Systems for delivering sterile fluids

Abstract

A system (1) and method for delivering a sterilizing fluid (2) to a filling machine (3) comprises: a refill tank (4) for containing the sterilizing fluid (2) and drawing the sterilizing fluid (2) therefrom; a spray tank (5) fluidly connected to the refill tank (4) for receiving the sterilizing fluid (2) from the refill tank (4) and delivering the sterilizing fluid (2) to the filling machine (3); and a fluid line (6) connecting the refill tank (4) to the spray tank (5). A vacuum generator (7) is fluidly connected to the spray tank (5) via a vacuum line (8) and is configured to generate a vacuum in the spray tank (5), such that the vacuum causes the sterilizing fluid (2) to be drawn out of the refill tank (4) and into the spray tank (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a system and method for delivering a sterile fluid to a filling machine. Background Art

[0002] A processing system for producing packages filled with liquid food typically includes a filling machine for forming packages and filling the packages with the liquid food. The filling machine can use a sterilizing fluid, such as hydrogen peroxide, to sterilize both the packaging material and the machine components. The sterilizing fluid circulates around the filling machine through a fluid circuit that includes a series of tanks, pipes, and process lines for spraying various components of the filling machine and / or the packaging material. Conventional systems for delivering the sterilizing fluid to the filling machine include the use of a refill tank containing the sterilizing fluid and a pump to deliver the sterilizing fluid through the fluid circuit to the nozzle of the filling machine. Although conventional systems are both practical and safe, it is still desirable to provide a simpler system that still ensures that the sterilizing fluid does not reach parts of the delivery system (or even the filling machine) that should not come into contact with the sterilizing fluid. Summary of the Invention

[0003] It is an object of the present invention to at least partially overcome one or more limitations of the prior art. In particular, it is an object to provide a system and method that can effectively and safely deliver sterile fluid to a filling machine.

[0004] According to one aspect of the present invention, a system for delivering a sterilizing fluid to a filling machine includes: a refill tank for containing the sterilizing fluid and drawing the sterilizing fluid therefrom; a spray tank fluidly connected to the refill tank for receiving the sterilizing fluid from the refill tank and delivering the sterilizing fluid to the filling machine; and a fluid line connecting the refill tank to the spray tank. A vacuum generator is fluidly connected to the spray tank via the vacuum line and is configured to generate a vacuum in the spray tank, such that the vacuum causes the sterilizing fluid to be drawn from the refill tank and into the spray tank.

[0005] Therefore, compared to conventional systems for delivering sterilizing fluid to a filling machine, the system described herein advantageously uses a vacuum generator rather than a pump. The vacuum generator may have a venturi nozzle to create a vacuum in the spray can. The system can be switched between a filling mode and a spray mode. When the system is in the filling mode, the vacuum generator is in fluid communication with the spray can to enable the sterilizing fluid to be drawn into the spray can. When the system is switched to the spray mode, the fluid communication between the vacuum generator and the spray can is closed, and the spray can is pressurized using an air supply. The sterilizing fluid can then be squeezed out of the spray can and directed to the nozzle of the filling machine.

[0006] The system can include a plurality of switchable valves that can be operated in response to the detected level of disinfectant fluid and pressure in the spray tank. The use of valves enables the system to adapt to overpressure and prevent leaks by switching to fill mode or spray mode in response to the detected fluid level and pressure. The system can also adapt to the failure of the spray tank's level sensor or pressure sensor by providing a safety valve arranged between the venturi nozzle and the spray tank. In the event of a failure, the safety valve is configured to stop the supply of air through the venturi nozzle if disinfectant fluid enters the vacuum line connected between the vacuum generator and the spray tank.

[0007] According to another aspect of the invention, a filling machine is arranged to fill liquid food products into packages. The filling machine comprises a system for delivering a sterile fluid to the filling machine and has the same advantages.

