Cip treatment of a device for filling containers with a filling product

Abstract

A system having a device for filling containers with a filling product, preferably in a beverage filling plant, and a device for process optimization and a method for processing, preferably cleaning and / or sterilizing and / or rinsing, a device for filling containers with a filling product. The device has a CIP device for processing, preferably cleaning and / or sterilizing and / or rinsing, components of the device which come into contact with the filling product by means of a processing medium; and a control device which is set up to control the processing process of the device; wherein the device for process optimization is in communication with the control device and can communicate with one or more control devices of further devices for filling containers; and the device for process optimization is set up to receive process parameters of the further devices and to provide them to the control device for optimizing the processing process.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The invention relates to a system having a device for filling containers with a filling product, preferably in a beverage filling plant, and a device for treatment, and to a method for treating, preferably cleaning and / or sterilizing and / or rinsing, a device for filling containers with a filling product. BACKGROUND

[0002] Various methods are known for cleaning, sterilizing and rinsing a device for filling containers with a filling product, for example a beverage. Thus, for example, the so-called CIP method ("Cleaning-In-Place") and SIP method ("Sterilization-In-Place") have been established, in which, in order to clean or sterilize components and surfaces which are contacted by the filling product or intermediate product and auxiliary materials, a disassembly of these components and surfaces can basically be dispensed with. For example, filling members for cleaning, sterilizing and / or rinsing do not have to be removed, but are rinsed or vapor-coated with cleaning media, sterilizing media and / or rinsing media, hereinafter collectively referred to as "treatment media", in the installed state.

[0003] CIP treatment of devices in the food industry, for example beverage filling plants, blow molding machines for the production of plastic bottles, etc., is carried out by a CIP device. The treatment media, for example water containing a sodium hydroxide solution, nitric acid or peracetic acid, are prepared in the CIP device, mixed if necessary in the correct concentration, heated if necessary, and then conveyed to the device parts to be treated. For this purpose, steps of feeding, returning and circulating can be carried out in order to keep the mixing of the media as low as possible. The preparation, mixing, storage, transport to the device parts to be treated and possible guided return of the treatment media is carried out by means of a line system, tanks, heat exchangers and further fluid-technical devices which constitute the CIP device.

[0004] In most cases, a multi-stage treatment method is carried out, for example a three-stage CIP method in the order water-base-water. Acid treatment is usually carried out only at irregular intervals. DE 10 2009 034 693 A1 describes such a multi-stage CIP method in which a plurality of media is used during the cleaning and rinsing operations in chronological sequence, in particular hot water, acid, base and fresh water.

[0005] The formulation of the treatment media and the course of the treatment process can be set or carried out as required, for example depending on the filling product to be contacted by the surfaces to be treated, the desired or intended degree of cleaning / sterilization, etc. In this context, EP 3 834954 A1 describes a CIP device with a CIP metering branch which is set up to dose a CIP concentrate into a CIP main component, whereby a treatment medium based on demand can be produced.

[0006] It is also known from EP 3 834 954 A1 to use CIP concentration sensors to monitor the concentration of CIP concentrate in the processing medium. CIP concentration sensors can be used to control the metering of CIP concentrate.

[0007] However, automatic or semi-automatic optimization of demand-based CIP processing relies on information from the device being processed, particularly on device-specific sensor equipment. In the event of sensor deficiency or malfunction, this can lead to underprocessing or overprocessing. Sensor functionality may be impaired by wear, deposits, etc., or their application may be structurally limited, thus preventing optimal positioning, for example.

[0008] However, to ensure adequate treatment, which is absolutely necessary in the food industry, overtreatment is often sought to ensure safety, which requires / consumes more time and treatment media than necessary. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The object of the present invention is to improve the processing of the apparatus for filling containers, such as cleaning and / or sterilization and / or rinsing, especially to optimize the processing in terms of resource consumption and / or cleaning or sterilization effectiveness.

[0010] This objective is achieved by a system having the features of claim 1 and a method having the features of the independent method claim. Advantageous improvements are derived from the dependent claims, the following description of the invention, and the description of preferred embodiments.

[0011] This invention relates to the treatment of apparatus for filling containers with filling products, particularly cleaning and / or sterilization and / or rinsing. The apparatus is particularly preferred for use in equipment for bottling beverages such as water (distilled or carbonated), soft drinks, juices, smoothies, beer, wine, dairy products, mixed beverages, etc.

[0012] This description distinguishes between routine operation of the apparatus and processing or handling procedures. Routine operation of the apparatus involves filling products into containers, while handling of the apparatus typically takes place, at least partially, outside of routine operation.

[0013] The term "treatment" includes the application of treatment media to components of the apparatus that guide the filling product for cleaning and / or sterilization and / or rinsing purposes. "Filling product" should also include the ingredients used to manufacture the final filled product. In other words, these components may, for example, be part of a mixing apparatus used to manufacture the filled product.

[0014] This process is carried out within the scope of the so-called CIP method (“Cleaning-In-Place”), which essentially eliminates the need for disassembly of parts and surfaces that come into contact with the filling product. For the sake of simplicity, the term “CIP” as used herein includes not only cleaning but also any treatment using fluid handling media, such as sterilization and rinsing.

[0015] The present invention now aims to extend CIP processing by optimizing it based on information from one or more additional devices used for filling containers with filling products.

[0016] The device to be processed and other devices may be located in different locations and may be constructed or configured in different ways, but for the purpose of processing, they may be comparable or similar.

[0017] To optimize CIP processing, a system is considered that includes means for preferably filling containers with filling products in a beverage filling facility (to be processed) and means for processing optimization.

[0018] The device has a CIP unit configured to process, preferably clean and / or sterilize and / or rinse, the parts of the device that come into contact with the filling product (including possible intermediate products and auxiliary materials) by means of a processing medium.

[0019] For processing, the processing medium moves within the device, for example, circulates or initiates circulation, so that the corresponding surface to be treated comes into contact with the processing medium. Movement can be achieved, for example, by one or more pumps.

[0020] The processing, including, for example, the formulation of the processing medium, processing time, temperature, pressure, etc., is controlled by a control device, which is considered part of the device herein.

[0021] The device for processing optimization communicates with the control device and can also communicate with one or more control devices of a corresponding additional device for filling the container, or with the one or more control devices.

[0022] Additional devices that may be considered part of the system when necessary preferably also include CIP devices having the functions described herein.

