Sterilization method

Abstract

The sterilization method has a circulation step of circulating the sterilizing agent through a circulation line (53) while heating the sterilizing agent using a heater (H), and a sterilization step of supplying the sterilizing agent heated by the heater (H) to a filling chamber (42) to sterilize the filling chamber (42).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sterilization method. Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a system for filling a beverage into a container such as a bottle, a content filling system is known in which the beverage itself is sterilized and a pressure regulating tank, pipes, a filling nozzle, etc. are sterilized to make them in a sterile state. In such a content filling system, for example, when switching the type of beverage, CIP (Cleaning in Place) is performed, and further SIP (Sterilization in Place) is performed (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

[0003] CIP is used to remove residues of the previous beverage attached to the beverage flow path and tank. It is performed by flowing a cleaning liquid obtained by adding an alkaline agent such as caustic soda to water and then flowing a cleaning liquid obtained by adding an acidic agent to water in the beverage flow path.

[0004] SIP is used to sterilize the beverage flow path and tank to make them in a sterile state. For example, it is performed by flowing heated steam or hot water in the flow path cleaned by CIP.

[0005] In addition, the filling chamber in which the filling device for filling the content is arranged is also subjected to COP (Cleaning out of Place) and SOP (Sterilizing out of Place) for purification (for example, Patent Documents 4 to 7).

[0006] Various injection nozzles are arranged in the filling chamber. When performing COP and SOP, a bactericide such as an alkaline cleaning agent, a peracetic acid cleaning agent, a hydrogen peroxide solution, or sterile water is sprayed or sprinkled in the filling chamber in sequence from these nozzles. By spraying, sprinkling, etc. of the bactericide or sterile water, the inner wall surface of the filling chamber and the surfaces of equipment such as the filling device (filling machine) are purified and sterilized.

[0007] In addition, the bactericide sprayed into the filling chamber is sometimes prepared by adding water to the bactericide stock solution. However, bacteria may pre-exist in the water added to the bactericide stock solution. In this case, bacteria may remain in the bactericide. Thus, when bacteria pre-exist in the bactericide, even when the bactericide is sprayed into the filling chamber, the bacteria remaining in the bactericide may remain in the filling chamber. Therefore, the bactericidal effect of the bactericide may decrease, and the sterilization in the filling chamber may become insufficient.

[0008] Prior Art Documents

[0009] Patent Document

[0010] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-331801

[0011] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-153245

[0012] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-22600

[0013] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent No. 3315918

[0014] Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2004-299723

[0015] Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2010-189034

[0016] Patent Document 7: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2018-135134

[0017] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of this point, and an object thereof is to provide a sterilization method capable of suppressing a decrease in the sterilization effect of a bactericide. Summary of the Invention

[0018] A sterilization method according to one embodiment is a sterilization method in a sterilization system including a circulation line and a main chamber. A heater for heating a bactericide is provided in the middle of the circulation line, and the main chamber is connected to the circulation line. The sterilization method is characterized by including: a circulation step of circulating the bactericide through the circulation line while heating the bactericide with the heater; and a sterilization step of supplying the bactericide heated by the heater to the main chamber to sterilize the main chamber.

[0019] In a sterilization method according to one embodiment, the sterilization system may further include: a tank connected to the circulation line for storing a bactericide prepared by mixing water and a bactericide stock solution; a water supply unit for supplying the water to the tank; a bactericide stock solution supply unit for supplying the bactericide stock solution to the tank; a supply line provided between the circulation line and the tank; the main chamber provided in the middle of the supply line, and a filling device for filling a bottle with a content is arranged in the main chamber. In the circulation step, the bactericide in the tank is circulated through the circulation line while heating the bactericide in the tank with the heater. In the sterilization step, the bactericide heated by the heater is supplied to the main chamber through the supply line.

[0020] In a sterilization method according to an embodiment, the sterilization method may further include a recovery step of returning the bactericide supplied to the main chamber to the tank.

[0021] In a sterilization method according to an embodiment, the sterilization system may further include: a tank connected to the circulation line and storing a bactericide made from water and a stock solution of the bactericide; a water supply unit for supplying the water to the tank; a stock solution supply unit for supplying the stock solution of the bactericide to the tank; a heater and a sterile chamber are sequentially provided in the middle of the circulation line, the sterile chamber has the main chamber and a sub-chamber, the sub-chamber is provided on at least one of the inlet side and the outlet side of the main chamber, and a filling device for filling the bottle with the content is arranged in the main chamber. In the circulation step, the bactericide in the tank is heated by the heater and circulated through the circulation line via the sub-chamber. In the sterilization step, the bactericide heated by the heater is supplied to the main chamber through the circulation line.

[0022] In a sterilization method according to an embodiment, the sterilization method may further include a recovery step of returning the bactericide supplied to the main chamber to the tank.

[0023] In a sterilization method according to an embodiment, the sterilization system may further include: a water supply unit for supplying water to the circulation line; a stock solution supply unit for supplying a stock solution of the bactericide to the circulation line; a heater and a sterile chamber are sequentially provided in the middle of the circulation line, the bactericide is made from the water and the stock solution of the bactericide, the sterile chamber has the main chamber and a sub-chamber, the sub-chamber is provided on at least one of the inlet side or the outlet side of the main chamber, and a filling device for filling the bottle with the content is arranged in the main chamber. In the circulation step, the bactericide is heated by the heater and circulated through the circulation line via the sub-chamber. In the sterilization step, the bactericide heated by the heater is supplied to the main chamber through the circulation line.

[0024] In a sterilization method according to an embodiment, when the volume of the main chamber is x1, the volume of the flow path of the bactericide in the circulation line is x2, and the circulation amount of the bactericide achieved by the circulation line in the circulation step is y, the relationship 2×(x1 + x2) ≤ y ≤ 100×(x1 + x2) is satisfied.

[0025] In a sterilization method according to an embodiment, in the sterilization step, the temperature of the bactericide is 40°C or higher and 90°C or lower.

[0026] In the sterilization method according to one embodiment, in the circulation step, the circulation time for the bactericide to circulate through the circulation line may be 5 minutes or more and 60 minutes or less.

[0027] In the sterilization method according to one embodiment, the bactericide may contain peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide.

[0028] In the sterilization method according to one embodiment, in the sterilization step, the bactericide may be further heated by the heater.

[0029] In the sterilization method according to one embodiment, before the sterilization step, a cleaning step of cleaning the main chamber by supplying an alkaline cleaning agent to the main chamber may be further provided.

[0030] A sterilization system according to one embodiment includes: a circulation line provided with a heater for heating a bactericide therein; a main chamber connected to the circulation line; a control device connected to the circulation line; the control device circulates the bactericide through the circulation line while heating the bactericide by the heater, and supplies the bactericide heated by the heater to the main chamber.

[0031] According to the present disclosure, a decrease in the sterilization effect of the bactericide can be suppressed. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0032] Figure 1A It is a schematic top view of a content filling system that is sterilized by the sterilization method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 1B It is a schematic top view of a modified example of a content filling system that is sterilized by the sterilization method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 2 It is a block diagram of a sterilization system that performs the sterilization method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 3 It is a block diagram of the sterilization method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 4 It is a block diagram of the sterilization method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 5 It is a block diagram of the sterilization method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0038] Figure 6AIt is a block diagram showing a modified example of the sterilization method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0039] Figure 6B It is a block diagram showing a modified example of the sterilization method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0040] Figure 6C It is a block diagram showing a modified example of the sterilization method according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0041] Figure 7 It is a block diagram showing a sterilization system for performing the sterilization method according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 8 It is a block diagram showing the sterilization method according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 9 It is a block diagram showing the sterilization method according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 10 It is a block diagram showing the sterilization method according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 11 It is a block diagram showing a sterilization system for performing the sterilization method according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 12 It is a block diagram showing the sterilization method according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 13 It is a block diagram showing the sterilization method according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 14 It is a block diagram showing the sterilization method according to the third embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed Embodiment

[0049] First Embodiment

[0050] Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 1A to 5This is a diagram showing the first embodiment. The diagrams shown below are schematic diagrams. Therefore, the sizes and shapes of the respective parts are exaggerated appropriately for easy understanding. Also, appropriate modifications can be made and implemented without departing from the technical idea. Note that in the diagrams shown below, the same reference numerals are assigned to the same parts, and some detailed descriptions are omitted. Also, the numerical values such as the dimensions of the respective components described in this specification and the material names are examples of the embodiments and are not limited thereto, and can be appropriately selected and used. In this specification, terms for determining shapes or geometric conditions such as parallel, orthogonal, or perpendicular, etc., include substantially the same states in addition to strictly referring to them.