[0008] According to another aspect of the present invention, a method for processing a sterilizing fluid to be used in a filling machine includes drawing the sterilizing fluid from a refill tank, receiving the sterilizing fluid in a spray tank fluidly connected to the refill tank, and delivering the sterilizing fluid to the filling machine. The drawing step includes generating a vacuum in the spray tank via a vacuum generator fluidly connected to the spray tank.

[0009] The method may include the same features and have the same advantages as the system for delivering sterile fluid to a filling machine.

[0010] Other objects, features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and accompanying drawings. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0011] Features of the present invention will now be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying schematic drawings.

[0012] Figure 1 is a schematic diagram of a system for delivering sterile fluid to a filling machine.

[0013] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the vacuum generator of the system.

[0014] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the spray tank of the system.

[0015] Figure 4 yes Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the discharge device of the system.

[0016] Figure 5 is included Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the filling machine of the system.

[0017] Figure 6is the use of a system for delivering sterile fluids (e.g. Figure 1 Flowchart of a method for delivering a sterile fluid to a filling machine using a system (e.g., a sterile fluid delivery system). DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] Embodiments of the present invention will now be described more fully hereinafter with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which some, but not all, embodiments of the invention are shown. The present invention can be embodied in many different forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein.

[0019] First reference Figure 1-4 , shows a system 1 for delivering a sterilizing fluid 2 to a filling machine 3. The filling machine 3 is configured to form packages and fill the packages with liquid food products. The sterilizing fluid 2 can be hydrogen peroxide, or any other suitable sterilizing fluid. The system 1 includes a refill tank 4 for containing the sterilizing fluid 2 and a spray tank 5 fluidly connected to the refill tank via a fluid line 6. The system 1 includes a fluid circuit formed by a plurality of fluid lines for conveying the fluid through the system 1. The fluid can be a gas or a sterilizing fluid. The fluid circuit can be formed using any suitable pipes, hoses, tubes or similar fluid conveying devices. The fluid lines in the system 1 can be connected using any suitable fluid couplers, fittings or connectors.

[0020] The sterilizing fluid 2 is drawn from the refill tank 4 to the spray tank 5 via a fluid line 6. The system 1 can be oriented vertically so that the refill tank 4 is arranged at the bottom of the system 1 and the spray tank 5 is arranged at a position above the refill tank 4. The sterilizing fluid 2 can therefore be drawn upward. The spray tank 5 is configured to deliver the sterilizing fluid 2 to the filling machine 3. The sterilizing fluid 2 can be delivered to a nozzle of the filling machine 3, which is arranged to spray various components of the filling machine 3. The nozzle of the filling machine 3 can also be arranged to spray packaging materials processed by the filling machine 3. The sterilizing fluid 2 is drawn into the spray tank 5 using a vacuum generator 7, which is fluidically connected to the spray tank 5 via a vacuum line 8. The vacuum generator 7 is configured to create a vacuum in the spray tank 5 so that the vacuum causes the sterilizing fluid 2 to be drawn out of the refill tank 4, as described in further detail below. Here, "vacuum" refers to a pressure that is lower than the atmospheric pressure at which the system 1 normally operates and is capable of drawing liquid from one tank to another.

[0021] The system 1 can operate in a filling mode and a spraying mode that is separate from the filling mode. When the system 1 is in the filling mode, the vacuum generator 7 is in fluid communication with the spray tank 5 to create a vacuum and draw the disinfecting fluid 2 into the spray tank 5 to fill the spray tank 5. The fluid communication between the filling machine 3 and the spray tank 5 is closed during the filling mode. When the system 1 is switched to the spraying mode, the fluid communication between the vacuum generator 7 and the spray tank 5 is closed and the spray tank 5 is pressurized. The pressure in the spray tank 5 forces the disinfecting fluid 2 drawn into the spray tank 5 during the filling mode to be discharged from the spray tank 5 and delivered to the nozzle of the filling machine 3. Switching the system 1 between the filling mode and the spraying mode can be performed manually, for example by a system operator, or the system 1 can be automated based on the need for disinfection, the detected fluid level and pressure in the system 1.

