WO2023110574A1

WO2023110574A1 - Device and method for cleaning a container filling plant

Info

Publication number: WO2023110574A1
Application number: PCT/EP2022/084767
Authority: WO
Inventors: Simone Weiherer
Original assignee: Kic Krones Internationale Cooperations-Gesellschaft Mbh
Priority date: 2021-12-13
Filing date: 2022-12-07
Publication date: 2023-06-22
Also published as: DE102021132823A1

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for cleaning a pipe system of a container filling plant (100). The method comprises in each case providing a first alkaline cleaning solution in a first storage container (120), a second acidic cleaning solution in a second storage container (122), and a disinfecting and/or sterilising solution in a third storage container (130), and introducing the first cleaning solution into the pipe system, flushing the pipe system with a flushing liquid and introducing the second cleaning solution into the sections of the pipe system. The important aspects are: the metering of the disinfecting and/or sterilising solution into the second cleaning solution remaining in the second storage container (122) until a defined amount of disinfecting and/or sterilising agent is reached in the second cleaning solution; and the introduction of the second cleaning solution, to which the disinfecting and/or sterilising agent is added, into the pipe system of the container filling plant (100). The invention also relates to a container filling plant (100) which is suitable and designed for carrying out this method.

Description

Device and method for cleaning a container filling system

Description

The present invention relates to a device and method for cleaning a container filling system.

Numerous systems for filling containers are known from the prior art. In such a system, a container is usually first filled with a liquid and then closed. Such systems are often used for filling sensitive goods such as beverages, food or medicines. These facilities must be cleaned regularly to meet the high hygiene requirements that apply in these areas. At least when switching from one product to another or from one batch to the next batch, cleaning of the piping system of such a plant is usual.

A bottling plant in the beverage industry must be cleaned regularly due to the high cleanliness requirements prevailing in the food sector. For this purpose, the parts of the system that have come into contact with the filling material, such as product lines and treatment heads, are cleaned with a cleaning and/or sterilizing agent after the filling process is complete. For this purpose, a separate cleaning device is usually connected to the product lines, which means that it is possible to avoid dismantling the filling system in order to reach all the surfaces to be cleaned. Such a cleaning process is referred to as CIP (clean in place) cleaning. The CIP cleaning device provides cleaning liquid, gas and/or sterilizing agent, which are pumped through the pipelines and treatment heads to be cleaned. They can then be collected again in the CIP cleaning facility and, if necessary, reused or processed for recycling.

The quality of such a cleaning process can be checked, for example, by analyzing the cleaning media used. This can be done, for example, in the return of the CIP cleaning device. As described in EP 0 672 613 A1, for example, it is often advantageous in modern beverage bottling plants with a large number of filling heads to carry out the analysis of the cleaning media used separately for the cleaning and/or sterilization medium flowing through each individual filling head.

According to the prior art, a typical cleaning process of a bottling plant comprises a large number of steps and is associated with a considerable expenditure of time which, depending on the size and complexity of the bottling plant, can amount to several hours. The remaining filling material is usually rinsed out with water, for example. The cleaning then usually begins with an application of an alkaline cleaning medium to the surfaces to be cleaned. A further cleaning step involves subjecting these surfaces to an acidic medium. Between these two cleaning steps, however, an intermediate rinsing with a neutral medium such as water is necessary in order to avoid a reaction between base and acid and the associated heat development and salt formation. After another rinsing process to remove the acid, a disinfecting and/or sterilizing medium is introduced into the system. This is then removed from the system by another flushing process.

Due to the many rinsing processes, such a cleaning process is very lengthy and the recycling of the individual cleaning media is only possible to a very limited extent due to dilution effects.

Some of the disadvantages mentioned above are also described in the publication DE 10 2009 034693. The fact that the cleaning time is usually determined by the treatment time of the container filling elements is described as particularly disadvantageous, since these would have to be cleaned particularly intensively due to their numerous small and crooked liquid channels and the valve arrangements of the same type. As a solution to this problem, a cleaning and rinsing system for at least one is in the publication mentioned Cleaning and rinsing medium with a closed system circuit proposed for each medium, which is formed by a ring line and in which the source providing the respective cleaning and rinsing medium is also arranged. Different media can thus be brought directly to the container filling elements and the distances and times for changing between individual media can be shortened. Nevertheless, the method described above must be carried out for each of the container filling elements, so that the disadvantages resulting directly from this remain.

The present invention is therefore based on the object of improving the methods and systems known from the prior art and of avoiding or reducing at least some of the disadvantages indicated.

According to the invention, this is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and developments are the subject of the dependent claims.

A method according to the invention for cleaning at least sections of a pipeline system of a container filling system comprises the following steps:

- Providing a first cleaning solution, which has a pH value > 8, in a first storage container,

- Providing a second cleaning solution, which has a pH < 6, in a second storage container,

- Providing a disinfection and/or sterilization solution, comprising a disinfectant and/or sterilization agent, in a third storage container,

- introducing the first cleaning solution into at least sections of the pipeline system of the container filling system,

- flushing the sections of the piping system with a flushing liquid, and

- Introduction of the second cleaning solution into the sections of the piping system of the container filling plant.

Deviating from the methods known from the prior art, however, it is provided that the disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution is metered into the second cleaning solution remaining in the second storage container until a defined proportion of the disinfecting and/or sterilizing agent in the second cleaning solution is reached , and this mixed with the disinfectant and / or sterilant second cleaning solution is introduced into the sections of the piping system of the container filling plant.

It has been shown that most disinfectants and/or sterilization agents have sufficient stability in relation to acidic media or even have improved effectiveness in an acidic environment. It is therefore proposed that not only is a rinsing step between the acidic cleaning and the disinfection and/or sterilization omitted, but that a mixture of acidic cleaning medium and the disinfection and/or sterilization medium is even deliberately produced. This not only results in a reduction in the overall cleaning time due to the omission of a rinsing step, but also the treatment time can be reduced due to the increased reactivity. Since the application of the second (acidic) cleaning solution (then add disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent) to the system parts to be cleaned also continues during the disinfection and/or sterilization, the application of the disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent that has not yet been added can second cleaning solution must be kept briefly. This results in a further synergetic effect for shortening the total time required for the cleaning process. The use of energy can also be reduced by shortening the process.

A further advantage of this method compared to the methods known from the prior art is that the disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution is metered into the second cleaning solution remaining in the second storage container. There is therefore no need for a separate mixing cylinder and/or mixing tank in which the mixing takes place. In addition, the usually comparatively large volume of the second storage container results in a reliable mixing of the disinfectant in the solution, which cannot be guaranteed when the disinfectant is injected into a pipeline.