[0051] (Content filling system)

[0052] First, according to Figure 1A a content filling system (aseptic filling system, clean filling system) having a filling chamber (main chamber) sterilized by the sterilization method of this embodiment will be described.

[0053] Figure 1A The content filling system 10 shown is a system for filling a bottle 30 with a content such as a beverage. The bottle 30 can be produced by biaxially stretching and blow molding a preform made by injection molding a synthetic resin material. As the material of the bottle 30, it is preferable to use a thermoplastic resin, particularly PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or PEN (polyethylene naphthalate). Additionally, as the container, it can also be glass, a can, paper, a bag, or a composite container thereof. In this embodiment, the case of using a synthetic resin bottle as the container will be described as an example.

[0054] As Figure 1A shown, the content filling system 10 includes a bottle supply unit 21, a bottle sterilization device 11, an air rinsing device 14, a sterile water rinsing device 15, a filling device (filling machine) 20, a cap mounting device (capping machine, folding capping machine, and capping machine) 16, and a product bottle discharging unit 22. These bottle supply unit 21, bottle sterilization device 11, air rinsing device 14, sterile water rinsing device 15, filling device 20, cap mounting device 16, and product bottle discharging unit 22 are arranged in order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveying direction of the bottle 30. Also, a plurality of conveying rollers 12 for conveying the bottle 30 between these devices are provided between the bottle sterilization device 11, air rinsing device 14, sterile water rinsing device 15, filling device 20, and cap mounting device 16.

[0055] The bottle supply unit 21 sequentially receives empty bottles 30 from the outside into the content filling system 10 and conveys the received bottles 30 to the bottle sterilization device 11.

[0056] The bottle sterilizing device 11 sterilizes the bottle 30 before filling the contents, and sterilizes the inside of the bottle 30 by spraying a bactericide into the bottle 30. As the bactericide, for example, an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is used. In the bottle sterilizing device 11, a mist or gas is generated in which an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution having a concentration of 1% by weight or more, preferably 35% by weight, is temporarily vaporized and then condensed, and the mist or gas is sprayed onto the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 30. Thus, the inside of the bottle 30 is sterilized by the mist or gas of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, and thus the inner surface of the bottle 30 is uniformly sterilized.

[0057] The air rinsing device 14 activates hydrogen peroxide and removes foreign substances, hydrogen peroxide, etc. from the inside of the bottle 30 by supplying sterile heated air or normal temperature air to the bottle 30.

[0058] The sterile water rinsing device 15 cleans the bottle 30 sterilized with hydrogen peroxide as a bactericide with water at 15°C or higher and 85°C or lower in a sterile state. Thereby, the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the bottle 30 is washed away and foreign substances are removed.

[0059] The filling device 20 fills the inside of the bottle 30 with the contents that have been pre-sterilized from the mouth of the bottle 30. In this filling device 20, the contents are filled into the bottle 30 in an empty state. In this filling device 20, while rotating (revolving) a plurality of bottles 30, the contents are filled into the inside of the bottle 30. The contents may also be filled into the bottle 30 at normal temperature. The contents are pre-sterilized by heating or the like, and are filled into the bottle 30 on the basis of being cooled to a normal temperature of 3°C or higher and 40°C or lower. It should be noted that, as the contents filled by the filling device 20, for example, beverages such as tea beverages and milk beverages can be cited.

[0060] The cap mounting device 16 caps the bottle 30 by mounting a cap 33 on the mouth of the bottle 30 filled with the contents by the filling device 20. In the cap mounting device 16, the mouth of the bottle 30 is closed with the cap 33 and sealed in such a manner as to prevent external air and microorganisms from entering the bottle 30. In the cap mounting device 16, while rotating (revolving) a plurality of bottles 30 filled with the contents, the cap 33 is mounted on their mouths. Thus, the product bottle 35 is obtained by mounting the cap 33 on the mouth of the bottle 30.

[0061] The cap 33 is pre-sterilized by the cap sterilizing device 17. The cap sterilizing device 17 is arranged, for example, outside the aseptic chamber 40 (described later) and near the cap mounting device 16. In the cap sterilizing device 17, the caps 33 carried in from the outside are sequentially conveyed toward the cap mounting device 16. On the way of the caps 33 going to the cap mounting device 16, after spraying the mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide onto the inner and outer surfaces of the caps 33, drying is performed using hot air to carry out the sterilization treatment.

[0062] The product bottle discharging section 22 continuously discharges the product bottles 35 with caps 33 mounted thereon by the cap mounting device 16 to the outside of the content filling system 10.

[0063] Such a content filling system 10 is provided with an aseptic chamber 40. The aseptic chamber 40 has a sterilizing chamber 41 (sub-chamber), a filling chamber 42 (main chamber), and an outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber). The sterilizing chamber 41 (sub-chamber) is provided on the inlet side of the filling chamber 42 (main chamber), and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber) is provided on the outlet side of the filling chamber 42 (main chamber). Therefore, the sterilizing chamber 41, the filling chamber 42, and the outlet chamber 43 are arranged in sequence from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveying direction of the bottles 30. And, a bottle sterilizing device 11, an air rinsing device 14, and a sterile water rinsing device 15 are arranged in the sterilizing chamber 41, a filling device 20 and a cap mounting device 16 are arranged in the filling chamber 42. Moreover, a product bottle discharging section 22 is arranged in the outlet chamber 43. Spray nozzles 41a, 42a, 43a (refer to Figure 2 ) for spraying a fungicide or the like in a spray or shower form when performing COP and / or SOP on the content filling system 10 are provided in these sterilizing chamber 41, filling chamber 42, and outlet chamber 43 respectively. Such a content filling system 10 may also be constituted by, for example, an aseptic filling system. In this case, the inside of the aseptic chamber 40 is maintained in a sterile state.

[0064] Alternatively, the content filling system 10 may also be a high-temperature filling system for filling the content at a high temperature of 85 °C or higher and less than 100 °C. And, it may also be a medium-temperature filling system for filling the content at a medium temperature of 55 °C or higher and less than 85 °C.

[0065] It should be noted that, as Figure 1BAs shown, a bottle forming section 100 for forming the bottle 30 by biaxially stretching and blow molding the preform 30a may also be provided on the upstream side of the bottle sterilizing device 11. In this way, the bottle forming section 100 receives the preform 30a and forms the bottle 30, so that in the content filling system 10, the processes from the supply of the preform 30a through the formation of the bottle 30 to the filling of the content into the bottle 30 and capping can be continuously carried out. In this case, from the outside to the content filling system 10, it can be transported in the form of the preform 30a with a smaller volume instead of the bottle 30 with a larger volume, so that the transportation cost can be reduced and the equipment constituting the content filling system 10 can be made compact.

[0066] In Figure 1B In the example shown, the bottle forming section 100 sequentially receives the preforms 30a from the outside, forms the bottles 30 through the forming process, and transports and supplies the formed bottles 30 to the bottle sterilizing device 11.

[0067] The bottle forming section 100 includes a preform conveying section 101 for conveying the preform 30a, a blow molding section 102 for forming the bottle 30 by blow molding the preform, and a bottle conveying section 103 for conveying the formed bottle 30.

[0068] Among them, the preform conveying section 101 includes a receiving section 104 for receiving the preforms supplied from the preform supply device 110 via the preform supply conveyor 111, a heating section 105 for receiving the preforms from the receiving section 104, heating the preforms while conveying them, and a transfer section 106 for receiving the preforms heated by the heating section 105 and transferring them to the blow molding section 102. Among them, a preform sterilizing device 104a for sterilizing the preform 30a is provided in the receiving section 104. Through this preform sterilizing device 104a, the mist or gas of the hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution is sprayed onto the preform 30a to sterilize the preform 30a (pre-sterilization). As the bactericide for sterilizing the preform 30a, as long as it has the property of inactivating microorganisms, for example, in addition to hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, acetic acid, pernitric acid, nitric acid, chlorine-based agents, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, alcohols such as ethanol and isopropanol, chlorine dioxide, ozone water, acidic water, surfactants can be used alone, or two or more of them can be used in combination.

