Title - MANUFACTURING LINE FOR MANUFACTURING A COMPOSTABLE CAPSULE FOR PREPARATION PRODUCTS, SYSTEM FOR MEASURING AND REGULATING THE RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF A BIODEGRADABLE PAPER-BASED MATERIAL, AND METHOD FOR MANUFACTURING SAID COMPOSTABLE CAPSULE

Abstract

A manufacturing line (1) for manufacturing a compostable capsule (5) for preparation products (5a), said capsule (5) being manufactured from two complementary portions (4a, 4b, 6). The manufacturing line (1) comprises at least one forming line (2) for shaping the complementary portions (4a, 4b, 6), the forming line (2) comprising: a handling unit (7) for handling the sheet (3) of biodegradable paper-based material with a biodegradable gas barrier polymer; a humidifying unit (8) for moistening at least one side of the sheet (3) of biodegradable paper-based material; an optional pre-drying unit (17) for at least partially drying at least one side of the sheet (3) of biodegradable paper-based material; a forming unit (8) for shaping one of the complementary portions (4a, 4b, 6).6) to the sheet (3) of biodegradable paper-based material; and a drying unit (10) for drying at least one side of the sheet (3) of biodegradable paper-based material forming one of the complementary portions (4a, 4b, 6); The forming line (2) comprises at least one humidity sensor (S1, S2, S3, S4) for detecting the relative humidity level of the biodegradable paper-based material forming the capsule (5), said at least one humidity sensor (S1, S2, S3, S4) being positioned before or after at least one of said handling unit (7), the humidification unit (8), the optional pre-drying unit (17), the forming unit (9), and the drying unit (10). Furthermore, a system for measuring and regulating the relative humidity of the biodegradable paper-based material forming the complementary portions (4a, 4b, 6) of the capsule (5). Additionally,a manufacturing process comprising the steps of measuring the relative humidity of at least one side of the sheet (3) of biodegradable paper-based material that forms one of the complementary portions (4a, 4b, 6) of the capsule (5) and regulating the different steps of this process according to the relative humidity measured at one or more of the forming steps.

Description

27547 MANUFACTURING LINE FOR MANUFACTURING A COMPOSTABLE CAPSULE FOR PREPARATION PRODUCTS AND SYSTEM FOR MEASURING AND REGULATING THE RELATIVE HUMIDITY OF A PAPER-BASED MATERIAL BIODEGRADABLE FIELD OF INVENTION The present invention relates to a device for manufacturing a compostable capsule for preparation products, comprising a humidity sensor, and to a humidity regulation and measurement system for such a device. The invention also relates to the corresponding method of manufacturing a compostable capsule for prepared products using said device and to the use of said compostable capsule. The present invention is particularly applicable in the food and beverage industry and, more particularly, in the technical field of manufacturing capsules for preparation products, such as coffee, tea, and the like, adapted for the preparation of a beverage in a beverage preparation apparatus. BACKGROUND In recent years, in the field of beverage preparation products, packaging solutions such as capsules and pods have become increasingly popular and are particularly well-suited for use in beverage preparation appliances, such as home or professional coffee machines. These capsules and pods store a single serving of beverage and protect it from ambient air and mechanical or physical constraints. Preparing a beverage is therefore easy, and the time required is reduced. Furthermore, the storage offered in capsules and pods allows for the production of high-quality beverages. Coffee capsules are known in the prior art and are currently widely used. Documents WO2006 / 057022 A1 and WO2014 / 007639 A1 describe coffee capsules used in coffee machines. These capsules are generally made of paper as shown for example in document WO 2005 / 092741 A1. However, the preference now is to provide packaging that is at least biodegradable and / or even potentially compostable. Biodegradable fiber-based or paper-based materials are of increasing interest. 1903070 of 24 In addition to the above requirement, the capsules must also be airtight to protect the coffee from contact with air, which would cause oxidation and rapid loss of aroma. For this purpose, the capsules are manufactured, for example, from a paper-based barrier material, often laminated or coated to protect against moisture and / or oxidation. It appears that traditional manufacturing methods, which usually involve an embossing or thermoforming stage of one of the sheets forming the capsule, are not entirely satisfactory for manufacturing such paper-based capsules. For example, creases frequently appear around the embossed portions of the paper sheets. A proposed solution for wetting the biodegradable sheet material to improve capsule formation is presented in WO 202031096 A. However, the proposed manufacturing process does not appear to provide fully reproducible capsule results required to ensure stable capsule quality and shelf life. The present invention proposes to provide a solution to the aforementioned problem by providing a suitable device and a related manufacturing process. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION In this regard, the invention provides a manufacturing line for producing a compostable capsule for prepared products, said capsule being made from two complementary portions. The manufacturing line comprises at least one forming line for shaping the complementary portions, said forming line comprising: - a handling unit for handling the sheet of biodegradable paper-based material with biodegradable gas barrier polymer; - a humidification unit for moistening at least one side of the sheet of biodegradable paper-based material; - an optional pre-drying unit for drying, at least partially, at least one side of the sheet of biodegradable paper-based material; - a forming unit for shaping one of the complementary portions of the sheet of biodegradable paper-based material; and - a drying unit for drying at least one side of the sheet of biodegradable paper-based material that forms one of the complementary portions; 1903070 of 24 According to the invention, the forming line comprises at least one humidity sensor for detecting the relative humidity level of the biodegradable paper-based material forming the capsule, said at least one humidity sensor being positioned before or after at least one of the handling unit, the