[0023] One of the other devices may be located at least 20 km away from the main device, and if necessary, even in another country or on another continent.

[0024] The device for processing optimization can be part of the device or even a component of the control device; however, preferably, the device for processing optimization is implemented in a spatially remote manner, for example, as part of a distributed network structure.

[0025] The apparatus used for optimization can be within the reach of the equipment or apparatus manufacturer or a third-party entity, thereby enabling continuous improvement / further development of optimization algorithms on the broadest possible database.

[0026] The device for processing optimization is configured to receive, preferentially process, process parameters of another device, and provide them to the control device of the device to be processed to optimize the processing.

[0027] Process parameters are, in particular (but not necessarily exclusively) process data from the processing of other apparatus. The term "process parameters" includes process data, sensor data, configuration parameters, calculated / derived variables, etc. Therefore, the apparatus used for processing optimization can receive, for example, sensor data (temperature, pressure, conductivity, sediment (e.g., sediment thickness, sediment composition, deposition rate), treatment agent composition / concentration, etc.) and other process data such as processing time, control commands, formulations, etc., and use this data to optimize the apparatus to be processed.

[0028] By collecting process parameters from multiple devices to control the CIP processing through the device used for processing optimization, the CIP processing of the device can be improved.

[0029] The control device is not limited to locally available information, but can benefit from information from other comparable devices, such as measurement data from different sensor types and sensor locations, even if the device being processed is not equipped with the relevant sensors. In other words, process parameters from different devices are combined in a coordinated manner, allowing the device to cope with the task when necessary using fewer of its own technical means (sensors, control logic, etc.), thus reducing overall machine manufacturing costs.

[0030] Furthermore, this expanded information space can be used to optimize the process. Here, the optimization objective is entirely variable. Therefore, the process can be optimized, for example, in terms of cleanliness or sterilization level, processing duration, processing cost, and / or environmental friendliness. In particular, optimal, resource-saving formulations can be determined in this way, and the overall processing time can be shortened without the risk of inadequate treatment.

[0031] Preferably, the process parameters received by the device for optimization include sensor data from other devices, particularly sensor data from one or more processing steps of other devices. In this way, the process parameters obtained from other devices can be directly used for processing by the device to be processed.

[0032] Preferably, the sensor data originates at least partially from one or more sensors in another device that does not have an equivalent sensor in the device. In other words, the device for processing optimization is preferably configured to receive, combine, and, if necessary, process information or sensor data of different sensor types, sensor locations, etc., even if the device to be processed is not equipped with the relevant sensor. Thus, the control capabilities of the device can be extended around a set of "virtual" sensors.

[0033] Preferably, the apparatus for process optimization is configured to influence the formulation of the processing medium and / or the course and / or the processing time of the process. Here, the apparatus for process optimization can send control commands directly to the control device. Alternatively or additionally, the apparatus for process optimization can provide information, such as an optimized formulation for the processing medium, which is then used by the control device to improve the processing.

[0034] Preferably, the operator can specify the optimization target, for example, through an input device.

[0035] It is conceivable that optimization objectives are set based on the filling task to be processed. For example, if there is no time-critical task, processing can be performed in an energy-related, cost-technical, environmentally friendly, and / or resource-saving manner. However, if there is a time-critical task, time-optimized processing can be performed, where, for example, sterilizing and / or cleaning media are heated to higher temperatures for processing.

[0036] For example, it may be specified that the availability of solar and / or wind power is included in the optimization for a treatment optimized in an energy-related, cost-technical, environmentally friendly, and / or resource-saving manner. Therefore, photovoltaic, solar, or wind power equipment, at least indirectly connected to the device, can be used for the treatment, for example, at least indirectly (as a heat and / or power supplier).

[0037] Preferably, the device for processing optimization includes an Internet / cloud application and / or data processing. The Internet / cloud application simplifies the acquisition and distribution of information between control devices and multiple devices by using standardized infrastructure and information protocols.

[0038] Data processing includes, for example, providing centralized or distributed databases and / or servers and / or artificial intelligence applications.

[0039] In addition to automatically queryable data, other data, such as data from laboratory tests, can be manually entered into the data processing database as needed.

[0040] Data processing can provide additional functionality, such as online stores for selling new formulations for processing media, and artificial intelligence, neural networks, or algorithms for determining improved formulations and / or processing methods.

[0041] Preferably, the process parameters received by the apparatus for processing optimization include one or more of the following parameters: processing time; acid concentration; acid type; alkali concentration; alkali type; temperature; temperature-time profile; conductivity; flow rate; fill product; information about deposits or residues. The aforementioned process parameters are particularly suitable for use by multiple apparatuses.

[0042] Preferably, the device has at least one sediment sensor for detecting sediment in a pipeline section of the device that is in contact with the processing medium, wherein the sediment sensor communicates with a control device, and the device for processing optimization is configured to receive sensor data from one or more sediment sensors of another device and provide it to the control device to optimize the processing.

[0043] The measurement accuracy of sensors depends on their location within the device's pipeline system. For example, sediment sensors can be located in areas with strong or weak sediment. To further optimize the process, sensors can be "interconnected" with sensors in other devices through devices used for process optimization, particularly sediment sensors used to determine the possible sediment or residue in the filling product within the pipeline system.

[0044] Preferably, the device includes a short-time heating element (KZE) configured to briefly heat the filled product for sterilization. In this case, the sediment sensor is particularly preferably mounted in the short-time heating element. The sediment sensor may also be arranged in the KZE of a separate device.

[0045] Alternatively or additionally, other sensors, such as sensors for measuring sterilization and / or cleaning effectiveness, may be installed in the device. Particularly preferably, the sensors are located on critical components, such as heat exchangers and tanks.

[0046] Preferably, the device has at least one conductivity sensor for detecting the conductivity of the processing medium in a pipeline section of the device that is in contact with the processing medium, wherein the conductivity sensor communicates with a control device, and the processing optimization device is configured to receive sensor data from one or more conductivity sensors of another device and provide it to the control device to optimize the processing.

[0047] Preferably, the device has at least one sensor, wherein the means for processing optimization is configured to optimize the position of the sensor based on the received process data.

[0048] By "interconnecting" multiple devices using a means of processing optimization, sensor characteristics, such as sensor location, can be optimized in addition to improving the processing procedure. For example, different locations of sensors on two or more comparable devices can be compared to find the optimal location, such as the location with the most or most constant sediment in the case of sediment sensors.

