Apparatus and method for dispensing liquefied fluid into container

Abstract

The invention relates in particular to a device (10) for dispensing a liquefied fluid (F1) into a container (12). The device (10) has a cooling container (14) for receiving a cooling medium (K1). The apparatus (10) has a liquefying device (26) which is arranged in the cooling vessel (14) for cooling and liquefying a gaseous fluid. The apparatus (10) has a storage container (32) which is connected to the liquefying device (26) for receiving the liquefied fluid (F1) from the liquefying device (26) and which is arranged in the cooling container (14) for cooling the liquefied fluid (F1). The apparatus (10) has a dispensing device (38) for dispensing the liquefied fluid (F1) into the container (12), where the dispensing device (38) is connected to the storage container (32) for receiving the liquefied fluid (F1) from the storage container (32).

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to an apparatus for dispensing a liquefied fluid into a container and to a container handling facility having the apparatus. The invention further relates to a method for dispensing a liquefied fluid into a container. BACKGROUND

[0002] It has been known from the prior art for a long time that systems having apparatuses for filling containers. The containers are usually transported along a predetermined transport path, for example a circular transport path, and are filled with a pasty or liquid product, for example a beverage, during the transport. It is also possible to introduce liquid nitrogen into the containers. For example, various properties of plastic containers can be improved in this way. For example, the mechanical load capacity (load-bearing capacity, transportability on a conveyor belt system, handling, etc.) can be improved. The shelf life of the filled product can also be improved by displacing oxygen from the headspace of the container. The haptics, i.e. the grip feeling, and other properties can also be improved. Such apparatuses for introducing liquid nitrogen are referred to, for example, as "nitrogen droppers" ("nitrogen droppers") and the process itself is referred to as "dripping".

[0003] For example, DE 10 2010 051 543 A1 discloses an apparatus for filling containers with a liquid. A filling element fills the containers with the liquid. A transport device transports the containers along a predetermined transport path. An application device applies a further flowable medium to the containers filled with the liquid. The flowable medium contains, for example, nitrogen.

[0004] The disadvantages of conventional apparatuses for delivering a liquefied fluid to containers can include their complexity, the large amount of space required and the relatively high maintenance and repair costs.

[0005] It is an object of the invention to create an improved technology for dispensing a liquefied fluid into a container. Preferably, the associated apparatus should be particularly compact. SUMMARY

[0006] The object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments are indicated in the dependent claims and the description.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus for dispensing a liquefied (e.g., sterile) fluid, preferably (e.g., sterile) nitrogen or (e.g., sterile) oxygen, into a container, preferably a nitrogen drip (dropper). The apparatus has a (e.g., non-pressurized or vacuum) cooling container for holding a cooling medium, preferably a liquid. The apparatus further has a liquefaction device arranged in the cooling container for cooling and liquefying a gaseous fluid, preferably (e.g., sterile) nitrogen or (e.g., sterile) oxygen. The apparatus further has a storage container connected to the liquefaction device for receiving the liquefied fluid from the liquefaction device and arranged in the cooling container for cooling the liquefied fluid. The apparatus further has a dosing device for dispensing the liquefied fluid into a container (e.g., positioned underneath the dosing device), wherein the dosing device is connected to the storage container for receiving the liquefied fluid from the storage container.

[0008] Advantageously, the apparatus can realize a particularly compact structural unit. The condensation device and the storage container can be arranged together in the cooling container and thus jointly use the cooling medium contained in the cooling container for cooling the fluid. This can also advantageously simplify the piping layout in the apparatus. Furthermore, the otherwise critical interface between the condensation device and the storage container can be safely arranged within the cooling container and thus within the cooling medium contained in the cooling container. Advantageously, the operation of the apparatus can also be simplified, since, for example, only one cooling medium fill level (instead of, for example, two cooling medium fill levels) needs to be monitored.

[0009] Preferably, the storage container can be arranged below the liquefaction device, the dosing device can be arranged below the storage container, and / or the container can be positioned underneath the dosing device.

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further has a fluid gas source, preferably a sterile fluid gas source, particularly preferably a sterile nitrogen gas source or a sterile oxygen gas source, wherein the fluid gas source is connected to the liquefaction device for supplying the gaseous fluid to the liquefaction device. This can advantageously ensure that the gaseous fluid is reliably supplied to the liquefaction device.

[0011] In a further exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further has a cooling medium source, preferably a cooling liquid source, particularly preferably a (e.g., non-sterile) liquid nitrogen source, wherein the cooling medium source is connected to the cooling container for supplying the cooling medium to the cooling container. This can advantageously ensure that the cooling medium is reliably supplied to the cooling container.

[0012] In one embodiment, the device further includes a preferably thermistoric coolant level sensor arranged in the cooling container to detect the coolant level. Advantageously, the coolant level and thus the resulting cooling performance can therefore be monitored.

[0013] In another embodiment, the device also includes a preferably thermally sensitive liquefied fluid fill level sensor arranged in the storage container to detect the fill level of the liquefied fluid. Advantageously, the fill level of the liquefied fluid and thus the safe supply of the liquefied fluid to the container can be monitored in this manner.

