System and method for aseptic filling of packages with liquid products

Abstract

The invention includes aseptics packages (7) and methods and systems allowing aseptic filling on a conventional filling line, with relatively small and inexpensive equipment modifications. The invention allows avoidance of the conventional need to encase all or part of the filling equipment in a sterile air atmosphere. The invention includes a package (7), fitted with a flexible membrane (1), wich can trap and carry its own sterility through the filling steps, whereby the membrane finally becomes part of the cap (8) of the package. The invention reduces product risk, operator specialisation and the costs of aseptic filling.

Description

Technical field [0001] The invention relates to the aseptic filling of liquid products into hollow packages, and in particular, to the aseptic filling of beverages into PET bottles. Background technique [0002] At present, people are increasingly inclined to products that are highly sensitive to microbial spoilage. These bio-sensitive products include ready-to-drink beverages such as tea, coffee, and beverages containing fruit and vegetable juices ("healthcare concept"). Even water can be biologically sensitive, especially if the water is non-foaming (ie, uncarbonated) or has a high content of calcium / magnesium salts, these calcium / magnesium salts are often considered It is good for health. [0003] For the filling process of highly biologically sensitive products, virtually all traces of microbial contamination must be avoided in the closed package. For bottles and cans, this is usually achieved by three basic methods: hot-filling method, post-filling heat sterilization method ...

AI Technical Summary

Problems solved by technology

[0012] However, such bag-filling methods cannot be applied to rigid containers, and furthermore, they are not suitable for the filling devices required for high-speed equipment used in consumer goods packaging such as beverage bottles and cans

The seal formed by all of the methods described is actually part of the bag being sealed and is only suitable for special purposes and is not suitable for an easy-open consumer package

As already pointed out, the use of radiation sterilization in a beverage plant would be difficult and, according to some consumer perceptions, problematic

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