The introduction of the first and second cleaning solution can be time-controlled, for example. It is conceivable that a cleaning solution is introduced for a predetermined period of time.

As an alternative to this, it is also possible for a cleaning solution to be introduced in each case until a desired degree of cleaning is achieved. This can be done, for example, by Corresponding sensors are detected in the container filling system and the supply of the corresponding cleaning solution is stopped as soon as a desired degree of cleaning is reached. An analysis of the cleaning solution used to detect adequate cleaning of the system parts to be cleaned would also be conceivable. As soon as the cleaning solution used to clean the system parts is no longer "consumed" for cleaning, i.e. has a quality close to that of the cleaning solution introduced, this can be used as a feature to detect adequate cleaning of the system parts used. Adequate disinfection and/or sterilization can also be detected analogously.

The disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution is metered into the second cleaning solution remaining in the second storage container, preferably using a mass flow meter. Such a mass flow meter allows a precise determination of the disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution flowing through a line section and accordingly the dosing of an exact quantity of the disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution to the second cleaning solution remaining in the second storage container.

The quantity of disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution is preferably measured using a mass flow meter which detects the flow through a fluid connection between the second and third storage container. For this purpose, at least one sensor device of the mass flow meter is preferably arranged in the fluid connection between the second and third storage container. The mass flow meter is preferably connected to a control device which controls at least one valve as a function of the signal detected by the mass flow meter. The valve is preferably part of a metering device, by means of which the disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution is metered into the second cleaning solution. The control device preferably sends a control signal to the at least one valve via a suitable signal line. The signal line is preferably designed, at least in sections, as a wired line or wireless connection.

The amount of disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution to be added to the second cleaning solution remaining in the second storage container is preferably calculated taking measured values into account. Of particular importance for the to be dosed Amount of disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution are measured values selected from a group that includes the volume of the second cleaning solution in the second storage container, the proportion of disinfecting and/or sterilizing agent already contained in the second cleaning solution, the concentration of the disinfecting and/or Sterilizing agent in the disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution, the free volume in the second storage container, the pH value of the second cleaning solution and the temperature of one or both solutions.

In addition, there is no need for a voluminous disinfectant tank, since the disinfectant and/or sterilant can be stored in a concentrated form (e.g. as a powder or concentrate) and is only diluted to the desired concentration when it is added to the second cleaning solution. This results in advantages on the device side due to the smaller dimensions and the more compact design of a CIP system working according to the method according to the invention or a container filling system to be cleaned according to this method.

A cleaning solution is preferably used as the first cleaning solution which has a pH value >9, preferably >10, more preferably >11, particularly preferably >12. Such a cleaning solution is also referred to below as “basic” or “alkaline”, these terms being used synonymously within the scope of this invention.

In addition or as an alternative to this, it is preferred that a cleaning solution is used as the second cleaning solution which has a pH value <5, preferably <4, preferably <3, more preferably <2, particularly preferably <1. Such a cleaning solution is also referred to below as “sour” or “acidic cleaning solution”.

A method variant is preferred in which the disinfection and/or sterilization solution used comprises at least one, preferably at least two or three disinfectants and/or sterilization agents. Surprisingly, it has been shown that some disinfectants and/or sterilization agents show improved disinfection and/or sterilization performance in an acidic environment. This can be further increased by using several disinfectants and/or sterilants. In particular, it is conceivable that disinfectants and/or sterilizing agents are combined with one another that collectively show enhanced disinfection and/or sterilization performance. Such an increased disinfection and/or sterilization performance can cause a desired disinfection and/or sterilization performance to be achieved with a reduced concentration of one or more of the disinfectants and/or sterilants used or with a reduced total concentration of the disinfectants and/or sterilants used becomes.

In addition or as an alternative to this, it is conceivable and preferred for disinfectants and/or sterilization agents to be combined with one another which have a complementary spectrum of action. For example, a bactericidal disinfectant and/or sterilant can be combined with a disinfectant and/or sterilant that has a tuberculocidal, sporicidal, fungicidal and/or virucidal effect in order to bring about the broadest possible spectrum of activity for the combination.

For this purpose, a further disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent is preferably provided and/or kept in a fourth storage container. This further disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution is preferably metered into the second cleaning solution present in a storage container until a defined proportion of this disinfecting and/or sterilizing agent is reached in the second cleaning solution. This second cleaning solution mixed with the further disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent is then introduced into the sections of the pipeline system of the container filling system. At the point at which the further disinfectant and/or sterilant is added, the second cleaning solution can already contain a disinfectant and/or sterilant, so that the resulting mixture then contains at least two disinfectants and/or sterilants.

With a combination of two or more disinfectants, it is possible to use them one after the other and/or simultaneously in a cleaning/sterilization step. For example, it is conceivable to initially only meter the disinfectant and/or sterilant from the third storage container into the second cleaning solution. The further disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent can be metered in from the fourth storage container of this second cleaning solution or from a second cleaning solution held in another fifth storage container. The additional disinfectant and/or sterilant could also be from the fourth storage container from the second cleaning solution fed back into the second storage container. Due to the (at least almost complete) consumption of the previously present disinfectant and/or sterilant during the loading of the system parts to be treated, the disinfectant and/or sterilant dosed from the fourth storage container would then be the decisive disinfectant and/or sterilant-active component in the second cleaning solution.

A combination comprising chlorine dioxide and peracetic acid has proven to be a particularly preferred combination of two different disinfectants and/or sterilants. These disinfectants and/or sterilizers can be used one after the other and/or together to disinfect and/or sterilize parts of the container filling system. “One after the other and/or together” should be understood in this context to mean that two disinfectants and/or sterilants in every conceivable sequence can be used individually or together (possibly in different mixing ratios), if necessary multiple times. For example, a sequence A -> AB -> B or B -> AB ->B would be conceivable, with “A” and “B” each standing for a single disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent and “AB” for a mixture of the two disinfectants - and/or sterilizing agents A and B.

One or more of the disinfectants and/or sterilants is preferably selected from a group consisting of peroxycarboxylic acid, peracetic acid, chlorine dioxide, sodium chlorite, alkali metal chlorite (MCIO2), alkaline earth metal chlorite (MCICh), chloramine T, iodine, monobromoacetic acid, quaternary ammonium compounds (QAV) , benzalkonium chloride, active oxygen, singlet oxygen (O), ozone (O3) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Disinfectants from a group comprising active chlorine, chlorine, sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite are less preferred but also suitable for some applications. Disinfectants and/or sterilants from this group have proven to be particularly effective and/or combinable.

