Gasification device for sterilizing agent and gasification method for sterilizing agent

Abstract

Provided is a sterilizing agent vaporization device and sterilizing agent vaporization method that reliably vaporize a sterilizing agent, increase the concentration of the sterilizing agent in the gas, and are compact. The device is provided with: a spiral metal pipe that is at least either a spiral pipe with a pitch of 1.0 mm or more and 30.0 mm or less or a spiral with an angle of greater than 0 degrees and 30 degrees or less with respect to a plane orthogonal to the central axis of the spiral; a molten metal solidification layer that embeds the spiral metal pipe by a casting method; a heating body that heats the outer surface of the molten metal solidification layer; and a nozzle that sprays a sterilizing agent in a mist form into the spiral metal pipe at one end of the spiral metal pipe.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a device and method for vaporizing a bactericide, which generates a bactericide gas for sterilizing packaging materials in an aseptic filling and packaging machine. Background Technology

[0002] Portion milk, liquid beverages in brick-shaped paper containers, bagged soup, cup drinks, and beverages in PET and other plastic bottles are all processed through aseptic filling packaging machines. An aseptic filling packaging machine is a device that fills sterilized containers with sterilized contents and seals them in a sterile environment. Products produced using aseptic filling packaging machines tend to increase in quantity because they can be distributed and stored at room temperature, resulting in lower energy consumption and better taste compared to refrigerated or frozen products.

[0003] In aseptic filling and packaging machines, the packaging materials used to form containers are diverse, as described above, and the sterilization methods vary depending on the material. Methods such as ultraviolet irradiation and electron beam methods exist, but sterilization of the packaging material surface using a sterilizing agent is the mainstream approach. Furthermore, when using sterilizing agents to sterilize packaging materials, methods include immersing cream balls and brick-shaped paper containers in the sterilizing agent, but also spraying the sterilizing agent in a mist. Flat packaging materials that can withstand the relatively high drying temperature after immersion are sterilized by immersion. Shaped containers such as cups and bottles, or packaging materials such as films that stretch under high-temperature drying, are sterilized by spraying the sterilizing agent in a mist.

[0004] If the disinfectant droplets sprayed in a mist are large, they will drip onto the sides of the cup or bottle. The smaller the droplets of the disinfectant sprayed in a mist, the more evenly it will coat the surface of the packaging material, and the higher the disinfection effect. Therefore, a method for making the disinfectant droplets finer has been proposed (Patent Document 1).

[0005] The smaller the droplets of disinfectant adhering to the surface of the packaging material, the more tightly the surface of the packaging material is covered by the disinfectant droplets, and the higher the disinfection effect. Therefore, a method has been proposed that does not spray the disinfectant droplets in a mist form, but rather vaporizes the disinfectant and blows the vaporized disinfectant onto the surface of the packaging material, causing the disinfectant to condense on the surface of the packaging material (Patent Document 2). The vaporization of the disinfectant is carried out by dripping the disinfectant onto a heated heating element.

[0006] In addition, a method for vaporizing a large quantity of disinfectant by spraying it in a mist form into a heated pipe has been proposed (Patent Document 3). Furthermore, a method for installing a heat storage body inside the heated pipe has been proposed (Patent Document 4).

[0007] Patent Document 3 describes a device for vaporizing a disinfectant that sprays the disinfectant in a mist form into a heated cylinder. Furthermore, Patent Document 5 proposes a device for vaporizing a disinfectant liquid that sprays it in a mist form into a heated cylinder, blows hot air in from the upstream, and has a plate heater installed at the bottom of the cylinder. Patent Document 6 proposes a device that supplies a gaseous medium into the cylinder and vaporizes and discharges the hydrogen peroxide by injecting hydrogen peroxide water and bringing it into contact with the surface of the heating device.

[0008] The aforementioned disinfectant vaporization device vaporizes the disinfectant by bringing it into contact with the surface of a relatively large heated cylindrical tube or heated shell. A device for blowing hot air is also present. Furthermore, a device for vaporizing the disinfectant by spraying it into a relatively narrow heated flow path or by atomizing it is proposed. Patent Document 7 inserts a helical spring between the heated outer cylinder and the inner rotating body, causing the disinfectant to flow and vaporize within the helical space formed by the helical spring. Furthermore, Patent Document 8 proposes a device that atomizes the disinfectant by spraying it into a circumferential groove, causing it to flow within multiple heated pipes extending downwards from the groove.