[0069] It should be noted that a heater 105a for heating the preform 30a is provided in the heating section 105. This heater 105a can be, for example, an infrared heater. Through this heater 105a, the preform 30a is heated to, for example, a temperature of 90 °C or higher and 130 °C or lower. It should be noted that the temperature of the mouth part of the preform 30a is suppressed to a temperature of 70 °C or lower to prevent deformation and the like.

[0070] Moreover, the blow molding unit 102 includes a mold (not shown), and performs blow molding on the preform 30a using this mold, thereby molding the bottle 30. The blow molding unit 102 is disposed within the molding unit chamber 120.

[0071] In addition, an adjustment conveyance unit 130 is provided between the bottle molding unit 100 and the bottle sterilization device 11. The adjustment conveyance unit 130 receives the bottle 30 from the bottle conveyance unit 103 of the bottle molding unit 100 and transfers the bottle 30 to the bottle sterilization device 11. The adjustment conveyance unit 130 is disposed within the atmosphere cutoff chamber 131. In this way, by disposing the adjustment conveyance unit 130 within the atmosphere cutoff chamber 131, it is possible to suppress the inflow of the gas or mist of the bactericide or a mixture thereof generated within the sterilization chamber 41 of the aseptic chamber 40 into the molding unit chamber 120 in which the bottle molding unit 100 is disposed.

[0072] (Sterilization System)

[0073] Next, Figure 2 a sterilization system for performing the sterilization method of the present embodiment will be described.

[0074] As Figure 2 shown, the sterilization system 50 includes a circulation line 53 into which a heater H for heating the bactericide is inserted, a filling chamber (main chamber) 42 connected to the circulation line 53, and a control device 50A connected to the circulation line 53. Moreover, the sterilization system 50 includes a tank T connected to the circulation line 53 for storing the bactericide, a water supply unit 51 for supplying water to the tank T, a bactericide stock solution supply unit 52 for supplying the bactericide stock solution to the tank T, and a supply line 54 provided between the circulation line 53 and the tank T.

[0075] The tank T is used for storing the bactericide as described above. By storing the bactericide in the tank T, it is possible to pre-prepare the bactericide during the manufacture of the product and the like, and thus it is possible to shorten the downtime. The bactericide stored in the tank T is prepared from water and the bactericide stock solution, and may be, for example, an alkaline cleaning agent, a peracetic acid cleaning agent, hydrogen peroxide water, etc. as described later.

[0076] The volume of the tank T is preferably 2 times or more and 100 times or less the volume of the filling chamber 42 to be sterilized. By the volume of the tank T being 2 times or more the volume of the filling chamber 42, it is possible to suppress a shortage of the bactericide when sterilizing the filling chamber 42. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the interruption of the sterilization of the filling chamber 42 due to remaking the insufficient bactericide. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the sterilization time of the filling chamber 42. Moreover, by the volume of the tank T being 100 times or less the volume of the filling chamber 42, it is possible to suppress the production of more bactericide than necessary. Therefore, energy conservation can be achieved. The volume of the tank T depends on the volume of the filling chamber 42 to be sterilized, but may be, for example, 0.1 m 3 or more and 5.0 m3 Preferably, it is 1.5 m or more 3 and 3.0 m or less 3 to such an extent

[0077] The water supply unit 51 is configured to supply water for diluting the stock solution of the fungicide into the tank T. The water supplied from the water supply unit 51 may not be sterile water. By using non-sterile water supplied from the water supply unit 51, the cost of producing the fungicide can be reduced. The water supplied from the water supply unit 51 may be, for example, RO water, purified water, ion-exchanged water, ordinary water (tap water), etc. Further, the temperature of the water supplied from the water supply unit 51 may be in the range of 10°C or more and 30°C or less, and as an example, it may be about 15°C.

[0078] The stock solution supply unit 52 of the fungicide is configured to supply the stock solution of the fungicide for producing the fungicide into the tank T. The stock solution of the fungicide supplied from the stock solution supply unit 52 may be an alkaline aqueous solution containing sodium hydroxide or the like as an alkali component, or may be a peracetic acid aqueous solution, a hydrogen peroxide solution, or the like. For example, when the stock solution of the fungicide is an alkaline aqueous solution containing sodium hydroxide, it may be an alkaline aqueous solution containing 20% by weight or more and 50% by weight or less of sodium hydroxide. Further, when the stock solution of the fungicide is a peracetic acid aqueous solution, it may be a peracetic acid aqueous solution containing 10% by weight or more and 15% by weight or less of peracetic acid. Moreover, when the stock solution of the fungicide is a hydrogen peroxide solution, it may be a hydrogen peroxide solution containing 0.5% by weight or more and 35% by weight or less of hydrogen peroxide. In addition, if it contains a component that inactivates microorganisms, such as potassium hydroxide or sodium hypochlorite, it can be used as the stock solution of the fungicide.

[0079] The fungicide produced from such a stock solution of the fungicide may contain, for example, 0.5% by weight or more and 5% by weight or less of sodium hydroxide. Further, the fungicide may contain 0.15% by weight or more and 0.4% by weight or less of peracetic acid. Moreover, the fungicide may contain 0.5% by weight or more and 35% by weight or less of hydrogen peroxide.

[0080] The circulation line 53 is used to circulate the bactericide stored in the tank T and heat the bactericide to a desired temperature. A heater H for heating the bactericide is provided midway in the circulation line 53. Specifically, the circulation line 53 includes a first supply pipe 53a connected to the tank T and a first return pipe 53b connected to the first supply pipe 53a. Among them, the first supply pipe 53a is a pipe for supplying the bactericide from the tank T. The heater H and a pump P1 for circulating the bactericide are provided midway in the first supply pipe 53a. On the other hand, the first return pipe 53b is a pipe for returning the bactericide that has passed through the first supply pipe 53a to the inside of the tank T. The first return pipe 53b is connected to the tank T. It should be noted that the heater H may also be provided midway in the first return pipe 53b.

[0081] The supply line 54 is used to convey the bactericide heated by the circulation line 53 to the downstream side. A sterile chamber 40 (a sterilization chamber 41, a filling chamber 42, and an outlet chamber 43) is provided midway in the supply line 54. Specifically, the supply line 54 includes a second supply pipe 54a connected to the first supply pipe 53a and the first return pipe 53b of the circulation line 53 and provided upstream of the sterile chamber 40, a second return pipe 54b connected to the sterile chamber 40 and provided downstream of the sterile chamber 40, and a discharge pipe 54c connected to the second return pipe 54b. Among them, the second supply pipe 54a is configured to branch into a plurality of pipes upstream of the sterile chamber 40 and can supply the bactericide to the sterilization chamber 41, the filling chamber 42, and the outlet chamber 43 of the sterile chamber 40 independently. The second return pipe 54b is a pipe for discharging the bactericide from the sterile chamber 40 and returning the bactericide that has passed through the sterile chamber 40 to the inside of the tank T. The second return pipe 54b is connected to the tank T. And a pump P2 for returning the bactericide to the tank T is provided midway in the second return pipe 54b. The discharge pipe 54c is used to discharge the bactericide as drain liquid to the outside after sterilizing the sterile chamber 40.

[0082] The control device 50A controls the content filling system 10. The control device 50A is configured to control the water supply unit 51, the bactericide stock solution supply unit 52, and the pumps P1 and P2. Moreover, the control device 50A circulates the bactericide through the circulation line 53 while heating the bactericide using the heater H. And the control device 50A supplies the bactericide heated by the heater H to the filling chamber (main chamber) 42.