The designation "disinfectant and/or sterilization agent" or "disinfection and/or sterilization solution" is intended to indicate that such an agent or such a solution should be suitable for both disinfection and/or sterilization. However, unless something else is explicitly stated in the following, this should also be the case when specifying just one term from the combinations mentioned above. that the agent or the solution is suitable for disinfection and/or sterilization.

A variant of the method is preferred in which the disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution is metered into the second cleaning solution remaining in the second storage container after the second cleaning solution has been left in place for a period of

> 5 minutes, preferably e 7 minutes, more preferably e 10 minutes, particularly preferably e 12 minutes was initiated. In addition or as an alternative to this, a variant of the method is preferred in which the disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution is metered into the second cleaning solution remaining in the second storage container after the second cleaning solution has been in contact for a period of and <120 minutes, preferably <60 minutes. preferably <30 minutes, more preferably <20 minutes, particularly preferably <15 minutes, was introduced into the sections of the pipeline system of the container filling plant. It has been shown that with the times mentioned above, on the one hand sufficient sterilization and/or disinfection can be achieved, but on the other hand the time required for the cleaning process can also be reduced to an acceptable level.

The introduction of the second cleaning solution mixed with the disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent into the sections of the pipeline system of the container filling system is preferably carried out in a clocked manner. Preferably, after each introduction of a predetermined quantity of the second cleaning solution mixed with the disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent into the sections of the pipeline system, the introduction is interrupted for a period of time. As a result, the solution that has already been introduced remains in the pipeline system for the selected period of time. The solution does not flow, or at least does not flow substantially, during this period. As a result, the solution can act on the exposed surfaces, but the total amount of the second cleaning solution used can be kept low.

Subsequent to this interruption, a further predetermined quantity of the second cleaning solution to which the disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent has been added is preferably introduced into the sections of the pipeline system.

In a preferred embodiment, the disinfectant and/or sterilant is metered into at least two subsets of the second cleaning solution. The addition of Subsets are preferably carried out at a time interval from one another. The two subsets preferably differ. In particular, it is preferred that the portion metered in first is larger than the (second) metered in later. With this variant, a basic disinfection and/or sterilization activity can be set by metering in the first subset, and then the disinfection and/or sterilization activity can be increased by adding the further subset.

As an alternative to this, the disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent can be added to the second cleaning solution in a single step in the entire amount to be metered in. This variant has the advantage that it is particularly easy to depict in terms of the method and offers a high level of initial disinfection and/or sterilization activity, which subsequently decreases as a result of consumption and degradation of the disinfectant and/or sterilization agent.

When recycling the second cleaning solution, the residual content of the disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent is particularly low in this variant.

Irrespective of whether one or more disinfectants and/or sterilization agents are used and whether these are introduced into the second cleaning solution in one or more partial amounts, it is preferable for the second cleaning agent to continuously flow through the part of the system to be cleaned. Preferably, the second cleaning solution thus flows through each of the plant parts to be cleaned at a constant flow rate over the entire period during which the plant parts to be cleaned are acted upon by this second cleaning solution.

In an alternative method variant, the introduction of the second cleaning solution mixed with the disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent is interrupted at least twice, preferably at least three times, more preferably at least five times, particularly preferably at least ten times for a defined, preferably equally long period of time or at least the flow rate is interrupted reduced. The effect of this is that when the volume of the second cleaning solution is comparatively small, the surfaces to be cleaned/sterilized are repeatedly exposed to fresh cleaning solution and fresh disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent.

In this variant of the method, after at least one interruption of the introduction, the concentration of the disinfectant contained in the second cleaning solution is preferably and/or sterilant increased. This is preferably done by dosing a predetermined amount of the disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent into the second cleaning solution present in the second storage container.

In a preferred variant of the method, second cleaning solution mixed with the disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent that is not introduced into the sections of the pipeline system remains in the second storage container. As a result, contamination of the second storage container can be prevented at least temporarily. The proportion of the disinfectant and/or sterilant in the second cleaning solution preferably decreases over time. This can be achieved, for example, by using a sterilizing agent which decomposes.

In particular, with such a procedure, the sterility of the second cleaning solution contained in the second storage container can be guaranteed until it is used again. The proportion of the disinfectant and/or sterilant in the second cleaning solution preferably decreases until it is next used to such an extent that the proportion of the disinfectant and/or sterilant in the second cleaning solution falls below a defined threshold value. It can thereby be ensured that when the second cleaning solution is used again, its cleaning effect based on the low pH value is initially essentially utilized. The proportion of the disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent in the second cleaning solution is preferably <5 percent by weight, preferably

< 3% by weight, more preferably < 2% by weight, particularly preferred

< 1% by weight. In particular, it is preferred that the proportion of the disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent in the second cleaning solution is <1000 ppm (parts per million), preferably <500 ppm, more preferably <400.

In addition or as an alternative to this, a proportion of the disinfectant and/or sterilant in the second cleaning solution of >50 ppm (parts per million), preferably >100 ppm, more preferably >300 has proven to be preferred in order to ensure adequate disinfection and/or achieve sterilization effect. These proportions have proven to be particularly effective for peroxidic disinfectants and/or sterilants. However, for some disinfectants and/or sterilization agents, in particular those containing chlorine, a significantly lower proportion is already sufficient for sufficient disinfection and/or sterilization rilization effect sufficient. For example, when using chlorine dioxide as a disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent, a sufficient disinfecting and/or sterilizing effect could be achieved at a proportion/concentration >0.4 ppm. For such effective disinfectants and/or sterilants, the concentration is preferably <10 ppm.

The (biocidal) disinfecting and/or sterilizing effect of the solution in the second storage container that remains after the cleaning of the system line can be used and prevents contamination and the growth of microbes in the second cleaning solution. This means that the second cleaning solution can be used longer and/or more frequently. It has to be changed less often, which in turn offers a cost advantage when purchasing and disposing of it. This also offers an ecological advantage due to the reduction of resources used and acidic waste or wastewater. In particular in combination with the variant of a decomposing sterilization agent described above, there is also the advantage that the entry of biocides into the sewage system can be further reduced. The entry of biocides is particularly critical for the purification of waste water in an aeration tank of a sewage treatment plant.

Should the proportion of the disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent in the second cleaning solution be above a critical upper threshold value, it is preferable to reduce the proportion of the disinfecting and/or sterilizing agent in the second cleaning solution. This can be done, for example, by dilution with the second cleaning solution (without disinfectant and/or sterilant) until the value falls below the critical upper threshold value. As an alternative or in addition to this, controlled decomposition of the disinfectant and/or sterilant would be conceivable. This could be achieved, for example, thermally and/or by (temporarily) adding a catalyst. For example, the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) by egions, manganese dioxide (MnC>2) or catalase would be conceivable.

