Cleaning and sterilization method for aseptic filling machine and aseptic filling machine

Abstract

A cleaning and sterilization method for a sterile filling machine and a sterile filling machine, which shorten the time until the start of the filling operation of the content or the production room time. In a sterile filling machine having a content supply system pipe for supplying the content to the filling machine through a heat sterilization unit, the cleaning liquid in the content supply system pipe is circulated to perform CIP in the content supply system pipe, and the cleaning liquid is heated to the temperature required for sterilization in the content supply system pipe from the beginning or the middle of the CIP, and the heated cleaning liquid is circulated, thereby performing SIP for sterilizing the content supply system pipe. Based on the temperatures at the inlet and outlet of the heating pipe of the heat sterilization unit and the temperatures at the inlet and outlet of the heating pipe of the heating medium, the total heat transfer coefficient of the heating pipe is calculated. When the calculated total heat transfer coefficient reaches the target value, the CIP is completed. The temperature is measured by a plurality of temperature sensors provided in the content supply system pipe, the lowest temperature is selected from the measured temperatures, the F value is calculated for the selected lowest temperature, and the calculated F values are accumulated. When the accumulated F value reaches the target value, the SIP is completed and the circulation of the cleaning liquid is ended.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a method for cleaning and sterilizing an aseptic filling machine for filling beverages into containers such as PET bottles, and an aseptic filling machine. Background Art

[0002] When filling a beverage into a container such as a bottle using an aseptic filling machine, it is necessary to sterilize the beverage itself to make it in an aseptic state. Further, it is necessary to perform cleaning, i.e., CIP (Cleaning in Place) in the beverage supply system piping composed of a buffer tank, a liquid supply pipe, a filling machine tank, etc., which is the path for transporting the beverage to the filling nozzle, and SIP (Sterilizing in Place) for sterilizing the inside of the beverage supply system piping, so that the inside of the beverage supply system piping is in an aseptic state. Regarding the beverage supply system piping of the aseptic filling machine, CIP is performed regularly, or CIP is performed when switching the types of beverages, and then SIP is performed (see Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3).

[0003] CIP is performed by flowing a cleaning liquid obtained by adding an alkaline agent such as caustic soda to water, for example, in the flow path from the inside of the piping of the beverage supply system to the filling nozzle of the aseptic filling machine, and then flowing a cleaning liquid obtained by adding an acidic agent to water. Thereby, residues of the previous beverage attached inside the beverage supply system piping are removed (see Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3).

[0004] SIP is a process for pre-sterilizing the inside of the beverage supply system piping before starting the beverage filling operation. For example, it is performed by flowing heated steam or a heated liquid in the beverage supply system piping cleaned by CIP. Thereby, the inside of the beverage supply system piping is sterilized and becomes in an aseptic state (see Patent Document 3).

[0005] Generally, after performing CIP using a cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid is rinsed, and SIP is performed using a bactericide or a heated fluid. However, it has been proposed to raise the temperature of the cleaning liquid used for CIP to the temperature required for SIP, and perform CIP and SIP simultaneously or continuously (Patent Document 4).

[0006] When performing CIP, the cleaning liquid is made to flow, but the timing at which CIP is completed depends on the type of the cleaning liquid. However, the temperature of the cleaning liquid and the cleaning time are empirically calculated, and CIP is performed based on this. As a result, cleaning is performed for an unnecessarily long time, resulting in losses of time and energy. To improve this, the following method has been proposed, i.e., the total thermal conductivity is calculated for the part where residues are most likely to adhere, and CIP is completed when the total thermal conductivity reaches a target value or more (Patent Document 5).

[0007] SIP is performed by passing heated steam or heated liquid through the beverage filling path. Conventionally, the completion of SIP has been determined by allowing a specified time to elapse after the temperature at a specified location in the beverage supply pipe of the beverage filling path reaches a specified temperature. However, in this method, since the SIP time becomes unduly long, resulting in large losses of time and energy, multiple temperature sensors are provided on the beverage supply pipe of a beverage filling device having a beverage supply pipe that conveys beverages into a filling machine via a heat sterilization unit. The F value is calculated based on the temperatures detected by these temperature sensors, and when the minimum value of the calculated F value reaches the target value, SIP is completed (see Patent Documents 6 and 7).

[0008] Prior Art Documents

[0009] Patent Documents

[0010] Patent Document 1: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-331801

[0011] Patent Document 2: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2000-153245

[0012] Patent Document 3: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2007-22600

[0013] Patent Document 4: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2019-064722

[0014] Patent Document 5: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2020-70067

[0015] Patent Document 6: WO 2014 / 103787

[0016] Patent Document 7: Japanese Unexamined Patent Application Publication No. 2015-044593 Summary of the Invention

[0017] Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0018] An aseptic filling machine can ensure the quality of products produced by the aseptic filling machine by reliably performing CIP and SIP in the beverage supply pipe.

[0019] In the cleaning and sterilization method of a beverage filling device that performs CIP (Cleaning in Place) for cleaning the piping in the beverage supply system of a sterile filling machine and SIP (Sterilization in Place) for sterilizing the piping in the beverage supply system of a sterile filling machine, as proposed in Patent Document 4, it is possible to perform these processes simultaneously or continuously without stopping between CIP and SIP. SIP is performed using the cleaning liquid for CIP that circulates in the piping of the beverage supply system. From the start of CIP or from the middle, the cleaning liquid for CIP is heated to the temperature required for SIP, so that SIP in the piping of the beverage supply system can be performed simultaneously or continuously with CIP. By this method, the time required for CIP and SIP can be shortened, and the energy consumption can be reduced.