[0083] It should be noted that although not shown in the drawings, valves or the like for switching the flow path are provided in the circulation line 53 and the supply line 54 (hereinafter simply referred to as the circulation line 53 etc.). And although not shown in the drawings, thermometers are respectively provided in the circulation line 53 etc., and information on the temperature measured by the thermometers is sent to the control device 50A. And in the circulation line 53 etc., in addition to the above-mentioned valves, thermometers or actuators not shown in the drawings, various measuring instruments such as flow meters or concentration meters, various switching valves, filters, etc. are also provided, and they are also controlled by signals from the control device 50A.

[0084] (Sterilization method)

[0085] Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described. Here, by Figures 3 to 5 A sterilization method using the sterilization system 50 will be described. The sterilization method of this embodiment can be appropriately applied to, for example, the COP and SOP of the content filling system 10 that can be performed after the CIP and SIP of the content filling system 10. It should be noted that in Figures 3 to 5 , the pipes through which water, the stock solution of the bactericide, or the bactericide passes are indicated by thick lines.

[0086] First, the operation buttons of the control device 50A are operated. Thereby, water is supplied from the water supply section 51 to the tank T. And the stock solution of the bactericide is supplied from the stock solution supply section 52 of the bactericide to the tank T. Thereby, the stock solution of the bactericide is diluted in the tank T to produce a bactericide. In this case, as the bactericide, it can also be an alkaline aqueous solution containing 0.5% by weight or more and 5% by weight or less of sodium hydroxide or a peracetic acid aqueous solution containing 0.15% by weight or more and 0.4% by weight or less of peracetic acid. And as the bactericide, it can also be hydrogen peroxide water containing 0.5% by weight or more and 35% by weight or less of hydrogen peroxide.

[0087] (Circulation process)

[0088] Next, while heating the bactericide with the heater H, it is circulated through the circulation line 53. At this time, while heating the bactericide in the tank T with the heater H, it is circulated through the circulation line 53. In this case, the pump P1 for driving the circulation line 53 is driven, and the bactericide supplied to the tank T circulates in the circulation line 53 (refer to Figure 3 ). At this time, the first supply pipe 53a and the first return pipe 53b are connected by a valve not shown in the drawings. On the other hand, the first supply pipe 53a and the second supply pipe 54a of the supply line 54 are not connected. In this way, before the bactericide is heated to the desired temperature, the bactericide is not supplied to the filling chamber 42. Therefore, as described later, even if bacteria remain in the bactericide produced in the tank T, it is possible to suppress the supply of the bactericide with the remaining bacteria to the filling chamber 42.

[0089] When the bactericide circulates in the circulation line 53, the heater H that drives the circulation line 53 heats the bactericide. The bactericide is heated to a temperature of, for example, 40°C or higher and 90°C or lower, preferably 50°C or higher and 80°C or lower, and more preferably 60°C or higher and 80°C or lower. Here, the circulation time for the bactericide to circulate through the circulation line 53 can be 5 minutes or more and 60 minutes or less. By making the circulation time of the bactericide 5 minutes or more, it is possible to easily heat the bactericide to the desired temperature without setting a large heater or multiple heaters. Also, by making the circulation time of the bactericide 60 minutes or less, it is possible to prevent the sterilization time from becoming too long and to shorten the downtime.

[0090] It should be noted that as the timing for supplying water and the bactericide stock solution to the tank T and circulating the bactericide in the circulation line 53, depending on the capacity of the heater H and the capacity of the tank T, it can be carried out during the filling of the beverage in the content filling system 10, or it can be carried out during the CIP or SIP of the content filling system 10. Here, after the production of the beverage is completed and before the start of the COP or SOP of the filling chamber 42, there is a case where cleaning preparation for recovering the packaging materials (bottles 30 or bottle caps 33) remaining in the filling chamber 42 etc. is carried out. In this case, during this cleaning preparation, it is preferable to adjust the bactericide to a specified concentration and perform circulation heating. Thus, in the present embodiment, in the CIP or SIP of the content filling system 10 etc., the bactericide in the tank T can be pre-heated to the desired temperature, so the downtime during the sterilization process can be shortened.

[0091] (Sterilization process)

[0092] Next, the bactericide heated by the heater H is supplied to the filling chamber (main chamber) 42 to sterilize the filling chamber (main chamber) 42. At this time, the bactericide heated by the heater H is supplied to the filling chamber 42 through the supply line 54. In this case, first, the operation button of the control device 50A is operated. Thereby, a valve (not shown) is switched to connect the first supply pipe 53a and the second supply pipe 54a. Next, as Figure 4 shown, the bactericide is supplied from the tank T to the second supply pipe 54a of the supply line 54 through the first supply pipe 53a of the circulation line 53. It should be noted that at this time, the bactericide can also be further heated by the heater H.

[0093] Next, the bactericide supplied to the second supply pipe 54a is supplied to the filling chamber 42 of the aseptic chamber 40 through the second supply pipe 54a. At this time, the bactericide is sprayed into the filling chamber 42 through the spray nozzle 42a provided in the filling chamber 42. For example, when the volume of the filling chamber 42 is 10m3 above and 170 m 3 In the case of the following degree, the supply amount of the bactericide can be 10 m 3 / h or more and 50 m 3 / h or less, preferably 15 m 3 / h or more and 30 m 3 / h or less. It should be noted that, in this case, the bactericide can also be supplied to the sterilization chamber 41 and the outlet chamber 43 of the aseptic chamber 40.

[0094] However, bacteria may be pre-existing in the water supplied from the water supply unit 51. Moreover, among these bacteria, there are also bacteria that are tolerant to the components of the bactericide. For example, in the case where the bactericide contains peracetic acid, as bacteria tolerant to peracetic acid, Bacillus cereus, B. polymyxa, B. megaterium, Paenibacillus chibensis, P. favisporus, Chaetomium globosum, etc. can be cited. As these bacteria, when the bacteria are tolerant to the components of the bactericide, bacteria remain in the bactericide produced in the tank T, and even if the filling chamber 42 is sterilized with the bactericide, the bacteria in the bactericide may remain in the filling chamber 42. Especially when the temperature and concentration of the bactericide are low or the sterilization time is short, it is difficult to kill the bacteria tolerant to the components of the bactericide, and the possibility of bacteria remaining in the bactericide becomes high.

[0095] In contrast, in the present embodiment, the bactericide supplied to the filling chamber 42 is heated by the heater H provided in the circulation line 53, and the bactericide reaches the desired temperature. Thus, by heating the bactericide to the desired temperature, even in the case where bacteria tolerant to the components of the bactericide pre-exist in the water supplied to the tank T, the bacteria can be killed.

[0096] When supplying the bactericide to the filling chamber 42, the temperature of the bactericide can be 40°C or higher and 90°C or lower, preferably 50°C or higher and 80°C or lower, and more preferably 60°C or higher and 70°C or lower. By making the temperature of the bactericide 40°C or higher, even if there are bacteria that are tolerant to the components of the bactericide remaining in the water supplied to the tank T in advance, the bacteria can be efficiently killed. In particular, by making the temperature of the bactericide 60°C or higher, even if the bactericide contains peracetic acid and there are bacteria that are tolerant to peracetic acid remaining in the water supplied to the tank T, the bacteria can be efficiently killed. Also, by making the temperature of the bactericide 90°C or lower, energy savings and cost reduction can be achieved. Moreover, by making the temperature of the bactericide 80°C or lower, decomposition of the components contained in the bactericide (such as peracetic acid) can be suppressed. On the other hand, in cases where decomposition of the components contained in the bactericide can be suppressed by additives or the like, or depending on the bactericide used, the temperature of the bactericide can be 70°C or higher and 90°C or lower, preferably 75°C or higher and 90°C or lower. By making the temperature of the bactericide 70°C or higher, especially 75°C or higher, even if there are bacteria that are tolerant to the components of the bactericide remaining in the water supplied to the tank T in advance, the bacteria can be efficiently killed.

[0097] (Recovery process)

[0098] Next, the bactericide supplied to the filling chamber 42 is returned to the tank T. At this time, the pump P2 that drives the supply line 54 is operated, as Figure 4 shown, and the bactericide supplied to the filling chamber 42 is supplied to the second return pipe 54b. Then, the bactericide supplied to the second return pipe 54b returns to the tank T through the second return pipe 54b. In this way, the heated bactericide circulates in the first supply pipe 53a of the circulation line 53 and the supply line 54 for a specified time.