In a preferred variant of the method, the temperature of the first cleaning solution is >25°C, preferably >30°C, more preferably >40°C, particularly preferably >80°C. In a preferred variant of the method, the temperature of the second cleaning solution is >5°C, preferably >20°C and/or <70°C, preferably <40°C.

The temperatures mentioned above can preferably be selected independently of one another for each of the two cleaning solutions. This enables each cleaning step to be carried out in a temperature range suitable for the respective cleaning solution. Optionally, the temperature can be changed once or several times during a cleaning step.

In particular, it is conceivable in this respect that the sections of the pipeline system to be cleaned are acted upon by the second cleaning solution at at least two different temperatures. The temperature at which the second cleaning solution is applied before metering in the disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution particularly preferably differs at least temporarily from the temperature at which the second cleaning solution is applied after metering in the disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution. This makes it possible to apply the second cleaning solution to the sections of the pipeline system to be cleaned at different temperatures, one temperature being particularly suitable for cleaning the system parts with the acid contained in the second cleaning solution and the other temperature being particularly suitable for sterilization the parts of the system with the disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent only temporarily contained in the second cleaning solution. It may be advantageous for the temperature during the sterilization of the system parts to be lower than during other process steps in order to avoid undesirable thermal decomposition of the disinfectant and/or sterilant.

As an alternative or in addition to this, it could also be advantageous to heat certain critical plant parts during the sterilization of the plant parts in order to locally achieve an increased release of reactive species. This could be done, for example, by thermal decomposition of disinfectants and/or sterilization agents with an oxidative effect and the associated release of reactive oxygen or chlorine species such as singlet oxygen or chlorine radicals. A neutral liquid, preferably one that is miscible with both the first and the second cleaning solution, is preferably used as the rinsing liquid. In this context, a pH value between 6 and 8 is to be understood as neutral. Polar liquids are particularly preferred because they suspend a large number of charged particles and can thus convey them out of the system parts to be cleaned. In particular after exposure to the first cleaning solution with a pH value >8 and exposure to the second cleaning solution with a pH value <6, many ions are dissolved and/or protective particles are provided with a (partial) charge. These charged particles can then be solvated by the flushing solution and carried out of the plant with it. Failure of the charge carriers generated by the acid or lye exposure within the system can be avoided. Water, in particular, has therefore proven to be suitable as a rinsing solution. Short-chain alcohols (Ci - Ce) are also advantageous for some applications. Mixtures of water with one or more of these alcohols are also conceivable.

The method preferably includes a rinsing step following the introduction of the second cleaning solution, to which the disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent has been added, into the sections of the pipeline system of the container filling system. As a result, the container filling system can be prepared for filling a product.

The method preferably includes the switching of at least one valve, preferably a plurality of valves, in order thereby to enable the inflow of a rinsing or cleaning solution to a section of the pipeline system of the container filling system. As an alternative or in addition to one or more valves, one or more pumps can also be used. Likewise, combinations of at least one valve and at least one pump are conceivable.

At least one rinsing or cleaning solution is preferably conveyed during the process through sections of the container filling system to be cleaned at a pressure which is greater than 1 bar, preferably greater than 1.5 bar, preferably greater than 2 bar. This pressure is preferably less than 10 bar, preferably less than 6 bar, preferably less than 4.5 bar.

At least one rinsing or cleaning solution is preferably passed during the process at a flow rate through sections of the container filling system to be cleaned conveys which is greater than 1.0 m/s, preferably greater than 2.0 m/s, preferably greater than 3.0 m/s and preferably greater than 3.5 m/s. This flow rate is preferably less than 8 m/s, preferably less than 7 m/s, preferably less than 6 m/s, preferably less than 5 m/s and preferably less than 4 m/s. Optionally, the flow rate can be changed once or several times during a cleaning step.

The preferred pressure can be the same for all rinsing or cleaning solutions or can be determined individually for each rinsing or cleaning solution. Optionally, the pressure can also change during a cleaning step. It is also possible that the pressure in different parts of the system to be cleaned is different. It is conceivable, for example, that the diameters of pipelines are selected so that in particularly stressed areas that require particularly intensive cleaning and/or sterilization, the diameter of the pipeline is selected to be small in order to achieve greater pressure and thus a higher flow rate of the rinsing or cleaning solution .

The at least one valve and/or the at least one pump is preferably controlled or regulated by a control device. The control device preferably comprises a processor device and a data storage device. The processor device can preferably access the data storage device and read data from it and preferably also store it therein.

The processor device is preferably designed in such a way that it can execute a program code which encodes the method described above or at least parts of this method. This program code can be stored in the data storage device. In particular in combination with the possibility described above that the processor device can also store data in the data storage device, there is the possibility that the program code can be changed and, for example, adapted to changed conditions. For example, it is possible to react to other acids, bases, sterilizing agents, concentrations, temperatures, cleanliness requirements, changed legal regulations, customer requests, changes in the size of the areas to be cleaned and/or system parts.

The present invention is also directed to a computer program or computer program product, comprising program means, in particular a program code, which represents or encodes at least individual and preferably several method steps (individually or in combination with one another) of the method according to the invention and preferably one of the described preferred embodiments and is designed to be executed by a processor device.

The present invention is also aimed at a data memory on which at least one embodiment of the computer program according to the invention or a preferred embodiment of the computer program is stored.

Furthermore, the invention is directed to the use of a disinfectant and / or sterilizing agent from a group that includes peroxycarboxylic acid, peracetic acid, active chlorine, chlorine, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, sodium chlorite, alkali metal chlorite (MCIO2), alkaline earth metal chlorite (MCICh), chloramine T, iodine, monobromoacetic acid, quaternary ammonium compounds (QAV), benzalkonium chloride, active oxygen, singlet oxygen (O*), ozone (O3) and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) comprises in a method for cleaning at least sections of a piping system of a container filling system according to one as above described procedure.

Furthermore, the invention is directed to a container filling system which is preferably set up, suitable and/or intended to carry out the method described above and some or all of the method steps already described above in connection with the method individually or in combination with one another. Conversely, the method can be carried out individually or in combination with all of the features described in the context of the container filling system.