[0014] In one embodiment variation, the device further includes a processing unit. Preferably, the processing unit may be configured to:

[0015] - The supply of cooling medium from the cooling medium source to the cooling container is adjusted based on the signal output of the cooling medium filling level sensor, preferably to maintain a predetermined cooling medium filling level. At the predetermined cooling medium filling level, the storage container is at least partially, preferably completely, immersed in the cooling medium, and the liquefaction device is at least partially immersed in the cooling medium; and / or

[0016] - Adjust the supply of gaseous fluid from the fluid gas source to the liquefaction device based on the signal output of the liquefied fluid filling level sensor, preferably to maintain a predetermined minimum filling level of liquefied fluid in the storage container.

[0017] Advantageously, this allows for a simple way to ensure the safe and continuous operation of the equipment.

[0018] Preferably, the term "processing device" can refer to electronic facilities (e.g., embodied in drive circuitry or having a microprocessor and data memory) and / or mechanical, pneumatic, and / or hydraulic controllers that can, depending on the configuration, take over control and / or regulation and / or processing tasks. Although the term "control" is used herein, it can also include or be understood as "closed-loop control" or "control with feedback" and / or appropriate "processing".

[0019] In another embodiment variation, the liquefaction unit has a spiral pipeline, and / or the liquefaction unit is preferably arranged directly above the storage container in the cooling container, and / or the liquefaction unit, storage container, cooling container, and dispensing device form a common structural unit. This has the advantage of enabling a particularly compact construction.

[0020] In one exemplary embodiment, the dispensing device has dispensing nozzles for dispensing liquefied fluid into a container. Preferably, the device may also have a processing chamber in which the dispensing nozzles are at least partially arranged for treating, preferably temperature-regulating and / or rinsing, the dispensing nozzles, wherein particularly preferably, the processing chamber is located outside the cooling container. This is advantageous, for example, for preventing the dispensing nozzles from undesirably freezing.

[0021] In another exemplary embodiment, the device further includes a processing medium conduit leading into a processing chamber for supplying (e.g., gaseous) processing medium to the processing chamber for processing the dispensing nozzles, wherein the processing medium conduit is preferably disposed outside the cooling container. Preferably, the processing medium for processing the dispensing nozzles can be introduced into the processing chamber, such that, for example, it can be reliably ensured that the dispensing nozzles do not undesirably freeze.

[0022] In one embodiment variation, the device includes: a heating device connected to a processing medium conduit for heating the processing medium; and / or a temperature sensor connected to the processing medium conduit for detecting the temperature of the processing medium; and / or a processing medium source, preferably (e.g., a sterile) nitrogen gas source, wherein the processing medium source is connected via a processing medium conduit to a processing chamber for supplying at least a portion of the processing medium to the processing chamber. This advantageously ensures a reliable supply of the processing medium at the desired temperature to the processing chamber.

[0023] In another embodiment variant, the device further includes a fluid-gas discharge line connected to a storage container for discharging a preferably gaseous fluid from the storage container. Optionally, the fluid-gas discharge line may be connected to a processing chamber via a processing medium line for supplying the discharged fluid as at least a portion of the processing medium to the processing chamber. Advantageously, the gaseous fluid from the storage container can therefore be used to process the dispensing nozzle.

[0024] In one exemplary embodiment, the liquefied fluid filling level sensor extends through a fluid gas discharge line into the storage container. This advantageously achieves a particularly space-saving arrangement. Furthermore, for example, when using an insulated container in which a cooling container is arranged, the number of entry points / openings in / on the insulated container can be kept as small as possible.

[0025] In one embodiment, the device further includes a cooling medium discharge line connected to a cooling container for discharging preferably evaporated cooling medium from the cooling container, the cooling medium discharge line preferably extending from above into the cooling container. This advantageously allows for the expansion of the liquid cooling medium within the cooling container.

[0026] In another embodiment, the device further includes an insulated container, preferably a vacuum insulated container, wherein a cooling container, a liquefaction device disposed within the cooling container, and a storage container disposed within the cooling container are arranged within the insulated container. This has the advantage of preventing the cooling medium in the container from being heated by the surrounding environment of the device.

[0027] In one embodiment, the device also has a capping device with a lid that is selectively movable, preferably pivotable, to block or release the dispensing opening of the dispensing device. This advantageously enables cleaning of the device (e.g., CIP or SIP).

[0028] In another embodiment, the dispensing device has (e.g., an elongated) valve element. Preferably, the valve element may be movable to meter the liquefied fluid into the container (e.g., for selectively blocking or releasing the dispensing nozzle of the dispensing device). Alternatively or additionally, the valve element may be arranged to partially block the fluid connection between the liquefaction device and the storage container to brake the flow of fluid through the liquefaction device, preferably having a valve seat for the valve element in or on the fluid connection. Particularly preferably, the valve element can thus combine multiple functions, i.e., metering the liquefied fluid into the container on the one hand, and acting as a flow brake on the other hand to improve the liquefaction of gaseous fluid in the liquefaction device.

[0029] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a container processing facility having filling equipment, preferably rotary filling equipment, for filling containers with a filling material (e.g., liquid or paste). The container processing facility also has equipment as disclosed herein, arranged to dispense liquefied fluid into containers filled with contents.

[0030] Alternatively, the container handling facility may also have a closure device arranged to close the filled container supplied with liquefied fluid.