[0009] Furthermore, a method is disclosed for forming a spiral-shaped vaporization chamber by embedding a tubular component using a casting method in a vaporizer for vaporizing sterilizing gas from a raw material gas, using a material with good thermal conductivity and low cost (Patent Document 9). Additionally, a vaporization device for a bactericide is disclosed, comprising: a molten metal solidification layer covering a spiral metal tube; a heating element that heats the outer surface of the molten metal solidification layer; and a nozzle that sprays the bactericide in a mist form into the spiral metal tube from one end (Patent Document 10).

[0010] The disinfectant uses hydrogen peroxide water, but hydrogen peroxide decomposes due to trace amounts of heavy metals contained in the hydrogen peroxide water. To prevent this, sodium pyrophosphate or orthophosphate, whose safety and effectiveness have been confirmed, is added as a stabilizer to the hydrogen peroxide water used for sterilization in aseptic filling and packaging machines (Patent Document 11). Such stabilizers sometimes precipitate out during the vaporization of hydrogen peroxide water, accumulating on the surface of the vaporizing heating element and reducing the efficiency of hydrogen peroxide water vaporization, or clogging the nozzles that blow hydrogen peroxide water gas to the object being sterilized. To prevent the disadvantages caused by such stabilizer precipitation, a method is proposed to temporarily vaporize the hydrogen peroxide water, cool the gas, pass it through a filter, and further vaporize the liquefied hydrogen peroxide water (Patent Document 12).

[0011] Existing technical documents

[0012] Patent documents

[0013] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 60-220067

[0014] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 63-11163

[0015] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 3-224469

[0016] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-218134

[0017] Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2001-276189

[0018] Patent Document 6: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2010-534167

[0019] Patent Document 7: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 62-122926

[0020] Patent Document 8: Japanese Patent Publication No. 2005-503206

[0021] Patent Document 9: Microfilm (Japan) No. 53-017908

[0022] Patent Document 10: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2021-029541

[0023] Patent Document 11: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2006-240969

[0024] Patent Document 12: Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 10-258811 Summary of the Invention

[0025] The technical problem that the invention aims to solve

[0026] For sterilizing packaging materials in aseptic filling and packaging machines, vaporized hydrogen peroxide water is mostly used. This vaporization occurs by bringing the hydrogen peroxide water into contact with the surface of a heated element. While methods exist of blowing hot air into the hydrogen peroxide water in a mist, the heat capacity of the hot air is small, making complete vaporization difficult. Alternatively, hydrogen peroxide water sprayed in a mist into the interior of a cylindrical tube vaporizes by contacting the heated inner surface of the tube. Another method involves blowing hydrogen peroxide water in a droplet form onto the container being sterilized, without contacting the inner surface of the cylindrical tube.

[0027] By completely vaporizing the hydrogen peroxide water sprayed in a mist, the vaporized hydrogen peroxide comes into contact with bacteria and other microorganisms on the surface of the container or the smooth packaging material before container formation. The vaporized hydrogen peroxide water condenses into fine droplets on the container surface, and subsequent heating causes the hydrogen peroxide water to vaporize again, thereby improving the sterilization effect. In other words, by completely vaporizing the hydrogen peroxide water and thereby increasing the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the gas, the sterilization effect is improved.

[0028] To improve the vaporization rate of hydrogen peroxide water, increasing the surface area of ​​the cylindrical tube relative to the sprayed hydrogen peroxide water effectively ensures that all the hydrogen peroxide droplets come into contact with the surface of the heated element. However, even with a longer cylindrical tube, the temporarily vaporized hydrogen peroxide water may recondense within the cylindrical space, making complete vaporization difficult. Furthermore, even with a thicker cylindrical tube, the sprayed hydrogen peroxide water may not reach the inner surface of the tube. Therefore, lengthening and thickening the cylindrical tube increases the size of the vaporization device, which is not preferable for aseptic filling machines.