[0099] Then, as Figure 5 shown, the bactericide is discharged to the outside as drainage from the discharge pipe 54c provided in the second return pipe 54b of the supply line 54. It should be noted that the bactericide supplied from the filling chamber 42 to the second return pipe 54b can be discharged to the outside as drainage from the discharge pipe 54c without performing the above recovery process. That is, the bactericide supplied from the filling chamber 42 to the second return pipe 54b may not return to the tank T.

[0100] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the sterilization method includes a circulation step of heating the bactericide using the heater H and circulating it through the circulation line 53, and a sterilization step of supplying the bactericide heated by the heater H to the filling chamber (main chamber) 42 to sterilize the filling chamber 42. Thereby, the bactericide heated to a desired temperature can be supplied to the filling chamber 42. Therefore, even if bacteria tolerant to the components of the bactericide pre-exist in the bactericide, the bacteria can be killed. As a result, even if bacteria tolerant to the components of the bactericide pre-exist in the bactericide, a decrease in the sterilization effect of the bactericide can be suppressed.

[0101] Moreover, according to the present embodiment, in the circulation step, the bactericide in the tank T is heated using the heater H and circulated through the circulation line 53, and in the sterilization step, the bactericide heated by the heater H is supplied to the filling chamber 42 through the supply line 54. Thereby, the bactericide heated to a desired temperature can be supplied to the filling chamber 42. Therefore, even if bacteria tolerant to the components of the bactericide pre-exist in the water supplied to the tank T, the bacteria can be killed. As a result, even if bacteria tolerant to the components of the bactericide pre-exist in the water supplied to the tank T, a decrease in the sterilization effect of the bactericide can be suppressed.

[0102] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the sterilization method further includes a recovery step of returning the bactericide supplied to the filling chamber 42 to the tank T. That is, the filling chamber 42 can be sterilized while circulating the bactericide in the tank T through the first supply pipe 53a of the circulation line 53 and the supply line 54. Thereby, the amount of the bactericide used can be reduced, and the cost of sterilizing the filling chamber 42 can be lowered.

[0103] In addition, according to the present embodiment, the bactericide contains peracetic acid. Thus, even when the bactericide is an aqueous solution of peracetic acid, bacteria tolerant to peracetic acid can be efficiently killed in the present embodiment. Therefore, a decrease in the sterilization effect of the bactericide can be suppressed.

[0104] Moreover, according to the present embodiment, in the sterilization step, the bactericide is further heated using the heater H. Thereby, when the bactericide is supplied to the filling chamber 42, a decrease in the temperature of the bactericide can be suppressed. That is, the bactericide can be supplied to the filling chamber 42 in a state of a relatively high temperature. Therefore, the sterilization effect of the bactericide can be enhanced.

[0105] It should be noted that in the above-described embodiment, an example is described in which the aseptic chamber 40 has a filling chamber 42 (main chamber) equipped with a filling device for filling the bottle with the content, a sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) provided on the inlet side of the filling chamber 42, and an outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber) provided on the outlet side, but it is not limited thereto. For example, although not shown, the aseptic chamber 40 may have only one of the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) provided on the inlet side of the filling chamber 42 and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber) provided on the outlet side.

[0106] Moreover, other processes may be performed between the respective processes in the above-described embodiment. For example, a washing process of washing the second supply pipe 54a in the supply line 54 with a bactericide heated by the heater H may be provided between the circulation process and the sterilization process. Here, it is possible that the inside of the second supply pipe 54a is not maintained in a sterile state. Therefore, it is possible that bacteria are mixed into the water remaining in the second supply pipe 54a after the previous SOP, and the bacteria multiply in the second supply pipe 54a during the production of the beverage after the previous SOP. In contrast, by washing the inside of the second supply pipe 54a before the sterilization process, it is possible to suppress the mixing of the bacteria into the inside of the filling chamber 42 and the like.

[0107] In the case of performing the washing process, the operation button of the control device 50A is operated after the circulation process. Thereby, a valve (not shown) is switched to connect the first supply pipe 53a and the second supply pipe 54a. And at this time, the valve etc. (not shown) provided in the second supply pipe 54a that is closest to the aseptic chamber 40 is switched so that the aseptic chamber 40 is not connected to the second supply pipe 54a. Then, as Figure 6A shown, a bactericide is supplied from the tank T to the second supply pipe 54a of the supply line 54 via the first supply pipe 53a of the circulation line 53. It should be noted that at this time, the bactericide may be further heated by the heater H.

[0108] Next, the bactericide supplied to the second supply pipe 54a is discharged to the outside as drain liquid from the discharge pipe 54d connected to the second supply pipe 54a.

[0109] In this washing process, the volume of the bactericide used in the washing of the second supply pipe 54a is preferably at least 1 time or more and 5 times or less the volume of the flow path of the bactericide in the second supply pipe 54a. By making the volume of the bactericide used 1 time or more the volume of the flow path of the bactericide in the second supply pipe 54a, the water used in the previous SOP and remaining in the second supply pipe 54a can be effectively removed. Also, by making the volume of the bactericide used 5 times or less the volume of the flow path of the bactericide in the second supply pipe 54a, the usage amount of the bactericide can be reduced, and the cost of the washing process can be lowered.

[0110] Thus, by performing a washing process between the circulation process and the sterilization process, the bacteria remaining in the second supply pipe 54a can be prevented from mixing into the inside of the filling chamber 42 and the like. Also, by performing a washing process between the circulation process and the sterilization process, the second supply pipe 54a can also be heated by the bactericide heated by the heater H. Thereby, when the bactericide passes through the second supply pipe 54a during the sterilization process, a decrease in the temperature of the bactericide in the second supply pipe 54a can also be suppressed.

[0111] Also, the sterilization method may further include a cleaning process of cleaning the filling chamber 42 by supplying an alkaline cleaning agent to the filling chamber (main chamber) 42 before the above sterilization process.

[0112] In this case, as Figure 6B shown, the sterilization system 50 may further include an alkaline cleaning agent supply unit 52A that supplies an alkaline cleaning agent to the supply line 54.

[0113] The alkaline cleaning agent supplied from the alkaline cleaning agent supply unit 52A may be an alkaline aqueous solution containing 0.5 wt% or more and 5 wt% or less of sodium hydroxide.

[0114] In the case of performing the cleaning process, during or before the circulation process, the operation buttons of the control device 50A are operated. Thereby, a valve (not shown) is switched so that the first supply pipe 53a and the second supply pipe 54a are not connected. Then, an alkaline cleaning agent is supplied from the alkaline cleaning agent supply unit 52A to the second supply pipe 54a of the supply line 54.

[0115] Next, the alkaline cleaning agent supplied to the second supply pipe 54a is supplied to the filling chamber 42 of the sterile chamber 40 through the second supply pipe 54a. At this time, the alkaline cleaning agent is sprayed into the filling chamber 42 through the spray nozzle 42a provided in the filling chamber 42. For example, when the volume of the filling chamber 42 is 10m 3 or more and 170m 3In the following case, the supply amount of the alkaline cleaning agent can be 10 m 3 / h or more and 50 m 3 / h or less, preferably 15 m 3 / h or more and 40 m 3 / h or less. It should be noted that, in this case, the alkaline cleaning agent can also be supplied to the sterilization chamber 41 and the outlet chamber 43 of the aseptic chamber 40.

[0116] Moreover, when supplying the alkaline cleaning agent to the filling chamber 42, the temperature of the alkaline cleaning agent can be 15°C or more and 99°C or less, preferably 40°C or more and 80°C or less.

[0117] Next, drive the pump P2 of the supply line 54 to supply the alkaline cleaning agent supplied to the filling chamber 42 to the second return pipe 54b. Then, the alkaline cleaning agent supplied to the second return pipe 54b is discharged to the outside as drainage from the discharge pipe 54c provided in the second return pipe 54b.

[0118] In this way, before the sterilization process, a cleaning process of cleaning the filling chamber 42 by supplying the alkaline cleaning agent to the filling chamber (main chamber) 42 is performed, whereby the filling chamber 42 can be purified before the sterilization process. Therefore, the sterilization effect of the bactericide can be improved.

