WO2023102720A1 - A buffer tank, a filling machine comprising the buffer tank and a method for filling liquid food product in packages - Google Patents

A buffer tank, a filling machine comprising the buffer tank and a method for filling liquid food product in packages Download PDF

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Publication number
WO2023102720A1
WO2023102720A1 PCT/CN2021/136014 CN2021136014W WO2023102720A1 WO 2023102720 A1 WO2023102720 A1 WO 2023102720A1 CN 2021136014 W CN2021136014 W CN 2021136014W WO 2023102720 A1 WO2023102720 A1 WO 2023102720A1
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WO
WIPO (PCT)
Prior art keywords
buffer tank
helix unit
helix
food product
connection element
Prior art date
Application number
PCT/CN2021/136014
Other languages
French (fr)
Inventor
Henrik GRANE
Lasse Andersen
MikaelA OLSSON
Simon MIN
Jinye Qian
Songtao WANG
Original Assignee
Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
Tetra Pak (Kunshan) Co. Ltd.
Priority date (The priority date is an assumption and is not a legal conclusion. Google has not performed a legal analysis and makes no representation as to the accuracy of the date listed.)
Filing date
Publication date
Application filed by Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A., Tetra Pak (Kunshan) Co. Ltd. filed Critical Tetra Laval Holdings & Finance S.A.
Priority to PCT/CN2021/136014 priority Critical patent/WO2023102720A1/en
Publication of WO2023102720A1 publication Critical patent/WO2023102720A1/en

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Classifications

    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
    • B01F27/05—Stirrers
    • B01F27/11—Stirrers characterised by the configuration of the stirrers
    • B01F27/114—Helically shaped stirrers, i.e. stirrers comprising a helically shaped band or helically shaped band sections
    • B01F27/1145—Helically shaped stirrers, i.e. stirrers comprising a helically shaped band or helically shaped band sections ribbon shaped with an open space between the helical ribbon flight and the rotating axis
    • B01F27/11451—Helically shaped stirrers, i.e. stirrers comprising a helically shaped band or helically shaped band sections ribbon shaped with an open space between the helical ribbon flight and the rotating axis forming open frameworks or cages
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
    • B01F27/05—Stirrers
    • B01F27/07—Stirrers characterised by their mounting on the shaft
    • B01F27/072—Stirrers characterised by their mounting on the shaft characterised by the disposition of the stirrers with respect to the rotating axis
    • B01F27/0725—Stirrers characterised by their mounting on the shaft characterised by the disposition of the stirrers with respect to the rotating axis on the free end of the rotating axis
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F27/00—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders
    • B01F27/80—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a substantially vertical axis
    • B01F27/92—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a substantially vertical axis with helices or screws
    • B01F27/921—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a substantially vertical axis with helices or screws with helices centrally mounted in the receptacle
    • B01F27/9214—Mixers with rotary stirring devices in fixed receptacles; Kneaders with stirrers rotating about a substantially vertical axis with helices or screws with helices centrally mounted in the receptacle with additional mixing elements other than helices; having inner and outer helices; with helices surrounding a guiding tube
    • 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
    • B—PERFORMING OPERATIONS; TRANSPORTING
    • B01—PHYSICAL OR CHEMICAL PROCESSES OR APPARATUS IN GENERAL
    • B01F—MIXING, e.g. DISSOLVING, EMULSIFYING OR DISPERSING
    • B01F2101/00—Mixing characterised by the nature of the mixed materials or by the application field
    • B01F2101/06—Mixing of food ingredients
    • 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
    • B65B37/00—Supplying or feeding fluent-solid, plastic, or liquid material, or loose masses of small articles, to be packaged
    • B65B37/02—Supplying or feeding fluent-solid, plastic, or liquid material, or loose masses of small articles, to be packaged by gravity flow