humidification unit, the optional pre-drying unit, the forming unit, and the drying unit. In particular, the purpose of the present invention is to provide a manufacturing line according to claim 1 for manufacturing a compostable capsule for preparation products, the capsule being made from a first and a second complementary half-cover manufactured respectively from a first and second sheet of biodegradable paper-based material. The claimed manufacturing line comprises a first forming line for shaping the first half-cover and a second forming line for shaping the second half-cover, each of the first and second forming lines comprising: - a handling unit for handling the biodegradable paper-based material sheet; the biodegradable paper-based material sheet being coated on one side, defined as the inner side, with a biodegradable gas barrier polymer, the other side of the sheet being defined as the outer side; - a humidification unit to moisten the outer side of the sheet of biodegradable paper-based material; - an optional pre-drying unit to dry, at least partially, the outer side of the sheet of biodegradable paper-based material; - a forming unit for giving the sheet of biodegradable paper-based material the shape of a half-cover having an inner side corresponding to the inner side of the sheet of biodegradable paper-based material and an outer side corresponding to the outer side of the sheet of biodegradable paper-based material; and - a drying unit for drying the external and / or internal side of the semi-deck; According to the invention, the forming line comprises at least one humidity sensor for detecting the relative humidity level of the biodegradable paper-based material forming the capsule, on the outer side of the capsule, said at least one humidity sensor being positioned before or after at least one 1903070 of 24 of the handling unit, the humidification unit, the optional pre-drying unit, the forming unit and the drying unit. By detecting the relative humidity of the paper-based material forming the capsule at different locations and stages of capsule manufacturing, humidity sensors allow for optimal control of this parameter throughout the production line. This is important because the humidity level in the paper packaging can impact the shelf life of the final product, in this case the capsule, and can influence the quality of the product contained within the paper packaging, in this case the prepared products. The fact that the capsule is made from two similar half-shells results in the duplication of the forming line. The manufacturing line can also be designed to form a capsule comprising a half-cover and a cap membrane. In this case, the invention provides a manufacturing line for producing a compostable capsule made of a half-cover and a lid membrane that closes the opening of the half-cover, the half-cover and lid membrane being manufactured respectively from a first and second sheet of biodegradable paper-based material, wherein the manufacturing line comprises a forming line for shaping a half-cover and a lid forming line for forming the lid membrane. The forming line and the lid manufacturing line comprise: - a handling unit for handling the biodegradable paper-based material sheet; the biodegradable paper-based material sheet being coated on one side (B), defined as the inner side, with a biodegradable gas barrier polymer, the other side (A) of the sheet being defined as the outer side; - a humidification unit for moistening the outer side (A) of the sheet of biodegradable paper-based material, the humidification unit being optional for the lid forming line; - an optional pre-drying unit for drying, at least, and at least partially, the outer side (A) of the sheet of biodegradable paper-based material; - a forming unit for giving the sheet of biodegradable paper-based material the shape of a half-cover or lid membrane having an inner side (B) that corresponds to the inner side (B) of the sheet of 1903070 of 24 biodegradable paper-based material and an outer side (A) corresponding to the outer side (A) of the sheet of biodegradable paper-based material, the forming unit being optional to the lid forming line; and - a drying unit for drying the outer side (A) and / or the inner side (B) of the semi-deck; According to the invention, the forming line and / or the lid forming line comprises at least one humidity sensor for detecting the relative humidity level of the biodegradable paper-based material forming the capsule on the outer side of the capsule, said at least one humidity sensor being positioned before or after at least one of the handling unit, the humidifying unit, the optional pre-drying unit, the forming unit, and the drying unit. In particular, at least one humidity sensor is positioned: - After the handling unit and before the humidification unit, and / or - After the humidification unit and before the forming unit, and / or - After the forming unit and before the drying unit, and / or - After the drying unit. This allows measuring the water content in the biodegradable paper-based material at a different location on the manufacturing line to ensure control of the relative humidity of the paper-based material during the manufacturing process. In more detail, the manufacturing line comprises a control unit that receives the relative humidity values ​​measured on the outer side of the sheet and / or the outer side of the biodegradable paper-based material semi-cover measured online by at least one humidity sensor. The advantage of the control unit is that it can regulate the moisture content of the biodegradable material to the desired level. Furthermore, the control unit ensures that the moisture level remains constant, thus guaranteeing high processing capacity. According to a first possible feature of the production line, the control unit regulates one or more parameters of the humidification unit according to the online relative humidity value measured by the humidity sensor positioned after the handling unit and before the humidification unit, and optionally also by the humidity sensor positioned after the unit. 1903070 of 24 humidification and before the training unit. Using information on relative humidity values, the humidification unit can adjust the water content in the biodegradable paper to the optimal level. This also allows the biodegradable paper to be formed under the best possible conditions. In particular, one parameter of the humidification unit regulated by the control unit is the amount of liquid used to humidify the outer side of the sheet of biodegradable paper-based