[0020] However, in order to shorten the time required for CIP and SIP, it is necessary to accurately judge the completion of each.

[0021] An object of the present disclosure is to provide a cleaning and sterilization method for a sterile filling machine and a sterile filling machine, in which, in the sterile filling machine, when performing SIP in the piping of the content supply system simultaneously or continuously with CIP by heating the cleaning liquid for CIP to the temperature required for SIP from the start or the middle of CIP, it is possible to reliably determine the completion of CIP and SIP, and to shorten the time required for CIP and SIP.

[0022] Means for solving the problem

[0023] The cleaning and sterilization method of the aseptic filling machine involved in the present disclosure, the aseptic filling machine has a content supply system pipe for transporting the content into the filling machine through a heating sterilization unit, wherein the cleaning liquid for cleaning the inside of the content supply system pipe is circulated in the content supply system pipe to perform CIP (Cleaning In Place) on the inside of the content supply system pipe, the cleaning liquid is heated to the temperature required for sterilization inside the content supply system pipe from the beginning or in the middle of the CIP, and the heated cleaning liquid is circulated in the content supply system pipe, thereby performing SIP (Sterilizing In Place) on the inside of the content supply system pipe. Measure the temperature of the cleaning liquid at the inlet and outlet of the heating pipe of the heating sterilization unit, measure the temperature of the heating medium at the inlet and outlet of the heating pipe of the heating pipe, and calculate the total heat transfer coefficient of the heating pipe based on the temperature of the inlet and outlet of the heating pipe of the cleaning liquid and the temperature of the inlet and outlet of the heating pipe of the heating medium. When the calculated total heat transfer coefficient reaches the target value, complete the CIP. Measure the temperature through a plurality of temperature sensors provided inside the content supply system pipe, select the lowest temperature from the measured temperatures, calculate the F value for the selected lowest temperature, accumulate the calculated F values, and when the accumulated F value reaches the target value, complete the SIP. After the CIP and the SIP are completed, drain the cleaning liquid.

[0024] In addition, in the cleaning and sterilization method of the aseptic filling machine of the present disclosure, it is preferable to form an upstream return path with respect to the upstream pipe portion of the content supply system pipe passing through the heating sterilization unit to form an upstream circulation path, and circulate the cleaning liquid in the upstream circulation path.

[0025] The aseptic filling machine of the present disclosure has a content supply system pipe for supplying the content into the filling machine via a heat sterilization unit. Among them, a cleaning liquid supply device is provided, which supplies the cleaning liquid for cleaning the inside of the content supply system pipe into the content supply system pipe, and forms a circulation path for circulating the supplied cleaning liquid in the content supply system pipe. The circulation path is configured as follows: from the beginning or the middle of the CIP (Cleaning In Place) inside the content supply system pipe by the circulating cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid is heated to the temperature required for sterilization inside the content supply system pipe. By circulating the heated cleaning liquid in the content supply system pipe, SIP (Sterilizing In Place) for sterilizing the inside of the content supply system pipe is performed. It has a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the cleaning liquid at the inlet and outlet of the heating pipe of the heat sterilization unit, and has a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heating medium at the inlet and outlet of the heating pipe of the heating medium. A controller is provided, which calculates the total heat transfer coefficient of the heating pipe based on the temperature of the cleaning liquid at the inlet and outlet of the heating pipe and the measured temperature of the heating medium at the inlet and outlet of the heating pipe, and is configured such that when the calculated total heat transfer coefficient reaches the target value, the CIP is completed. A plurality of temperature sensors are provided inside the content supply system pipe, and the controller is configured as follows: the lowest temperature is selected from the measured temperatures, the F value is calculated for the selected lowest temperature, the calculated F values are cumulatively calculated, and when the cumulative F value reaches the target value, the SIP is completed. The controller is configured to discharge the cleaning liquid after the CIP and the SIP are completed.

[0026] In addition, in the aseptic filling machine of the present disclosure, it is preferable to provide an upstream return path with respect to the upstream side pipe portion of the content supply system pipe passing through the heat sterilization unit, and form an upstream circulation path, and the upstream circulation path is configured such that the cleaning liquid circulates in the upstream circulation path.

[0027] Advantages of the Invention

[0028] According to the present disclosure, for CIP and SIP of the content supply piping of a sterile filling machine, the cleaning liquid for CIP is heated to the temperature required for sterilization inside the content supply piping from the beginning or midway of CIP. When performing CIP for cleaning the inside of the content supply piping and SIP for sterilizing the inside of the content supply piping simultaneously or continuously by circulating the heated cleaning liquid inside the content supply piping, the total heat transfer coefficient of the heating piping of the heating and sterilizing section is calculated, and the F value calculated based on the lowest temperature measured by the temperature sensor inside the content supply piping is accumulated. When the total heat transfer coefficient and the F value reach the target values, CIP and SIP are completed. As a result, the time required for CIP and SIP can be shortened, the filling operation of the next content can be started earlier, the preparation time of the production room during content switching can be shortened, and the production efficiency can be improved. In addition, by shortening the time of CIP and SIP, energy reduction and CO 2 emission reduction are achieved.