Definitions

  • the invention relates to a buffer tank for a filling machine arranged to fill liquid food product into packages. More particularly, it is related to a buffer tank comprising a tank body and a rotatable agitator. The invention also relates to a filling machine comprising the buffer tank. The invention also relates to a method for filling liquid food product in packages.
  • the filling machines typically comprises one or more buffer tanks, also known as balance tanks, in which liquid food product is stored prior to be filled into the packages.
  • the buffer tank is configured to balance the flow of the liquid food product in such a way as to minimize product losses and to increase the efficiency.
  • the buffer tank may comprise an agitator configured to agitate the liquid food product in order to ensure a homogenous consistency of the liquid food product at all times during the buffering.
  • the filling machine, and especially the buffer tank is in contact with the liquid food product, it must for aseptic application be ensured that the environment for the liquid food product is aseptic at all times.
  • buffer tanks have been used in filling machines for long, there is room for improvement. For instance, when the food product contains particles such as pieces of fruits, a challenge with today’s buffer tanks is that the particles may be damaged if the product is agitated in the buffer tank. A further challenge is to consistently ensure that the liquid food product has a homogeneous mixture before being fed to the filling machine.
  • a buffer tank for a filling machine arranged to fill a liquid food product into a package comprising:
  • the tank body comprises a feed inlet and a feed outlet, wherein the feed inlet is configured to feed the liquid food product to the buffer tank and the feed outlet is configured to feed the liquid food product from the buffer tank to the filling machine, and
  • the rotatable agitator comprises a shaft extending inside the tank body along the main axis and an agitator device connected to a lower portion of the shaft, wherein the agitator device is configured to agitate the liquid food product filled in the tank body when the shaft is rotated about the main axis,
  • the agitator device comprises a first helix unit configured to push the liquid food product upwards, along the main axis, when the shaft is rotated, and a second helix unit configured to push the liquid food product downwards, along the main axis, when the shaft is rotated.
  • the buffer tank is also known to be referred as a balance tank.
  • the liquid food product may be a dairy product containing particles, wherein the agitator device is configured to distribute the particles during rotation.
  • the particles may be pieces of fruit.
  • the shaft may comprise a first shaft section and a second shaft section wherein the sections may be connected via an attaching device. This is for being able to insert and remove the rotatable agitator to/from the buffer tank in an easy and efficient way.
  • the attaching means may be configured to attach the shaft to a driving device, e.g. a motor, configured to rotate the shaft.
  • the rotatable agitator is advantageous in that it is capable of efficiently mixing liquid food.
  • the agitator allows for an improved particle distribution within the liquid food product prior to sending the liquid food product to filling equipment of the filling machine to fill the liquid food product into packages.
  • Having the agitator device comprising the first and second helix units provides for that the product is mixed in an efficient way. This is achieved by having the first helix unit which allows to push the liquid food product predominantly upwards and the second helix unit which allow to push the liquid food product predominantly downwards during rotation. The majority of the food product is pushed upwards or downwards. However, some product may be pushed sidewards as well.
  • the first helix unit is configured to push the liquid food product in a first direction along the main axis and the second helix unit is configured to push the liquid food product in a second, opposite direction, along the main axis.
  • the first helix unit may be formed by a bar which have been bent into the desired shape.
  • the second helix unit may be formed by a bar which have been bent into the desired shape.
  • the first and second helix units may be formed by a flat bar.
  • the first and second helix units are individually arranged around the main axis.
  • the first helix unit have a first helix unit arc length which is the length of the first helix unit between its endpoints.
  • the second helix unit have a second helix unit arc length which is the length of the second helix unit between its endpoints.
  • the first and second helix units may have the same arc length.
  • the first and second helix units may have different arc lengths.
  • the first helix unit may be formed by stainless steel. Typically, the first helix unit is formed by stainless steel 360L16.
  • the second helix unit may be formed by stainless steel. Typically, the second helix unit is formed by stainless steel 360L16.
  • the first and the second helix units are preferably formed by the same material.
  • the agitator device is preferably centrally arranged along the main axis in order to being able to provide for an efficient particle distribution during production.
  • the agitator device may have a similar, outer shape as the inner shape of the lower part of the tank body. This is advantageous in that it allows the agitator device to agitate as much product as possible filled in the tank body.
  • At least 75%of the first and second helix units extend below a lowermost point of the shaft.
  • the complete agitator device should preferably be arranged below the surface of the liquid food product to make sure that no air is mixed with the product.
  • the first helix unit may be arranged outside the second helix unit as seen along a radial direction transverse to the main axis.
  • the first helix unit forms an outer helix unit and the second helix unit forms an inner helix unit, as seen along the radial direction.
  • the outer helix unit is then configured to push the liquid food product upwards while the inner helix unit is configured to push the liquid food product downwards.
  • the agitator device may further comprise a first connection element configured to be connected to the lower portion of the shaft and a second connection element configured to be connected to the lower portion of the shaft, wherein the first connection element may extend away from the shaft in a first direction transverse to the main axis and the second connection element may extend away from the shaft in a second direction transverse to the main axis, wherein the second direction may be opposite the first direction.
  • connection elements provide for a counter balancing such that the agitator device is rotationally balanced.
  • the first and second connection elements may have equal lengths as seen along the radial direction which will improve the balancing even further.
  • the first and second connection elements may be welded to the shaft.
  • the welding of the first and the second connection element to the shaft may be, and preferably is, grinded and polished such that sharp edges may be avoided.
  • sharp edges may be avoided.
  • the first connection element may be connected to a first side of the lower portion.
  • the second connection element may be connected to a second, opposite, side of the lower portion.
  • the first and second connection elements may be separate elements.
  • the first and the second connection elements may be integrally formed.
  • An upper end of the first helix unit may be connected to the first connection element and an upper end of the second helix unit may be connected to the second connection element.
  • the first and second helix units are connected with the shaft via the respective connection elements.
  • the first helix unit is welded to the first connection element.
  • the second helix unit is welded to the second connection element.
  • the welding may be, and preferably is, grinded and polished such that sharp edges may be avoided. As said above, this is advantageous in that the risk of damaging the particles during production is reduced and also that an optimal flow is achieved. This also provides for that a hygienic design is achieved.
  • the first helix unit may be connected to the first connection element at a first distance from the shaft and the second helix unit may be connected to the second connection element at a second distance from the shaft, wherein the second distance may be shorter than the first distance, as seen along the radial direction transverse to the main axis.
  • the first helix unit and the second helix unit may be connected at their respective lower ends via a third connection element.
  • connection element together with the first and second helix units forms a complete unit forming a double helix agitator.
  • the third connection element is typically formed by the same material as the first and the second helix units.
  • the third connection element has typically the same shape as the first and second helix units. This is advantageous in that it allows for a smooth connection without any edges formed between the respective helix unit and the third connection element.
  • the respective helix unit is welded to the third connection element.