[0022] like Figure 1 shown, and in Figure 2 As shown in detail in FIG, the vacuum generator 7 includes a venturi nozzle 9 configured to generate a suction or vacuum effect when air is fed through the venturi nozzle 9. Figure 1 As shown, an air supply valve 10 is fluidly connected to an air supply source 11 and the venturi nozzle 9. The air supply valve 10 may be a three-way valve. The air supply source 11 is arranged to supply air to the venturi nozzle 9 through the air supply valve 10 when the air supply valve 10 is opened to enable fluid communication between the air supply source 11 and the venturi nozzle 9. The air supply valve 10 is also connected to a safety valve 12 of the vacuum generator 7 via a vacuum release line 13, so that the vacuum can be released by allowing air to enter the safety valve 12.

[0023] Safety valve 12 is provided to prevent fluid from the spray tank 5 from reaching the venturi nozzle 9, for example, if a level sensor or pressure sensor in the spray tank 5 malfunctions and the spray tank is overfilled, resulting in a vacuum causing sterilizing fluid to be drawn into the vacuum line 8. Safety valve 12 includes a chamber 12a arranged along the vacuum line 8 and a float 14 located within chamber 12a. If sterilizing fluid 2 flows through the vacuum line 8 and enters chamber 12a, float 14 is configured to rise and close the vacuum line 8. A lever 15 is arranged within chamber 12a and is movable by float 14 to close a vacuum-side port 16 of safety valve 12 if sterilizing fluid enters the chamber and causes the float to rise. When vacuum-side port 16 is closed, no vacuum is applied to the vacuum line 8. This prevents sterilizing fluid from reaching the venturi nozzle 9, which has its vacuum port connected to vacuum-side port 16 of safety valve 12. A vacuum relief port 17 of safety valve 12 is fluidically connected to air supply valve 10 via vacuum relief line 13. The air supply valve 10 can be switched to allow air to enter the vacuum side port 16. In this way, the reset of the safety valve 12 is enabled and any sterilizing fluid can be exhausted from the safety valve 12 and the vacuum line 8, thereby allowing the fluid to flow back to the spray tank 5.

[0024] When the system 1 is in the filling mode, the vacuum side port 16 of the safety valve 12 is open and fluidly connected to the venturi nozzle 9 through the venturi tube 18. When air is fed from the air supply 11 to the venturi nozzle 9, a vacuum is created in the venturi tube 18 and further downwards in the safety valve 12, the vacuum tube 8, and the spray can 5. The air outlet 19 of the venturi nozzle 9 is connected to an air outlet tube 20, which is connected between the venturi nozzle 9 and an exhaust port 21 of the system 1. The air that flows through the venturi nozzle 9 to create the vacuum leaves the system 1 through the exhaust port 21.

[0025] When the system 1 is in filling mode, the air supply valve 10 is in a first position 10a, in which fluid communication between the air supply source 11 and the venturi nozzle 9 is open. The air supply valve 10 is normally biased to a second position 10b and is energized by the solenoid 22 to move to the first position 10a. When in the first position 10a, air from the air supply source 11 is able to flow toward the venturi nozzle 9. When in the first position 10a, the vacuum relief line 13 is closed by the air supply valve 10. A vacuum effect is generated in the venturi nozzle 9 and effectively generated upstream through the venturi tube 18, the open vacuum-side port 16 of the safety valve 12, the chamber 12a of the safety valve 12, and the vacuum line 8 to the spray can 5. Thus, a vacuum effect occurs upward through the system 1 toward the venturi nozzle 9. When the air supply valve 10 is in the second position, it provides communication between the vacuum relief line 13 and the venturi nozzle (and thus, the exhaust port 21). Air can then enter from the exhaust port and eventually flow into the safety valve's chamber 12a. This allows the safety valve 12 to reset, allowing any fluid therein to flow back into the spray can 5. To this end, the spray can is positioned vertically below the safety valve 12. Alternatively, pressurized air can be fed into the vacuum release line 13 to push the liquid back into the spray can 5.