[0029] In the cleaning and sterilization method of the sterile filling machine of the present disclosure, the lowest temperature is selected from the temperatures measured by the multiple temperature sensors provided in the content supply piping, the F value is calculated based on the selected temperature, the calculated F values are accumulated, and SIP is completed when the accumulated F value reaches the target value. By this method, since the number of calculations for calculating the F value can be reduced, the cost of the calculation device can be significantly reduced compared to the case of calculating the F value for all measured temperatures. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0030] Figure 1 is a block diagram of a sterile filling machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0031] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing the state of performing CIP and / or SIP on the content supply piping from the heating and sterilizing section to the filling machine in the sterile filling machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0032] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing the state of performing CIP and / or SIP on the upstream piping section of the content supply piping including the heating and sterilizing section in the sterile filling according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0033] Figure 4A is a block diagram showing the change in temperature over time in the second-stage heating section of the heating and sterilizing section in the cleaning and sterilization method of the sterile filling machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0034] Figure 4B is a block diagram showing the change in temperature over time in the second-stage cooling section of the heating and sterilizing section in the cleaning and sterilization method of the sterile filling machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0035] Figure 5It is a block diagram showing the change over time of the temperature of the second-stage heating section of the heating and sterilizing section in the cleaning and sterilizing method of the aseptic filling machine according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0036] Figure 6 It is a diagram showing the heating medium line connected to the second-stage heating section in the aseptic filling machine according to the embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0037] Figure 7 It is a diagram showing the change in the total heat transfer coefficient (U value) of the second-stage heating section during production and CIP of the aseptic filling machine according to the embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed implementation mode

[0038] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0039] As Figure 1 shown, the aseptic filling machine includes a content preparation device 1 and a filling machine 2 for filling the content into a bottle-shaped container 4. The content preparation device 1 is connected to the filling nozzle 2a in the filling machine 2 through a content supply system pipe 7. In addition, the filling section of the filling machine 2 is shielded by a filling section chamber 3.

[0040] The content preparation device 1 is a device for preparing contents such as milk coffee, black coffee, green tea beverage, black tea, milk tea, fruit juice beverage, etc. at a desired mixing ratio. Since it is a well-known device, its detailed description is omitted.

[0041] In the aseptic filling machine, a conveying path is provided for conveying the container 4 to the filling machine 2 and discharging the container 4 filled with the content by the filling machine 2. The conveying path generally consists of a plurality of wheels and jigs for holding the container 4 arranged around each wheel.

[0042] The filling machine 2 is configured by arranging a plurality of filling nozzles 2a around a wheel (not shown) that rotates at high speed in a horizontal plane. While the filling nozzle 2a rotates together with the rotation of the wheel, the content is quantitatively filled from the filling nozzle 2a into the container 4 that is held by the jig and travels synchronously with the circumferential speed of the wheel below the filling nozzle 2a. This filling machine 2 is also a well-known device, so its detailed description is omitted.

[0043] In the filling section chamber 3 shielding the filling section of the aseptic filling machine having the filling machine 2, COP (Cleaning Out of Place) for cleaning the filling section chamber 3 and SOP (Sterilizing Out of Place) for sterilizing the filling section chamber 3 are performed before the aseptic filling machine is operated. Since sterile water is required for COP, SOP, cleaning of the cap after sterilization, and cleaning of the outer surface of the container mouth after filling of the content, the aseptic filling machine is sometimes also equipped with a sterile water manufacturing device (not shown).

[0044] The content supply system piping 7 of the aseptic filling machine is provided in the pipeline from the preparation device 1 to the filling machine 2. From the flow of the content, the balance tank 5, the heat sterilization unit 18, the manifold valve 8, the combined water tank 19, and the filling machine box 11 are provided in order from the upstream side to the downstream side. In addition, the aseptic filling machine has a cleaning liquid supply device 20 for supplying cleaning liquid to the balance tank 5 and a controller 17 for controlling the operation of the aseptic filling machine.

[0045] When adding carbonic acid to the content to make a carbonated beverage, the content supply system piping 7 of the aseptic filling machine is equipped with a cooling device (not shown), a carbonation adding device and a carbonated beverage buffer tank. The cooling device, the carbonation adding device and the carbonated beverage buffer tank are sequentially arranged from upstream to downstream between the combined water tank 19 and the filling machine box 11, and a manifold valve for carbonated beverage is provided to allow the carbonated beverage to flow in the content supply system piping.

[0046] The heating and sterilizing section 18 has a first-stage heating section 12, a second-stage heating section 13, a holding tube 14, a first-stage cooling section 15, a second-stage cooling section 16, etc. inside thereof, and gradually heats the contents or cleaning liquid supplied from the balance tank 5 while being transported from the first-stage heating section 12 to the second-stage heating section 13, and is maintained at a predetermined sterilization temperature in the holding tube 14 for a predetermined time, and then transported to the first-stage cooling section 15 and the second-stage cooling section 16 and gradually cooled. The number of stages of the heating section and the cooling section is increased or decreased as needed. In addition, a homogenizer may be provided before or after the holding tube 14.

[0047] Since the balance tank 5, the manifold valve 8, the combined water tank 19 and the filling machine box 11 are well-known devices, their detailed description is omitted.

[0048] The content is prepared in the preparation device 1 and sent from the balance tank 5 to the heat sterilization section 18, where the content is heat sterilized. The content that has been heat sterilized in the heat sterilization section 18 is stored in the combined water tank 19 and then sent to the filling machine box 11. The content in the filling machine box 11 is supplied to the filling machine 2 and is aseptically filled into the container 4 through the filling nozzle 2a. The container 4 filled with the content is discharged from the aseptic filling machine to the outside after being sealed.