  • the welding may be, and preferably is, grinded and polished such that sharp edges may be avoided. This is advantageous in that the risk of damaging the particles during production is reduced and also that an optimal flow is achieved. This also provides for that a hygienic design is achieved.
  • the third connection element may be arranged with a varying radius along an arc length of the third connection element, wherein the radius increases from an endpoint being connected to the lower end of the second helix unit to an endpoint being connected to the lower end of the first helix unit.
  • the third connection element has a radius varying along its arc length
  • the third connection element enables for that the lower end of the respective helix unit may be arranged with different radiuses from the shaft but still being able to be connected via the third connection element.
  • the third connection element provides for that the agitator device is formed in a flexible way.
  • the arc length of the third connection element is the length of the third connection element between its endpoints.
  • the first helix unit may be formed with a constant radius along its arc length.
  • the second helix unit may be formed with a constant radius along its arc length.
  • the constant radius of the second helix unit may be smaller than the constant radius of the first helix unit such that the first helix unit is arranged outside the second helix unit.
  • a pitch of the first helix unit may be smaller than a pitch of the second helix unit which may be smaller than a pitch of the third connection element.
  • the pitch of a helix is known as the height of one complete helix turn.
  • the complete helix turn should be understood as being when the helix unit has run 360 degrees about the main axis in the screw-like way as discussed above.
  • the first helix unit may have a constant pitch.
  • the second helix unit may have a constant pitch.
  • the third connection element has a varying pitch. This is advantageous in that the agitator device is formed in a flexible way but also in that the particle distribution is improved.
  • the pitch of the first helix unit may be between 83-103 mm, preferably 88-98 mm, more preferably 93 mm
  • the pitch of the second helix unit may be between 105-125 mm, preferably 110-120 mm, more preferably 115 mm
  • the pitch of the third connection element may be between 155-175 mm, preferably 160-170 mm, more preferably 165 mm.
  • the first helix unit, the second helix unit, and the third connection element may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape.
  • the first helix unit may have an angular rotation of 270-360 degrees, preferably 300-330 degrees, more preferably 315 degrees, about the main axis, and the second helix unit may have an angular rotation of 405-495 degrees, preferably 435-465 degrees, more preferably 450 degrees, about the main axis.
  • first and second helix units run about the main axis should be interpreted as the respective helix unit has the screw-like design between its upper end and lower end, wherein the respective helix unit is screwed around the main axis to form the screw-like design.
  • first helix unit may run 315 degrees should be interpreted as the first helix unit has moved 315 degrees around the main axis, from its upper end to its lower end, as seen from a top view of the agitator device.
  • a counter weight may be connected to the shaft opposite a mass center of the first helix unit, the second helix unit and the third connection element.
  • the counter weight provides for that the rotatable agitator is rotationally balanced. Having the rotatable agitator rotationally balanced provides for that vibrations and forces acting on the rotatable agitator is reduced or sometimes completely avoided. Thereby, the particle distribution is improved. The lifetime of the rotatable agitator is increased because wear and tear on the rotatable agitator is reduced due to the rotatable agitator being rotationally balanced.
  • Connection surfaces formed between the first helix unit and the first connecting bar and the second helix unit and the first connecting bar may have an inside corner radius between 5-7 mm, preferably 5.5-6.5 mm, more preferably 6 mm.
  • inside corners are rounded corners which provides for that the particle distribution is provided in a smooth way with a reduced risk of damaging the particles.
  • All inside and outside corners may have the inside corner radius between 5-7 mm, preferably 5.5-6.5 mm, more preferably 6 mm.
  • the components comprised in the rotatable agitator especially the components being in contact with the liquid food product e.g. the helix units, the connection elements and partly of the shaft, may have a surface roughness less than 0.8 mm. This is advantageous in that no, or a small amount of, particles may be collected within the roughness. This provides for that the rotatable agitator has a hygienic design.
  • a filling machine arranged to fill liquid food product into a package, the filling machine comprising a buffer tank according to the first aspect.
  • a method for filling liquid food product into packages comprising:
  • Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a buffer tank.
  • Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a rotatable agitator.
  • Fig. 3a is a first side view of the rotatable agitator.
  • Fig. 3b is a second side view of the rotatable agitator.
  • Fig. 3c is a third side view of the rotatable agitator.
  • Fig. 3d is a fourth side view of the rotatable agitator.
  • Fig. 4a is a top view of the rotatable agitator.
  • Fig. 4b is a bottom view of the rotatable agitator.
  • Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a first helix unit of the rotatable agitator.
  • Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating steps of a method for filling liquid food product into a food package.
  • Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of the buffer when connected to a filling machine.
  • a buffer tank 100 is illustrated by way of example.
  • the buffer tank 100 is configured to balance the flow of a liquid food product filled in the buffer tank 100.
  • the buffer tank 100 forms a part of a filling machine 300 (schematically illustrated in Fig. 7) , wherein the filling machine 300 is configured to fill the liquid food product into a food package.
  • the filling machine 300 is a conventional filling machine operable to receive liquid food product from one or more buffer tanks like the buffer tank 100 described herein. When product has been receive the filling machine 300 can fill the liquid food product into packages.
  • the buffer tank 100 comprises a tank body 110.
  • the tank body 110 has a cone shaped bottom such that the circumference of the tank body 110 decreases from an upper part 112 of the tank body 110 towards a lower part 111 of the tank body 110. Having the cone shaped bottom design is advantageous in that it improves emptying the tank body 110. This is further advantageous in that this design reduced the areas in which the liquid food product moves slowly or stand still during production. The product typically moves slowly or stand still closest to the walls of the tank body 110. Having a majority of the liquid food product moving at all time during production provides for that the distribution of particles is provided in a more efficient way.
  • the tank body 110 has a volume of 50-60 liters, preferably 56 liters. Preferably, the tank body 110 is filled with 30-35 liters liquid food product during production.
  • the tank body 110 comprises a feed inlet 113 configured to feed the liquid food product to the buffer tank 100.
  • the feed inlet 113 is arranged at a side wall of the tank body 110.
  • the feed inlet 113 is arranged in a middle part of the tank body 110 as seen along a main axis A.
  • a surface of the liquid food product should be above the feed inlet 113 in order to avoid splash of liquid food product when filling the product into the tank body 110.
  • the tank body 110 comprises a feed outlet 114 configured to feed the liquid food product to filling valves of the filling machine.
  • the feed outlet 114 may be connected to a Y-shaped pipe that will split up the flow below the buffer tank 110.
  • the feed outlet 114 is arranged in a lowermost part of the tank body 110.
  • the tank body 110 comprises a rotatable agitator 120.
  • the rotatable agitator 120 comprises a shaft 121.
  • the shaft 121 extends inside the tank body 110 along the main axis A.
  • the rotatable agitator 120 comprises an agitator device 122.
  • the agitator device 122 is connected to a lower portion 121a of the shaft 121.
  • the agitator device 122 is configured to agitate the liquid food product filled in the tank body 110 when the shaft 121 is rotated about the main axis A.
  • the rotatable agitator 120 rotates with 10 revolutions per minute. Other revolutions per minute such as 6-14, preferably 8-12, may be used to advantage.
  • the rotatable agitator 120 rotates softly in order to not destroy the particles in the liquid food product during production.
  • the buffer tank 100 is configured to agitate 900 liters liquid food product per hour.
  • the filling machine in which the buffer tank 100 is comprised is configured to fill 450 packages per hour with the liquid food product.
  • the rotatable agitator 120 will be discussed in further detail in connection with Figs 2-5.
  • the tank body 110 comprises a cooling jacket 115 configured to cool the buffer tank 100.