[0049] In addition to the components mentioned, the device and other devices may each include a degassing device for degassing the filler product (particularly for reducing dissolved oxygen), a carbonizer for carbonizing the filler product with CO2, a mixer for mixing the filler product, a valve for controlling the flow of filler product to the components, a filtration device for filtering the filler product, a malt syrup container, a wort tank, a fermentation tank, and / or other sterilization components (e.g., for UV treatment or PEF treatment).

[0050] The CIP unit of this device can, in particular, process multiple (two or more) components separately from each other. Therefore, the individual components can be processed with varying degrees of intensity. Consequently, the objective for processing one component may differ from the objective for processing another. While, for example, KZE undergoes time-optimized processing, the degassing unit can at least temporarily or partially undergo processing optimized in an energy-related, cost-technical, environmentally friendly, and / or resource-saving manner, when such processing will not, for example, continue for a longer period.

[0051] The apparatus may also include a closure for sealing containers filled with the filled product. Additionally, the apparatus may include a labeling machine, a packing machine, and / or a palletizer. This also applies to other apparatuses.

[0052] The system may also include an evaluation device to assess treatment effectiveness and / or treatment values ​​(treatment parameters) within the device and / or other devices. Evaluations can be performed manually or automatically. Evaluations may include laboratory testing of samples obtained after treatment at the device. The evaluation device can transmit data regarding one or more evaluations to control devices and / or devices for treatment optimization. Evaluation results can be analyzed and evaluated statistically. Evaluation results can be transmitted to a database searchable by the device operator. Evaluation results can be stored with reference to treatment values, the evaluator (operator), the product, and other parameters mentioned. For example, evaluations can be conducted using scores or star ratings.

[0053] For treatment, especially cleaning, it is possible to specify time intervals for metered gas injection into the liquid. The proposed system allows for optimization of this treatment in terms of cleaning effectiveness. Optimization can be achieved, for example, by changing parameters such as the liquid-to-gas ratio, the duration and amount of metered injection, the time interval between two metered injections, and the gas pressure during the metered injection.

[0054] The above objective is also achieved by a method for processing an apparatus for filling containers with a filler product, preferably in a beverage filling equipment, wherein the method includes: receiving process parameters of one or more other apparatuses for filling containers with a filler product via a process optimization device; providing the process parameters of the other apparatuses to a control device of the apparatus via the process optimization device; and processing, preferably cleaning and / or sterilizing and / or rinsing, the parts of the apparatus that come into contact with the filler product using a processing medium, wherein the processing of the control device is performed in accordance with the process parameters of the other apparatuses.

[0055] The features, technical effects, advantages, and embodiments described for this system have been similarly applied to this method.

[0056] Therefore, the process parameters received from the other apparatus are preferably processed by the apparatus for process optimization before being provided to the control apparatus for that apparatus. For example, the formulation of the processing medium and / or the course of the processing and / or the processing time of the processing depend on the process parameters received from the other apparatus.

[0057] Preferably, for the reasons described above, the process parameters of the additional device include sensor data from the additional device, particularly sensor data from one or more processes of the additional device.

[0058] In order to optimize the above-mentioned processing, the CIP device is preferably capable of implementing different formulations of the processing medium and / or different process flows.

[0059] This can be achieved by having a CIP unit with multiple tanks for different processing media. Thus, the first tank can hold alkali, the second tank can hold acid, and the third tank can hold water, especially hot water, thereby enabling the execution of different processing steps.

[0060] Alternatively, the treatment medium can be manufactured at least partially "online" by incorporating one or more CIP concentrates into the CIP master component stream. Different formulations for the treatment medium can then be achieved by varying the proportion of CIP concentrates.

[0061] To implement this online manufacturing, the CIP unit can have a CIP inlet, preferably water, for supplying the CIP master component, and a CIP metering branch configured to meter a CIP concentrate, such as an alkali, acid, or disinfectant, into the CIP master component, thereby creating the treatment medium. Sodium hydroxide solution, nitric acid, and / or peracetic acid can be considered as CIP concentrates.

[0062] CIP concentrate is preferably metered and injected directly into the CIP master component in the treatment unit, meaning the treatment medium is at least partially manufactured in the filling unit. In this case, the CIP unit is integrated into the treatment unit. However, the CIP unit can also be implemented as a separate, independent unit from the filling equipment.

[0063] The above objective can also be achieved by a control device and / or software, by means of which the steps of the method described above for processing an apparatus for filling containers with a filler product, preferably in a beverage filling equipment, are executed, namely: receiving process parameters of one or more other apparatuses for filling containers with a filler product via a processing optimization device; providing the process parameters of the other apparatuses to the control device of the apparatus via the processing optimization device; issuing control commands for processing, preferably cleaning and / or sterilizing and / or rinsing, the parts of the apparatus that come into contact with the filler product using a processing medium, wherein the processing of the control device and / or software is calculated based on the process parameters of the other apparatuses, and outputting control commands based on the calculations.

[0064] Other advantages and features of the present invention will become apparent from the following description of preferred embodiments. The described features may be implemented individually or in combination with one or more of the features described above, provided that these features do not contradict each other. Hereinafter, preferred embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Attached Figure Description

[0065] Other preferred embodiments of the invention will be described in more detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0066] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of an apparatus for filling containers with filling products and an integrated CIP device is shown.

[0067] Figure 2 A schematic diagram of an apparatus and an integrated CIP device for filling a container with a filling product, according to another embodiment, is shown.

[0068] Figure 3 A schematic diagram of an apparatus and a CIP device for filling a container with a filling product, according to another embodiment, is shown;

[0069] Figure 4 A schematic diagram of a CIP optimization device for optimizing the CIP process is shown in an apparatus for filling containers with filled products; and

[0070] Figure 5 A schematic diagram of a CIP optimization device connected to a sensor is shown for an apparatus for filling a container with a filling product. Detailed Implementation

[0071] Hereinafter, preferred embodiments are described with reference to the accompanying drawings. Identical, similar, or equivalent elements in different figures are labeled with the same reference numerals, and repeated descriptions of these elements are omitted to avoid redundancy.

[0072] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The diagram schematically illustrates an apparatus 1 for filling container 100 with a filling product, wherein apparatus 1 is shown here as a beverage filling device or as part of a beverage filling device. Here, apparatus 1 is used, for example, to fill the flow of a carbonated soft drink into a container 100 to be filled.