[0031] Preferably, the container handling facility can be configured to perform temperature conditioning, production, cleaning, coating, testing, filling, sealing, pasteurization, labeling, printing, marking, laser marking, and / or packaging of containers for liquid or paste media (preferably beverages, liquid foods, or products in the pharmaceutical or healthcare industries).

[0032] For example, the container can be made into a bottle, can, tube, cardboard box, vial, tube, etc.

[0033] Another aspect of this disclosure relates to a method for dispensing a liquefied (e.g., sterile) fluid, preferably liquefied (e.g., sterile) nitrogen or liquefied (e.g., sterile) oxygen into a container, preferably via an apparatus as disclosed herein (e.g., in a container handling facility as disclosed herein). The method includes:

[0034] -Liquefying a gaseous fluid in a liquefaction device, which is at least partially (e.g., using a spiral line) immersed in a cooling medium bath of a cooling container (e.g., unpressurized or vacuum);

[0035] - The liquefied fluid from the liquefaction unit is stored in a storage container (e.g., directly below the liquefaction unit), which is at least partially, preferably completely, immersed in a cooling medium bath of a cooling container; and

[0036] - The liquefied fluid is dispensed from the storage container into the container (e.g., located below the dispensing device) via a dispensing device.

[0037] Advantageously, this method can achieve the same advantages as those already described with reference to the device. The same applies to the preferred exemplary embodiments of the method described below.

[0038] In one exemplary implementation, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0039] - Preferably, gaseous fluid is supplied to the liquefaction device from a fluid gas source, preferably a sterile fluid gas source, particularly preferably a sterile nitrogen gas source or a sterile oxygen gas source, based on the signal output of a (e.g., thermal) liquefied fluid filling level sensor, which detects the filling level of the liquefied fluid in the storage container.

[0040] - Preferably, the cooling medium is supplied to the cooling container from a cooling medium source, preferably a cooling liquid source, particularly preferably a (e.g., non-sterile) liquid nitrogen source, based on the signal output of a (e.g., thermosensitive) cooling medium filling level sensor, which detects the filling level of the cooling medium bath;

[0041] - The cooling container is insulated in a heat-insulated container, preferably a vacuum-insulated container;

[0042] - The valve elements of the mobile dispensing device are used to quantitatively dispense liquefied fluid into containers; and

[0043] - A valve element of a dispensing device is used to brake the liquefied fluid in the liquefaction device. This valve element partially blocks the fluid connection between the liquefaction device and the storage container, preferably having a valve seat for the valve element in or on the fluid connection.

[0044] In another exemplary embodiment, the method further includes the following:

[0045] - The dispensing nozzle of the dispensing device is treated, preferably with temperature adjustment and / or rinsed, in a processing chamber filled with (e.g., gaseous) processing medium.

[0046] In another exemplary embodiment, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0047] -When the processing medium is supplied to the processing chamber, the processing medium is preferably heated by a heating device according to the signal output of a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the processing medium;

[0048] - Supplying at least a portion of the processing medium from a processing medium source to the processing chamber, preferably (e.g., a sterile) nitrogen gas source; and

[0049] - A preferred gaseous fluid is supplied from the storage container to the processing chamber as a processing medium (e.g., via a processing medium pipeline outside the cooling container).

[0050] The preferred embodiments and features of the present invention described above can be combined with each other as needed. Attached Figure Description

[0051] Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0052] Figure 1 A schematic diagram (simplified PID / piping and instrumentation diagram) of an apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure is shown;

[0053] Figure 2 A schematic / cross-sectional view of an exemplary device is shown;

[0054] Figure 3 It shows Figure 2 A detailed drawing of a portion; and

[0055] Figure 4 It shows Figure 2 A detailed view of another part.

[0056] The embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings correspond at least partially to each other, such that similar or identical parts have the same reference numerals, and in order to avoid repetition, reference is also made to the description of other embodiments or drawings for illustration. Detailed Implementation

[0057] Figures 1 to 4 A device 10 for dispensing liquefied fluid into container 12 is shown. Preferably, device 10 is used as a so-called nitrogen dispenser for dispensing liquefied nitrogen, preferably sterile nitrogen, into container 12. However, for example, device 10 can also be used to dispense liquefied oxygen, preferably sterile oxygen or pure oxygen, into container 12.

[0058] Preferably, the device 10 may be included in a container handling facility (not shown). For example, the container handling facility may have filling equipment and / or sealing equipment.

[0059] The filling device can fill container 12, preferably with a liquid or paste-like medium. The filling device is preferably configured as a rotary filling device. The filling device may have multiple filling valves for simultaneously or overlappingly filling multiple containers 12. For example, the filling valves may be arranged around the periphery of the filling turntable of the rotary filling device.

[0060] The sealing device can seal container 12, for example, with a lid, cork, crown cap, or screw cap. The sealing device can preferably be configured as a rotary sealing device. The sealing device can have multiple sealing stations for simultaneously or overlappingly sealing multiple containers 12. For example, the sealing stations can be arranged around the periphery of the sealing turntable of the rotary sealing device. The sealing device can be arranged downstream of the filling device relative to the container flow.

[0061] The device 10 can then be arranged to dispense liquefied fluid into a container 12 filled with filling material. For example, the device 10 can be arranged in the area of ​​a filling device, a closure device, or a container transport device that connects the filling device and the closure device to each other.