  • the tank body 110 may comprise heating jackets configured to heat the buffer tank 100.
  • the tank body 110 is arranged with a tank lid 118 configured to close the tank body 110.
  • the shaft 121 is arranged through the tank lid 118.
  • the buffer tank 100 comprises a capacitive level sensor 116 configured to detect production levels in the tank body 110.
  • the capacitive level sensor 116 is configured to measuring the product above the agitator device 122.
  • the capacitive level sensor 116 is arranged through the tank lid 118.
  • the buffer tank 100 further comprises a temperature sensor 117 configured to measuring the temperature of the product.
  • the temperature sensor 117 is arranged through the tank lid 118.
  • the buffer tank 100 yet further comprises a driving device 130, e.g. a motor, configured to rotate the shaft 121.
  • a driving device 130 e.g. a motor, configured to rotate the shaft 121.
  • the buffer tank 100 yet further comprises a cleaning device 140.
  • the cleaning device 140 may comprise cleaning in place spray balls.
  • the tank body 110 may comprises a level detector.
  • the level detector may be arranged in the feed outlet 114 and is configured to detect if the tank body 110 is empty.
  • Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the rotatable agitator 120 introduced in Fig. 1.
  • the rotatable agitator 120 comprises the shaft 121 and the agitator device 122.
  • the agitator device 122 is a double-helix agitator comprising a first helix unit 123, a second helix unit 124 and a third connection element 126.
  • the first and second helix units are connected at their lower ends 123a, 124a via the third connection element 126.
  • An upper end 123b of the first helix unit 123 is connected to a first connection element 125a.
  • An upper end 124b of the second helix unit 124 is connected to a second connection element 125b.
  • the helix units 123, 124 are preferably welded to the respective connection elements 125a, 125b, 126.
  • the connection elements 125a, 125b are connected, preferably welded, to the lower portion 121a of the shaft 121.
  • the first connection element 125a is connected to the shaft 121 on a first side and extending away from the shaft 121 in a first direction R1 transverse to the main axis A.
  • the second connection element 125b is connected to the shaft 121 on a second side, being opposite the first side, of the shaft 121 and extending away from the shaft 121 in a second direction R2 transverse to the main axis A.
  • the second direction R2 is opposite the first direction R1.
  • the agitator device 122 further comprises a counter weight 127 configured to counter-balance the first helix unit 123, the second helix unit 124 and the third connection element 126.
  • the counter weight 127 is arranged close to the shaft 121 for balancing the first helix unit 123, the second helix unit 124 and the third connection element 126.
  • the counter weight is arranged offset the main axis A in order to maintain balancing.
  • the rotatable agitator 120 further comprises an attaching device 128.
  • the attaching device 128 may be configured to connect the shaft 121 to a second shaft in order to provide the complete shaft.
  • the attaching device 128 may be configured to connect the shaft 121 to the driving device 130 such that the driving device 130 is able to rotate the shaft 121.
  • Fig. 3a illustrates a first side view of the rotatable agitator 120.
  • Fig. 3b illustrates a second side view of the rotatable agitator 120.
  • the rotatable agitator 120 of the second side view has been rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise about the main axis A in relation to the rotatable agitator 120 of the first side view.
  • Fig. 3c illustrates a third side view of the rotatable agitator 120.
  • the rotatable agitator 120 of the third side view has been rotated 90 degrees about the main axis A in relation to the rotatable agitator of the second side view.
  • the Fig. 3d illustrates a fourth side view of the rotatable agitator 120.
  • the rotatable agitator 120 of the fourth side view has been rotated 90 degrees about the main axis A in relation to the rotatable agitator 120 of the third side view.
  • the first helix unit 123 is connected to the first connection element 125a at a first distance D1 from the shaft 121.
  • the second helix unit 124 is connected to the second connection element 125b at a second distance D2 from the shaft 121.
  • the second distance D2 is closer to the shaft 121 than the first distance D1.
  • the arrangement of the first helix unit 123 and the second helix unit 124 is for maintaining balance of the rotatable agitator 122 and to improve the particle distribution during production.
  • the first helix unit 123 has a first pitch P1 of 93 mm. Other pitches such as 83-103 mm, preferably 88-98 mm, may be used to advantage.
  • the second helix unit 124 has a second pitch P2 of 115 mm. Other pitches such as 105-125 mm, preferably 110-120 mm, may be used to advantage.
  • the third connection element 126 has a third pitch P3 of 165 mm. Other pitches such as 155-175 mm, preferably 160-170 mm, may be used to advantage. According to common practice, a pitch of a helix is the height of one complete helix turn.
  • the pitches are illustrated as the height of one quarter helix turn. By illustrating the height of one quarter helix turn, it is clearly illustrated that the first pitch P1 is smaller than the second pitch P2 which in turn is smaller than the third pitch P3.
  • Figs 3b-3d illustrates the similar components of the rotatable agitator 120 as illustrated in Fig. 3a but from different side views.
  • connection surfaces are formed between different components comprised in the rotatable agitator 120.
  • the connection surfaces have an inside corner radius ICR of 6 mm. Other inside corner radiuses such as 5-7 mm, preferably 5.5-6.5 mm, may be used to advantage.
  • Connection surface are formed between the first helix unit 123 and the first connection element 125a and between the second helix unit 124 and the second connection element 125b. Further connection surfaces are formed between the shaft 121 and the first connection element 125a and between the shaft 121 and the second connection element 125b.
  • a yet further connection surface is formed between the shaft 121 and the counter weight 127.
  • the first helix unit 123 has a constant radius RAD1 along its arc length.
  • the second helix unit 124 has a constant radius RAD2 along its arc length.
  • the third connection element 126 has a varying radius RAD3, RAD3’ along its arc length. The radius RAD3, RAD3’ of the third connection element 126 increases along its arc length as seen from a connection with the lower end 124a of the second helix unit 124 to a connection with the lower end 123a of the first helix unit 123.
  • the first helix unit 123 is arranged outside the second helix unit 124 as seen along a radial direction R transverse to the main axis A. This provides for that the first helix unit 123 is an outer helix unit and the second helix unit is an inner helix unit.
  • the outer helix unit is configured to push the product predominantly upwards during production and the inner helix unit is configured to push the product predominantly downwards during production.
  • the first helix unit 123 runs (has an angular rotation of) 315 degrees A1 about the main axis A.
  • the first helix unit 123 may run 270-360 degrees, preferably 300-330 degrees, about the main axis A to advantage.
  • the second helix unit 124 runs 450 degrees A2 about the main axis A.
  • the second helix unit 124 may run 405-495 degrees, preferably 435-465 degrees, about the main axis A to advantage.
  • the third connection element 126 runs 135 degrees A3 about the main axis A.
  • the third connection element 126 may run 90-180 degrees, preferably 120-150 degrees, about the main axis A to advantage.
  • Fig. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first helix unit 123.
  • the first helix unit 123 has a rectangular cross-section CS. Outer corners 129 of the first helix unit 123 have a curvature radius of 2 mm. Other curvature radiuses such as 1.5-2.5 mm, preferably 1.8-2.2 mm, may be used to advantage.
  • the first helix unit 123 has a width W of 20 mm. Other widths such as 15-15 mm, preferably 18-22 mm, may be used to advantage.
  • the first helix unit 123 has a thickness of 5 mm. Other thicknesses such as 4.5-5.5 mm, preferably 4.8-5.2 mm, may be used to advantage.
  • the first helix unit 123, the second helix unit 124 and the third connection element 126 may have similar shapes and thus, Fig. 5 is equally valid for the second helix unit 124 and the third connection element 126 as for the first helix unit 123.
  • Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method 600 for filling the liquid food product into the food package.
  • the method 600 comprises a first step S602 in which the liquid food product is fed to the buffer tank 100 as discussed in connection with Fig. 1. Thereafter, in a second step S604, the liquid food product filled in the buffer tank 110 is agitated by rotating the rotatable agitator 120 as discussed in connection with Figs 1-5. In a third step S606, the agitated liquid food product is fed to the filling machine 300 via the feed outlet 114 of the buffer tank 110. Thereafter, in a fourth step S608, a packaging machine is operated in order to fill the liquid food product into the food package.