material, the amount of liquid being regulated with at least one or more of liquid flow, liquid pressure and humidification time. Clearly, the amount of water applied to biodegradable paper can be regulated through various parameters: water flow, water pressure, water temperature, nozzle spray time, number of nozzles, geometric configuration, and others. Applying the correct amount of water to the biodegradable paper allows for optimal paper forming. Regulation can be implemented based on one or more of these parameters, depending on the requirements, providing significant flexibility in the manufacturing process and production line control system. Clearly, applying the desired amount of liquid to the biodegradable paper ensures that the deformation is carried out under optimal conditions, which ensures the formation of paper capsules without any damage such as cracks, wrinkles, or others during manufacturing. An additional parameter of the humidification unit regulated by the control unit is selected from the list of liquid type, liquid temperature, humidification unit configuration or a combination of these, allowing for optimal flexibility in regulation. For example, for optimal shape of capsule elements (the half-cover, lid membrane) the relative humidity value is measured on the outer side of the sheet of biodegradable paper-based material by the humidity sensor positioned after the humidification unit and before the forming unit, and is between 15 and 30%. The proposed installation allows for a wide range of humidity levels, thus ensuring that the line can operate with different versions of biodegradable paper materials, thereby ensuring the possibility of having paper capsules with different properties. According to a second possible characteristic of the manufacturing line, the The 1903070 24-unit control unit regulates one or more parameters of the drying unit according to the online relative humidity value measured by the humidity sensor positioned after the forming unit and before the drying unit, and optionally also by the humidity sensor positioned after the drying unit. This feature ensures controlled and precise drying of the paper material within the production line according to the requirements. In particular, one parameter of the drying unit regulated by the control unit is the one selected from the list comprising the volume of the airflow, the temperature of the airflow, the dryness of the air, and the exposure time of the semi-cover to the airflow. The ability to dry different levels of humidity allows the biodegradable paper to be moistened to the optimal moisture level for the deformation process, thus obtaining products with improved quality. Drying parameters include, for example, airflow volume, airflow temperature, air dryness, exposure time of biodegradable paper to air, and geometric configuration. In fact, having a different parameter to dry biodegradable paper to the desired level of dryness allows working with different humidity levels, with different types of biodegradable paper, and allows reducing energy consumption to a minimum. For example, for an optimal shape of the capsule elements (the half-cover, lid membrane) the relative humidity value measured on the outer side of the biodegradable paper-based half-cover by the humidity sensor (S4) positioned after the drying unit is less than 6%. In fact, using dry capsules is mandatory to meet food safety requirements, and consumers also expect a dry product. Damp capsules could potentially encourage the growth of microorganisms in the coffee capsules and shorten the product's shelf life. According to a second possible feature of the manufacturing line, the control unit regulates one or more parameters of the forming unit according to the online relative humidity value measured by the humidity sensor that is positioned after the humidification unit and before the forming unit. In fact, knowing the moisture level of biodegradable paper allows for optimal adjustment of the forming tool's parameters, with the goal of deforming the paper under optimal conditions. Some of the parameters that can be 1903070 of 24 regulated in the forming tool are the temperature of the forming die and plunger, plunger speed, clamping force for the paper (upper and lower compression force part of the forming tool), cycle time of the forming process. As mentioned, the forming line of the manufacturing line may include a pre-drying unit. As a possible option, the control unit can regulate one or more parameters of the pre-drying unit according to the online relative humidity value measured by the humidity sensor (S1), which is positioned after the handling unit and before the pre-drying unit. This is an advantage because the pre-drying unit allows for much greater flexibility in the forming process. For example, if the paper needs to be very wet, it can be pre-dried, ensuring the required moisture level in the forming unit. It also helps guarantee that the biodegradable paper has a consistent moisture level throughout the section. According to an additional feature, the manufacturing line comprises: - a filling unit to fill the half-cover with a certain amount of prepared product; - a pressing unit to compact the prepared product inside the semi-covered area: - a sealing unit, the sealing unit that receives the complementary half-cover and seals the half-covers together; and - a cutting unit. The invention also relates to a system for measuring and regulating the relative humidity of the biodegradable paper-based material that forms the complementary portions of the capsule. Accordingly, according to another aspect of the invention, a system for measuring and regulating the relative humidity of a sheet of biodegradable paper-based material is proposed according to claim 15. The system comprises: - an in-line humidification unit to moisten the outer side of the sheet of biodegradable paper-based material to form a half-cover; - an in-line drying unit for drying the outer side of the semi-cover made of biodegradable paper-based material sheet; - an online humidity measurement system that measures the relative humidity of the outer side of the paper-based material sheet 1903070 of 24 biodegradable and / or the outer side of the half-cover made of the sheet of biodegradable paper-based material; - an online humidity control system; More specifically, the online humidity control system regulates the humidity of the outer side of the biodegradable paper-based material sheet by regulating the online humidification unit and / or the drying of the semi-cover made of the biodegradable