[0029] On the other hand, the vaporization devices proposed in Patent Documents 7 and 8 vaporize hydrogen peroxide water by passing it through a spiral groove or pipeline. Compared to vaporization devices made of cylindrical tubes, the heated surface area of ​​the heating element relative to the surface of the hydrogen peroxide water sprayed in a mist is larger, thus presumably resulting in a higher vaporization rate of hydrogen peroxide water. However, both of these devices have complex structures and are expensive to manufacture.

[0030] The bactericide vaporization devices described in Patent Documents 9 and 10 utilize a spiral tube embedded in metal. By heating the embedded metal, the bactericide is vaporized within the spiral tube, achieving highly efficient vaporization. However, technologies for making the bactericide vaporization device more efficient and miniaturized are not disclosed.

[0031] The present invention was made to solve the above-mentioned problems, and aims to provide a maintainable and compact vaporization device and method for a disinfectant. By increasing the contact opportunity between the disinfectant, which is sprayed in a mist and becomes droplets, and a heated heat source, the disinfectant can be reliably vaporized, thereby increasing the concentration of disinfectant in the gas.

[0032] When using hydrogen peroxide water as a disinfectant, the stabilizer contained in the hydrogen peroxide water precipitates on the inner surface of the vaporization device and accumulates on the surface of the heated element. This accumulated stabilizer hinders heat conduction from the heated element to the outermost surface, reducing the vaporization efficiency of the hydrogen peroxide water. To solve this problem, the vaporization device containing the disinfectant must be periodically decomposed and cleaned, hindering productivity. This invention, by reducing manufacturing costs, allows for the replacement of the vaporization section of the vaporization device, which contains the stabilizer, without the need for decomposition and cleaning, by using it for a certain period of time.

[0033] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0034] One embodiment of the bactericide vaporization device is characterized by comprising: a spiral metal tube, wherein the interval between the spiral tubes is 1.0 mm or more and 30.0 mm or less, or the angle of the spiral relative to a plane orthogonal to the central axis of the spiral is greater than 0 degrees and less than 30 degrees; a molten metal solidification layer, wherein the two ends of the spiral metal tube are left by casting, and the entire spiral shape is embedded by molten metal; a heating element that heats the outer surface of the molten metal solidification layer; and a nozzle that sprays the bactericide in a mist form into the spiral metal tube from one end of the spiral metal tube.

[0035] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the bactericide vaporization device, it is preferable that the spiral metal tube is made of stainless steel.

[0036] Furthermore, in the vaporization device for the bactericide of the present invention, it is preferable to provide a front nozzle of the vaporization device at the bactericide gas outlet at the other end of the spiral metal tube, which is used to guide the sprayed bactericide gas.

[0037] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the bactericide vaporization device, it is preferred that the nozzle at the front end of the vaporization device is made of stainless steel or aluminum.

[0038] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the bactericide vaporization device, it is preferable that the spiral direction of the spiral metal tube is changed at least once.

[0039] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the bactericide vaporization apparatus, it is preferred that the molten metal solidified layer is brass, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy.

[0040] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the bactericide vaporization apparatus, it is preferable that the heating element for heating the molten metal solidified layer and the outer surface of the molten metal solidified layer is made of the same material.

[0041] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the bactericide vaporization device, it is preferable that the molten metal solidification layer covers the inner side from the outer periphery of the spiral metal tube and is cylindrical.

[0042] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the bactericide vaporization device, it is preferable that the molten metal solidification layer covers the outer and inner circumferences of the spiral metal tube, and is cylindrical in shape.

[0043] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the bactericide vaporization device, it is preferable that the nozzle is a two-fluid nozzle.

[0044] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the bactericide vaporization device, it is preferable to provide a cleaning liquid inflow device that allows the cleaning liquid to flow into the spiral metal tube.

[0045] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the bactericide vaporization apparatus, it is preferable to provide a distribution pipe at the bactericide gas outlet from which the gas of the bactericide vaporized by the spiral metal tube is ejected from the spiral metal tube, which includes one or more of a hydrogen peroxide gas concentration meter, a thermometer, and a conductivity meter.