[0026] like Figure 1 shown, and in Figure 3 As shown in detail in FIG, a pressure control valve 23 is connected between the vacuum line 8 and the spray tank 5 for enabling and blocking fluid communication between the vacuum generator 7 and the spray tank 5. The pressure control valve 23 may be a three-way, pilot-operated switching valve. The pressure control valve 23 is a pressure control valve in the sense that it controls whether vacuum or pressurized air is supplied to the spray tank 5, i.e., whether the spray tank 5 is provided with a subatmospheric or superatmospheric pressure. The pressure control valve 23 may be operated by a solenoid 24. When the system 1 is in the filling mode, the pressure control valve 23 is in a first position 23a, in which the pressure control valve 23 is open between the vacuum line 8 and the spray tank 5 to enable vacuum to be generated in the spray tank 5. When the system 1 is switched to the spray mode, the pressure control valve 23 is energized to move from the first position 23a to the second position 23b, in which the pressure control valve 23 closes the vacuum line 8 and, therefore, the vacuum generator 7 relative to the spray tank 5. When in the second position 23b, the pressure control valve 23 enables fluid communication between the pressurized air supply source 11 ′ and the spray can 5, such that the spray can 5 is pressurized.

[0027] Air is delivered from air supply source 11' to spray can 5 via air supply valve 25. Air supply valve 25 may be a solenoid valve operable by solenoid 26. Air supply valve 25 is normally biased in a first position 25a, which closes valve 25, and can be moved to a second, open position 25b when solenoid 26 is energized. During the filling mode of system 1, air supply valve 25 is in closed position 25a, while pressure control valve 23 is in first position 23a, enabling fluid communication between vacuum generator 7 and spray can 5. When system 1 is switched to spray mode, pressure control valve 23 is energized to move to second position 23b, and air supply valve 25 moves to open position 25b, opening fluid communication between pressurized air supply source 11' and spray can 5. Pressure control valve 23 is then in second position 23b, enabling pressurized air supply source 11' to pressurize spray can 5. A filter 27 may be arranged between the air supply valve 25 and the pressure control valve 23 to ensure that only clean air enters the spray can 5 .

[0028] An air delivery valve 28 is connected between the spray can 5 and the filling machine 3 for delivering pressurized air to the filling machine 3 during the spray mode of the system 1. The air delivery valve 28 may be a pilot-operated switching valve. The air delivery valve 28 may be operated by a solenoid 29 and is normally biased in a closed position 28a, in which the fluid connection between the spray can 5 and the filling machine 3 is closed by the air delivery valve 28. When the system 1 is in the filling mode, the air delivery valve 28 is in the closed position 28a. When the system 1 is switched to the spray mode, the air delivery valve 28 is energized to move to an open position 28b, in which the fluid connection between the spray can 5 and the filling machine 3 is opened, allowing the pressurized air 5 in the spray can to flow out of the spray can 5 and toward the nozzle of the filling machine 3. The pressurized air mixes with the sterilizing fluid at the nozzle to produce a sterilizing fluid spray for spraying.

[0029] A sterilizing fluid control valve 30 is disposed along a fluid line 6 extending from the refill tank 4 to the spray tank 5. The sterilizing fluid control valve 30 is configured to deliver sterilizing fluid 2 from the spray tank 5 to the filling machine 3. The sterilizing fluid control valve 30 may be a three-way, pilot-operated switching valve supported by a housing 5a that houses the spray tank 5. The sterilizing fluid control valve 30 may be operated by a solenoid 31 and is normally biased in a first position 30a. When the system 1 is in a filling mode, the sterilizing fluid control valve 30 is in the first position 30a, in which the sterilizing fluid control valve 30 opens fluid communication between the fluid line 6 and the spray tank 5, allowing sterilizing fluid 2 to be drawn from the refill tank 4 into the spray tank 5. A filter 32 may also be disposed along the fluid line 6 to ensure that only clean sterilizing fluid enters the spray tank 5.