paper-based material sheet by regulating the online drying unit based on the online humidity measurement system. As an advantage, the various closed-loop control cycles allow the biodegradable paper to be deformed under optimal conditions. These closed-loop control cycles are applied continuously, making it possible to maintain the production line and process under optimal conditions. As an additional proposal, the online humidity regulation system regulates the humidity on the outer side of the biodegradable paper-based material sheet by regulating the temperature of the forming unit. Similarly, regulating the temperature of the forming unit has the advantage that the deformation of the biodegradable paper can be carried out under optimal conditions that ensure that the paper capsules meet the quality requirements. In particular, the online humidity measurement system comprises at least one humidity sensor to detect the relative humidity level of the outer side of the biodegradable paper-based material sheet and / or the outer side of the semi-cover made of the biodegradable paper-based material sheet. The advantage of measuring humidity levels at various stages of the process ensures that the different units throughout the manufacturing line, the humidification unit, and the forming unit operate under optimal conditions, to ensure the paper capsules meet quality standards. According to an additional aspect, the inventions relate to a manufacturing process comprising the steps of measuring the relative humidity of at least one side of the sheet (3) of biodegradable paper-based material that forms one of the complementary portions (4a, 4b, 6) of the capsule (5) and regulating the different stages of this process according to the relative humidity measured in one or more of the forming stages. Finally, a method is proposed for manufacturing a compostable capsule for 1903070 of 24 preparation products made of biodegradable paper-based material having gas barrier properties according to claim 18. The manufacturing method comprises the following stages: - Prepare a first and a second sheet of biodegradable paper-based material; - to shape said first sheet into at least a first half-cover; - to shape said second sheet into a second half-cover; - fill the first half-cover with a predetermined amount of preparation product; - compact the predetermined amount of preparation product inside the first half-cover - joining said first half-cover to said second half-cover to form a capsule that houses said preparation product; - the forming steps of the first and second sheets of biodegradable paper-based material in the first and second half-cover of the claimed manufacturing method comprise the steps of: - moisten at least a first portion of the first leaf and a second portion of said second leaf; - Measure the relative humidity of the first portion of the first leaf and the second portion of the second leaf - to form said first and said second portion to manufacture the first and second half-cover, - dry the first and second half-cover. - measure the relative humidity of the first and second half-roof; and - regulate the wetting stage and / or the forming stage and / or the drying stage according to the relative humidity measured in one or more stages of the forming stages The proposed manufacturing method allows for a stable production process with optimal quality of the capsules produced. According to a further aspect of the invention, the proposed manufacturing line using a system for measuring and regulating the relative humidity of a biodegradable paper-based material used to manufacture a compostable capsule using the proposed method for manufacturing a compostable capsule allows the use of a compostable capsule made from a biodegradable paper-based material as claimed in claim 19. 1903070 of 24 BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES The invention is further described with reference to the following examples. It will be appreciated that the claimed invention is not intended to be limited in any way by these examples. The embodiments of the present invention will now be described, by way of example, with reference to the accompanying figures in which: Figure 1a is a schematic cross-sectional view of the compostable capsule according to the present invention; Figure 2a is a schematic cross-sectional view of a compostable capsule according to a second embodiment of the invention; Figure 2 shows a forming line of a packaging manufacturing line for a compostable capsule for preparation products according to the present invention; Figure 3 is a schematic view of a manufacturing line for packaging a compostable capsule for preparation products according to the present invention, which integrates the manufacturing line of Figure 2; and Figure 4 is a schematic view of a forming line according to another embodiment of the invention, which integrates a pre-drying unit. DETAILED DESCRIPTION As used in this description and in the accompanying claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural referents unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Thus, for example, a reference to “a fluid” or “the fluid” includes two or more fluids. The words “include,” “includes,” and “that includes” should be interpreted inclusively rather than exclusively. Similarly, the terms “includes,” “that include,” and “or” should be interpreted to be inclusive, unless such a construction is clearly prohibited by the context. However, the devices and apparatus described herein may lack any element not specifically described. Therefore, a description of a modality using the term “comprising” includes a description of modalities “consisting essentially of” and “consisting of” the identified components. Similarly, the methods described herein may lack any step not specifically described herein. Therefore, a description of a modality using the term “comprising” includes a description of modalities “consisting of” 1903070 of 24 essentially in” and “which consist of” the identified stages. The term “and / or” used in the context of “X and / or Y” should be interpreted as “X,” or “Y,” or “X and Y.” Similarly, at least one of “X or Y” should be interpreted as “X,” or “Y,” or “X and Y.” When used herein, the terms “example” and “such as,” particularly when followed by a list of terms, are used only as examples and illustrations and should not be considered exclusive or exhaustive. Any modality described herein may be combined with any other modality described herein unless explicitly stated otherwise. As used in the present description, “approximately” or “around” are understood to refer to numbers within a range of numbers, e.g., the range of -10% to +10% of the reference number, preferably within -5% to +5% of the reference number, with greater preference within -1% to +1% of the reference number, with maximum preference within -0.1% to +0.1% of the reference number. Numerical adjectives, such as “first” and “second,” are used simply to distinguish components. These numerical adjectives do not imply the presence of other components, relative positioning, or any chronological implementation. In this sense, the presence of a “second” structure does not imply that a “first” structure is necessarily present. Furthermore, in this sense, a “second” element can be obtained and / or used before, after, or simultaneously with any “first” element. Any reference to prior art documents in this specification should not be deemed as an admission that such prior art is widely known or forms part of common knowledge in the field. Figure 1a represents a schematic cross-sectional view of a compostable paper capsule 5 made according to the invention. Capsule 5 is made of two sealed halves, 4a and 4b, enclosing a predetermined quantity of brewing product 5a. The brewing product may be, for example, coffee, tea, or another ingredient or mixture of ingredients used to prepare a beverage in a beverage preparation machine. Each half-cover comprises a rim 20 that allows for proper sealing and easier handling of the capsule by the consumer. Capsule 5 is generally held in the beverage preparation machine using rim 20. Each half-deck, 4a and 4b, is manufactured from a sheet 3a, respectively 3b of 1903070 of 24 biodegradable paper-based material that has gas barrier properties. Therefore, the half-cover 4 (either 4a or 4b) is manufactured from a sheet 3 (either 3a or 3b) of biodegradable paper-based material that has gas barrier properties through a specific forming process that will be discussed later in the description. The gas barrier properties are obtained thanks to a coating applied to at least one side of the paper material. The coating is essentially made of a biopolymer, for example, PBAT, PBS, or PLA. A biopolymer is defined as a biodegradable and / or compostable polymer. The biopolymer could be domestically and / or industrially compostable in accordance with current regulations. In more detail, the term “compostable” means that the material breaks down substantially within a few months or weeks. It can be domestically or industrially compostable. When industrially composted, the material is at least approximately 90% composted under specific conditions within six months, as determined by the ISO 14855 or EN 13432 method. The polymer can even be bio-based, that is, made from non-petroleum-based materials (monomers). The paper material is parchment paper with a specific treatment that allows for conformability. In this case, the paper-based material is coated on one side with a biopolymer that has gas barrier properties, as in the examples mentioned above. The paper is initially in the form of a sheet with two sides. Side A is defined as the outer side, and side B is defined as the inner side. The biopolymer is applied to side B, which is the inner side that will be formed at the end of the manufacturing process, housing the interior of capsule 5. Therefore, the biopolymer is in contact with the preparation products. This definition of inner and outer sides, A and B, will also be used for half-cover 4 and capsule 5 throughout the description. The inner sides B of half-covers 4a, 4b, and capsule 5 are the sides that will form the housing for the preparation products. The outer sides A of half-cover 4 and capsule 5 are the sides facing outwards from the capsule. Throughout this application, the biodegradable paper-based material is intended to encompass a paper material to which a biopolymer with gas barrier properties is applied. The biodegradable paper-based material that is 1903070 of 24 usa currently belongs to the company AHLSTROM MUNKJO. The biodegradable paper-based material is presented as a sheet of biodegradable paper-based material on a roll. For ease of reading, the term paper will be used to designate the biodegradable paper-based material in the current description. Figure 1b shows a schematic view of a compostable paper capsule 5 made according to another embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the capsule 5 comprises a half-cover 4 and a flat membrane 6 sealed to the half-cover 4. As mentioned above, both parts of the capsule 5 are made of a biodegradable paper-based material. One sheet of paper 3a is formed as a half-cover 4, and another sheet of paper 3b forms a membrane to cover the opening of the half-cover 4. The membrane is generally flat or corrugated and may need to be shaped. In some cases, the membrane 6 may not be shaped, and the sheet of paper is used directly (without prior shaping) after a preparation process, if necessary, such as humidification and / or pre-cutting. Figure 2 depicts a forming line 2 for the half-cover 4 (either 4a or 4b, the forming lines being similar) made from biodegradable paper-based material, part of a compostable capsule manufacturing line 1 5 that will be described in further detail. Manufacturing line 1 and forming line 2 are designed to comply with food regulations in production. The forming line 2 includes at its inlet a handling unit 7 for storing and unwinding the paper. In handling unit 7, the paper is unwound and provided for further processing along the line. The paper may remain as part of the paper roll or it may be cut into portions. In both cases, the text paper sheet will be used. Before being inserted into handling unit 7, the paper rolls can be stored in an area with controlled humidity. Once unrolled, the paper is inserted and proceeded to a humidification unit 8. The purpose of humidification unit 8 is to moisten at least one side of the paper. In practice, the side that is moistened is the outer side A, the side that does not contain the biopolymer. The words “humidification” and “humidification” in this description have 1903070 of 24 have the same meaning and will be used interchangeably. Humidification unit 8 moistens the paper by spraying a liquid onto it. The humidification unit's spray arrangement uses, for example, spray nozzles. This method proposes the use of spray elements in humidification unit 8 to humidify the paper; however, other humidification devices can be used. For example, applicator rollers that use brushes or sponges. The liquid is food-grade and completely safe for human