[0062] The device 10 includes a cooling container 14, a liquefaction device 26, a storage container 32, and a dispensing device 38. Additionally, the device 10 may include, for example, a cooling medium source 18, a cooling medium level sensor 22, an insulated container 24, a fluid gas source 30, a liquefied fluid level sensor 36, a processing chamber 52, a heating device 56, a temperature sensor 58, a processing medium source 60, a capping device 66, and / or a processing device 72.

[0063] Particularly preferably, the cooling container 14, the liquefaction device 26, the storage container 32, and the dispensing device 38 form a common structural unit. This common unit may include additional components, such as components 22, 24, 34, 36, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 64, 66, 68, 70, and / or 72.

[0064] The cooling container 14 is configured to hold a preferred liquid cooling medium. Preferably, the cooling medium may be liquid nitrogen. Preferably, the liquid nitrogen is non-sterile.

[0065] Preferably, the cooling container 14 is partially filled with a liquid, preferably unpressurized, cooling medium (cooling medium bath) K1, for example, liquid nitrogen. The cooling medium K1 may, for example, have a temperature of at least -196°C (77K). Cooling medium K2 evaporated from the liquid cooling medium K1 may be collected in the upper part of the cooling container 14. For better distinction, the liquid cooling medium K1 and the evaporated cooling medium K2 are shown in the figures with different shading lines.

[0066] It is also conceivable that the temperature of the cooling medium K1 is reduced to significantly below -196°C. For example, a negative pressure can be generated in the gas space of the cooling container 14 (i.e., above the cooling medium K1 or at the location of the cooling medium K2) via a vacuum pump connected thereto. This allows, for example, the temperature limit of -210°C for the cooling medium K1 to be reached before nitrogen freezes.

[0067] The cooling container 14 may have any shape for receiving the cooling medium K1. For example, the cooling container 14 may be substantially cylindrical, for example having a curved or flat lower portion and / or a curved or flat upper portion. Alternatively, the cooling container 14 may be, for example, substantially spherical or substantially cubic.

[0068] Preferably, the cooling container 14 can be connected to a cooling medium source 18 via a cooling medium supply line 16. The cooling medium source 18 is preferably a cooling liquid source, such as a non-sterile liquid nitrogen source. The cooling medium supply line 16 can enter the upper portion of the cooling container 14, for example, extend into the upper portion.

[0069] The cooling container 14 is preferably connected to the cooling medium discharge line 20. Evaporated cooling medium K2 can be discharged from the cooling container 14 via the cooling medium discharge line 20. Preferably, the cooling medium discharge line 20 extends into the cooling container 14 from above. Therefore, the expansion of the cooling medium K1 can advantageously occur via the cooling medium discharge line 20.

[0070] The coolant level sensor 22 is preferably disposed within the cooling container 14, for example, extending into the cooling container. The coolant level sensor 22 detects the level of the liquid coolant K1 in the cooling container 14. The coolant level sensor 22 may also be referred to as a coolant level probe.

[0071] The coolant filling level sensor 22 can use any known measurement principle to detect the filling level. Preferably, the coolant filling level sensor 22 can be thermally sensitive.

[0072] Preferably, the coolant level sensor 22 extends into the cooling container 14 from above. For example, the coolant level sensor 22 in the cooling container 14 may be surrounded by the liquefaction device 26.

[0073] Preferably, the cooling container 14 is arranged together with the liquefaction device 26 and the storage container 32 in an insulated container 24. The insulated container 24 is preferably a vacuum insulated container. Inside the insulated container 24, in which the cooling container 14 is arranged, a substantially vacuum can exist. The outer circumferential surface of the cooling container 14 can be arranged at a certain distance from the inner circumferential surface of the cooling container 14.

[0074] The insulated container 24 may have any shape for receiving the cooling container 14, etc. For example, the insulated container 24 may be substantially cylindrical, for example having a curved or flat lower portion and / or a curved or flat upper portion. Alternatively, the insulated container 24 may be, for example, substantially spherical or substantially cubic.

[0075] The liquefaction device 26 is arranged in the cooling container 14. Preferably, the liquefaction device 26 may be arranged in the upper part of the cooling container 14. Preferably, the liquefaction device 26 is arranged in the cooling container 14 directly above the storage container 32.

[0076] The liquefaction device 26 liquefies the gaseous fluid flowing through it by cooling with cooling media K1 and K2 in the cooling container 14. The gaseous fluid is preferably sterile gaseous nitrogen or oxygen.

[0077] Preferably, the liquefaction device 26 has a helical (spiral / spiral-shaped) conduit. A gaseous fluid can flow through the helical conduit and be cooled and liquefied. Preferably, the liquefaction device 26 or the helical conduit is at least partially immersed in the liquid cooling medium K1.

[0078] However, instead of the spiral pipeline, other shapes and routes for the liquefaction device 26 or its fluid pipelines are also conceivable, which enable efficient heat exchange with the cooling media K1, K2 in the cooling container 14 for liquefying the gaseous fluid.