[0119] It should be noted that an example of the alkaline cleaning agent supply unit 52A of the sterilization system 50 supplying the alkaline cleaning agent to the supply line 54 is described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, as Figure 6C shown, the alkaline cleaning agent supply unit 52A can also supply the alkaline cleaning agent to the first supply pipe 53a of the circulation line 53. It should be noted that, in this case, it is preferable that the cleaning process is performed before the circulation process.

[0120] Moreover, in the above-described embodiment, an example of newly preparing a bactericide by diluting the bactericide stock solution supplied from the bactericide stock solution supply unit 52 with the water supplied from the water supply unit 51 is described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, although not shown, it is also possible to perform reuse (multi-purpose) by storing the bactericide when sterilizing the sterilization system 50 last time in the tank T or other recovery tanks without discharging it.

[0121] In addition, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the content filling system 10 includes a bottle supply unit 21, a bottle sterilization device 11, an air rinsing device 14, a sterile water rinsing device 15, a filling device 20, a cap mounting device 16, and a product bottle discharging unit 22 is described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, although not shown, the content filling system 10 may not include the sterile water rinsing device 15.

[0122] Second Embodiment

[0123] Next, with reference to Figures 7 to 10 the second embodiment will be described. Figures 7 to 10 The second embodiment shown mainly differs from the first embodiment in that the bactericide in the can T is circulated through the sterilization chamber 41 or the outlet chamber 43 in the circulation process. For Figures 7 to 10 parts that are the same as those in the first embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0124] (Sterilization System)

[0125] First, based on Figure 7 the sterilization system for performing the sterilization method of this embodiment will be described.

[0126] As Figure 7 shown, the sterilization system 50 includes a can T connected to a circulation line 55 and storing a bactericide, a water supply unit 51 for supplying water to the can T, and a bactericide stock solution supply unit 52 for supplying a bactericide stock solution to the can T.

[0127] The circulation line 55 is used to circulate the bactericide stored in the can T and heat the bactericide to a desired temperature. In the middle of the circulation line 55, a heater H for heating the bactericide and a sterile chamber 40 are provided in sequence. Specifically, the circulation line 55 includes a supply pipe 55a connected to the can T and provided upstream of the sterile chamber 40, a return pipe 55b connected to the sterile chamber 40 and provided downstream of the sterile chamber 40, and a discharge pipe 55c connected to the return pipe 55b. Among them, the supply pipe 55a is configured to branch into a plurality of pipes upstream of the sterile chamber 40 and can supply the bactericide independently to the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber), the filling chamber 42 (main chamber), and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber) of the sterile chamber 40. The return pipe 55b is a pipe for discharging the bactericide from the sterile chamber 40 and returning the bactericide that has passed through the sterile chamber 40 to the can T. The return pipe 55b is connected to the can T. And, a pump P2 for returning the bactericide to the can T is provided in the middle of the return pipe 55b. The discharge pipe 55c is used to discharge the bactericide after sterilizing the sterile chamber 40.

[0128] It should be noted that although not shown, various measuring instruments such as a flow meter or a concentration meter, various switching valves, and filters are also provided on the circulation line 55 in addition to valves, thermometers, and actuators for switching the flow path, and they are also controlled by signals from the control device 50A.

[0129] (Sterilization Method)

[0130] Next, based on Figures 8 to 10 the sterilization method of this embodiment will be described.

[0131] First, operate the operation button of the control device 50A. Thereby, water is supplied from the water supply unit 51 to the tank T. And, a fungicide stock solution is supplied from the fungicide stock solution supply unit 52 to the tank T. Thereby, the fungicide stock solution is diluted in the tank T to produce a fungicide.

[0132] (Circulation process)

[0133] Next, while heating the fungicide with the heater H, it is circulated through the circulation line 55. At this time, while heating the fungicide in the tank T with the heater H, it is circulated through the circulation line 55 via the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber). In this case, the pumps P1 and P2 that drive the circulation line 55 are operated, and the fungicide supplied to the tank T is circulated in the circulation line 55 (see Figure 8 ). At this time, the supply pipe 55a is connected to the sterilization chamber 41 and the outlet chamber 43 through a valve (not shown). Then, the fungicide supplied to the supply pipe 55a of the circulation line 55 is supplied to the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber) of the aseptic chamber 40 through the supply pipe 55a. At this time, the fungicide is sprayed into the sterilization chamber 41 and the outlet chamber 43 through the spray nozzles 41a and 43a provided in the sterilization chamber 41 and the outlet chamber 43, respectively. On the other hand, the supply pipe 55a is not connected to the filling chamber 42. In this way, before the fungicide is heated to the desired temperature, the fungicide is not supplied to the filling chamber 42. Therefore, even if bacteria remain in the fungicide produced in the tank T, it is possible to suppress the supply of the fungicide with the remaining bacteria to the filling chamber 42.

[0134] (Sterilization process)

[0135] Next, the fungicide heated by the heater H is supplied to the filling chamber (main chamber) 42 to sterilize the filling chamber (main chamber) 42. At this time, the fungicide heated by the heater H is supplied to the filling chamber 42 (main chamber) through the circulation line 55. In this case, first, operate the operation button of the control device 50A. Thereby, a valve (not shown) is switched, and the supply pipe 55a of the circulation line 55 is connected to the filling chamber 42.

[0136] Next, as Figure 9 shown, the fungicide supplied from the tank T to the supply pipe 55a of the circulation line 55 is supplied to the filling chamber 42 (main chamber) of the aseptic chamber 40. It should be noted that, in this case, the fungicide may also be supplied to the sterilization chamber 41 and the outlet chamber 43 of the aseptic chamber 40.

[0137] (Recovery process)

[0138] Next, the bactericide supplied to the filling chamber 42 is returned to the tank T. At this time, the pump P2 of the circulation line 55 is driven, as Figure 9 shown, the bactericide supplied to the filling chamber 42 is supplied to the return pipe 55b. Then, the bactericide supplied to the return pipe 55b returns to the tank T through the return pipe 55b. In this way, the heated bactericide circulates in the circulation line 55 via the filling chamber 42 for a prescribed time.

[0139] Then, as Figure 10 shown, the bactericide is discharged to the outside as drainage from the discharge pipe 55c provided in the return pipe 55b of the circulation line 55. It should be noted that, instead of performing the above recovery process, the bactericide supplied from the filling chamber 42 to the return pipe 55b may be discharged to the outside as drainage from the discharge pipe 55c. That is, the bactericide supplied from the filling chamber 42 to the return pipe 55b may not be returned to the tank T.

[0140] As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the circulation process, while heating the bactericide in the tank T using the heater H, it circulates through the circulation line 55 via the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber). In the sterilization process, the bactericide heated by the heater H is supplied to the filling chamber 42 (main chamber) through the circulation line 55. In this case, it is also possible to supply the bactericide heated to the desired temperature to the filling chamber 42. Therefore, even if bacteria resistant to the components of the bactericide pre-exist in the water supplied to the tank T, it is possible to kill such bacteria. As a result, even when bacteria resistant to the components of the bactericide remain in the water supplied to the tank T, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the bactericidal effect of the bactericide.

[0141] It should be noted that, in the above embodiment, an example in which the sterilization system 50 includes the circulation line 55 is described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, although not shown, the sterilization system 50 may be configured to include a circulation line 53 and a supply line 54 in the same manner as Figure 2 shown. In this case, for example, in the above circulation process, the bactericide in the tank T may also circulate through the first supply pipe 53a of the circulation line 53 (refer to Figure 2 ), the second supply pipe 54a of the supply line 54, the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) and / or the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber), and the second return pipe 54b of the supply line 54. That is, in the circulation process, the first return pipe 53b of the circulation line 53 may not be used.

[0142] Further, in the above-described embodiment, an example is described in which, in the circulation process, the bactericide in the tank T is heated by the heater H while circulating through the circulation line 55 via the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, although not illustrated, in the circulation process, the bactericide in the tank T may be circulated through the circulation line 55 via only one of the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber).

[0143] Further, in the circulation process, the bactericide in the tank T may also be circulated through the circulation line 55 via the cap sterilization device 17. In this case, by disposing the cap sterilization device 17 in the middle of the circulation line 55, the bactericide in the tank T can be circulated through the circulation line 55 via the cap sterilization device 17.