[0073] First, the flow of the filling product into the container 100 to be filled is described. Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 :

[0074] First, the pre-cleanable and pre-prepared main component of the filling product, preferably water, is supplied from the main component supply unit 2. The main component can be directed to the degassing device 20 when needed. The degassing device 20 is schematically represented here as a degassing tank, in which the main component obtained from the main component supply unit 2 is sprayed through the nozzle 22, which is schematically represented.

[0075] The degassing device 20 can be implemented as pressurized degassing, in which oxygen and nitrogen components in the main component are removed by adding CO2. However, the degassing device 20 can also be implemented as vacuum degassing, in which a negative pressure is generated in the degassing tank, and oxygen and nitrogen components in the main component are removed by the negative pressure.

[0076] Here, the main component is sprayed through nozzle 22 into the degassing tank of degassing device 20 to increase the surface area of ​​water, thereby enabling the degassing process to be performed effectively.

[0077] After the degassing unit 20, the main component prepared in this manner is supplied to the mixer 3, through which the filler product consisting of at least two components can be mixed.

[0078] Here, the first component is the main component already described, preferably the product aqueous stream. As the second component, considerations could include, for example, the base material of a soft drink, additives, flavorings, syrups, fruit pulp, fruit flesh, etc. One or more additional components are also referred to herein as "metric components".

[0079] The mixer 3 accordingly has a metering valve 34, which supplies components from the metering reservoir 32 to the main component supply unit through the metering position 31. Accordingly, the supplied metering components are mixed with the supplied, prepared main components in the metering position 31, and the filler product is mixed in this manner.

[0080] The metering reservoir 32 also functions in particular as a foam separator, so that the metering components obtained from the metering reservoir 32 are essentially free of foam and thus reliable metering is achieved.

[0081] exist Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 In one embodiment, only a single metering branch 30 with a metering position 31 is provided, so that the prepared main component is mixed at the metering position 31 with the metering component held therein in the metering reservoir 32. However, depending on the configuration of the mixer 3, two or more metering branches 30 may also be installed, each metering branch 30 including a metering position 31, so as to ultimately mix the desired fill product by supplying different components to the corresponding main component stream (also with the already mixed components).

[0082] Following the mixer 3, in the illustrated embodiment, a carbonization device 4 is installed to carbonize the mixed filler product. For this purpose, a carbonization position 40 is provided, which can be configured, for example, as a carbonization nozzle, through which CO2 supplied by the CO2 supply unit 42 is introduced into the mixed filler product. The metering of CO2 supplied to the filler product through the carbonization position 40 depends on the desired characteristics of the filler product.

[0083] A bypass 24 is installed around the carbonization location 40, which is configured to provide consistently identical conditions related to the flow rate and / or pressure of the CO2 metering injection, regardless of the mixer power or mixer output.

[0084] The filler product manufactured in this way, which is also present in the carbonization process after carbonization device 4, is temporarily buffered in buffer tank 5.

[0085] The buffer tank 5 accordingly houses the mixed and, if necessary, carbonized filler product and forms a filler product reservoir for use with the filler described below. Any carbonization of the mixed and carbonized filler product can be maintained in the buffer tank 5 by biasing the buffer tank 5 with CO2 at a pressure that inhibits the debinding of CO2 bound in the filler product.

[0086] The biasing of the buffer tank 5 is achieved by a biasing device 50, through which CO2 is introduced from the CO2 supply section 52 into the top space of the buffer tank 5. Therefore, a pressurized CO2 atmosphere is present in the buffer tank, which inhibits CO2 from combining with the mixed and carbonized filler products temporarily stored in the buffer tank 5.

[0087] The buffer tank 5 and the filling member 6 with a filling valve, schematically shown for filling the container 100, are preferably connected without a buffer. Therefore, the fluid connection between the buffer tank 5 and the filling member 6 is configured such that a temporary buffer for the filling product is preferably not provided, and such a temporary buffer is also impossible.

[0088] In the illustrated embodiment, the gas chamber of the buffer tank 5 is also connected to the filling member 6 via a bias gas line 54 to supply bias gas to the filling member 6. During the filling process, the buffer tank 5 is connected to the top space of the container 100 to be filled via the bias gas line 54. The container 100 is biased through this connection, and return gas is guided back into the buffer tank 6 during filling.

[0089] In this paper, conventional pipeline connections are not considered buffers. More precisely, only reservoirs specifically configured as buffers, having a volume that serves not only to transport the filling product but also to temporarily store it, are referred to as buffers. Process technology components, such as shut-off valves, sensors, flow meters, valves, clamps, branches, etc., are also not considered buffers in this paper because, more precisely, these components are used to guide the filling product but do not provide a buffer volume and therefore do not provide a buffering effect.

[0090] Typically, a plurality of filling members 6 are provided, which are mounted on a filler turntable 60, schematically shown. The filler turntable 60 is configured to receive a constant flow of filling from a container 100 to be filled, to fill the container 100 with filling product through the respective filling members 6 during a cycle, and then to output the filled container 100 again to a subsequent transport or processing device.

[0091] To transfer the filler product from a fixed portion of the device 1, which also houses a buffer tank 5 and a filler product line 70, to a filler turntable 60 that rotates relative to the fixed portion, a rotary distributor 72 is installed. The rotary distributor 72 accordingly transfers the filler product supplied via the filler product line 70 to a separate filler product line 74 on the filler turntable 60, and then guides the filler product to the filling member 6 via this separate filler product line 74. The rotary distributor 72 transfers the filler product from the portion of the filler product line 70 located in the fixed portion of the device 1 to the filler turntable 60 that rotates relative to the fixed portion. Then, on the filler turntable 60, the filler product is transported from the portion of the filler product line 70 located on the filler turntable 70 to the filling member 6. Preferably, no buffer is provided between the filling member 6 and the buffer tank 5.

[0092] The filling member 6 preferably has a filling valve configured as a proportional valve. By configuring the filling valve as a proportional valve, the flow of filling product supplied from the filling member 6 to the container 100 to be filled can be adjusted in multiple stages or, more preferably, steplessly.

[0093] Therefore, in Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 The embodiment shown enables the mixed and carbonized filler product contained in the buffer tank 5 to be transferred to the filler member 6 without a buffer and then filled into the container 100 to be filled in a controlled manner.