[0049] The contents supplied from the balance tank 5 are sent to the first-stage heating section 12 and the second-stage heating section 13 of the heat sterilization section 18. In the first-stage heating section 12 and the second-stage heating section 13, the contents at room temperature (20°C), for example, are heated to 140°C, for example. In this way, during the period when the contents are heated from room temperature to 140°C, the heat sterilization treatment is performed on the contents.

[0050] The contents heated in the first-stage heating section 12 and the second-stage heating section 13 are kept warm or heated to the target temperature, for example, 140°C, in the holding pipe 14 by a heating mechanism (not shown).

[0051] The contents are cooled in the first-stage cooling section 15 from the holding pipe 14, for example, from 140°C to 80°C, for example. The contents cooled by the first-stage cooling section 15 are further cooled by the second-stage cooling section 16, and their temperature is reduced from 80°C to 30°C, for example. The cooled contents are conveyed to the combined water tank 19 via the manifold valve 8.

[0052] The contents conveyed to and stored in the combined water tank 19 are conveyed to and stored in the filling machine casing 11, conveyed to the filling machine 2, and quantitatively filled from the filling nozzle 2a into the container 4 sterilized in the filling section chamber 3 in a sterile environment. The container 4 filled with the contents is sealed with a sterilized lid material and discharged from the aseptic filling machine.

[0053] After the aseptic filling operation of the contents is completed, in the case of changing the filled contents to other contents and in the case of stopping the operation of the aseptic filling machine for a certain period of time, CIP and SIP are performed in the contents supply system pipe 7. In the contents filling operation, the part where the residue of the contents is most likely to adhere is the second-stage heating section. Where the contents suddenly become high temperature, especially the adhesion of the residue caused by the thermal denaturation of proteins is intense, which is significant for the contents containing milk. In addition, the higher the temperature and the liquid delivery flow rate, the more the residue of inorganic salts from the product components increases. Remove the residue of the contents filled in the last CIP.

[0054] The CIP in the contents supply system pipe 7 is performed by circulating the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 20 in the contents supply system pipe 7. Therefore, as Figure 1 shown, a return path 6 is provided with respect to the contents supply system pipe 7 to form a circulation path. An upstream return path 6a may also be provided in the return path 6 with respect to the upstream pipe section 7a of the contents supply system pipe 7 from the balance tank 5 through the heat sterilization section 18 to the manifold valve 8 to form an upstream circulation path.

[0055] Alternatively, the cleaning liquid may not be circulated in the upstream-side circulation path, but may be distributed from the manifold valve 8 through the filling machine casing 11 and flow from the filling machine manifold 2b of the filling machine 2 to the filling nozzles 2a. The cleaning liquid flowing out from the filling nozzles 2a is received by the cups 9 joined to the tips of the filling nozzles 2a. The cleaning liquid flowing out from the plurality of filling nozzles 2a is collected through the circulation manifold 25 and returned to the manifold valve 8 through the downstream-side return path 6b. Through the upstream-side return path 6a from the manifold valve 8, the cleaning liquid is circulated in the content supply system pipe 7.

[0056] Cups 9 that can be respectively contacted and separated with respect to the openings of the filling nozzles 2a of the filling machine 2 are provided. During CIP or SIP, each cup 9 is joined to the opening at the tip of the filling nozzle 2a of the filling machine 2 by an actuator (not shown), so that the cup 9 at the start end of the downstream-side return path 6b is connected to the opening of the filling nozzle 2a.

[0057] As Figure 2 As shown by the thick line in the figure, the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 20 to the balance tank 5 is heated by the heat sterilization unit 18 from the balance tank 5, passes through the manifold valve 8, the combined water tank 19, the filling machine casing 11, reaches the filling machine 2, flows from the filling machine manifold 2b to the filling nozzles 2a, is received by the cups 9 from the filling nozzles 2a and concentrated in the circulation manifold 25, passes through the downstream-side return path 6b, returns from the manifold valve 8 through the upstream-side return path 6a to the balance tank 5, and is circulated in the content supply system pipe 7.

[0058] As Figure 3 As shown by the thick line in the figure, the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 20 to the balance tank 5 may also be heated by the heat sterilization unit 18 from the balance tank 5, reach the manifold valve 8, return to the balance tank 5 through the upstream-side return path 6a, and be circulated in the upstream-side circulation path.

[0059] The cleaning liquid refers to an alkaline cleaning liquid in which alkaline agents such as caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate, sodium phosphate, sodium hypochlorite, mixed with surfactants and chelating agents (metal sequestering agents) such as sodium gluconate and ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) are added to water, or an acidic cleaning liquid in which acidic agents of the nitric acid type or phosphoric acid type are added. The water may be ion-exchanged water, distilled water, tap water, or other water without foreign substances.

[0060] The alkaline cleaning liquid includes but is not limited to lithium carbonate, ammonium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, propylene carbonate, and mixtures thereof. Additionally, it may also contain sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, lithium bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, sodium magnesium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate as bicarbonates, or sodium sesquicarbonate, potassium sesquicarbonate, lithium sesquicarbonate and mixtures thereof as sesquicarbonates.

[0061] In addition to the above-mentioned nitric acid-based and phosphoric acid-based ones, the acidic cleaning solution includes, but is not limited to, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, formic acid, glycolic acid, methanesulfonic acid, sulfamic acid, and their mixtures.

[0062] The cleaning solution may contain various bleaching agents such as hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, percaprylic acid, persulfate, perborate, hydrosulfite, thiourea dioxide, and percarbonate. In addition, the cleaning solution may contain water softeners such as aluminosilicate or polycarboxylate, and may also contain reattachment preventives such as sodium phosphate or sodium polyacrylate, sodium carboxylate. Furthermore, enzymes, solvents, fatty acids, foam regulators, active oxygen sources, etc. may be added to the cleaning solution.