[0144] In addition, when the bottle forming unit 100 is provided in the content filling system 10 (see Figure 1B ), in the circulation process, for example, the bactericide in the tank T may also be circulated through the circulation line 55 via at least one of the forming chamber 120 and the atmosphere cutoff chamber 131 of the bottle forming unit 100. In this case, by disposing the forming chamber 120 and the atmosphere cutoff chamber 131 in the middle of the circulation line 55, the bactericide in the tank T can be circulated through the circulation line 55 via at least one of the forming chamber 120 and the atmosphere cutoff chamber 131.

[0145] Third Embodiment

[0146] Next, with reference to Figures 11 to 14 the third embodiment will be described. Figures 11 to 14 The third embodiment shown is mainly different from the first embodiment in that the sterilization system 50 does not include the tank T. In Figures 11 to 14 , for parts that are the same as those in the first embodiment or the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0147] (Sterilization System)

[0148] First, according to Figure 11 the sterilization system for performing the sterilization method of the present embodiment will be described.

[0149] As Figure 11As shown, the sterilization system 50 of the present embodiment does not include the tank T. In the present embodiment, the sterilization system 50 is provided with a heater H for heating the bactericide and a sterile chamber 40 in sequence in the middle, and a circulation line 56 for circulating the bactericide. Further, the sterilization system 50 is provided with a water supply unit 51 for supplying water to the circulation line 56 and a bactericide stock solution supply unit 52 for supplying the bactericide stock solution to the circulation line 56. That is, in the present embodiment, the water supply unit 51 and the bactericide stock solution supply unit 52 are configured to supply water and the bactericide stock solution to the circulation line 56 respectively.

[0150] The circulation line 56 is used to circulate the bactericide and heat the bactericide to a desired temperature. In the middle of the circulation line 56, as described above, a heater H for heating the bactericide and a sterile chamber 40 are provided in sequence. Specifically, the circulation line 56 includes a supply pipe 56a provided on the upstream side of the sterile chamber 40, a return pipe 56b connected to the sterile chamber 40 and provided on the downstream side of the sterile chamber 40, and a discharge pipe 56c connected to the return pipe 56b. Among them, water is supplied from the water supply unit 51 to the supply pipe 56a, and the bactericide stock solution is supplied from the bactericide stock solution supply unit 52 to the supply pipe 56a. Further, the supply pipe 56a is configured to branch into a plurality of pipes on the upstream side of the sterile chamber 40, and the bactericide can be independently supplied to the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber), the filling chamber 42 (main chamber), and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber) of the sterile chamber 40 respectively. The return pipe 56b is a pipe for discharging the bactericide from the sterile chamber 40 and supplying the bactericide that has passed through the sterile chamber 40 to the supply pipe 56a. The return pipe 56b is connected to the supply pipe 56a. Further, a pump P2 for circulating the bactericide is provided in the middle of the return pipe 56b. The discharge pipe 56c is used to discharge the bactericide after sterilizing the sterile chamber 40.

[0151] It should be noted that although not shown, various measuring instruments such as a flow meter or a concentration meter, various switching valves, and filters are also provided on the circulation line 56 in addition to the valves, thermometers, or actuators for flow path switching, and they are also controlled by signals from the control device 50A.

[0152] (Sterilization method)

[0153] Next, according to Figures 12 to 14 the sterilization method of the present embodiment will be described.

[0154] First, operate the operation button of the control device 50A. Thereby, water and the stock solution of the bactericide are supplied from the water supply unit 51 and the stock solution supply unit 52 of the bactericide to the circulation line 56. Thereby, the stock solution of the bactericide is diluted in the circulation line 56 to produce a bactericide. It should be noted that, in this case, the flow rates of the water and the stock solution of the bactericide are measured by a flowmeter (not shown). Then, using a signal from the control device 50A, the flow rates of the water and the stock solution of the bactericide are adjusted so that the produced bactericide becomes a specified concentration.

[0155] (Circulation process)

[0156] Next, while heating the bactericide with the heater H, it is circulated through the circulation line 56. At this time, while heating the bactericide in the circulation line 56 with the heater H, the bactericide in the circulation line 56 is circulated through the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber) via the circulation line 56. In this case, the pumps P1 and P2 that drive the circulation line 56 are operated, and the bactericide is circulated in the circulation line 56 (see Figure 12 ). At this time, the supply pipe 56a is connected to the sterilization chamber 41 and the outlet chamber 43 by a valve (not shown). Then, the bactericide in the supply pipe 56a of the circulation line 56 is supplied to the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber) of the sterile chamber 40. On the other hand, the supply pipe 56a is not connected to the filling chamber 42. Thereby, before the bactericide is heated to the desired temperature, the bactericide is not supplied to the filling chamber 42. Therefore, even if bacteria remain in the bactericide produced in the tank T, it is possible to suppress the supply of the bactericide in which the bacteria remain to the filling chamber 42.

[0157] Here, when the volume of the filling chamber 42 (main chamber) is x1, the volume of the flow path of the bactericide in the circulation line 56 is x2, and the circulation amount of the bactericide achieved by the circulation line 56 in the circulation process is y, it is preferably satisfied that 2×(x1 + x2) ≤ y ≤ 100×(x1 + x2), and more preferably satisfied that 3×(x1 + x2) ≤ y ≤ 50×(x1 + x2). Thereby, when sterilizing the filling chamber 42, it is possible to suppress a shortage of the bactericide. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the interruption of the sterilization of the filling chamber 42 in order to remake the insufficient bactericide. As a result, the sterilization time of the filling chamber 42 can be shortened. And, it is possible to suppress the production of more bactericide than necessary. Therefore, energy saving can be achieved.

[0158] (Sterilization process)

[0159] Next, the bactericide heated by the heater H is supplied to the filling chamber (main chamber) 42 to sterilize the filling chamber (main chamber) 42. At this time, the bactericide heated by the heater H is supplied to the filling chamber 42 (main chamber) through the circulation line 56. In this case, first, the operation button of the control device 50A is operated. Thereby, a valve (not shown) is switched, and the supply pipe 56a of the circulation line 56 communicates with the filling chamber 42.

[0160] Next, as Figure 13 shown, the bactericide that has passed through the supply pipe 56a of the circulation line 56 is supplied to the filling chamber 42 (main chamber) of the aseptic chamber 40. It should be noted that, in this case, the bactericide may also be supplied to the sterilization chamber 41 and the outlet chamber 43 of the aseptic chamber 40.

[0161] Next, the bactericide is circulated through the circulation line 56 via the filling chamber 42 for a predetermined time.

[0162] Then, as Figure 14 shown, the bactericide is discharged to the outside as drain liquid from the discharge pipe 56c provided in the return pipe 56b of the circulation line 56. It should be noted that the bactericide supplied from the filling chamber 42 to the return pipe 56b may also be discharged to the outside as drain liquid from the discharge pipe 56c without passing through the filling chamber 42 and circulating in the circulation line 56.

[0163] As described above, in the present embodiment, it is also possible to supply the bactericide heated to a desired temperature to the filling chamber 42. Therefore, even if bacteria that are tolerant to the components of the bactericide pre-exist in the water supplied to the circulation line 56, it is possible to kill such bacteria. As a result, even if bacteria that are tolerant to the components of the bactericide pre-exist in the water supplied to the circulation line 56, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the bactericidal effect of the bactericide.

[0164] It should be noted that, in the above-described embodiment, an example is described in which the bactericide is circulated through the circulation line 56 via the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber) while being heated by the heater H in the circulation process, but it is not limited thereto. For example, although not shown, in the circulation process, the bactericide may also be circulated through the circulation line 56 via only one of the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber).

[0165] Moreover, in the circulation process, the bactericide in the can T may also be circulated through the circulation line 55 via the cap sterilization device 17. In this case, by disposing the cap sterilization device 17 in the middle of the circulation line 55, it is possible to circulate the bactericide in the can T through the circulation line 55 via the cap sterilization device 17.