[0094] In a particularly advantageous embodiment, a buffer tank 5 is arranged above the filling member 6, and a filling product guide located between the filling member 6 and the buffer tank 5 is arranged such that the filling product guide rises continuously. Accordingly, no siphon effect is generated. Therefore, gas that may be present in the filling member 6 can rise continuously toward the buffer tank 5 and be discharged into the buffer tank 5 without accumulating at a specific location in the filling product guide. In other words, gas present in the filling member 6 and / or the filling product line 70 can rise in the rising filling product line 70, so that the filling product is correspondingly present at the filling member 6 without bubbles.

[0095] from Figure 1 , Figure 2 and Figure 3 It can be seen that a buffer is preferably not arranged between the mixer 3 and the buffer tank 5. Therefore, the mixer 3 is connected to the buffer tank 5 without a buffer. Thus, the device 1 has a very efficient structure because only a single buffer tank, namely the buffer tank 5, is arranged between the mixer 3 and the filling member 6.

[0096] Since only a single buffer tank 5 is preferably installed, the corresponding filling height of the filled product in the buffer tank 5 can be easily controlled or adjusted, and the complex dependencies between different buffer tanks known from the prior art do not appear in the illustrated embodiment, thus also simplifying method control or method adjustment.

[0097] To allow the container 100 filled with carbonized filler product to vent at the filling member 6 before removal, an unloading line 8 is preferably installed, which is directed outward via a rotary distributor 82. The unloading line 8 or the rotary distributor 82 can be used for the CIP outlet 202 described below. Alternatively, the CIP outlet 202 can be arranged on a CIP cap (not shown) for sealing the filling member 6 during processing (cleaning and / or sterilization and / or rinsing) of the device 1.

[0098] Since only a single buffer tank 5 is provided, the processing procedure of the apparatus 1 described in detail below can be simplified, and the number of surfaces involved that may also lead to increased cooling of the processing medium and increased processing costs can be reduced.

[0099] To monitor and regulate the quality of the filled product in buffer tank 5, a circulation line 9 is provided, in which the filled product can be removed from buffer tank 5 and returned to buffer tank 5 by means of a circulation pump 90. In this example, a CO2 sensor 92 for monitoring the CO2 content of the filled product and a Brix sensor 94 for reading the Brix value are installed in circulation line 9. Other sensors may also be installed in circulation line 9, or alternatively.

[0100] Accordingly, this results in a particularly efficient structure for device 1, which not only reduces material costs and thus the total investment when constructing device 1, but also makes filling more efficient because it reduces the overall volume of filler to be held, and consequently reduces or avoids deformation of the filler volume at the end of production or when changing products.

[0101] The components in these figures that come into contact with the filling product are merely one example. Alternatively, components used only in a brewery could be part of the apparatus. Alternatively, parts could be omitted. Thus, carbonization could be omitted entirely, for example, thereby omitting components 40, 42, 50, 52, 54, etc.

[0102] CIP device 200 is wholly or at least partially integrated into device 1. For this purpose, according to Figure 1 and Figure 2 In one embodiment, a metering branch 30 present on the mixer 3 is used to introduce the cleaning and / or sterilizing concentrate, also referred to herein as “CIP concentrate”, into the pipeline system of the device 1 and mix it at the correct ratio.

[0103] Sodium hydroxide solution, nitric acid, peracetic acid, or disinfectants can be used as CIP concentrates. However, other suitable treatment agents may also be used.

[0104] The CIP device 200 has a CIP inlet 201, which is preferably located on or implemented by the main component supply unit 2 and configured to introduce the CIP main component, preferably water, into the piping system of the device 1 during the processing of the device 1. Here, if appropriate, the main component used for conventional filling can also be used as the CIP main component. Therefore, the inlet at the mixer 3 can be used as the CIP inlet 201. Here, a configurable valve assembly is involved, which thus makes the CIP circulation independent of the supply lines for the main component and the metering component.

[0105] CIP circulation is achieved, for example, by a reflux pump located in line 202.

[0106] Furthermore, the aforementioned CIP outlet 202 is provided, which is preferably installed on or implemented by the filling member 6. Therefore, the processing medium, i.e., the mixture consisting of the CIP main component and the CIP concentrate, can be discharged directly through the outlet of the filling member 6. Alternatively, the processing medium can be discharged via the unloading line 8 and the rotary distributor 82.

[0107] CIP device 200 has a CIP metering branch 210 that first meteres the CIP concentrate into metering branch 30 and then meteres it "online" into the CIP main component stream. For this purpose, CIP metering branch 210 includes, for example, a CIP concentrate container 211 and a CIP concentrate pump 212, implemented, for example by a rotary pump or compressed air pump, which is configured to introduce the CIP concentrate from CIP concentrate container 211 into metering branch 30, preferably between metering reservoir 32 and metering valve 34. Devices present on mixer 3 can be used entirely or partially for metering.

[0108] CIP metering branch 210 may also include devices for metering, monitoring venting, etc. Therefore, in Figure 1 In one embodiment, a CIP venting branch 213 for venting the CIP concentrate container 211 is provided, the CIP venting branch 213 including an outlet 213a and a valve 213b. Furthermore, a CIP fill level measuring instrument 214 can be installed to monitor the current fill level of the CIP concentrate in the CIP concentrate container 211.

[0109] To monitor concentration, a conductivity meter that can be configured on mixer 3 may be used alternatively or additionally. These conductivity meters may be installed at the inlet and / or outlet of the main component and / or metering component.

[0110] Multiple CIP metering branches 210 can be installed to allow for the mixing of different processing media.

[0111] Multiple possible CIP metering branches 210 can be connected together to a single metering branch 30 or distributed among multiple metering branches 30 of the mixer 3. It is also possible to connect one or more CIP metering branches 210 to another location of the device 1, as explained further below. Figure 2 are illustrated in the examples.

[0112] The processing medium mixed directly in device 1 in this manner can be circulated through the pipeline system of CIP device 200.

[0113] Preferably, the CIP unit 200 has a CIP heat exchanger 220 configured for temperature control, preferably heating, of the processed medium. The CIP heat exchanger 200 is installed, for example, in an external connecting line between the CIP outlet 202 and the CIP inlet 201 of the unit 1 and therefore does not affect the arrangement / design of the integrated mixer 3 and the CIP metering branch 210. Alternatively or additionally, a cooler / heater (not shown) typically arranged on the mixer 3 can be used collaboratively for temperature control of the processed medium.