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Abstract

A buffer tank for a filling machine is disclosed. The buffer tank comprises a tank body having a feed inlet and a feed outlet, and a rotatable agitator (120) arranged inside the tank body, the rotatable agitator comprising a shaft (121) and an agitator device (122) connected to a lower portion (121a) of the shaft (121) and configured to agitate liquid food product filled in the tank body (110) when the shaft (121) is rotated. The agitator device (122) comprises a first helix unit (123) configured to push the liquid food product upwards and a second helix unit (124) configured to push the liquid food product downwards when the shaft (121) is rotated.

Description

A BUFFER TANK, A FILLING MACHINE COMPRISING THE BUFFER TANK AND A METHOD FOR FILLING LIQUID FOOD PRODUCT IN PACKAGES Technical Field
The invention relates to a buffer tank for a filling machine arranged to fill liquid food product into packages. More particularly, it is related to a buffer tank comprising a tank body and a rotatable agitator. The invention also relates to a filling machine comprising the buffer tank. The invention also relates to a method for filling liquid food product in packages.
Background Art
Filling machines arranged to fill a liquid food product into packages are well-known in the art. The filling machines typically comprises one or more buffer tanks, also known as balance tanks, in which liquid food product is stored prior to be filled into the packages. The buffer tank is configured to balance the flow of the liquid food product in such a way as to minimize product losses and to increase the efficiency. The buffer tank may comprise an agitator configured to agitate the liquid food product in order to ensure a homogenous consistency of the liquid food product at all times during the buffering. Moreover, as the filling machine, and especially the buffer tank, is in contact with the liquid food product, it must for aseptic application be ensured that the environment for the liquid food product is aseptic at all times.
Even though buffer tanks have been used in filling machines for long, there is room for improvement. For instance, when the food product contains particles such as pieces of fruits, a challenge with today’s buffer tanks is that the particles may be damaged if the product is agitated in the buffer tank. A further challenge is to consistently ensure that the liquid food product has a homogeneous mixture before being fed to the filling machine.
For these reasons, there is a demand for a buffer tank that is capable of providing proper product mixing of a food product as well as efficiently distributing particles contained in the food product without damaging the particles.
Summary
It is an object to at least partly overcome one or more of the above-identified limitations of the prior art. In particular, it is an object to provide a buffer tank which is  capable of efficiently mixing liquid food and more evenly distribute any particles contained in the liquid food product.
According to a first aspect it is provided a buffer tank for a filling machine arranged to fill a liquid food product into a package, the buffer tank comprising:
a tank body extending along a main axis, the tank body comprises a feed inlet and a feed outlet, wherein the feed inlet is configured to feed the liquid food product to the buffer tank and the feed outlet is configured to feed the liquid food product from the buffer tank to the filling machine, and
a rotatable agitator arranged inside the tank body, the rotatable agitator comprises a shaft extending inside the tank body along the main axis and an agitator device connected to a lower portion of the shaft, wherein the agitator device is configured to agitate the liquid food product filled in the tank body when the shaft is rotated about the main axis,
wherein the agitator device comprises a first helix unit configured to push the liquid food product upwards, along the main axis, when the shaft is rotated, and a second helix unit configured to push the liquid food product downwards, along the main axis, when the shaft is rotated.
The buffer tank is also known to be referred as a balance tank.
The liquid food product may be a dairy product containing particles, wherein the agitator device is configured to distribute the particles during rotation. The particles may be pieces of fruit.
The shaft may comprise a first shaft section and a second shaft section wherein the sections may be connected via an attaching device. This is for being able to insert and remove the rotatable agitator to/from the buffer tank in an easy and efficient way. The attaching means may be configured to attach the shaft to a driving device, e.g. a motor, configured to rotate the shaft.
The rotatable agitator is advantageous in that it is capable of efficiently mixing liquid food. For applications where particles are present in the liquid food, the agitator allows for an improved particle distribution within the liquid food product prior to sending the liquid food product to filling equipment of the filling machine to fill the liquid food product into packages. Having the agitator device comprising the first and second helix units provides for that the product is mixed in an efficient way. This is achieved by having the first helix unit which allows to push the liquid food product predominantly upwards and the second helix unit which allow to push the liquid food product predominantly downwards during rotation. The majority of the food product is pushed  upwards or downwards. However, some product may be pushed sidewards as well. Put differently, the first helix unit is configured to push the liquid food product in a first direction along the main axis and the second helix unit is configured to push the liquid food product in a second, opposite direction, along the main axis.
The first helix unit may be formed by a bar which have been bent into the desired shape. The second helix unit may be formed by a bar which have been bent into the desired shape. The first and second helix units may be formed by a flat bar. As the first and second helix unit being referred to as helix units, it should be understood that they are bent to form a respective helix running around the main axis in a screw-like design. The first and second helix units are individually arranged around the main axis. The first helix unit have a first helix unit arc length which is the length of the first helix unit between its endpoints. The second helix unit have a second helix unit arc length which is the length of the second helix unit between its endpoints. The first and second helix units may have the same arc length. The first and second helix units may have different arc lengths.
The first helix unit may be formed by stainless steel. Typically, the first helix unit is formed by stainless steel 360L16. The second helix unit may be formed by stainless steel. Typically, the second helix unit is formed by stainless steel 360L16. The first and the second helix units are preferably formed by the same material.
The agitator device is preferably centrally arranged along the main axis in order to being able to provide for an efficient particle distribution during production. The agitator device may have a similar, outer shape as the inner shape of the lower part of the tank body. This is advantageous in that it allows the agitator device to agitate as much product as possible filled in the tank body.
At least 75%of the first and second helix units extend below a lowermost point of the shaft. The complete agitator device should preferably be arranged below the surface of the liquid food product to make sure that no air is mixed with the product.
The first helix unit may be arranged outside the second helix unit as seen along a radial direction transverse to the main axis.
Put differently, with this design, the first helix unit forms an outer helix unit and the second helix unit forms an inner helix unit, as seen along the radial direction. The outer helix unit is then configured to push the liquid food product upwards while the inner helix unit is configured to push the liquid food product downwards.
The agitator device may further comprise a first connection element configured to be connected to the lower portion of the shaft and a second connection element  configured to be connected to the lower portion of the shaft, wherein the first connection element may extend away from the shaft in a first direction transverse to the main axis and the second connection element may extend away from the shaft in a second direction transverse to the main axis, wherein the second direction may be opposite the first direction.
An advantage with such a design, wherein the first and second connection elements extend away from the shaft in opposite direction, is that the connection elements provides for a counter balancing such that the agitator device is rotationally balanced. The first and second connection elements may have equal lengths as seen along the radial direction which will improve the balancing even further.
The first and second connection elements may be welded to the shaft. The welding of the first and the second connection element to the shaft may be, and preferably is, grinded and polished such that sharp edges may be avoided. By having smooth surfaces instead of sharped edges is advantageous in that it allows for a reduce risk of damaging the particles during production but also that an optimal flow is achieved. This also provides for that a hygienic design is achieved.
The first connection element may be connected to a first side of the lower portion. The second connection element may be connected to a second, opposite, side of the lower portion. The first and second connection elements may be separate elements. The first and the second connection elements may be integrally formed.
An upper end of the first helix unit may be connected to the first connection element and an upper end of the second helix unit may be connected to the second connection element.
With such design, the first and second helix units are connected with the shaft via the respective connection elements. This is advantageous in that the agitator device is formed in a flexible way in which the helix units are individually connected to the respective connection element.
The first helix unit is welded to the first connection element. The second helix unit is welded to the second connection element. The welding may be, and preferably is, grinded and polished such that sharp edges may be avoided. As said above, this is advantageous in that the risk of damaging the particles during production is reduced and also that an optimal flow is achieved. This also provides for that a hygienic design is achieved.