A container filling system according to the invention comprises a reservoir for a free-flowing filling material and at least one container filling device that can be brought into fluid connection with the reservoir via a pipeline system, by means of which the filling material can be filled into a container. Furthermore, a first storage container is provided for holding a first cleaning solution, which has a pH value >8, as well as a second storage container for holding a second cleaning solution, which has a pH value <6, and a third storage container for holding a disinfectant and/or sterilizing solution. The first and the second storage container can each be brought into fluid connection with at least one section of the pipeline system. The third storage container is at least indirectly fluidly connectable to a portion of the piping system. The indirect fluid connection of the third storage container with a section of the pipeline system preferably includes at least one of the other two storage containers, particularly preferably (only) the second storage container.

Essential for a container filling system according to the invention is a fluid connection between the third storage container and the second storage container, this fluid connection comprising a dosing device by means of which the disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution can be dosed into the second storage container.

Such a container filling system is particularly suitable for carrying out the method described above and can be made particularly compact, since no large-volume tank for the disinfecting and / or sterilizing solution has to be provided, but this in the desired concentration in the second storage container by mixing the disinfectant and / Or sterilizing agent can be produced with the second cleaning solution.

The third storage container preferably contains a disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent from a group that includes peroxycarboxylic acid, peracetic acid, chlorine dioxide, sodium chlorite, alkali metal chlorite (MCIO2), alkaline earth metal chlorite (MCICh), chloramine T, iodine, monobromoacetic acid, quaternary ammonium compounds (QAV), Benzalkonium Chloride, Active Oxygen, Singlet Oxygen (O), Ozone (O3) and Hydrogen Peroxide (H2O2). These have proven to be particularly suitable for cleaning and/or disinfecting and/or sterilizing a container filling system.

Disinfecting and/or sterilizing agents from a group comprising active chlorine, chlorine, sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite can also be used for some applications. Disinfectants and/or sterilants from this group have proven to be particularly effective and/or combinable.

The container filling system preferably has at least one valve and/or at least one pump and a control device for controlling the valve and/or the pump. This control device is preferably also set up and provided for controlling the dosing device. The control device is provided in particular for this purpose and set up to control the dosing device and the valve and/or the pump to carry out a method as described above.

The container filling system preferably includes a measuring device for measuring a value from which a proportion of a disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent in the second cleaning solution contained in the second storage container can be calculated. The value is preferably selected from a group that includes a density of the solution, a refractive index, a chlorine content, an oxygen content, an electrical conductivity, an absorption of radiation of one or more wavelengths, preferably electromagnetic radiation such as UV light, light, IR Radiation and/or microwave radiation and an electrical potential. It has been shown that the concentration of a large number of disinfectants and/or sterilizing agents can be determined or calculated from such a measured value.

Preferably, a redox potential measurement method with a redox probe can be used to determine the proportion or concentration of the disinfectant and/or sterilant, in particular disinfectants and/or sterilants with an oxidative action such as peracetic acid. The container filling system therefore preferably has a redox sensor.

In a further preferred embodiment, the container filling system has at least one inspection device which monitors at least one device of the container filling system and/or the container filling system has at least one monitoring device which monitors at least one parameter that is characteristic of the cleaning of the container filling system. In this configuration, too, the operational safety or the process safety of the container filling system and thus also of the containers filled with it are ultimately increased or guaranteed.

In a further preferred embodiment, at least some parts of the container filling system are assigned to a cleaning and/or sterilization device which is suitable and intended for cleaning and/or sterilizing at least parts of the container filling system. This cleaning and/or sterilization device is preferably active in a cleaning operation that differs from a normal work operation in which the containers themselves are treated. Preferably, the container filling system and in particular the section of its pipeline system to be cleaned is pressure-stable up to a pressure that is greater than 1.0 bar, preferably greater than 1.5 bar, preferably greater than 2 bar and preferably greater than 2.5 bar.

The container filling system preferably comprises at least one pump for transporting cleaning and/or rinsing solutions through the section of the pipeline system to be cleaned, which pumps the cleaning and/or rinsing solution in each case preferably at a pressure of less than 10 bar, preferably less than 6 bar, preferably less than 4.5 bar promotes.

In a further preferred embodiment, the container filling system has a heating device. A section to be cleaned can be set to a desired temperature by such a heating device. This temperature can, for example, result in the sterilization agent entering this area being activated, for example by its decomposition and the resulting release of active components such as chlorine radicals or singlet oxygen.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the container filling system has a sterile room, within which the containers are transported at least in sections. It is possible that the entire container filling system is arranged within a sterile room, but it would also be possible for the transport path of the containers and/or the containers to be routed within the sterile room, but other areas of the container filling system, such as parts of the transport device, are arranged outside of this sterile room are. For example, the sterile room could surround the containers like a torus.

The sterile space is preferably separated from a (non-sterile) environment by means of at least one wall. The sterile space is preferably delimited from the (non-sterile) environment by means of at least two walls, these walls particularly preferably being movable in relation to one another.

In a further preferred embodiment, the transport device transports the containers individually. In particular, the containers are gripped individually. It is possible that the transport device, the containers at least on their neck or the muzzle grips. The transport device is preferably designed as a rotary device.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a plurality of transport units which are preferably arranged one after the other and which transport the containers. It is also possible that a transfer device takes place, which changes from bottom-guided transport of the containers to neck-guided transport of the containers.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the container filling system has a stationarily arranged supply device, via which the rinsing and/or cleaning solutions can be supplied to the system parts to be cleaned. Such a supply device can preferably be switched between a working operation and a cleaning and/or sterilization operation. This makes it possible for the rinsing and/or cleaning solutions to be completely separated from other media, such as filling material and/or gas, during operation. Starting from the stationarily arranged supply device, the rinsing and/or cleaning solutions can also be transferred to a moving and, in particular, rotating part of the system during the cleaning and/or sterilization operation.

In a further advantageous embodiment, the container filling system has a selection device and/or switching device, which enables the filling device to be optionally charged with a filling material or a rinsing and/or cleaning solution. It is possible for the container filling system, as described in more detail below, to have two different operating modes and the selection device, for example a valve, can cause the filling device to be loaded either with the filling material or with a rinsing and/or cleaning solution.

In a further preferred embodiment, the container filling system has a recycling device which is suitable and intended for at least partially recovering a rinsing and/or cleaning solution and in particular the first and/or the second cleaning solution. In particular, it is preferred that the first and/or the second cleaning solution can be returned to the first storage container or to the second storage container. The container filling system preferably has at least one filling valve for filling containers. This filling valve can preferably be acted upon at least in sections with the first and/or the second cleaning solution. A section of the pipeline system of a container filling system that is to be cleaned as described above is therefore, for example, a section within a filling device, in particular a section within a filling valve. For example, this section is selected from a group consisting of a tube from a rotary feeder rotary manifold to the fill valve, a section within a flash pasteurizer, a section at a flash pasteurizer, a section within a mixer, and a section at a mixer.