[0079] Preferably, the liquefaction device 26 can be connected to the fluid gas source 30 via a fluid gas supply line 28. The fluid gas source 30 can supply gaseous fluid to the liquefaction device 26 via the fluid gas supply line 28. The fluid gas source 30 is preferably a sterile fluid gas source. Particularly preferably, the fluid gas source 30 is a sterile nitrogen gas source. However, the fluid gas source 30 can also be, for example, a sterile oxygen gas source / pure oxygen gas source. Preferably, the fluid gas supply line 28 can extend from above into the cooling container 14 and connect to the liquefaction device 26.

[0080] Storage container 32 is connected to liquefaction device 26 for receiving liquefied fluid from liquefaction device 26, for example, via fluid connection 48. Storage container 32 is arranged in cooling container 14 for cooling the received liquefied fluid. Preferably, storage container 32 may be arranged in the lower portion of cooling container 14. Preferably, storage container 32 is arranged in cooling container 14 directly below liquefaction device 26.

[0081] The liquefied fluid can be (temporarily) stored or buffered in storage container 32. Preferably, storage container 32 is partially filled with liquefied fluid (fluid bath) F1, such as liquid sterile nitrogen or liquid sterile oxygen. Fluid F2 evaporating from liquefied fluid F1 (e.g., during flow to storage container 32) or fluid F2 still in gaseous form from liquefaction device 26 can be collected in the upper portion of storage container 32. Liquefied fluid F1 can expand in storage container 32, for example, to the ambient pressure of device 10 (e.g., the pressure of the insulation of the cleanroom in which device 10 is arranged). For better distinction, liquefied fluid F1 and evaporated fluid F2 are shown in the figures with different shading lines.

[0082] Since the storage container 32 containing the (sterile) liquefied fluid F1 is located in a (non-sterile) liquid cooling medium K1, preferably at least -196°C or colder, this is referred to as a supercooled liquid or so-called liquid supercooling.

[0083] The storage container 32 may have any shape for storing fluids F1 and F2. For example, the storage container 32 may be substantially cylindrical, for example, having a curved or flat lower portion and / or a curved or flat upper portion. Alternatively, the storage container 32 may be, for example, substantially spherical or substantially cubic.

[0084] Preferably, the fluid gas discharge line 34 can be connected to the storage container 32 for discharging fluid F2 from the storage container 32. For example, the fluid gas discharge line 34 can be connected to the upper portion of the storage container 32.

[0085] The fluid gas discharge line 34 may extend upward from the storage container 32, for example. The fluid gas discharge line 34 may preferably extend out of the cooling container 14. Preferably, at least a portion of the fluid gas discharge line 34 may be surrounded by the liquefaction device 26 (e.g., its spiral line).

[0086] The liquefied fluid level sensor 36 is preferably disposed in the storage container 32, for example, extending into the storage container. The liquefied fluid level sensor 36 can detect the level of the liquefied fluid F1 in the storage container 32. The liquefied fluid level sensor 36 may also be referred to as a liquefied fluid level probe.

[0087] The liquefied fluid filling level sensor 36 can use any known measurement principle to detect the filling level. Preferably, the liquefied fluid filling level sensor 36 can be thermally sensitive.

[0088] Preferably, the liquefied fluid filling level sensor 36 extends into the storage container 32 from above. Particularly preferably, the liquefied fluid filling level sensor 36 can extend into the storage container 32 through the fluid gas discharge line 34. Preferably, at least a portion of the liquefied fluid filling level sensor 36 can be surrounded by the liquefaction device 26 (e.g., its helical line).

[0089] The dispensing device 38 is configured to dispense liquefied fluid F1 into container 12. Container 12 may be arranged below the dispensing device 38.

[0090] The dispensing device 38 is connected to the storage container 32. The dispensing device 38 receives liquefied fluid F1 from the storage container 32.

[0091] The dispensing device 38 preferably has a dispensing nozzle 40 and a valve element 44.

[0092] The dispensing nozzle 40 dispenses the liquefied fluid F1 into the container 12. Preferably, the dispensing nozzle 40 can be connected to the storage container 32 via an outlet pipe 42. Preferably, the outlet pipe 42 can extend vertically. For example, the outlet pipe 42 can be connected to the lower portion of the storage container 32 and the upper portion of the dispensing nozzle 40.

[0093] Particularly preferably, the outlet pipe 42 is surrounded by a portion of the cooling container 14, and thus by the liquid cooling medium K1. This portion of the cooling container 14 may then preferably be surrounded by a portion of the insulated container 24.

[0094] Valve element 44 is preferably movable to meter the liquefied fluid F1 into container 12. For example, valve element 44 may selectively open or block the inlet of dispensing nozzle 40. Metering via valve element 44 and dispensing nozzle 40 can be performed continuously or discontinuously.

[0095] The movement of valve element 44 can be driven in any manner. For example, the drive unit 46 of device 10 can drive the movement of valve element 44. The drive unit 46 can be, for example, a mechanical, electrical, electromagnetic, pneumatic, or hydraulic drive unit. The drive unit 46 can be, for example, arranged above the insulated container 24.

[0096] Preferably, the valve element 44 may be elongated, such as rod-shaped. The valve element 44 preferably extends through the insulated container 24, the cooling container 14, the storage container 32, and / or the outlet line 42. Preferably, a portion of the valve element 44 may be surrounded by the liquefaction device 26 (e.g., its helical line).