[0046] One embodiment of the method for vaporizing a bactericide is characterized by comprising: a spiral metal tube, wherein the interval between the spiral tubes is 1.0 mm to 30.0 mm or the angle of the spiral relative to a plane orthogonal to the central axis of the spiral is greater than 0 degrees and less than 30 degrees; a molten metal solidification layer, wherein the two ends of the spiral metal tube are left by casting and the spiral-shaped portion is embedded by molten metal; a heating element that heats the outer surface of the molten metal solidification layer; and spraying the bactericide in a mist form from one end of the spiral metal tube into the spiral metal tube.

[0047] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the vaporization method of the bactericide, it is preferable that the spiral metal tube is made of stainless steel.

[0048] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the method for vaporizing a bactericide, it is preferable to provide a front nozzle of the vaporization device at the bactericide gas outlet at the other end of the spiral metal tube to guide the sprayed bactericide gas.

[0049] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the method for vaporizing a bactericide, it is preferable to make the nozzle at the front end of the vaporization device made of stainless steel or aluminum.

[0050] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the vaporization method of the bactericide, it is preferable to change the spiral direction of the spiral metal tube at least once.

[0051] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the method for vaporizing the bactericide, it is preferable to use brass, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy as the solidified molten metal layer.

[0052] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the method for vaporizing the bactericide, it is preferable that the heating element used to heat the solidified molten metal layer and the outer surface of the solidified molten metal layer is made of the same material.

[0053] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the vaporization method of the bactericide, it is preferable that the solidified molten metal layer covers the inner side from the outer periphery of the spiral metal tube and is cylindrical.

[0054] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the vaporization method of the bactericide, it is preferable to cover the outer and inner circumferences of the spiral metal tube with the solidified molten metal layer, and to make it cylindrical.

[0055] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the vaporization method of the bactericide, it is preferable to spray the bactericide in a mist form into the spiral metal tube through a two-fluid nozzle.

[0056] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the method for vaporizing the bactericide, it is preferable to allow the cleaning liquid to flow within the spiral-shaped metal tube.

[0057] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the vaporization method of the bactericide, it is preferable that the water used in the cleaning solution is obtained by ion exchange, reverse osmosis filtration or distillation.

[0058] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the vaporization method of the bactericide, it is preferable that after the cleaning liquid flows into the spiral metal tube, the cleaning liquid is rinsed with water, and then air is blown into the spiral metal tube to remove residual water.

[0059] Beneficial effects

[0060] The vaporization device for the bactericide of the present invention comprises: a spiral metal tube; a molten metal solidification layer embedded in the spiral metal tube by casting; a heating element that heats the outer surface of the molten metal solidification layer; and a nozzle that sprays the bactericide in a mist form into the spiral metal tube from one end. This device reliably vaporizes the bactericide sprayed into the spiral metal tube. Therefore, the concentration of the bactericide in the gas can be increased, thereby improving the bactericidal effect. Furthermore, by reliably vaporizing the bactericide, the vaporized bactericide condenses into fine droplets on the container surface, and subsequent heating causes the bactericide to vaporize again, thereby enhancing the bactericidal effect.

[0061] By narrowing the spacing between the spiral tubes of the helical metal tube, reducing the angle of the helix, or performing any of these adjustments, the helical metal tube can be made compact while ensuring sufficient length. Although smaller than before, it can serve as a vaporization device for vaporizing large quantities of disinfectant. Furthermore, by making the helical metal tube compact, the workability during replacement of the disinfectant vaporization device is improved, and the structure for maintaining the disinfectant vaporization device is simplified.

[0062] Furthermore, the manufacturing cost of the vaporization device for the bactericide of the present invention is low. Therefore, when using hydrogen peroxide water as a bactericide, if it is assumed that the stabilizer contained in the hydrogen peroxide water precipitates in the spiral metal tube, it is not necessary to decompose and clean the vaporization section of the vaporization device in which the stabilizer has precipitated. It can be replaced after a certain period of use, thereby improving the productivity of the aseptic filling machine.

[0063] Furthermore, the vaporization device of the bactericide of the present invention has a spiral metal tube inside, so compared with the conventional cylindrical vaporization device, the cleaning effect and rinsing performance of the cleaning liquid are excellent, and it can efficiently remove the stabilizer and rinse the agent in a short time. Attached Figure Description

[0064] Figure 1 This is a front view of the vaporization device for the bactericide according to Embodiment 1.