[0063] In CIP, it is not limited to flowing through the acidic cleaning solution after flowing through the alkaline cleaning solution. For example, it may also flow through the alkaline cleaning solution after flowing through the acidic cleaning solution, or may flow through the acidic cleaning solution and the alkaline cleaning solution alternately multiple times. In addition, CIP may be performed by only flowing either the acidic cleaning solution or the alkaline cleaning solution.

[0064] A certain amount of the cleaning solution is always or intermittently supplied from the cleaning solution supply device 20, and while circulating the cleaning solution, the residue of the previous content attached to the content supply system pipe 7 is removed. In order to activate the cleaning solution, the cleaning solution may be heated to a specified temperature by the heating sterilization unit 18. The heating temperature is 60°C to 150°C. By heating, the cleaning effect is improved, and the sterilization effect can also be exerted. In addition, the circulated cleaning solution may be appropriately discharged outside the device.

[0065] After CIP is performed, SIP is performed. However, in a state where the cleaning solution used in CIP is circulated in the content supply system pipe 7 without stopping the liquid delivery pump operating during CIP, the cleaning solution is heated to the temperature required for SIP by the heating sterilization unit 18, and the heated cleaning solution circulates in the content supply system pipe 7 to continuously perform SIP from CIP. At this time, since the liquid delivery pump does not stop, the set temperature of the heating sterilization unit 18 that is heated during CIP does not decrease, and is heated to the temperature for SIP. Therefore, when transitioning from CIP to SIP, the temperature inside the content supply system pipe 7 including the heating sterilization unit 18 does not decrease.

[0066] Figure 5Indicates the temperature in the secondary heating section 13 of the heat sterilization section 18 during continuous SIP following CIP. Cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 20 to the heat sterilization section 18 via the balance tank 5, and the cleaning liquid is heated to the temperature for CIP. The cleaning liquid heated to the temperature for CIP circulates in the circulation path for a specified time. After the circulation for the specified time, the cleaning liquid is heated to the temperature required for SIP and circulates for a specified time to complete SIP. During SIP, the cleaning liquid also circulates and CIP is also performed. After SIP is completed, water is supplied to the heat sterilization section 18 to rinse the cleaning liquid. The rinsed cleaning liquid is received by the cup from the filling nozzle 2a, concentrated in the circulation manifold 25 and then discharged. Additionally, it can also be discharged before the balance tank 5 via the downstream return path 6b and through the upstream return path 6a. It is possible to directly fill the contents without changing the set temperature of the heat sterilization section 18 after rinsing the cleaning liquid and manufacture the product.

[0067] It is also possible, after the end of CIP, when circulating the cleaning liquid used for CIP, to heat the cleaning liquid to the necessary temperature by the heat sterilization section 18, and it is also possible to heat the cleaning liquid to the temperature necessary for SIP from the initial stage of CIP and perform CIP and SIP simultaneously.

[0068] Figure 4A Indicates the temperature in the secondary heating section 13 of the heat sterilization section 18 during simultaneous CIP and SIP. Cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 20 to the heat sterilization section 18 via the balance tank 5, and the cleaning liquid is heated to the temperature necessary for SIP. The cleaning liquid circulates for a specified time to complete CIP and SIP. After SIP is completed, water is supplied to the heat sterilization section 18 to rinse the cleaning liquid. The rinsed cleaning liquid is received by the cup from the filling nozzle 2a and discharged from the circulation manifold 25. Additionally, it can also be discharged directly in front of the balance tank 5 via the downstream return path 6b and through the upstream return path 6a. It is possible to directly fill the contents without changing the set temperature of the heat sterilization section 18 after rinsing the cleaning liquid and manufacture the product.

[0069] Figure 4BIndicates the temperature in the second-stage cooling section 16 of the heat sterilization section 18 during simultaneous CIP and SIP. The cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 20 to the heat sterilization section 18 via the balance tank 5, and the cleaning liquid is heated to the temperature required for SIP. The cleaning liquid is circulated for a specified time to complete CIP and SIP. After SIP is completed, the first and / or second-stage cooling sections (15, 16) are started, and the cleaning liquid is circulated until the temperature of the second-stage cooling section 16 reaches below 100°C. At the moment when the cleaning liquid passing through the outlet of the second-stage cooling section reaches below 100°C, the discharge valve provided on the circulation path for discharging the cleaning liquid is opened, switched to an open path, water is supplied to the heat sterilization section 18, and the supplied water is heat sterilized by the heat sterilization section 18 to produce sterile water. The cleaning liquid is rinsed and flushed with the sterilized sterile water.

[0070] When rinsing the cleaning liquid, the temperature of the rinsing water can also be raised by passing the high-temperature cleaning liquid that has not been cooled and discharged and the supplied normal-temperature rinsing water through the heat exchanger 26, and then supplied to the heat sterilization section. This can reduce the energy consumption. Sterile water for rinsing can also be introduced from other sterile water manufacturing equipment.

[0071] At each part of the heat sterilization section 18, as Figure 1 shown, temperature sensors 10, 10a, and 10b are provided. The part where the temperature sensor 10a is configured is the inlet of the second-stage heating section 13, and the part where the temperature sensor 10b is configured is the outlet of the second-stage heating section 13. The information on the temperatures measured by these temperature sensors 10, 10a, and 10b is sent to the controller 17.