The first helix unit may be connected to the first connection element at a first distance from the shaft and the second helix unit may be connected to the second  connection element at a second distance from the shaft, wherein the second distance may be shorter than the first distance, as seen along the radial direction transverse to the main axis.
The first helix unit and the second helix unit may be connected at their respective lower ends via a third connection element.
An advantage with the third connection element is that the third connection element together with the first and second helix units forms a complete unit forming a double helix agitator. The third connection element is typically formed by the same material as the first and the second helix units. The third connection element has typically the same shape as the first and second helix units. This is advantageous in that it allows for a smooth connection without any edges formed between the respective helix unit and the third connection element. The respective helix unit is welded to the third connection element. The welding may be, and preferably is, grinded and polished such that sharp edges may be avoided. This is advantageous in that the risk of damaging the particles during production is reduced and also that an optimal flow is achieved. This also provides for that a hygienic design is achieved.
The third connection element may be arranged with a varying radius along an arc length of the third connection element, wherein the radius increases from an endpoint being connected to the lower end of the second helix unit to an endpoint being connected to the lower end of the first helix unit.
With such design, wherein the third connection element has a radius varying along its arc length, the third connection element enables for that the lower end of the respective helix unit may be arranged with different radiuses from the shaft but still being able to be connected via the third connection element. The third connection element provides for that the agitator device is formed in a flexible way. The arc length of the third connection element is the length of the third connection element between its endpoints.
The first helix unit may be formed with a constant radius along its arc length. The second helix unit may be formed with a constant radius along its arc length. The constant radius of the second helix unit may be smaller than the constant radius of the first helix unit such that the first helix unit is arranged outside the second helix unit.
A pitch of the first helix unit may be smaller than a pitch of the second helix unit which may be smaller than a pitch of the third connection element.
As the first and second helix units are formed as a respective helix, the pitch of a helix is known as the height of one complete helix turn. The complete helix turn  should be understood as being when the helix unit has run 360 degrees about the main axis in the screw-like way as discussed above. The first helix unit may have a constant pitch. The second helix unit may have a constant pitch. The third connection element has a varying pitch. This is advantageous in that the agitator device is formed in a flexible way but also in that the particle distribution is improved.
The pitch of the first helix unit may be between 83-103 mm, preferably 88-98 mm, more preferably 93 mm, the pitch of the second helix unit may be between 105-125 mm, preferably 110-120 mm, more preferably 115 mm, and the pitch of the third connection element may be between 155-175 mm, preferably 160-170 mm, more preferably 165 mm.
The first helix unit, the second helix unit, and the third connection element may have a rectangular cross-sectional shape.
This is advantageous in that the manufacturing of the first helix unit, the second helix unit and the third connection element is improved but also that the particle distribution is improved.
The first helix unit may have an angular rotation of 270-360 degrees, preferably 300-330 degrees, more preferably 315 degrees, about the main axis, and the second helix unit may have an angular rotation of 405-495 degrees, preferably 435-465 degrees, more preferably 450 degrees, about the main axis.
In this context, as the first and second helix units run about the main axis should be interpreted as the respective helix unit has the screw-like design between its upper end and lower end, wherein the respective helix unit is screwed around the main axis to form the screw-like design. As the first helix unit may run 315 degrees should be interpreted as the first helix unit has moved 315 degrees around the main axis, from its upper end to its lower end, as seen from a top view of the agitator device.
A counter weight may be connected to the shaft opposite a mass center of the first helix unit, the second helix unit and the third connection element.
This is advantageous in that the counter weight provides for that the rotatable agitator is rotationally balanced. Having the rotatable agitator rotationally balanced provides for that vibrations and forces acting on the rotatable agitator is reduced or sometimes completely avoided. Thereby, the particle distribution is improved. The lifetime of the rotatable agitator is increased because wear and tear on the rotatable agitator is reduced due to the rotatable agitator being rotationally balanced.
Connection surfaces formed between the first helix unit and the first connecting bar and the second helix unit and the first connecting bar, may have an inside corner radius between 5-7 mm, preferably 5.5-6.5 mm, more preferably 6 mm.
An advantage with this design is that the inside corners are rounded corners which provides for that the particle distribution is provided in a smooth way with a reduced risk of damaging the particles. All inside and outside corners may have the inside corner radius between 5-7 mm, preferably 5.5-6.5 mm, more preferably 6 mm.
The components comprised in the rotatable agitator, especially the components being in contact with the liquid food product e.g. the helix units, the connection elements and partly of the shaft, may have a surface roughness less than 0.8 mm. This is advantageous in that no, or a small amount of, particles may be collected within the roughness. This provides for that the rotatable agitator has a hygienic design.
According to a second aspect it is provided a filling machine arranged to fill liquid food product into a package, the filling machine comprising a buffer tank according to the first aspect.
According to a third aspect it is provided a method for filling liquid food product into packages, the method comprising:
feeding the liquid food product to a buffer tank according to the first aspect,
agitating the liquid food product filled inside the buffer tank by rotating the rotatable agitator arranged inside the buffer tank,
feeding the liquid food product to a filling machine, and
operating the filling machine to fill the liquid food product into the packages.
Effects and features of the second and third aspects are largely analogous to those described above in connection with the first aspect.
Still other objectives, features, aspects and advantages will appear from the following detailed description as well as from the drawings.
Brief Description of the Drawings
Embodiments will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings, in which
Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a buffer tank.
Fig. 2 is a perspective view of a rotatable agitator.
Fig. 3a is a first side view of the rotatable agitator.
Fig. 3b is a second side view of the rotatable agitator.
Fig. 3c is a third side view of the rotatable agitator.
Fig. 3d is a fourth side view of the rotatable agitator.
Fig. 4a is a top view of the rotatable agitator.
Fig. 4b is a bottom view of the rotatable agitator.
Fig. 5 is a cross-sectional view of a first helix unit of the rotatable agitator.
Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating steps of a method for filling liquid food product into a food package.
Fig. 7 is a schematic illustration of the buffer when connected to a filling machine.
Detailed description
With reference to Fig. 1 a buffer tank 100 is illustrated by way of example. The buffer tank 100 is configured to balance the flow of a liquid food product filled in the buffer tank 100. The buffer tank 100 forms a part of a filling machine 300 (schematically illustrated in Fig. 7) , wherein the filling machine 300 is configured to fill the liquid food product into a food package. The filling machine 300 is a conventional filling machine operable to receive liquid food product from one or more buffer tanks like the buffer tank 100 described herein. When product has been receive the filling machine 300 can fill the liquid food product into packages.
The buffer tank 100 comprises a tank body 110. The tank body 110 has a cone shaped bottom such that the circumference of the tank body 110 decreases from an upper part 112 of the tank body 110 towards a lower part 111 of the tank body 110. Having the cone shaped bottom design is advantageous in that it improves emptying the tank body 110. This is further advantageous in that this design reduced the areas in which the liquid food product moves slowly or stand still during production. The product typically moves slowly or stand still closest to the walls of the tank body 110. Having a majority of the liquid food product moving at all time during production provides for that the distribution of particles is provided in a more efficient way. The tank body 110 has a volume of 50-60 liters, preferably 56 liters. Preferably, the tank body 110 is filled with 30-35 liters liquid food product during production.
The tank body 110 comprises a feed inlet 113 configured to feed the liquid food product to the buffer tank 100. The feed inlet 113 is arranged at a side wall of the tank body 110. The feed inlet 113 is arranged in a middle part of the tank body 110 as seen along a main axis A. A surface of the liquid food product should be above the feed inlet 113 in order to avoid splash of liquid food product when filling the product into the tank body 110.
The tank body 110 comprises a feed outlet 114 configured to feed the liquid food product to filling valves of the filling machine. Although not illustrated, the feed outlet 114 may be connected to a Y-shaped pipe that will split up the flow below the buffer tank 110. The feed outlet 114 is arranged in a lowermost part of the tank body 110.