[0030] When the system 1 is switched to spray mode, the sterilizing fluid control valve 30 is activated to move to a second position 30b, in which the fluid connection between the refill tank 4 and the spray tank 5 is closed, and the fluid connection between the spray tank 5 and the filling machine 3 is opened by the sterilizing fluid control valve 30. When the spray tank 5 is pressurized, the sterilizing fluid 2 drawn into the spray tank 5 during the filling mode is pushed out of the spray tank 5 through the sterilizing fluid control valve 30. The sterilizing fluid 2 is delivered to the nozzle of the filling machine 3 to mix with the pressurized air supplied through the air delivery valve 28. Therefore, when the sterilizing fluid control valve 30 is in the second position 30b, the air delivery valve 28 is in the open position 28b, allowing air and sterilizing fluid to be delivered to the nozzle simultaneously. The sterilizing fluid level in the spray tank 5 is adjusted so that the outlet from the spray tank 5 to the air delivery valve 28 remains above the fluid level. The outlet of the sterilizing fluid control valve 30 is located at the bottom of the spray tank 5.

[0031] The system 1 can switch between fill mode and spray mode in response to the fluid level in the spray tank 5. Separate level sensors or relays 33 and 34 can be installed in the spray tank 5 to detect high and low levels of the disinfectant fluid 2 in the spray tank 5, respectively. A pressure transducer 35 is also attached to the spray tank 5 to monitor the pressure in the spray tank 5. More than one pressure transducer can be provided, and the pressure transducers can be arranged at any suitable location along the spray tank 5. The air supply valve 25 can be controlled in response to the pressure detected by the pressure transducer 35. If low pressure is detected, the air supply valve 25 can be energized to move to the open position 25b, or if high pressure is detected, to the closed position 25a. The pressure transducer 35 can also be used to prevent leaks by detecting different pressure levels that may occur due to insufficient tightening of fluid connectors or fittings in the fluid circuit.

[0032] Relays 33 and 34 include a high-level relay 33 for detecting a high level of disinfectant fluid 2 and a low-level relay 34 for detecting a low level of disinfectant fluid 2. When the level of disinfectant fluid 2 is detected to be too low, or when the level of disinfectant fluid 2 is detected to be below a predetermined threshold, system 1 can switch to a fill mode, causing vacuum generator 7 to operate and connect to spray tank 5 for fluid communication with spray tank 5. The air supply valve 25 thus moves to the closed position 25a, the air delivery valve 28 moves to the first position 28a, the pressure control valve 23 moves to the first position 23a, and the disinfectant fluid control valve 30 moves to the first position 30a. The air supply valve 10 of vacuum generator 7 also moves to the first position 10a. The valves can be simultaneously activated to move to their respective positions.

[0033] When the high-level relay 33 detects that the level of disinfectant fluid 2 in the spray tank 5 reaches a predetermined threshold, the system 1 can be switched to spray mode, wherein the fluid communication between the vacuum generator 7 and the spray tank 5 is closed, so that the disinfectant fluid 2 is no longer drawn into the spray tank 5. The air supply valve 25 moves to the open position 25b, the pressure control valve 23 moves to the second position 23b, the air delivery valve 28 moves to the second position 28b, and the disinfectant fluid control valve 30 moves to the second position 30b. The air supply valve 10 of the vacuum generator 7 is moved to the second position 10b to open the vacuum release line 13, thereby releasing the vacuum from the venturi nozzle 9. The vacuum release line 13 is connected to the vacuum release side port 17 of the safety valve 12, which is open so that when no air is supplied to the venturi nozzle 9, the opening of the vacuum release line 13 can generate atmospheric pressure in the vacuum line 8.