consumption. This liquid is a water-based liquid (water with one or more additional elements that can improve conformability) or water. The water used can be community water with specific UV treatment or demineralized water from a reverse osmosis process. The main point is to have water that fully meets nutritional requirements. The amount of water applied to the paper is regulated online according to a different parameter that will influence the relative humidity level of the paper. The amount of water can be regulated by one or more of the following parameters: - water flow, - water pressure, - water temperature which can vary from 20 to 80 °C, - nozzle spray time, - number of active nozzles, - geometric configuration of the nozzles, As an example, the spray nozzle arrangement may comprise 4 nozzles to spray an amount of water between 10 and 70 g / m2 of paper. Nozzles can be manufactured from stainless steel and food-grade sealing material (e.g., food-grade PTFE). When it comes out of the humidification unit 8, the relative humidity of the paper must be between 15 and 30% to have the proper shape and to avoid cracks, wrinkles or any other appearance defects in the half-cover and its edge. Once the paper sheet 3 is moistened on its outer side A, the paper enters a forming unit 9 to shape the sheet into the desired form. In this case, the desired form may be a half-coated sheet 4. 1903070 of 24 The forming unit 9 comprises a piston and a cavity (not shown), between which the sheet of paper 3 is positioned. The training process can be divided into several stages. The training unit may include: - a cutting area for cutting the paper sheet at specific locations to release stresses applied to the paper sheet during and after forming the half-cover. - a stamping area to shape (a portion of) the sheet of paper into a half-cover For example, before undergoing the specific shaping process, the paper sheet 3 can be pre-cut in different locations (on the paper sheet) to reduce any stresses that may be applied once the half-cover 4 is formed. The paper pre-cut can have different shapes and / or lengths depending on the characteristics of the paper being used. The pre-cut unit is not shown in the figures. In fact, the sheet of paper 3, according to its dimensions, can allow the formation of a certain number of half-covers 4. After an optional pre-cut of paper sheet 3, paper sheet 3 is positioned between the plunger and the cavity which is then directed towards The training process is regulated by several parameters that can be combined when possible or necessary, such as: - the shape of the cavity and the piston, - the cavity and plunger material (surface roughness, material, friction, die and / or plunger coating, etc.), - the speed of the movements, - The clamping force applied to the paper allows wrinkles to be flattened during forming, - empty on the side of the cavity, - paper moisture level (relative humidity), - paper composition and properties, etc. At the end of training unit 9, the paper sheet 3 is formed into a series of half-covers 4. The 4-layer cover is then dried to ensure a stable process and the supply of a repeatable product. A drying unit 10 completes forming line 2. Drying unit 10 dries the paper to the desired level by, for example, blowing 1903070 of 24 air on paper. When paper drying (in the form of a half-cover) is done by blowing air, the paper drying can be regulated by one or more of the following parameters: - volume airflow, - Airflow temperature, - dry air, - exposure time of the paper to air, - geometric configuration, - etc. When regulating paper drying based on the parameters mentioned above, the relative humidity of the air must be considered and the parameters must be adjusted if the relative humidity of the air increases. As an example, the proposed drying unit makes use of a total airflow of between 2,500 and 3,000 m3 / hour and the air being blown has a temperature that varies from approximately 20° to 40°C. An alternative drying system can be used without deviating from the described technical solution. For example, a drying unit that uses heat means that close-contact paper drying can be used. At the end of the drying process, when the half-cover comes out of the drying unit, the relative humidity of the paper that forms the half-cover should not be greater than 5%. A tailored hygienic design ensures that food safety requirements are fully met. For example, the air blown over the shaped (semi-coated) paper or membrane must be free of any contaminants. To reduce the risk of microbial growth, the relative humidity should be between 30 and 70%. The forming line 2 also comprises a series of sensors, S1, S2, S3, and S4. These sensors are humidity sensors that allow the detection of the relative humidity of the paper material, whether it is a sheet 3 or when it is formed as a half-cover 4 or a membrane 6. Sensors S1, S2, S3, and S4 measure the relative humidity of the paper on its outer side (side A) in real time. The measured values ​​are used to control the entire process and, in particular, to regulate the humidification unit 8, the forming unit 9, and the drying unit 10. 1903070 of 24 As can be seen in Figure 2, sensor S1 is positioned after the handling unit and before the humidification unit, sensor S2 is positioned after the humidification unit and before the forming unit, sensor S3 is positioned after the forming unit and before the drying unit, and sensor S4 is positioned after the drying unit. Therefore, S1 records the relative humidity (RH) of the incoming paper once it has been handled by handling unit 7. S2 records the RH of the paper after the humidification unit; the RH at this stage of the process and to ensure proper and correct shaping of the half-cover must be between 15 and 30%. S 3 records the HR of the paper after the training unit. S 4 records the RH of the paper after the drying unit at this stage of the process and to ensure an acceptable shelf life and stable storage of capsule 5 (once formed and housing preparation products) it must be less than 6%, generally between 2 and 6%. One type of sensor that can be used is a microwave system. The sensor's measurement principle uses the microwave radiographic method; An electromagnetic field is applied, causing the water molecules to rotate (microwave-activated water molecules). Dielectric losses are measured, and the energy loss is an indication of the water content in the paper. Other types of sensors known to the expert in the technique may be used. In the proposed line, all sensors S1, S2, S3, and S4 are connected to a control unit 11 that