[0072] As Figure 6 shown, in order to heat the second-stage heating section 13 which is the most downstream in the heating sections 12 and 13, a heating medium line 21 for supplying a heating medium to the second-stage heating section 13 is connected.

[0073] In the heating medium line 21, a heating steam supply section 22 for supplying heating steam to the heating medium line 21 is provided, and the heating medium flowing in the heating medium line 21 is heated to a high temperature by the heating steam supplied from the heating steam supply section 22. The heating of the heating medium can also be an electric heater. In addition, a pressure pump 23 is provided in the heating medium line 21. The heating medium is preferably water. Oil can also be used in addition to water, but it cannot be heated with heating steam and requires a heating device.

[0074] The heating medium line 21 is supplied to the heating pipe 13a of the second-stage heating section, as Figure 6As shown, the heating medium flows in the heating pipe 13a relative to the direction in which the heating medium flows in the content supply pipe 7 with respect to the content. The heating medium may also flow in parallel in the same direction as the direction in which the content flows in the content supply pipe 7. A temperature sensor 10c is provided at the inlet of the heating pipe 13a, and a temperature sensor 10d is provided at the outlet of the heating pipe 13a. In addition, a flow meter 24 for measuring the flow rate of the content flowing in the content supply pipe 7 is provided between the balance tank 5 and the heat sterilization unit 18.

[0075] As Figure 6 shown, the heating medium flowing in the heating medium line 21 is supplied to the heating pipe 13a to heat the content flowing in the secondary heating unit 13. The heating medium that heats the content in the secondary heating unit 13 cools down at the outlet of the heating pipe 13a, but is heated by the heating steam supplied from the heating steam supply unit 22, and the heated heating medium is supplied to the heating pipe 13a and circulated.

[0076] The secondary heating unit 13 of the heat sterilization unit 18 is a part that heat-sterilizes the content at a high temperature, and fouling such as scorching is likely to occur on the inner surface of the heating pipe 13a. In the present embodiment, the total heat transfer coefficient of the heating pipe 13a of the secondary heating unit 13 that is most easily contaminated is calculated, and CIP in the heat sterilization unit 18 is performed efficiently. The total heat transfer coefficient of other heating units and cooling units of the heat sterilization unit 18 can also be calculated. When the total heat transfer coefficients of all the heating units and cooling units reach the target value, CIP should be completed. However, the content remains the most in the most downstream heating unit, and CIP may also be completed when the total heat transfer coefficient of the most downstream heating unit reaches the target value.

[0077] Figure 7 Shows the change over time of the production time and the total heat transfer coefficient (U value). The higher the total heat transfer coefficient (U value), the easier it means the temperature is to be transferred. The total heat transfer coefficient of the heating pipe 13a gradually decreases with the production of the product due to deposits such as scorching of the content adhering to the inside of the heating pipe 13a by sterilizing the content. The total heat transfer coefficient decreased due to production increases by performing CIP and returns to the total heat transfer coefficient before the start of production. That is, the goal of completing CIP is to restore the total heat transfer coefficient of the heating pipe 13a to the total heat transfer coefficient in a state where there is no deposit caused by the content adhering inside the heating pipe 13a. The target value of the decreased total heat transfer coefficient is determined, and CIP is completed when the total heat transfer coefficient of the heating pipe 13a reaches the target value by performing CIP. Thereby, CIP can be performed effectively without wasting time on CIP.

[0078] The controller 17 stores various data, calculates the total heat transfer coefficient based on the measured temperature sent from the heating pipe 13a of the secondary heating unit 13, determines whether the calculated total heat transfer coefficient reaches the target value, determines that the CIP is completed when the total heat transfer coefficient reaches the target value, and completes the CIP in the content supply system pipe 7. This determination of completion is for the secondary heating unit 13 of the heating and sterilization unit 18. However, since the fouling of the secondary heating unit of the heating and sterilization unit 18 is the most serious, the determination of the completion of the CIP in the secondary heating unit 13 of the heating and sterilization unit 18 can also be used as the determination of the completion of the CIP in the content supply system pipe 7.

[0079] In order to calculate the total heat transfer coefficient, as Figure 6 shown, at the inlet of the cleaning liquid of the heating pipe 13a of the secondary heating unit 13 of the heating and sterilization unit 18, there is a temperature sensor 10a, at the outlet of the cleaning liquid, there is a temperature sensor 10b, at the inlet of the heating medium of the heating pipe 13a, there is a temperature sensor 10c, and at the outlet of the heating medium of the heating pipe 13a, there is a temperature sensor 10d. The temperature is measured by these temperature sensors. Let the temperature of the temperature sensor 10a be T1, the temperature of the temperature sensor 10b be T2, the temperature of the temperature sensor 10c be T3, and the temperature of the temperature sensor 10d be T4.

[0080] The measured temperatures T1, T2, T3, and T4 are sent to the controller 17, and the controller 17 calculates the total heat transfer coefficient. The total heat transfer coefficient is calculated as follows.

[0081] First, the logarithmic mean temperature difference △T is calculated. The logarithmic mean temperature difference △T is calculated as follows.

[0082] [Mathematical formula 1]

[0083]

[0084] Next, through the temperature T1, the temperature T2, and the flow rate R (L / h), the heat Q in the secondary heating unit 13 is calculated. Among them, when the specific heat is set to 1 (kca1 / kg·℃) and the specific gravity is set to 1 (kg / L), Q = 1×1×R×(T2 - T1) (Equation 2)

[0085] The flow rate R is measured by the flow meter 24 and sent to the controller 17.

[0086] In addition, the heat transfer area A (m 2 ) of the heating pipe 13a of the secondary heating unit 13 is determined in advance.