[0097] Valve element 44 preferably also functions as an (active) flow brake for the liquefied fluid before it flows into storage container 32 in the liquefaction device 26. That is, valve element 44 is preferably arranged to partially block the fluid connection 48 between the liquefaction device 26 and storage container 32 (see details). Figure 3 ).

[0098] Valve element 44 can be configured such that it functions as a flow brake for the liquefied fluid in braking liquefaction device 26, whether valve element 44 is blocking or releasing dispensing nozzle 40 to meter the liquefied fluid F1. In particular, valve element 44 may preferably have a thickened portion 44A, the size (length) of which is set such that when valve element 44 blocks dispensing nozzle 40 and when valve element 44 releases dispensing nozzle 40, the thickened portion completely or partially blocks fluid connector 48.

[0099] Valve element 44 may additionally have a thinned portion 44B. The thinned portion 44B can release this cross-section when the flow cross-section of fluid connection 48, which is larger than the thickened portion 44A, is positioned within fluid connection 48 by the corresponding movement of valve element 44. This may be desirable, for example, in cases where the flow brake needs to be deactivated in other necessary process steps (e.g., sterilization, drying, evacuation), thereby achieving a larger volumetric flow rate through fluid connection 48.

[0100] Particularly preferably, the valve seat 50 of the valve element 44 may be arranged directly in or adjacent to the fluid connection 48 so as to partially block the flow or act as a flow brake.

[0101] Preferably, the dispensing nozzle 40 may be at least partially arranged in the processing chamber / nozzle chamber 52. The dispensing nozzle 40 may perform processing in the processing chamber 52. For example, the dispensing nozzle 40 may perform temperature adjustment and / or rinsing in the processing chamber 52.

[0102] The processing medium conduit 54 can extend into the processing chamber 52 to supply the processing medium B to the processing chamber 52. Preferably, the processing medium conduit 54 can be arranged outside the cooling container 14 and / or the insulated container 24. For example, a portion of the processing medium conduit 54 can extend parallel to the vertical axis of the cooling container 14.

[0103] Preferably, the heating device 56 can be connected to the processing medium pipeline 54 for heating the processing medium B. For example, the heating device 56 can heat the processing medium B as it flows through the processing medium pipeline 54.

[0104] Preferably, the temperature sensor 58 can be connected to the processing medium conduit 54 to detect the temperature of the processing medium B. Preferably, the temperature sensor 58 can be located adjacent to the heating device 56.

[0105] The processing medium source 60 may be, for example, a sterile processing medium source, such as a sterile nitrogen gas source. Preferably, the processing medium source 60 may be connected to the processing chamber 52 via a processing medium conduit 54 for supplying at least a portion of the processing medium B to the processing chamber 52.

[0106] Particularly preferably, the fluid gas discharge line 34 is connected to the processing chamber 52 via the processing medium line 54. Vaporized / gaseous fluid F2 can be supplied from the storage container 32 to the processing chamber 52 as at least a portion of the processing medium B via the fluid gas discharge line 34. Preferably, the processing medium B can therefore be derived in part from the processing medium source 60 and in part from the storage container 32.

[0107] For example, a supply line 62 from the processing medium source 60 and a fluid / gas discharge line 34 may lead to at least one inlet portion 64 of the processing medium line 54. Preferably, the fluid / gas discharge line 34 and the supply line 62 lead to the same inlet portion 64. Preferably, the inlet portion 64 may be arranged inside the insulated container 24 and / or outside the cooling container 14. For example, the inlet portion 64 may be arranged above the cooling container 14 inside the insulated container 24.

[0108] The capping device 66 may have a movable cap 68. The cap 68 is preferably movable such that it can selectively block or release the dispensing opening 70 of the dispensing device 38. Preferably, the dispensing opening 70 may correspond to the outlet of the dispensing nozzle 40, or be located directly below the dispensing nozzle 40. The discharge opening 70 may be a bottom opening of the processing chamber 52.

[0109] Preferably, the cover 68 is pivotable between a release position and a blocking position. The cover 68 may be a cleaning cover, such as a CIP (clean in situ) cover or a SIP (sterilize in situ) cover, which allows the dispensing opening 70 to be closed for cleaning the equipment 10 or for other process steps.

[0110] Processing device 72 (only in) Figure 1 (Illustrated schematically) can be configured as operating device 10.

[0111] For example, the processing device 72 may be configured to operate the drive unit 46 to move the valve element 44 to dispense the liquefied fluid F1 from the device 10 into the container 12.

[0112] For example, the processing device 72 may be configured to regulate the supply of cooling medium from the cooling medium source 18 to the cooling container 14 based on the signal output of the cooling medium filling level sensor 22. Preferably, a predetermined cooling medium filling level may be maintained in this manner, at which the storage container 32 is at least partially, preferably completely, immersed in the cooling medium K1, and the liquefaction device 26 is at least partially immersed in the cooling medium K1.

[0113] For example, the processing device 72 may be configured to regulate the supply of gaseous fluid from the fluid gas source 30 to the liquefaction device 26 based on the signal output of the liquefied fluid fill level sensor 36. Preferably, in this manner, a predetermined minimum liquefied fluid fill level can be maintained in the storage container 32.