analyzes the relative humidity detected at different locations within the forming unit and continuously regulates the various parameters of one or more of the humidification, forming, and drying units. This regulation can be achieved using control modules. - The R1 module regulates the parameters of the humidification unit. The main parameters used for regulation are the amount of water, the temperature, the time, and the water pressure applied. The R2 module regulates the parameters of the forming unit. The main parameters used for regulation are the temperature of one or more of the cavities and the piston, as well as the speed of the movements and the clamping force. - The R3 module regulates the parameters of the drying unit. 1903070 of the 24 main parameters used for regulation are the amount of air blowing, the air temperature, the dryness (relative humidity) of the incoming air and the time the air is blown over the paper. This online measurement and regulation of the relative humidity of the paper (in the form of a sheet or in a half-cover or as a membrane) with a continuous closed-loop control system is particularly effective in ensuring consistent quality of the capsules being manufactured. In one mode, the amount of water applied to the paper by the humidification unit is regulated online according to the relative humidity values ​​measured by S1 and S2, and the amount of air blown onto the paper by the drying unit is regulated online according to the relative humidity values ​​measured by S3 and S4. Humidity regulating loops use two basic regulating loops that are continuously applied in the humidification unit (and related process) and in the drying unit (and related process). The humidification process can be regulated as follows: Sensors S1 and S2 measure the paper moisture online before and after humidification unit 8 respectively. - If the S2 value measurement is less than the established point (15-30% HR): a. increased water flow, b. increased “nozzle open” time - If the value measured by S2 is greater than the established point (15-30% of HR): a. decrease in water flow, b. reduction of “open nozzle” time The values ​​for decreasing or increasing the above parameters consider the HR value measured by S1 and adapt them in a continuous regulation loop. The drying process is regulated as follows: Sensors S3 and S4 measure the relative humidity of the paper online before and after drying unit 10 respectively. - If the value measured by S4 is less than the established point (2-6% of HR): a. decreased airflow, b. decrease in air temperature 1903070 of 24 - If the value measured by S4 is greater than the established point (2-6% of HR): a. increased airflow, b. increase in air temperature The values ​​for decreasing or increasing the above parameters take into account the HR value measured by S3 and adapt them in a continuous regulation loop. Additional parameters can also be regulated in addition to those mentioned above, to accelerate reaching the set point of the HR before the forming unit 9 and after the drying unit 10. For example, the temperature of the water used to humidify the paper and the temperature of the forming tool (cavity and plunger) in the forming unit can be regulated. - Forming tool: The temperature of the forming tool can be regulated between 20 °C and 120 °C. - The water sprayed onto the paper in the humidification unit: The temperature can be regulated between 20 and 80 °C. The temperature difference between the water in the humidification unit and the forming tool must be controlled to prevent thermal reactions in the paper. The maximum difference should be approximately 40°C; for example, the forming tool at 100°C and the water (humidification unit) at 60°C. Figure 3 represents a schematic view of a packaging manufacturing line 1 for the proposed compostable capsule 5 according to the present invention, which integrates the manufacturing line of Figure 2. The packaging manufacturing line 1 comprises a forming line 2a, similar to the forming line described in Figure 2, which forms a lower half-cover of biodegradable paper-based material, as shown in the figure. The manufacturing line 1 also comprises a forming line 2b, similar to the forming line described in Figure 2, which forms an upper half-cover of biodegradable paper-based material, as shown in the figure. Therefore, the forming line 2a shapes a sheet of paper 3a, a half-cover 4a positioned as a lower portion of the capsule. In addition to the handling unit 7, the humidifying unit 8, and the drying unit 9, and the control unit 11 described in relation to Figure 2, together with the measuring and regulating system, it comprises a filling unit 12 and a pressing unit 13. 1903070 of 24 The filling unit 12, once the half-cover is in the right position within the filling unit, fills a preparation product 5a into the lower half-cover 4a. The filling unit may use a screw conveyor to supply the predetermined quantity of preparation products. The filling unit 12 must accurately supply the preparation product so that no preparation product extends over the edge 20 of the half-cover 4. A person skilled in the art may use other known types of fillers to achieve the same result. The pressing unit 13 compacts the preparation product 5a within the lower half-cover 4a. The compaction force and duration are adjusted to achieve the desired compaction result. Ideally, the preparation product should be compacted to prevent any particles from dispersing within the lower half-cover 4a or onto the rim 20. The compacted preparation product fully contributes to the integrity of the capsule 5. For example, the preparation product should be compacted sufficiently to prevent the capsule 5 from bending. The proper design of the pressing station 13 is known to those skilled in the art. The forming line 2b, similar to forming line 2 described in relation to Figure 2, forms, from a sheet of paper 3b, a half-shell 4b positioned as the upper portion of a capsule. The forming line 2b comprises, in addition to the handling unit 7, the humidifying unit 8, the drying unit 10, and the control unit 11b, a conveying line 16 for transporting the half-shell 4b, which forms the upper portion of the capsule, to forming line 2a at a location after the pressing station 13. After the joining of both forming lines 2a and 2b at a common point where the half-cover 4b (which forms the upper portion of the capsule) is positioned on top of the half-cover 4a (which forms the lower portion of the capsule), manufacturing line 1 comprises a sealing station 14. The sealing unit 14 seals the two half-covers 4a and 4b, thus forming a closed cavity for the preparation products. The sealing is done at the edge location of both half-covers thanks to the biopolymer using thermal sealing or ultrasonic sealing technologies. Before the sealing unit, a sensor S5 is provided to measure the relative humidity of the half-cover 4a, which forms the lower portion of the capsule. The sensor S5 is connected to the control unit 11 and allows for further regulation of the paper's relative humidity via the regulation modules R1, R2, or R3. 