The tank body 110 comprises a rotatable agitator 120. The rotatable agitator 120 comprises a shaft 121. The shaft 121 extends inside the tank body 110 along the main axis A. The rotatable agitator 120 comprises an agitator device 122. The agitator device 122 is connected to a lower portion 121a of the shaft 121. The agitator device 122 is configured to agitate the liquid food product filled in the tank body 110 when the shaft 121 is rotated about the main axis A. The rotatable agitator 120 rotates with 10 revolutions per minute. Other revolutions per minute such as 6-14, preferably 8-12, may be used to advantage. The rotatable agitator 120 rotates softly in order to not destroy the particles in the liquid food product during production. The buffer tank 100 is configured to agitate 900 liters liquid food product per hour. The filling machine in which the buffer tank 100 is comprised is configured to fill 450 packages per hour with the liquid food product. The rotatable agitator 120 will be discussed in further detail in connection with Figs 2-5.
The tank body 110 comprises a cooling jacket 115 configured to cool the buffer tank 100. The tank body 110 may comprise heating jackets configured to heat the buffer tank 100.
The tank body 110 is arranged with a tank lid 118 configured to close the tank body 110. The shaft 121 is arranged through the tank lid 118.
The buffer tank 100 comprises a capacitive level sensor 116 configured to detect production levels in the tank body 110. The capacitive level sensor 116 is configured to measuring the product above the agitator device 122. The capacitive level sensor 116 is arranged through the tank lid 118.
The buffer tank 100 further comprises a temperature sensor 117 configured to measuring the temperature of the product. The temperature sensor 117 is arranged through the tank lid 118.
The buffer tank 100 yet further comprises a driving device 130, e.g. a motor, configured to rotate the shaft 121.
The buffer tank 100 yet further comprises a cleaning device 140. The cleaning device 140 may comprise cleaning in place spray balls.
The tank body 110 may comprises a level detector. The level detector may be arranged in the feed outlet 114 and is configured to detect if the tank body 110 is empty.
Fig. 2 illustrates a perspective view of the rotatable agitator 120 introduced in Fig. 1. The rotatable agitator 120 comprises the shaft 121 and the agitator device 122.
The agitator device 122 is a double-helix agitator comprising a first helix unit 123, a second helix unit 124 and a third connection element 126. The first and second helix units are connected at their  lower ends  123a, 124a via the third connection element 126. An upper end 123b of the first helix unit 123 is connected to a first connection element 125a. An upper end 124b of the second helix unit 124 is connected to a second connection element 125b. The  helix units  123, 124 are preferably welded to the  respective connection elements  125a, 125b, 126. The  connection elements  125a, 125b are connected, preferably welded, to the lower portion 121a of the shaft 121.
As best illustrated in Fig. 3a, the first connection element 125a is connected to the shaft 121 on a first side and extending away from the shaft 121 in a first direction R1 transverse to the main axis A. The second connection element 125b is connected to the shaft 121 on a second side, being opposite the first side, of the shaft 121 and extending away from the shaft 121 in a second direction R2 transverse to the main axis A. The second direction R2 is opposite the first direction R1.
The agitator device 122 further comprises a counter weight 127 configured to counter-balance the first helix unit 123, the second helix unit 124 and the third connection element 126. The counter weight 127 is arranged close to the shaft 121 for balancing the first helix unit 123, the second helix unit 124 and the third connection element 126. As best illustrated in Figs 4a and 4b, the counter weight is arranged offset the main axis A in order to maintain balancing.
The rotatable agitator 120 further comprises an attaching device 128. The attaching device 128 may be configured to connect the shaft 121 to a second shaft in order to provide the complete shaft. The attaching device 128 may be configured to connect the shaft 121 to the driving device 130 such that the driving device 130 is able to rotate the shaft 121.
Fig. 3a illustrates a first side view of the rotatable agitator 120. Fig. 3b illustrates a second side view of the rotatable agitator 120. The rotatable agitator 120 of the second side view has been rotated 90 degrees counterclockwise about the main axis A in relation to the rotatable agitator 120 of the first side view. Fig. 3c illustrates a third  side view of the rotatable agitator 120. The rotatable agitator 120 of the third side view has been rotated 90 degrees about the main axis A in relation to the rotatable agitator of the second side view. the Fig. 3d illustrates a fourth side view of the rotatable agitator 120. The rotatable agitator 120 of the fourth side view has been rotated 90 degrees about the main axis A in relation to the rotatable agitator 120 of the third side view.
With reference to Fig. 3a and further to what have been discussed above, the first helix unit 123 is connected to the first connection element 125a at a first distance D1 from the shaft 121. The second helix unit 124 is connected to the second connection element 125b at a second distance D2 from the shaft 121. The second distance D2 is closer to the shaft 121 than the first distance D1. The arrangement of the first helix unit 123 and the second helix unit 124 is for maintaining balance of the rotatable agitator 122 and to improve the particle distribution during production.
The first helix unit 123 has a first pitch P1 of 93 mm. Other pitches such as 83-103 mm, preferably 88-98 mm, may be used to advantage. The second helix unit 124 has a second pitch P2 of 115 mm. Other pitches such as 105-125 mm, preferably 110-120 mm, may be used to advantage. The third connection element 126 has a third pitch P3 of 165 mm. Other pitches such as 155-175 mm, preferably 160-170 mm, may be used to advantage. According to common practice, a pitch of a helix is the height of one complete helix turn. For illustrative purposes, as neither the first helix unit 123 nor the third connection element 126 have one complete helix turn, the pitches are illustrated as the height of one quarter helix turn. By illustrating the height of one quarter helix turn, it is clearly illustrated that the first pitch P1 is smaller than the second pitch P2 which in turn is smaller than the third pitch P3.
Figs 3b-3d illustrates the similar components of the rotatable agitator 120 as illustrated in Fig. 3a but from different side views.
Fig. 4a illustrates a top view of the rotatable agitator 120. Fig. 4b illustrates a bottom view of the rotatable agitator 120. Further to what have been discussed in connection with Figs 1-3, connection surfaces are formed between different components comprised in the rotatable agitator 120. The connection surfaces have an inside corner radius ICR of 6 mm. Other inside corner radiuses such as 5-7 mm, preferably 5.5-6.5 mm, may be used to advantage. Connection surface are formed between the first helix unit 123 and the first connection element 125a and between the second helix unit 124 and the second connection element 125b. Further connection surfaces are formed between the shaft 121 and the first connection element 125a and  between the shaft 121 and the second connection element 125b. A yet further connection surface is formed between the shaft 121 and the counter weight 127.
As further illustrated in Figs 4a and 4b, the first helix unit 123 has a constant radius RAD1 along its arc length. The second helix unit 124 has a constant radius RAD2 along its arc length. The third connection element 126 has a varying radius RAD3, RAD3’ along its arc length. The radius RAD3, RAD3’ of the third connection element 126 increases along its arc length as seen from a connection with the lower end 124a of the second helix unit 124 to a connection with the lower end 123a of the first helix unit 123.
The first helix unit 123 is arranged outside the second helix unit 124 as seen along a radial direction R transverse to the main axis A. This provides for that the first helix unit 123 is an outer helix unit and the second helix unit is an inner helix unit. The outer helix unit is configured to push the product predominantly upwards during production and the inner helix unit is configured to push the product predominantly downwards during production.
The first helix unit 123 runs (has an angular rotation of) 315 degrees A1 about the main axis A. The first helix unit 123 may run 270-360 degrees, preferably 300-330 degrees, about the main axis A to advantage. The second helix unit 124 runs 450 degrees A2 about the main axis A. The second helix unit 124 may run 405-495 degrees, preferably 435-465 degrees, about the main axis A to advantage. The third connection element 126 runs 135 degrees A3 about the main axis A. The third connection element 126 may run 90-180 degrees, preferably 120-150 degrees, about the main axis A to advantage.
Fig. 5 illustrates a cross-sectional view of the first helix unit 123. The first helix unit 123 has a rectangular cross-section CS. Outer corners 129 of the first helix unit 123 have a curvature radius of 2 mm. Other curvature radiuses such as 1.5-2.5 mm, preferably 1.8-2.2 mm, may be used to advantage. The first helix unit 123 has a width W of 20 mm. Other widths such as 15-15 mm, preferably 18-22 mm, may be used to advantage. The first helix unit 123 has a thickness of 5 mm. Other thicknesses such as 4.5-5.5 mm, preferably 4.8-5.2 mm, may be used to advantage. The first helix unit 123, the second helix unit 124 and the third connection element 126 may have similar shapes and thus, Fig. 5 is equally valid for the second helix unit 124 and the third connection element 126 as for the first helix unit 123.
Fig. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a method 600 for filling the liquid food product into the food package. The method 600 comprises a first step S602 in which the liquid  food product is fed to the buffer tank 100 as discussed in connection with Fig. 1. Thereafter, in a second step S604, the liquid food product filled in the buffer tank 110 is agitated by rotating the rotatable agitator 120 as discussed in connection with Figs 1-5. In a third step S606, the agitated liquid food product is fed to the filling machine 300 via the feed outlet 114 of the buffer tank 110. Thereafter, in a fourth step S608, a packaging machine is operated in order to fill the liquid food product into the food package.
Even though illustrated and described in a certain order, other orders may also be used.
From the description above follows that, although various embodiments of the invention have been described and shown, the invention is not restricted thereto, but may also be embodied in other ways within the scope of the subject-matter defined in the following claims.