[0065] Figure 2 This is a top view of the vaporization device for the bactericide according to Embodiment 1.

[0066] Figure 3 This is a perspective view of a spiral metal tube representing the vaporization device of the bactericide according to Embodiment 1.

[0067] Figure 4 This is a perspective view of another spiral metal tube representing the vaporization device of the bactericide in Embodiment 1.

[0068] Figure 5 This is a front view of the vaporization device for the bactericide according to Embodiment 2.

[0069] Figure 6 This is a top view of the vaporization device for the bactericide according to Embodiment 2.

[0070] Figure 7 This is a front view showing the state in which the gasification device for the bactericide in Embodiment 1 is equipped with a cleaning liquid inflow device. Detailed Implementation

[0071] Hereinafter, the methods for implementing the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0072] (Implementation Method 1)

[0073] Figure 1 The vaporization device 1 of the bactericide according to Embodiment 1 includes: a spiral metal tube 2; a molten metal solidification layer 3, which is embedded in the spiral metal tube 2 by casting; a heating element 4 that heats the outer surface of the molten metal solidification layer 3; and a nozzle 5 that sprays the bactericide in a mist form into the spiral metal tube 2 from one end of the spiral metal tube 2.

[0074] The spiral metal tube 2 is heated by heat conducted from a heating element 4, which is disposed on the outer surface of a molten metal solidification layer 3 embedded in the outer periphery of the spiral metal tube 2 by casting. A disinfectant is sprayed in a mist form into the spiral metal tube 2 from a nozzle 5 located at one end, causing the disinfectant to vaporize. The mist-sprayed disinfectant contacts the heated inner surface of the spiral metal tube 2, thereby evaporating and vaporizing the disinfectant.

[0075] like Figure 3 As shown, the spiral metal tube 2 is a tube formed by processing a metal tube into a spiral shape. The metal can be any metal, as long as it has a melting point higher than the melting temperature of the material forming the solidified molten metal layer 3. Examples include iron, stainless steel, copper, brass, titanium, etc., but stainless steel with good durability against cleaning solutions containing bactericides and chemicals is preferred. As stainless steel, alloys containing chromium and nickel, alloys containing chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, alloys containing chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and copper, alloys containing chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and nitrogen, or duplex stainless steel alloys having both the aforementioned stainless steel alloy and ferrite microstructures are used.

[0076] The metal tube is machined into a spiral shape to ensure the longest possible flow path for the disinfectant within a limited space. This flow path is used to spray the disinfectant into the interior of the metal tube in a mist form and to vaporize the sprayed disinfectant. The spiral metal tube 2 is heated from the outside, and the sprayed disinfectant passes through the heated spiral metal tube 2, thereby reliably vaporizing the disinfectant.

[0077] The helical shape of the metal tube satisfies at least one of the following: the spacing between the helical tubes is 1.0 mm to 30.0 mm, or the angle of the helix relative to a plane orthogonal to the central axis of the helix is ​​greater than 0 degrees and less than 30 degrees. By narrowing the spacing between the helical tubes, or reducing the angle of the helix, or both, the helical metal tube 2 can be made compact even with the same tube length. By making the helical metal tube 2 compact, even the vaporization device 1 for vaporizing the same amount of disinfectant can be made smaller and more compact, the embedded molten metal solidification layer 3 is also reduced, and the weight of the disinfectant vaporization device 1 can be reduced.

[0078] The spacing between the spiral tubes is between 1.0 mm and 30.0 mm. The spacing refers to the shortest distance between any two adjacent tubes. When the spacing is less than 1.0 mm, the thickness of the molten metal solidified layer 3 between the buried tubes decreases, raising concerns about a reduction in the strength of the molten metal solidified layer 3. Furthermore, the spiral metal tube 2 acts as an insulation layer, making it difficult for the high temperature on the outer surface of the heated molten metal solidified layer 3 to transfer to the interior (center). If the spacing between the spiral tubes exceeds 30.0 mm, the axial length of the spiral metal tube 2 becomes too large, increasing the size of the bactericide vaporization device 1.