[0034] If relays 33, 34 or pressure transducer 30 malfunction, causing system 1 to remain in fill mode even when spray tank 5 is full, sterilizing fluid 2 could enter vacuum line 8. If sterilizing fluid 2 reaches chamber 12a of safety valve 12, located along vacuum line 8, float 14 of safety valve 12 moves upward within chamber 12a, engaging lever 15 and closing vacuum-side port 16 of safety valve 12. Venturi tube 18 leading to venturi nozzle 9 is also closed. This prevents further sterilizing fluid from filling safety valve 12, preventing fluid from reaching venturi nozzle 9. System 1 can be shut down and restarted after this occurs. By switching air supply valve 10 to second position 10b, float 14 can be pushed downward, forcing sterilizing fluid 2 back through vacuum line 8 and into spray tank 5. Lever 15 can be a manual valve, manually operated by moving float 14 up and down.

[0035] like Figure 1 shown, and in Figure 4 As shown in detail in FIG, sterilizing fluid 2 and air from venturi nozzle 9 can be discharged from system 1 via discharge port 21 during the discharge mode. Sterilizing fluid 2 can be discharged into the same outlet line 20 as the discharged air. A separate discharge line fluidically connected to discharge port 21 can also be provided. A manifold structure 36 is arranged along fluid line 6 and includes a loading valve 37 and a discharge valve 38. Loading valve 37 can be a three-way pilot-operated valve with a solenoid 39. Loading valve 37 can be normally biased in a first position 37a in which it is open and enables fluid communication between the refill tank 4 and the spray tank 5. During the fill mode of system 1, loading valve 37 is open and discharge valve 38 is in a closed position 38a.

[0036] During the discharge mode, loading valve 37 is energized to move to a second position 37b, in which it is closed relative to the refill tank 4 and sterilizing fluid 2 is no longer drawn from the refill tank 4. During the spray mode of system 1, loading valve 37 is also in the second position 37b. In the discharge mode, when loading valve 37 is closed, discharge valve 38 is energized to move to an open position 38b. Discharge valve 38 may be a three-way, pilot-operated valve with a solenoid 40 and is normally biased in the closed position 38a. When loading valve 37 is in the second position 37b and discharge valve 38 is in the open position 38b, sterilizing fluid 2 flows downward through fluid line 6 and through discharge valve 38 toward discharge port 21. When this occurs, air supply valve 25 and pressure control valve 23 assume their positions to pressurize spray tank 5 with air from air supply source 11′. The air delivery valve 28 and the fluid control valve 30 are then closed so that the pressurized air can help discharge the spray can 5 toward the fluid line 6 and further toward the discharge valve 38 and the discharge port 21. The fluid discharge line 41 is connected between the fluid line 6 and the discharge port 21, and the discharge valve 38 is arranged along the fluid discharge line 41.

[0037] The sterilizing fluid 2 can be emptied from the refill tank 4 by repeatedly switching between fill mode and drain mode. The loading valve 37 and drain valve 38 can be repeatedly opened and closed until all the sterilizing fluid 2 is drained into the drain port 21. The system 1 is initially in fill mode to draw the sterilizing fluid 2 from the refill tank 4. When the system 1 is in fill mode, the air supply valve 25 is in the closed position 25a, the air delivery valve 28 is in the first position 28a, the sterilizing fluid control valve 30 is in the first position 30a, and the pressure control valve 23 is in the first position 23a. When the spray tank 5 is filled to a predetermined level, as detected by the high level relay 34 and the pressure transducer 35, the system 1 switches to drain mode. The fill and drain sequence can be repeated until all the sterilizing fluid 2 is removed from the system 1.