Claims (15)

  1. A buffer tank (100) for a filling machine (300) arranged to fill liquid food product into a package, the buffer tank (100) comprising:
    a tank body (110) extending along a main axis (A) , the tank body (100) comprises a feed inlet (113) and a feed outlet (114) , wherein the feed inlet (113) is configured to feed the liquid food product to the buffer tank (100) and the feed outlet (114) is configured to feed the liquid food product from the buffer tank (100) to the filling machine (300) , and
    a rotatable agitator (120) arranged inside the tank body (110) , the rotatable agitator (120) comprises a shaft (121) extending inside the tank body (110) along the main axis (A) and an agitator device (122) connected to a lower portion (121a) of the shaft (121) , wherein the agitator device (122) is configured to agitate the liquid food product filled in the tank body (110) when the shaft (121) is rotated about the main axis (A) , wherein
    the agitator device (122) comprises a first helix unit (123) configured to push the liquid food product upwards, along the main axis (A) , when the shaft (121) is rotated, and a second helix unit (124) configured to push the liquid food product downwards, along the main axis (A) , when the shaft (121) is rotated.
  2. The buffer tank (100) according to claim 1, wherein the first helix unit (123) is arranged outside the second helix unit (124) as seen along a radial direction (R) transverse to the main axis (A) .
  3. The buffer tank (100) according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the agitator device (122) further comprises a first connection element (125a) configured to be connected to the lower portion (121a) of the shaft (121) and a second connection element (125b) configured to be connected to the lower portion (121a) of the shaft (121) , wherein the first connection element (125a) extends away from the shaft (121) in a first direction (R1) transverse to the main axis (A) and the second connection element (125b) extends away from the shaft (121) in a second direction (R2) transverse to the main axis (A) , wherein the second direction (R2) is opposite the first direction (R1) .
  4. The buffer tank (100) according to claim 3, wherein an upper end (123b) of the first helix unit (123) is connected to the first connection element (125a) and an  upper end (124b) of the second helix unit (124) is connected to the second connection element (125b) .
  5. The buffer tank (100) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the first helix unit (123) is connected to the first connection element (125a) at a first distance (D1) from the shaft (121) and the second helix unit (124) is connected to the second connection element (125b) at a second distance (D2) from the shaft (121) , wherein the second distance (D2) is shorter than the first distance (D1) , as seen along the radial direction (R) transverse to the main axis (A) .
  6. The buffer tank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first helix unit (123) and the second helix unit (124) are connected at their respective lower ends (123a, 124a) via a third connection element (126) .
  7. The buffer tank (100) according to claim 6, wherein the third connection element (126) is arranged with a varying radius (RAD3, RAD3’) along an arc length of the third connection element (126) , wherein the radius (RAD3, RAD3’) increases from an endpoint being connected to the lower end (124a) of the second helix unit (124) to an endpoint being connected to the lower end (123a) of the first helix unit (123) .
  8. The buffer tank (100) according to claim 6 or 7, wherein a pitch (P1) of the first helix unit (123) is smaller than a pitch (P2) of the second helix unit (124) which is smaller than a pitch (P3) of the third connection element (126) .
  9. The buffer tank (100) according to claim 8, wherein the pitch (P1) of the first helix unit (123) is between 83-103 mm, preferably 88-98 mm, more preferably 93 mm, the pitch (P2) of the second helix unit (124) is between 105-125 mm, preferably 110-120 mm, more preferably 115 mm, and the pitch (P3) of the third connection element (126) is between 155-175 mm, preferably 160-170 mm, more preferably 165 mm.
  10. The buffer tank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first helix unit (123) , the second helix unit (124) , and the third connection element (126) have a rectangular cross-sectional shape (CS) .
  11. The buffer tank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the first helix unit (123) has an angular rotation of 270-360 degrees, preferably 300-330 degrees, more preferably 315 degrees, about the main axis (A) , and the second helix unit (124) has an angular rotation of 405-495 degrees, preferably 435-465 degrees, more preferably 450 degrees, about the main axis (A) .
  12. The buffer tank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein a counter weight (127) is connected to the shaft (121) opposite a mass center of the first helix unit (123) , the second helix unit (124) and the third connection element (126) .
  13. The buffer tank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein connection surfaces formed between the first helix unit (123) and the first connecting bar (125) and the second helix unit (124) and the first connecting bar (125) , have an inside corner radius (ICR) between 5-7 mm, preferably 5.5-6.5 mm, more preferably 6 mm.
  14. A filling machine (300) arranged to fill liquid food product into a package, the filling machine (300) comprising a buffer tank (100) according to any one of the preceding claims.
  15. A method (600) for filling liquid food product into packages, the method comprising:
    feeding (S602) the liquid food product to a buffer tank (100) according to any one of claims 1-13,
    agitating (S604) the liquid food product filled inside the buffer tank (100) by rotating the rotatable agitator (120) arranged inside the buffer tank (100) ,
    feeding (S606) the liquid food product from the buffer tank (1009 and to a filling machine (300) , and
    operating (S608) the filling machine (300) to fill the liquid food product into the packages.
PCT/CN2021/136014 2021-12-07 2021-12-07 A buffer tank, a filling machine comprising the buffer tank and a method for filling liquid food product in packages WO2023102720A1 (en)

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PCT/CN2021/136014 WO2023102720A1 (en) 2021-12-07 2021-12-07 A buffer tank, a filling machine comprising the buffer tank and a method for filling liquid food product in packages

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Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3352543A (en) * 1966-06-10 1967-11-14 Atlantic Res Corp Vertical mixer
FR2123637A5 (en) * 1971-01-26 1972-09-15 Villard Jean
JPS6265723A (en) * 1985-09-17 1987-03-25 Three Bond Co Ltd Agitating impeller for high-viscosity liquid
EP2781254A1 (en) * 2013-03-20 2014-09-24 Sidel S.p.a. Con Socio Unico A fluid-agitating tank assembly for a machine for filling containers and an agitator for such tank assembly
CN107486071A (en) * 2017-07-10 2017-12-19 云南云天化农业科技股份有限公司 One kind matches somebody with somebody fertile equipment

Patent Citations (5)

* Cited by examiner, † Cited by third party
Publication number Priority date Publication date Assignee Title
US3352543A (en) * 1966-06-10 1967-11-14 Atlantic Res Corp Vertical mixer
FR2123637A5 (en) * 1971-01-26 1972-09-15 Villard Jean
JPS6265723A (en) * 1985-09-17 1987-03-25 Three Bond Co Ltd Agitating impeller for high-viscosity liquid
EP2781254A1 (en) * 2013-03-20 2014-09-24 Sidel S.p.a. Con Socio Unico A fluid-agitating tank assembly for a machine for filling containers and an agitator for such tank assembly
CN107486071A (en) * 2017-07-10 2017-12-19 云南云天化农业科技股份有限公司 One kind matches somebody with somebody fertile equipment

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