In a preferred embodiment, the container filling system has a fourth storage container which is provided and set up to hold a further disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution. This fourth storage container is preferably connected directly to the second storage container via a fluid connection. A flow measuring device is preferably arranged in this fluid connection. A dosing device is preferably arranged at the end of the fluid connection which opens into the second storage container. The fourth storage container is preferably provided and set up to hold chlorine dioxide.

Further advantages and embodiments result from the attached drawings:

Show in it:

Fig. 1 is a schematic representation of a method for cleaning and

Disinfecting/sterilizing a container filling system according to the prior art;

2 shows a schematic representation of an example according to the invention

process management;

3 shows a representation of an exemplary sequence of an inventive

procedure; 4 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary structure of a container filling system according to the invention;

5 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary structure of a container filling system according to the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic representation of a method for cleaning and disinfecting/sterilizing a container filling system according to the prior art. 1 shows which solutions are routed to the parts of the plant to be cleaned, in which sequence and for which period of time. The temperature of the respective solutions is also shown. For this purpose, in Diagram 1, the time (t) is shown on the abscissa axis and the temperature (T) on the ordinate axis. Each of the polygons 10 - 16 represents an application of a medium to the system parts to be cleaned. The height of the polygon 10 - 16 and thus the temperature of the respective solution can change during the application.

Even if there are markings on the axes in FIG. 1, the representation is not necessarily true to scale. The exposure times and temperatures can depend, for example, on the size of the system and thus also on the size of the area to be cleaned. Nevertheless, Diagram 1 shown in FIG. 1 represents an example of a process for some applications, a graduation line on the ordinate axis symbolizing a temperature difference of 10° C., for example, and temperatures between 0° C. and 80° C. being shown on the ordinate axis. This also applies analogously to the abscissa axis, with each division line in diagram 1 being able to stand for 10 minutes, for example, and thus a total duration of the method of around 1:45 hours being represented.

The polygon 10 in FIG. 1 stands for the application of a flushing medium to the system parts to be cleaned. This could preferably be water. The main purpose of step 10 is to remove any remaining product residue from the plant. Temperature control is usually not necessary for this, so that this process step could take place at room temperature, for example. A rinsing time of 10 minutes is usually sufficient. The polygon 11 in FIG. 1 symbolizes a step in an alkaline treatment of the plant parts to be cleaned. The temperature is increased during this step over the rinsing step as shown by the rising line. For example, the temperature can be increased to about 80°C. After a target temperature has been reached, the temperature is maintained and the treatment is continued at this temperature.

A further rinsing step, represented by polygon 12, follows this alkaline treatment. The flushing medium can again be water, for example. In this step, the flushing medium essentially serves to flush the alkaline medium from the previous step out of the system in order to prepare it for exposure to an acid. A reaction between base and acid can thus be avoided. This not only prevents possible damage during the reaction between acid and base, but also the formation of salts that could possibly settle in parts of the system. The flushing medium is preferably used at room temperature. As represented by polygon 12, this causes the temperature in the system to drop during this step. Depending on the duration of this step and the heat capacity of the contacted parts of the system, it is not absolutely necessary for these parts of the system to assume the temperature of the flushing medium. Rather, due to the prior alkaline treatment at elevated temperature, the flushing medium is to be expected to heat up.

This is followed by cleaning with an acid, as represented by polygon 13 . This is preferably done at an elevated temperature, preferably about 20°C. The duration of the exposure of the system parts to be cleaned with acid depends on the type and concentration of the acid and the size of the area to be cleaned. However, a shorter time than for the alkaline treatment (polygon 11) is usually sufficient for this treatment. The acid can be applied, for example, for a period of about 20-25 minutes.

Polygon 14 symbolizes a further flushing step, with which the acid and the impurities dissolved by the acid are flushed out of the system. This rinsing step can, for example, again be carried out with water at room temperature. The temperature therefore drops during this step in the system, as also described with regard to the rinsing step symbolized by polygon 12 . A disinfection and/or sterilization step, represented by polygon 15, then takes place. The system parts to be disinfected and/or sterilized are exposed to the air for about 15 - 20 minutes. The temperature of the disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution used for this purpose is usually slightly higher than room temperature in order to increase the reactivity and the disinfecting and/or sterilizing effect. However, if possible, the temperature should not exceed 40°C in order to avoid undesirable decomposition of the disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent. Preferably the temperature is between about 20-30°C, although this temperature may vary during the disinfection and/or sterilization step.

Finally, as represented by polygon 16, the system is flushed again. Water is preferably used as the rinsing medium in order to prepare the system, for example, for subsequent bottling of beverages. In order to avoid residues of the disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent remaining in the system, this rinsing step is somewhat longer than rinsing steps 12 and 14 between the individual cleaning steps. Rinsing is preferably carried out for at least 10 minutes. The temperature of the rinsing medium is preferably at room temperature, so that the system parts that may still be warm due to previous treatments with heated cleaning and/or sterilization solution are also cooled to room temperature.

FIG. 2 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary process management according to the invention for cleaning and disinfecting/sterilizing a container filling system. As in FIG. 1, the individual treatment steps are shown as polygons in a diagram. Also in Diagram 2 the time (t) is plotted on the abscissa axis and the temperature (T) on the ordinate axis.

In the example shown, the treatment steps represented by the polygons 10, 11 and 12 correspond to those also represented in FIG. However, it would be conceivable that due to the changing steps that follow, other media than in the method shown in FIG. 1 can also be used or that the individual steps can be carried out at other temperatures. As also explained with regard to FIG. represent driving to scale. The exposure times and temperatures can vary, for example, depending on the size of the system and thus also the size of the area to be cleaned.

A significant difference between the method shown in Fig. 1 and the method according to the invention as shown in Fig. 2 consists in the treatment steps 13-15 and 18-20.

1 is separated from the disinfecting and/or sterilizing step 15 by the rinsing step shown as polygon 14, the acid treatment step 18 and the disinfecting and/or sterilizing step 19 are one single step 20 summarized. A rinsing step between these can be dispensed with.

The combined acid treatment and disinfection and/or sterilization in step 20 preferably takes place in such a way that first of all, in step 18 (not shown hatched), cleaning with acid takes place. This can be done at an elevated temperature of, for example, 30-40°C. The disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent is then dosed into this acidic cleaning solution. The mixture that is then present is indicated in partial step 19 by hatching. Any previously provided heating of the solution is stopped or reduced in order to bring the mixture of acid and disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution into a temperature range in which both acidic cleaning and disinfecting and/or sterilizing take place effectively. The maximum temperature is usually specified by the decomposition temperature of the disinfectant and/or sterilant.