[0087] Due to the above situation, the controller 17 calculates the total heat transfer coefficient (U value) of the secondary heating unit 13 through U = Q / (A×T) (Equation 3).

[0088] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the total thermal conductivity of the second-stage heating unit 13 is calculated in the CIP, and when the total thermal conductivity reaches the target value, the CIP is completed and the transfer to the next process can be performed. Therefore, it is not necessary to continue the CIP more than necessary, and the CIP can be effectively implemented.

[0089] When the calculated total thermal conductivity reaches a predetermined target value, the controller 17 determines that the CIP is completed. In Figure 4A or Figure 5 in the CIP, when the total thermal conductivity does not reach the target value even though the SIP has been completed, the CIP continues.

[0090] The SIP in the content supply system pipe 7 circulates the cleaning liquid for CIP in the content supply system pipe 7 to perform CIP in the content supply system pipe 7. The cleaning liquid is heated to the temperature required for sterilization in the content supply system pipe 7 from the beginning or in the middle of the CIP, and the heated cleaning liquid is circulated in the content supply system pipe 7, thereby performing the SIP for sterilizing the content supply system pipe 7.

[0091] As Figure 1 shown, in the content supply system pipe 7, temperature sensors 10 are arranged at each part including the part where the temperature is difficult to rise when the SIP is included. As the parts where the temperature sensors 10 are arranged, for example, in the pipeline from the first-stage heating unit 12 in the heating and sterilizing unit 18 toward the manifold valve 8, between each part in the heating and sterilizing unit 18 and the part away from the second-stage cooling unit 16, the part in front of the manifold valve 8, the inside of the combined water tank 19, the vicinity of the outlet of the combined water tank 19, the bent part in the middle of the pipeline from the combined water tank 19 toward the filling nozzle 2a, the vicinity of the inlet and the outlet of the filling machine case 11, between the filling machine manifold 2b and the filling nozzle 2a in the filling machine 2, and inside the filling nozzle 2a, and temperature sensors 10 are respectively arranged in these pipelines. The information on the temperatures respectively measured by these temperature sensors 10 is sent to the controller 17.

[0092] When the cleaning liquid flows in the content supply system pipe 7, a plurality of temperatures measured by the temperature sensors 10 arranged at various places in the content supply system pipe 7 at regular intervals are sent to the controller 17 at regular time intervals. The controller 17 selects the lowest temperature among the temperatures measured at regular intervals and calculates the F value. Since the controller 17 selects the lowest temperature, the temperature sensor 10 that measures the selected temperature is not always the same. The temperature sensor 10 measures the temperature at regular intervals and sends it to the controller 17, but the part where the measured temperature becomes the lowest temperature is not always the same part.

[0093] Among the temperatures of the respective parts that are raised by heating the cleaning liquid, when the selected minimum temperature reaches 121.1 °C, the controller 17 calculates the F value of the minimum temperature starting from that moment. The calculation formula is as follows. The Z value in the calculation formula represents 10 °C, which is a general value for heat-resistant spores, but it can be appropriately changed within the range of 3 to 30 °C according to the heat resistance of the target bacteria to the cleaning liquid.

[0094] [Mathematical formula 2]

[0095]

[0096] Among them, T is an arbitrary sterilization temperature (°C), 10 (T-121.1) / 10 is the lethality at an arbitrary temperature T, which is equivalent to the heating time (minutes) at 121.1 °C. Among them, 121.1 represents the reference temperature (°C), and 10 represents the Z value (°C).

[0097] In the case of a highly acidic beverage with a pH lower than 4.0, the reference temperature of 121.1 °C can be 65 °C. In addition, in the case where the pH is 4.0 or more and less than 4.6, the reference temperature of 121.1 °C can also be 85 °C or more. When the minimum temperature in the F value accumulation is lower than the reference temperature, the accumulation of the F value can be stopped, and after exceeding the reference temperature, the accumulation can be restarted. However, it is preferable to interrupt the SIP, reset the F value accumulation, and perform the SIP again.

[0098] The F value of the minimum temperature calculated based on the above formula is accumulated by the controller 17. When the accumulated F value reaches the target value, the controller 17 instructs the completion of the sterilization process of the SIP in the content supply system pipe 7. According to the instruction, the circulation of the cleaning liquid is stopped, and cooling water is supplied to the first-stage cooling unit 15 and the second-stage cooling unit 16, and the cleaning liquid is cooled. After the cleaning liquid is rinsed with sterile water, the aseptic filling machine stands by while the sterile water is continuously circulated until the next production.

[0099] The temperature required for SIP is usually 121.1 °C or higher, but depending on the content filled by the aseptic filling machine, it does not need to be 121.1 °C or higher. For example, for a highly acidic beverage with a pH less than 4.0, it can sometimes be 65 °C or higher. In addition, when the pH is 4.0 or more and less than 4.6, it can sometimes be 85 °C or higher.

[0100] Figure 3In the content supply system piping 7, the cleaning liquid can also be circulated from the manifold valve 8 to the upstream circulation path formed by the upstream return path 6a through the upstream piping section 7a of the heat sterilization section 18, and CIP of the upstream piping section 7a can be performed. The cleaning liquid is heated to the temperature required for sterilization in the content supply system piping 7 from the beginning or midway of the CIP. By circulating the heated cleaning liquid in the content supply system piping, SIP for sterilizing the upstream piping section 7a is performed.

