for example beyond its glass transition temperature, made it possible to improve the rate of
décontamination de la préforme 10. L'étape "E0" de chauffage précède par exemple l'étape "E1" d'irradiation comme cela est représenté à la figure 3. decontamination of the preform 10. The heating step “E0” precedes, for example, the irradiation step “E1” as shown in FIG. 3.
En variante non représentée de l'invention, l'étape "E0 de chauffage est réalisée après l'étape "E1" d'irradiation. In a variant of the invention that is not shown, the heating step “E0 is carried out after the irradiation step“ E1 ”.
L'invention permet ainsi de décontaminer l'intérieur de la The invention thus makes it possible to decontaminate the interior of the
préforme 10 sans faire usage de produits chimiques, et en limitant la quantité d'énergie utilisée. preform 10 without using chemicals, and limiting the amount of energy used.
L'invention permet en outre de conserver l'intégrité du matériau constituant la préforme. The invention also makes it possible to maintain the integrity of the material constituting the preform.

Claims

Il REVENDICATIONS He CLAIMS
1. Procédé de décontamination d'une face interne (24) d'une préforme (10) en matériau thermoplastique ouverte par une ouverture (16), notamment d'une préforme en PET, comportant une étape (E1) d'irradiation avec au moins un faisceau (28) laser ultraviolet émis selon un axe (B) déterminé par un émetteur (30) laser d'un dispositif (29) laser, 1. Process for decontaminating an internal face (24) of a preform (10) made of thermoplastic material open by an opening (16), in particular of a PET preform, comprising a step (E1) of irradiation with at at least one ultraviolet laser beam (28) emitted along an axis (B) determined by a laser emitter (30) of a laser device (29),
caractérisé en ce que, pendant toute la durée de l'étape (E1) d'irradiation, le faisceau (28) laser est émis selon son axe (B) rectiligne depuis l'extérieur de la préforme (10) jusqu'à la face interne (24) de la préforme (10) en pénétrant par son ouverture (16). characterized in that, throughout the duration of the irradiation step (E1), the laser beam (28) is emitted along its rectilinear axis (B) from the outside of the preform (10) to the face internal (24) of the preform (10) by entering through its opening (16).
2. Procédé selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que la préforme (10) présente une forme axisymétrique d'axe (A) principal déterminé passant au centre de son ouverture (16), l'axe (B) du faisceau (28) laser étant incliné d'un angle (a) déterminé par rapport à l'axe (A) principal de la préforme (10). 2. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the preform (10) has an axisymmetric shape with a determined main axis (A) passing through the center of its opening (16), the axis (B) of the beam (28) laser being inclined at an angle (a) determined relative to the main axis (A) of the preform (10).
3. Procédé selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que l'angle (a) déterminé entre l'axe (B) du faisceau (28) laser et l'axe (A) principal de la préforme (10) est compris entre 0° et 25°, par exemple environ 2°. 3. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the angle (a) determined between the axis (B) of the beam (28) laser and the main axis (A) of the preform (10) is between 0 ° and 25 °, for example about 2 °.
4. Procédé selon la revendication 2 ou 3, caractérisé en ce que durant l'étape (E1) d'irradiation, la préforme (10) est déplacée axialement selon son axe (A) principal par rapport à l'émetteur (30) laser. 4. Method according to claim 2 or 3, characterized in that during step (E1) of irradiation, the preform (10) is moved axially along its main axis (A) relative to the emitter (30) laser. .
5. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 5. Method according to any one of claims
précédentes, caractérisé en ce que la préforme (10) tourne relativement au faisceau (28) laser autour de son axe (A) principal pour permettre au faisceau (28) laser de balayer la totalité de la face interne (24), par exemple à une vitesse de l'ordre de 10 tours par seconde. above, characterized in that the preform (10) rotates relative to the laser beam (28) around its main axis (A) to allow the laser beam (28) to scan the entire internal face (24), for example to a speed of the order of 10 revolutions per second.
6. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6. Method according to any one of claims
précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le faisceau (28) laser présente une section d'environ 100 mm2. above, characterized in that the laser beam (28) has a section of approximately 100 mm 2 .
7. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 7. Method according to any one of claims
précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le faisceau (28) laser est émis dans le domaine de l'ultraviolet avec une longueur d'onde comprise entre 230 et 280 nm, notamment 248 nm. above, characterized in that the laser beam (28) is emitted in the ultraviolet region with a wavelength of between 230 and 280 nm, in particular 248 nm.
8. Procédé selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que le dispositif (29) laser est un laser à excimère, notamment un laser à exciplexe, par exemple un laser à fluorure de krypton.8. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the device (29) laser is an excimer laser, in particular an exciplex laser, for example a krypton fluoride laser.
9. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9. A method according to any one of claims
précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le faisceau (28) laser est émis par impulsions à une fréquence déterminée, par exemple la fréquence est comprise entre 50 Hz et 300 Hz, plus above, characterized in that the laser beam (28) is pulsed at a determined frequency, for example the frequency is between 50 Hz and 300 Hz, more
particulièrement la fréquence est par exemple comprise entre 100 Hz et et 200 Hz. particularly the frequency is for example between 100 Hz and and 200 Hz.
10. Procédé selon la revendication précédente, caractérisé en ce que chaque impulsion délivre une densité d'énergie inférieure ou égale à 20 mJ/cm2, par exemple d'environ 15 mJ/cm2. 10. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that each pulse delivers an energy density less than or equal to 20 mJ / cm 2 , for example of approximately 15 mJ / cm 2 .
11. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 9 ou 10, caractérisé en ce que le nombre d'impulsions émise durant la totalité de l'étape (E1) d'irradiation de la face interne (24) est comprise entre 50 et 300 impulsions, de préférence entre 100 et 200 impulsions. 11. Method according to any one of claims 9 or 10, characterized in that the number of pulses emitted during the entire step (E1) of irradiating the internal face (24) is between 50 and 300 pulses, preferably between 100 and 200 pulses.
12. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 12. Method according to any one of claims
précédentes, caractérisé en ce que le procédé comporte en plus de l'étape (E1) d'irradiation, une étape (E0) de chauffage du corps (12) de la préforme (10), par exemple à une température supérieure ou égale à une température de transition du matériau la constituant. above, characterized in that the method comprises, in addition to the irradiation step (E1), a step (E0) of heating the body (12) of the preform (10), for example to a temperature greater than or equal to a transition temperature of the material constituting it.
13. Installation de décontamination pour la mise en oeuvre du procédé réalisé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, caractérisée en ce qu'il comporte : 13. Decontamination installation for the implementation of the method carried out according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that it comprises:
- une base (38) ; - a base (38);
- un support (36) destiné à porter une préforme (10), le support (36) étant monté sur la base (38) ; - a support (36) intended to carry a preform (10), the support (36) being mounted on the base (38);
- un dispositif (29) laser ultraviolet comportant un émetteur (30) laser qui est porté par la base (38). - an ultraviolet laser device (29) comprising a laser emitter (30) which is carried by the base (38).
14. Installation selon la revendication précédente, caractérisée en ce que la base (38) est mobile pour permettre le transport des préformes (10) pendant l'étape (E1) d'irradiation. 14. Installation according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the base (38) is movable to allow the transport of the preforms (10) during the step (E1) of irradiation.
PCT/EP2020/061157 2019-04-24 2020-04-22 Method for decontaminating the inside of a preform by emitting a uv laser beam from outside the preform WO2020216769A1 (en)

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FR1904292A FR3091484A1 (en) 2019-04-24 2019-04-24 "Method for decontamination of the interior of a preform by emission of a UV laser beam from the exterior of the preform"

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Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3002455A1 (en) 2013-02-26 2014-08-29 Sidel Participations "DECONTAMINATION METHOD BY IRRADIATION OF THE INTERIOR OF A PREFORM"
US9700072B2 (en) 2014-09-30 2017-07-11 Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. Movable ultraviolet radiation source

Patent Citations (2)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
FR3002455A1 (en) 2013-02-26 2014-08-29 Sidel Participations "DECONTAMINATION METHOD BY IRRADIATION OF THE INTERIOR OF A PREFORM"
US9700072B2 (en) 2014-09-30 2017-07-11 Sensor Electronic Technology, Inc. Movable ultraviolet radiation source

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