[0114] For example, the CIP cleaning process in device 1 is carried out in a water-alkali-water step. The existing water connection on mixer 3 can be used for the "water step". Therefore, the system is pre-flushed and any treatment media, such as residual alkali, are flushed away. The CIP concentrate is metered online as described above, heated if necessary, and its concentration in the treatment media is monitored.

[0115] The CIP unit 200 may also include a CIP stacking tank 230, which is preferably cleanable so that the processed media can be collected after use and reused at this location or elsewhere if necessary. The CIP stacking tank 230 can be installed in the connecting pipeline without relying on the equipment of the mixer 3. Discharging the processed media into the CIP stacking tank 230 can also be done using an existing return pump.

[0116] The optional CIP stacking tank 230 may have already been heated during production via heat exchanger 220 using a CIP recirculation pump, such as... Figure 1 The pipeline is shown as a dashed line.

[0117] exist Figure 1In this embodiment, the CIP concentrate is metered online in the CIP main component stream. The required mixing ratio can be directly satisfied by the metering branch 30 on mixer 3.

[0118] Subsequently, the mixed processing medium is circulated and heated by the CIP heat exchanger 220 if necessary, thereby performing cleaning and / or sterilization of the device 1.

[0119] Alternatively or additionally, buffer tank 5 can be used for media preparation, as shown in the embodiment in the figure. This is particularly useful when the CIP volume is small, such as when peracetic acid is used as the CIP concentrate. In this case, the appropriate amount of CIP concentrate is metered into buffer tank 5 and preferably subsequently filled with the desired CIP master component. This function can also be used in the following ways... Figure 1 This is achieved through an embodiment whereby, starting with the water receiver in the buffer tank 5, the processing medium in the buffer tank 5 is metered and mixed through the circulation line 9.

[0120] Here, the CIP concentrate can be metered via a CIP metering branch 210' similar to CIP metering branch 210. CIP metering branch 210' may have a structure substantially the same as CIP metering branch 210 or a different structure.

[0121] The processing medium can be optimally mixed via the circulation line 9 on the buffer tank 5, and "clouding," i.e., uneven concentration, can be prevented. The buffer tank 5 is large enough to hold the processing medium for the integrated mixer 3, so the buffer tank 5 can also be used as a tank for the preparation of the processing medium.

[0122] If necessary, a CIP concentration sensor 240 for monitoring the concentration of CIP concentrate in the treatment medium can be installed in the area of ​​the buffer tank, preferably in the circulation line 9.

[0123] CIP concentration sensor 240 can be used to control the metered injection of CIP concentrate into buffer tank 5. Alternatively or additionally, devices already present in buffer tank 5 and / or circulation line 9, such as brycese sensor 94, can also be used.

[0124] Subsequently, the mixed processing medium begins to circulate and is heated by the CIP heat exchanger 220 if necessary, thereby performing cleaning and / or sterilization of the device 1.

[0125] By fully or partially integrating the CIP unit 200 into the unit 1, existing equipment can be ideally utilized, thus saving many components of the CIP unit 200. These include, for example, metering pumps, measuring instruments, CIP supply pumps, piping, valves, etc. Connections to the main components already present on the mixer 3, primarily water connections, can also be used directly, thereby saving additional components here as well.

[0126] This reduces both investment costs and maintenance expenses. Furthermore, the space requirements are significantly lower than for conventional external CIP equipment, allowing for a more compact overall system.

[0127] In an embodiment not shown but according to the invention, the CIP device may be an external CIP device. Here, the external CIP device (or CIP apparatus) should also be considered as part of apparatus 1 in the sense of the claims.

[0128] CIP concentrate can be selectively metered and injected into the system where the greatest contamination occurs, primarily in metering branch 30. This allows these areas to be cleaned using the highest concentration of cleaning / sterilizing agent, thereby reducing cleaning / sterilization time.

[0129] The controller of CIP device 200 can be partially or fully integrated into the controller of device 1, such as a mixer controller. Control device 300 is schematically shown. This results in simplified operation. Furthermore, monitoring of cleaning time, CIP concentration, and process flow is preferably centralized in a single machine, thereby reducing errors and making the process faster and more efficient.

[0130] Integration also ensures that the processing media is always immediately available. Push-in and push-out processes can be eliminated, further reducing cleaning time due to shorter paths and fewer mixing stages. Similarly, fewer mixing stages reduce the need for CIP concentrate.

[0131] The existing CIP stacking tank 230 can be heated during production via heat exchanger 220 using a CIP reflux pump. Therefore, the supply of the processing medium can be ideally matched to production. Product changeovers in unit 1 can be performed simply and quickly, thereby reducing product changeover time.

[0132] Figure 3 Another embodiment of the apparatus 1 for filling container 100 with filling product is shown, and a CIP device 200 according to another embodiment is shown.

[0133] In this embodiment, the CIP device 200 includes multiple tanks 250, 260, and 270 for different processing media, particularly cleaning media, sterilization media, and / or rinsing media. Thus, tank 250 may contain alkali, tank 260 may contain acid, and tank 270 may contain water, particularly hot water. Unlike previous embodiments, the processing media are supplied by the tanks, thus eliminating the need for in-line manufacturing by incorporating the CIP concentrate into the CIP master component stream.

[0134] The fluid connections of tanks 250, 260, and 270 are... Figure 3 The diagram is shown schematically only. Preferably, each tank 250, 260, 270 is located in a separate fluid circulation, wherein the processing medium is guided from the outlet of the respective tank 250, 260, 270 to the processing section of the device 1 and is either discarded or guided back to the respective tank 250, 260, 280.

[0135] according to Figure 3 The apparatus 1 of the embodiment also includes a short-time heating device 55, which is configured to briefly heat the filled product for sterilization and then cool the filled product if necessary. The short-time heating device 55 is preferably installed in the product supply line leading to the buffer tank 5. However, the short-time heating device 55 may also be installed downstream of the buffer tank 5 in the filled product line 70.

[0136] A sediment sensor 55a is preferably installed in the short-time heating device 55 to measure the thickness of the sediment. Other sensors, such as conductivity sensors, flow sensors, temperature sensors, pH sensors, and / or pressure sensors, may be provided.