[0038] System 1 can also be configured for an operating mode in which disinfectant fluid is supplied to another unit 42 that requires disinfection. When system 1 switches to an operating mode for supplying fluid to another unit 42, pressure control valve 23 can be moved to a second position 23b, disconnecting vacuum generator 7 from spray tank 5. Vacuum generator 7 and vacuum line 8 can then be fluidically connected to another unit 42 to create a vacuum in unit 42. Disinfectant fluid control valve 30 is moved to a second position 30b, causing disinfectant fluid 2 to be drawn into unit 42 rather than into spray tank 5. Disinfectant fluid 2 can be drawn into unit 42 via injection fluid line 43, which is fluidically connected to fluid line 6.

[0039] Now refer to Figure 5 and6 , the filling machine 3 may comprise the system 1 described herein and a sterilization unit 44 arranged to receive the sterilization fluid 2 from the system 1 in order to sterilize components of the filling machine 3. Figure 6 The method 45 for processing a filling machine 3 is shown in the flow chart of Figure 5 Method 45 is performed by a filling machine 3 configured to receive the sterilizing fluid 2. Step 46 of method 45 includes drawing the sterilizing fluid 2 from the refill tank 4. Step 46 includes generating a vacuum in the spray tank 5 via a vacuum generator 7 fluidly connected to the spray tank 5. Step 47 includes receiving the sterilizing fluid 2 in the spray tank 5 fluidly connected to the refill tank 4. Step 48 includes delivering the sterilizing fluid 2 to the filling machine 3. Step 49 of method 44 includes emptying the refill tank 4 by repeatedly drawing the sterilizing fluid 2 into the spray tank 5 and discharging the sterilizing fluid 2 from the spray tank 5.

[0040] An advantage of the system and method for delivering a sterilizing fluid to a filling machine is that the system efficiently draws a sufficient amount of sterilizing fluid from the refill tank to supply the fluid downstream and spray the filling machine. Another advantage of the system is that a pressure sensor and a separate level sensor are used to detect the real-time characteristics of the spray tank so that the system can adapt to overpressure and leaks. The vacuum generator advantageously includes a safety valve for the venturi nozzle that prevents the supply of air to the venturi nozzle during a failure of the level sensor or the pressure sensor of the spray tank. Yet another advantage of the system is that the refill tank can be easily emptied by repeating the process of drawing sterilizing fluid into the spray tank and discharging the sterilizing fluid to the discharge port.

[0041] From the above description it is clear that, although various embodiments of the invention have been described and shown, the invention is not restricted thereto, but may also be embodied in other ways within the scope of the subject matter defined in the following claims.

Claims

1. A filling machine (3) arranged to fill liquid food into packages, said filling machine (3) comprising a system (1) for conveying a sterilizing fluid (2) to said filling machine (3), wherein The system (1) comprises: a refill tank (4) configured to contain the sterilizing fluid (2) and to draw the sterilizing fluid (2) therefrom, a spray tank (5) fluidly connected to the refill tank (4) for receiving the disinfecting fluid (2) from the refill tank (4) and delivering the disinfecting fluid (2) to the filling machine (3), wherein the filling machine (3) comprises a nozzle arranged to spray various components of the filling machine (3), wherein the spray tank (5) is configured for delivering the disinfecting fluid (2) to the nozzle, a fluid line (6) connecting the refill tank (4) to the spray tank (5), and a vacuum generator (7) fluidly connected to the spray tank (5) via a vacuum line (8) and configured to create a vacuum in the spray tank (5) such that the vacuum causes the disinfecting fluid (2) to be drawn from the refill tank (4) and into the spray tank (5).

2. The filling machine (3) according to claim 1, wherein The vacuum generator (7) includes a venturi nozzle (9) configured to generate a vacuum when air is supplied through the venturi nozzle (9).

3. The filling machine (3) according to claim 2, wherein: The vacuum generator (7) comprises a safety valve (12) configured to stop the supply of air through the venturi nozzle (9) if the sterilizing fluid (2) enters the vacuum line (8).