[0114] For example, the processing device 72 may be configured to operate the heating device 56 based on the signal output of the temperature sensor 58 for heating the processing medium B flowing through the processing medium conduit 54. Preferably, a minimum temperature of the processing medium B can be achieved in this manner.

[0115] This invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Instead, various variations and modifications are possible, which also utilize the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. Specifically, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of the dependent claims, regardless of the claims they refer to. Specifically, each individual feature of independent claim 1 is disclosed independently of the others. Furthermore, features of the dependent claims are also disclosed independently of all features of independent claim 1, and for example, independently of features relating to the presence and / or configuration of the cooling vessel, liquefaction device, storage container, and / or dispensing device of independent claim 1. All scopes specified herein should be understood to be disclosed in such a way that all values ​​falling within the relevant scope are disclosed individually, for example, also as narrower outer limits of the relevant preferred scope.

[0116] List of reference numerals

[0117] 10 devices

[0118] 12 containers

[0119] 14 cooling containers

[0120] 16 Cooling medium supply piping

[0121] 18 Cooling medium source

[0122] 20 Cooling medium discharge pipe

[0123] 22 Cooling medium filling level sensor

[0124] 24 Insulated Container

[0125] 26 Liquefaction Unit

[0126] 28 Fluid and gas supply lines

[0127] 30 fluid gas sources

[0128] 32 storage containers

[0129] 34 Fluid and gas discharge pipeline

[0130] 36 Liquefied Fluid Filling Level Sensor

[0131] 38 Dispensing Device

[0132] 40 dispensing nozzles

[0133] 42 Outlet Pipeline

[0134] 44 valve components

[0135] 44A thickened portion

[0136] 44B thinning portion

[0137] 46 drive units

[0138] 48 fluid connectors

[0139] 50 valve seat

[0140] 52 processing chambers

[0141] 54 Processing Medium Piping

[0142] 56 Heating Device

[0143] 58 Temperature Sensor

[0144] 60 Processing Media Source

[0145] 62 supply pipelines

[0146] 64 Entrance Section

[0147] 66 Capping Device

[0148] 68 covers

[0149] 70 allocation opening

[0150] 72 processing unit

[0151] B Processing medium

[0152] F1 Liquefied Fluid / Fluid Bath

[0153] F2 vaporization / gaseous fluid

[0154] K1 Liquid Cooling Medium / Cooling Medium Bath

[0155] K2 is the cooling medium for evaporation.

Claims

1. An apparatus (10) for dispensing a liquefied fluid (F1), preferably nitrogen or oxygen, into a container (12), preferably a nitrogen dropper, wherein the apparatus (10) comprises: Cooling container (14), the cooling container being used to receive a cooling medium (K1) of preferred liquid; A liquefaction device (26) is arranged in the cooling container (14) for cooling and liquefying gaseous fluids; A storage container (32) is connected to the liquefaction device (26) for receiving the liquefied fluid (F1) from the liquefaction device (26), and the storage container is arranged in the cooling container (14) for cooling the liquefied fluid (F1); and A dispensing device (38) for dispensing the liquefied fluid (F1) into the container (12), wherein the dispensing device (38) is connected to the storage container (32) for receiving the liquefied fluid (F1) from the storage container (32).

2. The device (10) according to claim 1, wherein the device further comprises at least one of the following: A fluid gas source (30), preferably a sterile fluid gas source, particularly preferably a sterile nitrogen gas source or a sterile oxygen gas source, wherein the fluid gas source (30) is connected to the liquefaction device (26) for supplying the gaseous fluid to the liquefaction device (26); and A cooling medium source (18), preferably a cooling liquid source, particularly preferably a liquid nitrogen source, wherein the cooling medium source (18) is connected to the cooling container (14) for supplying the cooling medium (K1) to the cooling container (14).

3. The device (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the device further comprises at least one of the following: A preferred thermistor cooling medium level sensor (22) is disposed in the cooling container (14) for detecting the level of the cooling medium (K1); and A preferred thermal liquefied fluid filling level sensor (36) is arranged in the storage container (32) for detecting the filling level of the liquefied fluid (F1).

4. The device (10) according to claims 2 and 3, further comprising: Processing apparatus (72), the processing apparatus being configured to: - The supply of cooling medium (K1) from the cooling medium source (18) to the cooling container (14) is adjusted according to the signal output of the cooling medium filling level sensor (22), preferably to maintain a predetermined cooling medium filling level at which the storage container (32) is at least partially, preferably completely, immersed in the cooling medium (K1), and the liquefaction device (26) is at least partially immersed in the cooling medium (K1); and / or - Adjust the supply of gaseous fluid from the fluid gas source (30) to the liquefaction device (26) according to the signal output of the liquefied fluid filling level sensor (36), preferably to maintain a predetermined minimum filling level of liquefied fluid in the storage container (32).

5. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the following is satisfied: The liquefaction device (26) has a spiral pipeline; The liquefaction device (26) is preferably arranged in the cooling container (14) directly above the storage container (32); and The liquefaction device (26), the storage container (32), the cooling container (14), and the dispensing device (38) form a common structural unit.

6. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the dispensing device (38) has a dispensing nozzle (40) for dispensing the liquefied fluid (F1) into the container (12), wherein the device (10) further comprises: A processing chamber (52) in which the dispensing nozzle (40) is arranged at least partially, the processing chamber being used to process, preferably to adjust the temperature and / or rinse, wherein the processing chamber (52) is preferably arranged outside the cooling container (14).