[0137] The foregoing embodiments schematically illustrate a control device 300, which is communicatively coupled to the component to be controlled and / or regulated, as well as to sensors and, if necessary, other equipment components. Communication can be wireless and / or wired, digital and / or analog. Furthermore, data or signal exchange in only one direction is included herein in the term "communication." Here, the control device 300 does not necessarily have to be implemented by a centralized computing device or electronic regulator, but includes distributed and / or multi-level and hierarchical systems, regulation networks, cloud systems, etc. The control device can also be an integral part of a higher-level controller or communicate with such a higher-level controller.

[0138] Within the scope of a production management system, control device 300 may be, for example, part of an operations management layer or a production management system (“Manufacturing Execution System”; MES) and / or so-called “Enterprise Resource Planning” (ERP), including operations data detection (BDE).

[0139] To optimize the demand-based processing of device 1 via CIP device 200, including cleaning and / or sterilization and / or rinsing, the control device includes device 400 for processing optimization (see...). Figure 1 ) or communicate with the device 400 (see Figure 4 and Figure 5 The device 400 used for optimization is also referred to herein as the "CIP optimization device".

[0140] Reference Figure 4 and Figure 5 The CIP optimization device 400 is configured to receive and process process parameters from multiple devices 1, 1a, 1b, 1c, especially process parameters related to the processing process.

[0141] In other words, by providing the CIP optimization device 400, process parameters can be collected from one or more, preferably hundreds, of other devices 1a, 1b, 1c.

[0142] The process parameters can be determined and, if necessary, processed by other devices 1a, 1b, and 1c and provided to the equipment, especially the device 1 to be processed.

[0143] By utilizing information from multiple devices 1 used to control the CIP process, including the formulation of the processing medium, process flow, and processing time, the CIP processing of device 1 can be optimized. In particular, in this way, an optimal, resource-saving formulation can be determined and the overall processing time shortened without the risk of inadequate processing.

[0144] In addition, the CIP optimization device 400 can provide a large number of CIP processes for different filling products, and the control device 300 can access these CIP processes.

[0145] Figure 4 The embodiment schematically illustrates a CIP optimization device 400 as an external device, which communicates with and supports control devices 300, 300a, 300b, and 300c of a plurality of devices 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c in the manner described above. Other devices 1a, 1b, and 1c may be constructed equivalently to or differently from the above embodiment.

[0146] CIP optimization device 400 preferably includes an Internet / cloud application 410 that standardizes the acquisition and distribution of information from control devices 300, 300a, 300b, 300c and to control devices 300, 300a, 300b, 300c and simplifies the acquisition and distribution by using existing infrastructure and information protocols.

[0147] In addition, the CIP optimization device 400 may include a data processing 420 in the form of a computing center or a distributed computing architecture, or communicate with the data processing 420.

[0148] Data Processing 420 can provide centralized databases, servers, artificial intelligence applications, and more. In addition to automatically queryable data, supplementary data, such as data from laboratory tests, can be manually entered into the database of Data Processing 420 as needed.

[0149] Data processing 420 can provide additional functions, such as an online store for selling new CIP recipes, or neural networks or algorithms for determining improved CIP recipes and / or processing procedures.

[0150] Parameters that can be measured in one or more of devices 1, 1a, 1b, and 1c and obtained by the CIP optimization device 400 include, for example, one or more of the following: processing time (cleaning time, sterilization time, rinsing time) depending on various equipment parts and depending on the processing medium (cleaner, sterilizer, rinser); total processing time (total cleaning time, total sterilization time, total rinsing time); acid concentration; acids; alkali concentration; alkalis; temperature; temperature-time curve; conductivity; flow rate; filler product (sub-parameters: acid, solids, protein content, etc.); information about deposits or residues.

[0151] Figure 5 A CIP optimization device 400 in an exemplary application configuration is shown. The figure illustrates a pipeline segment 56 of the device 1 for filling the container 100. The pipeline segment 56 is located, for example, in or within a short-time heating device 55. A sediment sensor 55a and / or a conductivity sensor 55b are mounted in or on the pipeline segment 56. The sediment sensor 55a and / or the conductivity sensor 55b communicate with a control device 300.

[0152] The measurement accuracy of sensors 55a and 55b also depends on their location within the piping system of device 1. Therefore, sediment sensor 55a can be located in areas with heavier or lighter sediment. To further optimize the CIP process, sensors 55a and 55b can be interconnected with sensors in other devices 1a, 1b, and 1c via the CIP optimization device 400.

[0153] Figure 5 Figure 5 The sensors 55a and 55b shown are merely examples, and alternative or additional sensors may be installed in the device 1, especially sensors for measuring sterility and / or cleaning effectiveness.

[0154] The CIP optimization device 400 can combine and process information from various sensor types, sensor locations, etc., even if the device 1 being processed is not equipped with the relevant sensors. Through the CIP optimization device 400, which communicates with the control devices 300a, 300b, and 300c of the various devices 1a, 1b, and 1c, the control device 300 of the device 1 being processed can benefit from other devices equipped with sensors and learn from their sensor data. In other words, the sensors of the various devices 1 are collaboratively combined, thereby enabling a single device 1 to handle tasks with fewer sensors when necessary, thus reducing overall machine manufacturing costs.

[0155] Furthermore, this interconnection can be used to optimize sensor characteristics, such as sensor location or sensor setup. For example, in the case of sediment sensor 55a, such as the sediment sensor with the most sediment, various positions of sensors on two or more comparable devices 1, 1a, 1b, 1c can be compared with each other to find the optimal position.

[0156] The CIP optimization device 400 may also be configured to perform automatic or manual optimization of the CIP treatment of device 1 based on one or more optimization parameters. Therefore, the CIP treatment can be optimized, for example, in terms of cleanliness or sterilization level, treatment duration, treatment cost, and / or environmental friendliness.

[0157] Where applicable, all individual features shown in the embodiments may be combined and / or interchanged without departing from the scope of the invention.