However, it may also be desirable to (briefly) heat the solution specifically above the decomposition temperature of the disinfectant and/or sterilant in order to generate particularly reactive species such as chlorine radicals or singlet oxygen. It may also be desirable to decompose the disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent in order to remove it from the acid and to prepare the acid for renewed use in a step 18 . As can be seen in the schematic representation according to FIG. 2, the time for cleaning with the acidic cleaning solution and the disinfection and/or sterilization (step 20) can be significantly reduced compared to the sum of steps 13-15 due to the changed procedure.

Despite this shortening of the overall duration, it is still possible to lengthen each individual partial step 18 and/or 19 compared to the method illustrated in FIG.

For example, the cleaning with the acidic cleaning solution can even be extended (over the entire time represented by polygon 20) compared to the corresponding step according to the prior art method (polygon 13 in FIG. 1). This may be necessary because, depending on the selected disinfectant and/or sterilant, the temperature at least for step 19, shown hatched, in which the acidic cleaning solution also contains the disinfectant and/or sterilant, possibly to protect the disinfectant and/or Sterilization agent cannot be kept as high as in sub-step 18. Regardless of this, despite the shortening of the total duration of the method compared to the method known from the prior art, the duration of the disinfection and / or sterilization step (hatched area 19 within the polygon 20) be lengthened over the corresponding step in Figure 1 (polygon 15).

Finally, as represented by polygon 17, the system is flushed. This step essentially corresponds to step 16 from the method illustrated in FIG. 1 . Water is preferably used as the rinsing medium in order to prepare the system, for example, for subsequent bottling of beverages. Like step 16, step 17 should be carried out for about 10 minutes in order to avoid residues of the acid and the disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent remaining in the system. The temperature of the flushing medium used is preferably room temperature, so that the system parts that may still be warm due to previous treatments with heated cleaning and/or sterilization solution are also cooled to room temperature.

3 shows an illustration of an exemplary sequence of a method according to the invention. First, in step 5, the first cleaning solution with a pH > 8 in a first storage container provided. Similarly, in steps 6 and 7, the second cleaning solution, which has a pH <6, is provided in a second storage container and the disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution is provided in a third storage container. The order of these steps is not fixed. It would also be conceivable to provide all solutions at the same time.

Then, in step 11, the first cleaning solution is introduced into at least sections of the pipeline system of the container filling system for a predetermined period of time. This step serves in particular to decompose and/or dissolve organic materials from these plant parts.

Subsequently, in step 12, the sections of the pipeline system are flushed with a flushing liquid. As a result, mixing of the alkaline cleaning solution used in step 11 with other cleaning solutions can be prevented.

Step 20 then takes place with a combined acid treatment and disinfection and/or sterilization. For this purpose, in step 18, the second cleaning solution is first introduced into the sections of the container filling system to be cleaned for a predetermined period of time. In sub-step 19, the disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution is then metered into a proportion of the second cleaning solution remaining in the second storage container until a defined proportion of the disinfecting and/or sterilizing agent in the second cleaning solution is reached. Preferably, during this partial step 19, the introduction of the second cleaning solution from the second storage container into the sections of the container filling system to be cleaned, which has already begun in partial step 18, is not interrupted, but continues. This results in the second cleaning solution, mixed with the disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent, being introduced into the sections of the pipeline system of the container filling system that are to be cleaned. After a predetermined period of time has elapsed, this step is terminated. A rinsing step can follow.

FIG. 4 shows an exemplary embodiment of a container filling system 100. The container filling system 100 comprises a filling machine 102, shown schematically, in which a liquid product can be filled into containers, not shown. The filling machine 102 is preferably a rotating filling machine with a rotor 104 and with a ring bowl 106 for temporarily storing the product to be filled. The Container filling system 100 also includes a product tank 108 in which the product to be filled is made available. This is connected to the filling machine 102 via a product line 110 . The product to be filled is preferably first transferred from this product tank 108 into the ring bowl 106 in order to be able to store at least a certain quantity of the product in the immediate vicinity of the filling devices, which are not shown in detail.

Furthermore, the container filling system 100 includes a fresh water supply 112, for example a well. This is connected to the product tank 108 and/or the product line 110 via a fresh water line 114 . This makes it possible to mix a concentrate of the product and water that is stored in stock in order to obtain the product in the dilution to be filled and to introduce it into the ring bowl 106 .

The first storage container 120, the second storage container 122 and the third storage container 130 are essential for a container filling system 100 according to the invention. A second cleaning solution, which has a pH <6, is stored in the second storage container 122 . A connecting line 132 between the third storage container 130 and the second storage container 122 is of particular importance, as a result of which a fluid connection is formed between these two storage containers. This is preferably permanent. A dosing device 134 is arranged in this connecting line 132, by means of which a disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution stored in the third storage container 130 can be dosed into the second storage container 122.

The container filling system 100 can have further storage containers 124, 126 in which alternative cleaning solutions and/or rinsing solutions can be stored. As an alternative to the rinsing solution supplied from one of these storage containers 124, 126, fresh water from the fresh water supply 112 or the well 112 can also be used for rinsing.

In order to be able to bring the respective cleaning solutions to a desired temperature, it is preferable for a heating device 140, 142 to be arranged in at least some of the lines. These are only shown as an example in some lines in FIG. 3, but could be arranged in each of the lines as required. Furthermore, a plurality of valves 150 are shown in FIG. 3 . These allow the product, water, cleaning solutions and disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution to be fed and removed in a controlled manner into the respective lines and out of them into the storage containers 120 - 126. The disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution can be returned to the third storage container 130 is not scheduled. Rather, the disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent added to the acid remains in the corresponding storage container 122 in order to prevent or reduce the formation of germs there until it is used again.

The valves 150 are preferably controlled by means of a control device 180. This can send a control signal to at least one valve via a suitable signal line. Wired lines as well as a wireless connection can be used as signal lines. The control is preferably carried out via a radio channel or a cable (not shown).

Rinsing solution or diluted or contaminated cleaning solutions can, for example, be discharged from the container filling system 100 via an outlet 160 .

FIG. 5 shows a schematic representation of an exemplary structure of a container filling system 100 according to the invention, the storage containers 120-130 and their fluid connection to one another and to the system parts to be cleaned being shown in particular. The system parts to be cleaned are not shown in detail but are indicated schematically by the rectangle 170 .