[0101] In the CIP of the upstream circulation path, the total heat transfer coefficient of the secondary heating section 13 can be calculated. When the total heat transfer coefficient reaches the target value, the CIP is stopped and the next process is transferred to. Therefore, it is not necessary to continue the CIP more than necessary, and the ClP can be effectively implemented.

[0102] When the cleaning liquid flows in the upstream piping section 7a, a plurality of temperatures measured by the temperature sensors 10 arranged at various places in the upstream piping section 7a at regular intervals are transmitted to the controller 17 at regular time intervals. The controller 17 selects the lowest temperature among the temperatures measured every specified time and calculates the F value. Since the controller 17 selects the lowest temperature, the temperature sensor 10 that measures the selected temperature is not always the same. The temperature sensor 10 measures the temperature at regular intervals and sends it to the controller 17, but the part where the measured temperature becomes the lowest is not always the same part.

[0103] When the F value of the lowest temperature cumulatively calculated by the controller 17 reaches the target value, the controller 17 instructs the completion of the SIP, i.e., the sterilization process, in the upstream piping section 7a.

[0104] The present disclosure is configured as described above, but is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the gist of the present disclosure. In addition, the container for filling the content by the aseptic filling machine is not only bottle-shaped, but can also be of any shape such as a cup, a plate, or a can. Moreover, the material of the container is not only plastic, but can also be composed of any material such as a composite of paper and plastic, glass, or metal.

[0105] Marking description

[0106] 2: Filling machine

[0107] 6: Return path

[0108] 6a: Upstream return path

[0109] 6b: Downstream return path

[0110] 7: Content supply system piping

[0111] 7a: Upstream piping section

[0112] 10: Temperature sensor

[0113] 17: Controller

[0114] 18: Heating and sterilizing unit

[0115] 21: Heating medium line

[0116] 24: Flowmeter

Claims

1. A cleaning and sterilization method for a sterile filling machine, the sterile filling machine having a content supply system pipe that conveys contents into the filling machine via a heating and sterilization unit, wherein, circulate the cleaning liquid for cleaning the content supply system pipe within the content supply system pipe to perform CIP on the inside of the content supply system pipe, raise the temperature of the cleaning liquid to the temperature required for sterilization within the content supply system pipe from the beginning or midway of the CIP, and circulate the heated cleaning liquid within the content supply system pipe, thereby performing SIP for sterilizing the inside of the content supply system pipe, measure the temperature of the cleaning liquid at the inlet and outlet of the heating pipe of the heating and sterilization unit, measure the temperature of the heating medium at the inlet and outlet of the heating pipe, and calculate the total heat transfer coefficient of the heating pipe based on the temperatures of the cleaning liquid at the inlet and outlet of the heating pipe and the temperatures of the heating medium at the inlet and outlet of the heating pipe. When the calculated total heat transfer coefficient reaches the target value, complete the CIP, and continue to circulate the cleaning liquid when the SIP is not completed, measure the temperatures of multiple parts at regular intervals through multiple temperature sensors provided within the content supply system pipe, select the lowest temperature from the multiple measured temperatures, calculate the F value for the selected lowest temperature, accumulate the calculated F values, and when the accumulated F value reaches the target value, complete the SIP, and continue to circulate the cleaning liquid when the CIP is not completed, after the CIP and the SIP are completed, discharge the cleaning liquid.

2. The cleaning and sterilization method for a sterile filling machine according to claim 1, wherein, a upstream return path is provided relative to the upstream side pipe portion of the content supply system pipe via the heating and sterilization unit to form an upstream circulation path, and the cleaning liquid is circulated in this upstream circulation path.

3. A sterile filling machine having a content supply system pipe that conveys contents into the filling machine via a heating and sterilization unit, wherein, it is equipped with a cleaning liquid supply device that supplies the cleaning liquid for cleaning the content supply system pipe into the content supply system pipe, forms a circulation path for circulating the supplied cleaning liquid within the content supply system pipe, the circulation path is configured as follows: from the beginning or midway of the CIP of the content supply system pipe performed by the circulated cleaning liquid, raise the temperature of the cleaning liquid to the temperature required for sterilization within the content supply system pipe, and perform SIP for sterilizing the inside of the content supply system pipe by circulating the heated cleaning liquid within the content supply system pipe, has a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the cleaning liquid at the inlet and outlet of the heating pipe of the heating and sterilization unit, is equipped with a temperature sensor for measuring the temperature of the heating medium at the inlet and outlet of the heating pipe, It is equipped with a controller which calculates the total heat transfer coefficient of the heating pipe based on the temperatures at the inlet and outlet of the heating pipe for the cleaning liquid and the measured temperatures at the inlet and outlet of the heating pipe for the heating medium. The controller is configured such that when the calculated total heat transfer coefficient reaches the target value, the CIP is completed, and the circulation of the cleaning liquid continues when the SIP is not completed. A plurality of temperature sensors are provided in the piping of the content supply system. The controller is configured as follows: using the plurality of temperature sensors to measure the temperatures of multiple parts at regular intervals, selecting the lowest temperature from the measured multiple temperatures, calculating the F value for the selected lowest temperature, accumulating the calculated F values, and when the accumulated F value reaches the target value, the SIP is completed, and the circulation of the cleaning liquid continues when the CIP is not completed. The controller is configured to discharge the cleaning liquid after the CIP and the SIP are completed.

4. The aseptic filling machine according to claim 3, wherein, An upstream return path is provided with respect to the upstream piping portion of the content supply system piping passing through the heat sterilization section to form an upstream circulation path, and the upstream circulation path is configured such that the cleaning liquid circulates in the upstream circulation path.

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