[0166] Further, when the bottle forming section 100 is provided in the content filling system 10 (refer to Figure 1B ), in the circulation process, for example, the bactericide in the can T can also be circulated through the circulation line 55 via at least one of the forming section chamber 120 and the atmosphere cutoff chamber 131 of the bottle forming section 100. In this case, by providing the forming section chamber 120 and the atmosphere cutoff chamber 131 in the middle of the circulation line 55, the bactericide in the can T can be circulated through the circulation line 55 via at least one of the forming section chamber 120 and the atmosphere cutoff chamber 131.

[0167] The plurality of constituent elements disclosed in the above-described embodiments and respective modification examples can be appropriately combined as needed. Alternatively, some of the constituent elements shown in the above-described embodiments and respective modification examples can also be deleted.

Claims

1. A sterilization method, which is a sterilization method in a sterilization system having a circulation line and a main chamber. A heater for heating a bactericide is provided in the middle of the circulation line. The bactericide is used in the COP or SOP of a content filling system for filling contents into bottles. The main chamber is connected to the circulation line, and is characterized in that, Comprising: A circulation step of circulating the bactericide through the circulation line while heating the bactericide using the heater; A sterilization step of supplying the bactericide heated using the heater to the main chamber to sterilize the main chamber, The sterilization system further comprises: A tank connected to the circulation line for storing a bactericide made by mixing water and a bactericide stock solution; A water supply unit for supplying the water to the tank; A bactericide stock solution supply unit for supplying the bactericide stock solution to the tank; A supply line provided between the circulation line and the tank; The main chamber is provided midway in the supply line, A filling device for filling the bottles with the content is disposed in the main chamber, In the circulation step, the bactericide in the tank is not supplied to the main chamber, and while heating the bactericide in the tank using the heater, the bactericide in the tank is circulated through the circulation line, In the sterilization step, the bactericide heated using the heater is supplied to the main chamber through the supply line, The circulation step can be carried out during the filling of the content in the content filling system or during CIP or SIP of the content filling system, Between the circulation step and the sterilization step, there is a washing step of not supplying the bactericide to the main chamber and washing the supply line with the bactericide heated using the heater.

2. The sterilization method according to claim 1, wherein, The sterilization method further comprises a recovery step of returning the bactericide supplied to the main chamber to the tank.

3. A sterilization method, which is a sterilization method in a sterilization system having a circulation line and a main chamber, wherein a heater for heating a bactericide is provided in the middle of the circulation line, and the main chamber is connected to the circulation line, characterized in that, Comprising: A circulation step of circulating the bactericide through the circulation line while heating the bactericide using the heater; A sterilization step of supplying the bactericide heated using the heater to the main chamber to sterilize the main chamber, The sterilization system further comprises: A tank connected to the circulation line for storing a bactericide made of water and a bactericide stock solution; A water supply unit for supplying the water to the tank; A bactericide stock solution supply unit for supplying the bactericide stock solution to the tank; The heater and a sterile chamber are sequentially provided midway in the circulation line, The sterile chamber has the main chamber and a sub-chamber, and the sub-chamber is provided on at least one of the inlet side and the outlet side of the main chamber, A filling device for filling the bottles with the content is disposed in the main chamber, In the circulation step, while heating the bactericide in the tank using the heater, the bactericide is circulated through the circulation line via the sub-chamber, In the sterilization step, the bactericide heated using the heater is supplied to the main chamber through the circulation line.

4. The sterilization method according to claim 3, wherein, The sterilization method further comprises a recovery step of returning the bactericide supplied to the main chamber to the tank.

5. A sterilization method, which is a sterilization method in a sterilization system having a circulation line and a main chamber, wherein a heater for heating a bactericide is provided in the middle of the circulation line, and the main chamber is connected to the circulation line, and is characterized in that, Comprising: A circulation step of circulating the bactericide through the circulation line while heating the bactericide using the heater; A sterilization step of supplying the bactericide heated using the heater to the main chamber to sterilize the main chamber, The sterilization system further includes: A water supply unit that supplies water to the circulation line; A bactericide stock solution supply unit that supplies bactericide stock solution to the circulation line; The heater and the sterile chamber are successively provided in the middle of the circulation line, The bactericide is made from the water and the bactericide stock solution, The sterile chamber has the main chamber and a sub-chamber, and the sub-chamber is provided on at least one of the inlet side or the outlet side of the main chamber, A filling device for filling the bottle with the content is arranged in the main chamber, In the circulation step, the bactericide is circulated through the circulation line via the sub-chamber while heating the bactericide using the heater, In the sterilization step, the bactericide heated using the heater is supplied to the main chamber through the circulation line.

6. The sterilization method according to claim 5, wherein, When the volume of the main chamber is x1, the volume of the flow path of the bactericide in the circulation line is x2, and the circulation amount of the bactericide achieved by the circulation line in the circulation step is y, the relationship 2×(x1 + x2) ≤ y ≤ 100×(x1 + x2) is satisfied.

7. The sterilization method according to claim 1, wherein, In the sterilization step, the temperature of the bactericide is 40°C or higher and 90°C or lower.

8. The sterilization method according to claim 1, wherein, In the circulation step, the circulation time for the bactericide to circulate through the circulation line is 5 minutes or longer and 60 minutes or shorter.

9. The sterilization method according to claim 1, wherein, The bactericide contains peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide.

10. The sterilization method according to claim 1, wherein, In the sterilization step, the bactericide is further heated using the heater.

11. The sterilization method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein, Before the sterilization step, a cleaning step of cleaning the main chamber by supplying an alkaline cleaning agent to the main chamber is further included.

12. A sterilization system, characterized in that, It includes: A circulation line, in the middle of which a heater for heating the bactericide is provided, and the bactericide is used in the COP or SOP of the content filling system for filling the bottle with the content; A main chamber, which is connected to the circulation line; A control device, which is connected to the circulation line; A tank, which is connected to the circulation line and stores the bactericide made from water and bactericide stock solution; A water supply unit that supplies the water to the tank; A bactericide stock solution supply unit that supplies the bactericide stock solution to the tank; A supply line, which is arranged between the circulation line and the tank, The main chamber is provided in the middle of the supply line, A filling device for filling the bottle with the content is arranged in the main chamber, The control device does not supply the bactericide in the tank to the main chamber, circulates the bactericide in the tank through the circulation line while heating the bactericide in the tank by the heater, and does not supply the bactericide to the main chamber. After washing the supply line with the bactericide heated by the heater, the bactericide heated by the heater is supplied to the main chamber through the supply line. The circulation of the bactericide can be carried out during the filling of the contents in the contents filling system, or during CIP or SIP of the contents filling system.

13. A sterilization system, characterized in that, Comprising: A circulation line provided with a heater for heating the bactericide midway; A main chamber connected to the circulation line; A control device connected to the circulation line; A tank connected to the circulation line, storing a bactericide made from water and a bactericide stock solution; A water supply unit for supplying the water to the tank; A bactericide stock solution supply unit for supplying the bactericide stock solution to the tank, The heater and a sterile chamber are sequentially provided midway in the circulation line, The sterile chamber has the main chamber and a sub-chamber, and the sub-chamber is provided on at least one of the inlet side and the outlet side of the main chamber, A filling device for filling the contents into the bottle is arranged in the main chamber, The control device circulates the bactericide through the circulation line via the sub-chamber while heating the bactericide in the tank by the heater, and supplies the bactericide heated by the heater to the main chamber through the circulation line.

14. A sterilization system, characterized in that, Comprising: A circulation line provided with a heater for heating the bactericide midway; A main chamber connected to the circulation line; A control device connected to the circulation line; A water supply unit for supplying water to the circulation line; A bactericide stock solution supply unit for supplying the bactericide stock solution to the circulation line, The heater and a sterile chamber are sequentially provided midway in the circulation line, The bactericide is made from the water and the bactericide stock solution, The sterile chamber has the main chamber and a sub-chamber, and the sub-chamber is provided on at least one of the inlet side or the outlet side of the main chamber, A filling device for filling the contents into the bottle is arranged in the main chamber, The control device circulates the bactericide through the circulation line via the sub-chamber while heating the bactericide by the heater, and supplies the bactericide heated by the heater to the main chamber through the circulation line.

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