[0158] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0159] 1. Apparatus for filling containers

[0160] 1a A device for filling containers

[0161] 1b Device for filling containers

[0162] 1c Apparatus for filling containers

[0163] 2. Main Component Supply Department

[0164] 20 Degassing device

[0165] 22 nozzles

[0166] 3 Mixer

[0167] 30 metering branches

[0168] 31 Measurement location

[0169] 32 Metering storage

[0170] 34 Metering valve

[0171] 4. Carbonization device

[0172] 40 Carbonization location

[0173] 42 CO2 Supply Department

[0174] 5. Buffer tank

[0175] 50 bias device

[0176] 52 CO2 Supply Department

[0177] 54. Biased gas line

[0178] 55 Short-time heating device

[0179] 55a Sediment Sensor

[0180] 55b conductivity sensor

[0181] 56 Pipeline Sections

[0182] 6. Infilling components

[0183] 60 Filler Turntable

[0184] 70 Filler Product Pipeline

[0185] 72 Rotary Distributor

[0186] 74 Filling Product Pipeline

[0187] 8 Unloading pipeline

[0188] 82 Rotary Distributor

[0189] 9. Circulation pipeline

[0190] 90 Circulation Pump

[0191] 92 CO2 sensor

[0192] 94 Brukinsa (Bai Li) sensor

[0193] 100 containers

[0194] 200 CIP devices

[0195] 201 CIP Entry

[0196] 202 CIP Export

[0197] 210 CIP metering branch

[0198] 210' CIP metering branch

[0199] 211 CIP Concentrate Container

[0200] 212 CIP Concentrate Pump

[0201] 213 CIP drain branch

[0202] 213a Export

[0203] 213b valve

[0204] 214 CIP Fill Level Measuring Instrument

[0205] 220 CIP heat exchanger

[0206] 230 CIP stacking tank

[0207] 240 CIP Concentration Sensor

[0208] 250 cans

[0209] 260 cans

[0210] 270 cans

[0211] 300 control device

[0212] 300a Control Device

[0213] 300b control device

[0214] 300c control device

[0215] 400 Devices for Processing Optimization

[0216] 410 Internet / Cloud Applications

[0217] 420 Data Processing

Claims

1. A system comprising means (1) for filling a container (100) with a filling product and means (400) for processing optimization, wherein, The device (1) has a CIP device (200) for processing the components of the device (1) that come into contact with the filled product using a processing medium; and The device (1) has a control device (300) configured to control the processing of the device (1); wherein, The device (400) for processing optimization communicates with the control device (300) and can communicate with one or more control devices (300a, 300b, 300c) of other devices (1a, 1b, 1c) for filling the container (100); and The device (400) for processing optimization is configured to receive process parameters from the other devices (1a, 1b, 1c) and provide them to the control device (300) to optimize the processing.

2. The system according to claim 1, characterized in that, The process parameters received by the device (400) for processing optimization include sensor data from the other devices (1a, 1b, 1c).

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein the process is: cleaning and / or sterilization and / or rinsing.

4. The system of claim 2, wherein the process parameters include sensor data from one or more processing steps of the additional devices (1a, 1b, 1c).

5. The system according to claim 2, characterized in that, The sensor data originates at least in part from one or more sensors (55a, 55b, 240) of the other device (1a, 1b, 1c) which does not have equivalent sensors (55a, 55b, 240) in the device (1).

6. The system according to any one of the preceding claims, characterized in that, The device (400) for processing optimization is configured to influence the formulation of the processing medium and / or the course of the processing and / or the processing time of the processing in the device (1).

7. The system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized in that, The apparatus (400) for processing optimization includes an Internet / cloud application (410) and / or data processing (420).

8. The system according to claim 7, wherein, The data processing (420) provides centralized or distributed databases and / or servers and / or artificial intelligence applications.

9. The system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The process parameters received by the device (400) for process optimization include one or more of the following parameters: processing time; acid concentration; acid type; alkali concentration; alkali type; temperature; temperature-time curve; conductivity; flow rate; filler product; information about deposits or residues.

10. The system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The device (1) has at least one sediment sensor (55a) for detecting sediment in a pipeline section (56) of the device (1) in contact with the processing medium, wherein the sediment sensor (55a) communicates with the control device (300), and the device (400) for processing optimization is configured to receive sensor data from one or more sediment sensors (55a) of the other devices (1a, 1b, 1c) and provide it to the control device (300) to optimize the processing.

11. The system according to claim 10, characterized in that, The device (1) has a short-time heating device (55) configured to briefly heat the filled product for sterilization, wherein the sediment sensor (55a) is installed in the short-time heating device (55).

12. The system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The device (1) has at least one conductivity sensor (55b) for detecting the conductivity of the processing medium in a pipeline section (56) of the device (1) in contact with the processing medium, wherein the conductivity sensor (55b) communicates with the control device (300), and the device (400) for processing optimization is configured to receive sensor data from one or more conductivity sensors (55b) of the other devices (1a, 1b, 1c) and provide it to the control device (300) to optimize the processing.

13. The system according to any one of claims 1-5, characterized in that, The device (1) has at least one sensor (55a, 55b, 240), and the device (400) for processing optimization is configured to optimize the position of the sensor (55a, 55b, 240) based on the received process data.

14. The system of claim 1, wherein the container (100) is filled with the filling product in the beverage filling equipment.

15. A method for processing an apparatus (1) for filling a container (100) with a filling product, wherein, The method includes: The device (400) for processing optimization receives process parameters from one or more other devices (1a, 1b, 1c) for filling the container (100) with the filling product. The process parameters of the other devices (1a, 1b, 1c) are provided to the control device (300) of the device (1) by the device (400) for processing optimization. The components of the device (1) that come into contact with the filling product are processed by means of a processing medium, wherein the processing of the control device (300) is performed in accordance with the process parameters of the other devices (1a, 1b, 1c).

16. The method according to claim 15, characterized in that, The process parameters received from the other devices (1a, 1b, 1c) are processed by the processing optimization device (400) before being provided to the control device (300) for the device (1).

17. The method of claim 15, wherein the treatment is: cleaning and / or sterilization and / or rinsing.

18. The method according to claim 16, wherein, The formulation of the processing medium and / or the course of the processing and / or the processing time of the processing of the device (1) are modified depending on the process parameters of the other device (1a, 1b, 1c) received.

19. The method according to claim 15 or 16, characterized in that, The process parameters of the additional devices (1a, 1b, 1c) include sensor data from the additional devices (1a, 1b, 1c).

20. The method of claim 19, wherein the process parameters include sensor data from one or more processing steps of the additional apparatus (1a, 1b, 1c).

21. The method according to any one of claims 15 to 16, characterized in that, The method is performed using the system according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

22. The method of claim 15, wherein the container (100) is filled with the filling product in the beverage filling equipment.

Images