1903070 of 24 depending on the measured HR value. A final cutting unit 15 is present at the end of the manufacturing line to individualize the capsules 5 by concentrically cutting the capsules around the edge 20. Manufacturing line 1 may further comprise one end of the line unit (not shown) for collecting and packaging capsules 5. The proposed production line sensors S1, S2, S3, S4, and S5 measure the relative humidity of the paper (external side as defined) online. These values ​​are used to control the entire process and to regulate the humidification unit 8, the forming unit 9, and the drying unit 10. All units on production line 1 are designed to be hygienic and serve to meet any mandatory food requirements (food safety). In another embodiment of manufacturing line 1, the manufacturing line comprises a forming line 2 for shaping a half-shell that forms the lower portion of a capsule and is filled with preparation products, and a cap forming line for forming a cap membrane for the half-shell. The cap forming line comprises the same handling and drying unit as the forming line 2. The cap forming line may further comprise a humidification line if the paper material needs to be stretched to form the membrane. The forming unit is optional since the cap membrane is a flat portion of the biodegradable paper-based material described above in relation to Figures 1a and 1b. The other units on the production line are similar. Therefore, the capsule 5 formed is the capsule shown in Figure 1b. Figure 4 shows a schematic view of the forming line 2 described in Figure 2, which incorporates a pre-drying unit 17 positioned after the humidifying unit 8. The pre-drying unit 17 has the same functionality as the drying unit 10 as described above. In some specific cases, a pre-drying unit 17 may be required to better control the relative humidity of the paper before forming in the forming unit 9. Pre-drying can be performed on both sides of the paper if necessary. As an option, which is not shown, the drying unit 10 can be combined within the forming unit 8 so that it forms a single unit 1903070 of 24 entity. Humidity sensors can be rearranged as needed. Although the invention has been described in an illustrative manner, it should be appreciated that variations and modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the invention as defined in the claims. Furthermore, where known equivalents of specific features exist, such equivalents are incorporated as if they were specifically referenced in this specification. 1903070 of 24 Federico Aulmann - 20219535830 Digitally signed by PORTALTRAM ITES - INPI Date: 2022.07.29 13:07:36 -03:00 Reason: Digitally Signed by the INPI Location: Buenos Aires, Argentina 1903070

Claims

1. A manufacturing line (1) for manufacturing a compostable capsule (5) for preparation products (5a), said capsule (5) being made from the first and second complementary half-cover (4a, 4b) manufactured respectively from a first and second sheet (3a, 3b) of biodegradable paper-based material, or said capsule (5) being made from a half-cover (4) and a lid membrane (6) closing the opening of the half-cover (4), the half-cover (4) and a lid membrane (6) being manufactured respectively from a first and second sheet (3a, 3b) of biodegradable paper-based material, said manufacturing line comprising a first forming line (2, 2a) for shaping the first half-cover (4a) and a second lid forming line (2b) for forming the second half-cover (4b), or a forming line (2) for shaping a half-cover (4) and a lid forming line for shaping the lid membrane (6),each of the first and second forming lines (2, 2a, 2b) and the cap manufacturing line comprising: - a handling unit (7) for handling the sheet (3) of biodegradable paper-based material; the sheet of biodegradable paper-based material being coated on one side (B), defined as the inner side, with a biodegradable gas barrier polymer, the other side (A) of the sheet being defined as the outer side; - a humidification unit (8) for moistening the outer side (A) of the sheet (3) of biodegradable paper-based material, the humidification unit (8) being optional for the cap forming line; - an optional pre-drying unit (17) for drying, at least, and at least partially,the outer side (A) of the sheet (3) of biodegradable paper-based material; - a forming unit (9) for shaping the sheet (3) of biodegradable paper-based material into a half-cover (4) or a lid membrane (6) having an inner side (B) corresponding to the inner side (B) of the sheet (3) of biodegradable paper-based material and an outer side (A) corresponding to the outer side (A) of the sheet (3) of biodegradable paper-based material, the forming unit (9) being optional for the lid forming line; and - a drying unit (10) for drying the outer side (A) and / or the inner side (B) of the half-cover (4); characterized in that the forming line (2) and / or the forming line comprises at least one humidity sensor (S1, S2, S3, S4) for detecting the relative humidity level of the biodegradable paper-based material forming the capsule (5) on the outer side (A) of the capsule, said at least one humidity sensor (S1, S2, S3,S4) which is positioned before or after at least one of the handling unit (7), the humidification unit (8), the optional pre-drying unit (17), the forming unit (9) and the drying unit (10) and further characterized in that it comprises a control unit (11) which receives the relative humidity values ​​measured on the outer side (A) of the sheet (3) and / or on the outer side (A) of the semi-cover membrane or lid (6) made of biodegradable paper-based material measured online by at least one humidity sensor (S1, S2, S3, S4),wherein the control unit is configured to regulate one or more parameters of the humidification unit according to the online relative humidity value measured by the humidity sensor (S1) located after the handling unit (7) and before the humidification unit (8) and optionally also by the humidity sensor (S2) located after the humidification unit (8) and before the forming unit (9). Fourteen claims follow.