4. The filling machine (3) according to claim 3, wherein The safety valve (12) includes a chamber (12a) arranged along the vacuum line (8) and a float (14) located inside the chamber (12a), the float (14) being configured to rise and close the vacuum line (8) if the sterilizing fluid (2) enters the chamber (12a).

5. Filling machine (3) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein The vacuum generator (7) comprises: an air supply valve (10) connected to the venturi nozzle (9) for supplying air to the venturi nozzle (9), and A vacuum release line (13) is connected between the air supply valve (10) and the safety valve (12) for releasing the vacuum in the vacuum generator (7) and enabling the safety valve (12) to reset when the vacuum has been released.

6. Filling machine (3) according to claim 5, wherein The air supply valve (10) is configured to move between a first position (10a) which enables the air to be supplied to the Venturi nozzle (9) while closing the vacuum relief line (13), and - a second position (10b) which prevents air from being fed to the Venturi nozzle (9) while opening the vacuum relief line (13), thereby enabling atmospheric pressure in the vacuum relief line (13).

7. Filling machine (3) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, comprising: a discharge port (21) configured to discharge the sterilizing fluid from the system (1), a loading valve (37) connected between the refill tank (4) and the spray tank (5) to enable the disinfecting fluid (2) to be drawn into the spray tank (5) when the loading valve (37) is opened, and A fluid discharge line (41) is connected between the refill tank (4) and the discharge port (21) to discharge the disinfecting fluid (2) from the spray tank (5) when the loading valve (37) is closed.

8. Filling machine (3) according to claim 7, comprising a discharge valve (38) arranged along the fluid discharge line (41) to empty the refill tank (4) when the discharge valve (38) is open and the loading valve (37) is closed.

9. The filling machine (3) according to claim 7, wherein The vacuum generator (7) includes a venturi nozzle (9) having an air outlet (19) connected to the exhaust port (21) through an air outlet line (20) to discharge air from the venturi nozzle (9).

10. Filling machine (3) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein The spray can (5) comprises a pressure transducer (35) configured to monitor the pressure inside the spray can (5).

11. Filling machine (3) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, wherein The spray tank (5) includes a high level relay (33) and a low level relay (34), each configured to detect the level of the disinfecting fluid (2) in the spray tank (5).

12. Filling machine (3) according to any one of the preceding claims 1 to 4, comprising: A pressure control valve (23) for the spray can (5) configured to move between: a first position (23a) which provides a connection between the spray can (5) and the vacuum generator (7) so as to enable a vacuum to be generated in the spray can (5), and a second position (23b) providing a connection between the spray tank (5) and the air supply valve (25) to allow pressurized air to enter the spray tank (5) for delivering the disinfecting fluid (2), and A sterile fluid control valve (30) configured to move between: a first position (30a) providing a connection between the spray tank (5) and the refill tank (4) so ​​as to enable the disinfecting fluid (2) to be drawn from the refill tank (4) and into the spray tank (5), and - a second position (30b) providing a connection between the spray tank (5) and the filling machine (3) so as to enable the delivery of the disinfecting fluid (2) to the filling machine (3).

13. A method for treating a sterile fluid (2) to be used in a filling machine (3) arranged to fill liquid food products into packages, the method comprising: drawing said sterilizing fluid (2) from a refill tank (4), receiving the disinfecting fluid (2) in a spray tank (5) fluidly connected to the refill tank (4), and delivering the sterile fluid (2) to the filling machine (3), wherein the sterilizing fluid (2) is delivered to the nozzles of the filling machine (3), which are arranged to spray the various components of the filling machine (3), The suctioning comprises generating a vacuum in the spray can (5) by means of a vacuum generator (7) fluidically connected to the spray can (5).

14. The method according to claim 13, comprising emptying the refill tank (4) by repeatedly drawing the disinfecting fluid (2) into the spray tank (5) and discharging the disinfecting fluid (2) from the spray tank (5) until the refill tank (4) is empty.

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