7. The device (10) according to claim 6, further comprising: A processing medium conduit (54) leads into the processing chamber (52) for supplying processing medium (B) to the processing chamber (52) for processing the dispensing nozzle (40), wherein the processing medium conduit (54) is preferably arranged outside the cooling container (14). The device (10) further comprises at least one of the following: A heating device (56) is connected to the processing medium pipeline (54) for heating the processing medium (B); Temperature sensor (58), the temperature sensor being connected to the processing medium conduit (54) for detecting the temperature of the processing medium (B); and A processing medium source (60), preferably a nitrogen gas source, is connected to the processing chamber (52) via the processing medium conduit (54) for supplying at least a portion of the processing medium (B) to the processing chamber (52).

8. The device (10) according to claim 7, further comprising: Fluid gas discharge line (34), wherein the fluid gas discharge line: - Connected to the storage container (32) for discharging a preferably gaseous fluid (F2) from the storage container (32); and - Connected to the processing chamber (52) via the processing medium conduit (54) for supplying the discharged fluid (F2) as at least a portion of the processing medium (B) to the processing chamber (52).

9. The device (10) according to claim 8, wherein: A liquefied fluid filling level sensor (36) extends through the fluid gas discharge line (34) into the storage container (32).

10. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the device further comprises at least one of the following: A cooling medium discharge line (20) is connected to the cooling container (14) for discharging preferably evaporated cooling medium (K2) from the cooling container (14), the cooling medium discharge line preferably extending into the cooling container (14) from above; A heat-insulated container (24), preferably a vacuum-insulated container, wherein the cooling container (14), the liquefaction device (26) arranged in the cooling container, and the storage container (32) arranged in the cooling container are arranged in the heat-insulated container (24); and A capping device (66) with a cover (68) that is selectively movable, preferably pivotable, to block or release the dispensing opening (70) of the dispensing device (38).

11. The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The dispensing device (38) has a valve element (44), the valve element being: - Capable of moving to quantitatively dispense the liquefied fluid (F1) into the container (12); and / or - A fluid connection (48) arranged to partially block the fluid flow between the liquefaction device (26) and the storage container (32) for braking the fluid flowing through the liquefaction device (26), preferably having a valve seat (50) for the valve element (44) in or on the fluid connection (48).

12. A container handling system, the container handling system comprising: A filling device, preferably a rotary filling device, for filling a container (12) with a filling material; and The device (10) according to any one of the preceding claims is arranged to dispense the liquefied fluid (F1) into the container (12) filled with the filler material.

13. A method for dispensing a liquefied fluid (F1), preferably liquefied nitrogen or liquefied oxygen, into a container (12) using the apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein the method comprises: The gaseous fluid is liquefied in the liquefaction device (26), at least a portion of which is immersed in the cooling medium bath (K1) of the cooling container (14); The liquefied fluid (F1) from the liquefaction device (26) is stored in a storage container (32), which is at least partially, preferably completely, immersed in the cooling medium bath (K1) of the cooling container (14); and The liquefied fluid (F1) is dispensed from the storage container (32) into the container (12) by the dispensing device (38).

14. The method of claim 13, further comprising at least one of the following: Preferably, the gaseous fluid is supplied from a fluid gas source (30), preferably a sterile fluid gas source, particularly preferably a sterile nitrogen gas source or a sterile oxygen gas source to the liquefaction device (26) based on the signal output of the liquefied fluid filling level sensor (36), wherein the liquefied fluid filling level sensor detects the filling level of the liquefied fluid (F1) in the storage container (32); Preferably, the cooling medium (K1) is supplied from the cooling medium source (18), preferably the cooling liquid source, and particularly preferably the liquid nitrogen source to the cooling container (14) based on the signal output of the cooling medium filling level sensor (22), wherein the cooling medium filling level sensor detects the filling level of the cooling medium bath (K1); The cooling container (14) is insulated in a heat-insulated container (24), preferably a vacuum heat-insulated container; Move the valve element (44) of the dispensing device (38) to dispense the liquefied fluid (F1) into the container (12) in a metering manner; and The liquefied fluid (F1) in the liquefaction device (26) is actuated by the valve element (44) of the dispensing device (38), the valve element partially blocking the fluid connection (48) between the liquefaction device (26) and the storage container (32), preferably having a valve seat (50) for the valve element (44) in or on the fluid connection (48).

15. The method according to claim 13 or claim 14, further comprising: The dispensing nozzle (40) of the dispensing device (38) is treated, preferably with temperature adjustment and / or rinsed, in a processing chamber (52) filled with processing medium (B); and Preferably, at least one of the following: When the processing medium (B) is fed into the processing chamber (52), the processing medium is preferably heated by a heating device (56) according to the signal output of a temperature sensor (58), the temperature sensor detecting the temperature of the processing medium (B); At least a portion of the processing medium (B) is supplied from a processing medium source (60), preferably a nitrogen gas source, to the processing chamber (52); and A preferred gaseous fluid (F2) is supplied from the storage container (32) to the processing chamber (52) as at least a portion of the processing medium (B).

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