The first storage container 120, in which the first cleaning solution with a pH value >8 is stored, is connected via a valve 152 with a closing or connecting line 114 to the system parts 170 to be cleaned. The first storage container 120 is also connected to the system parts 170 to be cleaned via a return line 118 . This makes it possible for the first cleaning solution to be recovered after cleaning and, for example, to be analyzed and/or processed for renewed use. The control of the recirculation can be regulated by means of the valves 154 and 157, which can be controlled by means of a control device 180. The controller can via any suitable signal line, for example via a radio channel or a cable (not shown).

Likewise, the second storage container 122, in which the second cleaning solution with a pH value <6 is stored, is connected via the connecting line 116 to the system parts 170 to be cleaned. The flow can be controlled via at least one valve 151 , 156 . The second storage container 122 is additionally connected to the system parts 170 to be cleaned via the return line 118 , the return flow being able to be regulated by means of the valves 155 and 157 . Like the valves described above, these can preferably be activated by means of a control device 180 .

The third storage container 130 is connected directly to the second storage container 132 via the connecting line 132 in order to be able to introduce the disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent directly into the second storage container 132 . Direct introduction into a comparatively large-volume storage container 132 has the advantage over mixing in a pipeline, for example, that much better mixing can be achieved. A mixing device 138 can be arranged in the second storage container 132 to support the mixing. Such a mixing device can be, for example, a stirrer 138 shown schematically.

A measuring device 136 is arranged in the connecting line 132 between the third storage container 130 and the second storage container 132, by means of which the quantity of disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution flowing through from the third storage container 130 into the second storage container 132 can be measured. The desired quantity of the disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution is metered into the second storage container 132 by means of the metering device 134 . The mixing device 138 is preferably active during metering. The disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution metered into the second storage container 132 is preferably also controlled and monitored via the control device 180.

The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are new compared to the prior art, either individually or in combination. It is also pointed out that the individual figures also describe features that are advantageous in and of themselves. can be liable. The person skilled in the art recognizes immediately that a specific feature described in a figure can also be advantageous without adopting further features from this figure. Furthermore, the person skilled in the art recognizes that advantages can also result from a combination of several features shown in individual figures or in different figures.

Reference List

I diagram

10 rinse step

I I alkaline treatment/cleaning

12 rinse step

13 acid attack/cleanup

14 rinse step

15 disinfection and/or sterilization step

16 rinse step

18 sub-step / cleaning with acid

19 sub-step / cleaning with acid and disinfection and/or sterilization

20 combined acid treatment and disinfection and/or sterilization

100 container filling system

102 filling machine

104 rotors

106 ring kettle

108 product tank

110 product line

112 Fresh water supply

114 fresh water line

116 connection line / connection line

118 return line

120 first storage container

122 second storage container

124, 126 more storage containers

130 third storage container

132 connection line

134 dosing device

136 measuring device / flow rate measuring device

138 Mixing device / stirrer

140, 142 heater

150 valves

151 - 157 valve System parts to be cleaned Control device Time Temperature

Claims

- 34 -

Device and method for cleaning a container filling system

Claims Method for cleaning at least sections of a pipe system of a container filling system, comprising the steps:

Providing a first cleaning solution, which has a pH value > 8, in a first storage container,

Providing a second cleaning solution, which has a pH < 6, in a second storage container,

Providing a disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution, comprising a disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent, in a third storage container, introducing the first cleaning solution into at least sections of the pipeline system of the container filling system,

rinsing the sections of the pipe system with a rinsing liquid, introducing the second cleaning solution into the sections of the pipe system of the container filling system,

Metering the disinfectant and/or sterilization solution into the second cleaning solution remaining in the second storage container until a defined proportion of the disinfectant and/or sterilization agent in the second cleaning solution is reached,

Introducing the second cleaning solution mixed with the disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent into the sections of the pipeline system of the container filling system. Method according to claim 1, characterized in that the quantity of the disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution is measured with a mass flow meter which detects the flow through a fluid connection between the second and third storage container. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that 35 the disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution comprises at least one, preferably at least two or three disinfecting and/or sterilizing agents, each of which is selected from a group comprising peroxycarboxylic acid, peracetic acid, chlorine dioxide and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2).

4. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution is metered into the second cleaning solution remaining in the second storage container after the second cleaning solution has been left in place for a period of > 5 minutes, preferably > 7 minutes. more preferably >10 minutes, particularly preferably >12 minutes and <120 minutes, preferably <60 minutes, preferably <30 minutes, more preferably <20 minutes, particularly preferably <15 minutes was introduced into the sections of the pipeline system of the container filling plant.

5. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the introduction of the disinfectant and / or sterilizing agent is clocked in the second cleaning solution.

6. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that second cleaning solution mixed with the disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent that is not introduced into the sections of the pipeline system remains in the second storage container in order to prevent contamination of the second storage container at least temporarily, wherein preferably the proportion of the disinfectant and/or sterilant in the second cleaning solution decreases over time.

7. Use of a disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent from a group that includes peroxycarboxylic acid, peracetic acid, active chlorine, chlorine, sodium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, sodium chlorite, alkali metal chlorite (MCIO2), alkaline earth metal chlorite (MCIO ₂ ) ₂ ), chloramine T, iodine, monobromoacetic acid, quaternary ammonium compounds (QAC), benzalkonium chloride, active oxygen, ozone (O3) and water substance peroxide (H2O2) in a method for cleaning at least sections of a pipeline system of a container filling system according to at least one of the preceding claims.

8. Container filling system comprising a reservoir for a free-flowing filling material and at least one container filling device that can be brought into fluid connection with the reservoir via a pipeline system, by means of which the filling material can be filled into a container, and a first storage container for holding a first cleaning solution, which has a pH value > 8, a second storage container for accommodating a second cleaning solution, which has a pH value <6, and a third storage container for accommodating a disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution, wherein this storage container can be brought into fluid connection with at least one section of the pipeline system by a fluid connection between the third storage container and the second storage container, this fluid connection comprising a dosing device by means of which the disinfecting and/or sterilizing solution can be dosed into the second storage container.

9. Container filling system (1) according to claim 8, characterized in that it comprises at least one valve and/or at least one pump and a control device for controlling the valve and/or the pump and the dosing device, the control device being provided and set up in particular for this purpose is to control the dosing device and the valve and/or the pump for carrying out a method according to any one of claims 1-7.

10. Container filling system (1) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that it comprises a measuring device for measuring a value from which a proportion of a disinfectant and/or sterilizing agent in a second cleaning solution contained in the second storage container has a pH value < 6 can be calculated.