[0079] The spacing of the spiral tubes can also be variable, varying between the two ends of the spiral metal tube. By varying the spacing of the spiral tubes, the flow of the disinfectant becomes irregular, and the disinfectant in contact with the wall of the spiral metal tube 2 is replaced, thereby improving the vaporization efficiency of the disinfectant.

[0080] The angle of the helix relative to the plane orthogonal to the central axis of the helix is ​​greater than 0 degrees and less than 30 degrees. Preferably, it is between 5 degrees and 30 degrees. If the angle of the helix is ​​less than 5 degrees, there is a concern that the spacing with adjacent tubes cannot be maintained. Furthermore, the disinfectant sprayed in a mist and the disinfectant vaporized in the tube will not flow smoothly, requiring an increase in the pressure of the compressed air when spraying in a mist, and the ejection pressure of the disinfectant gas ejected from the disinfectant gas outlet 6 will also increase, making it difficult to adjust the amount of disinfectant gas. Moreover, if the angle exceeds 30 degrees, the axial length of the helical metal tube 2 will be too large.

[0081] The angle of the spiral can also be variable, varying between the two ends of the spiral metal tube. By varying the angle of the spiral, the flow of the disinfectant becomes irregular, replacing the disinfectant in contact with the wall of the spiral metal tube 2, thus improving the vaporization efficiency of the disinfectant.

[0082] The spiral angle of the first turn at both ends of the spiral metal tube can be greater than 0 degrees and less than 5 degrees. Even with a small spiral angle, the region from the end of the spiral to the end of one turn will not interfere with adjacent tubes. By making the spiral angle less than 5 degrees, the flow rate of the bactericide becomes irregular, improving vaporization efficiency.

[0083] The spiral metal tube 2 is formed by machining a metal tube with an inner diameter of 3 mm to 30 mm and a thickness of 0.5 mm to 5 mm into a spiral shape. It is suitable that the radius from the center of the axis of the spiral metal tube 2 to its outermost edge is 10 mm to 200 mm. Furthermore, the axial length of the spiral shape is suitable to be 50 mm to 800 mm. Furthermore, the total length of the spiral metal tube 2 is suitable to be 500 mm to 5000 mm. Furthermore, the ratio of the spiral radius to the outer diameter of the spiral metal tube 2, i.e., spiral radius / outer diameter of the spiral metal tube 2, is preferably 4 to 50, more preferably 10 to 30. Within this range, the workability of the spiral machining is well balanced with the size of the spiral metal tube 2. A nozzle 5 is connected to one end of the spiral metal tube 2. The other end becomes a disinfectant gas outlet 6 for spraying out vaporized disinfectant gas.

[0084] like Figure 4 As shown, the spiral metal tube 2 can change its spiral direction at least once. By changing the spiral direction, the flow of the disinfectant within the spiral metal tube 2 changes, and the unvaporized disinfectant droplets are vaporized by contacting the inner surface of the spiral metal tube 2.

[0085] The spiral-shaped metal tube 2 is embedded through molten metal. For example... Figure 1 As shown, a spiral-shaped metal tube 2 is embedded with a molten metal solidified layer 3 covering the outer circumference of the spiral-shaped tube. The outer wall of the spiral-shaped tube is formed by a portion 5mm to 30mm from its outer circumference. Molten metal flows entirely into the inner circumference of the spiral-shaped metal tube 2, forming a cylindrical shape, leaving the two ends of the spiral-shaped metal tube exposed. The spiral portion is embedded with molten metal, which, after solidification, becomes the molten metal solidified layer 3.

[0086] The volume ratio of the spiral metal tube 2 to the solidified molten metal layer 3 affects the gasification efficiency. The preferred volume ratio is between 1:3 and 1:30, more preferably between 1:5 and 1:15. When the volume ratio is less than 1:3, the heat transfer effect from the heating element 4 decreases, resulting in a reduced gasification volume. On the other hand, when the volume ratio exceeds 1:30, the proportion of the solidified molten metal layer becomes excessive, making it difficult to achieve a compact and lightweight device.

[0087] The molten metal solidified layer 3 is preferably made of a metal with a relatively low melting point compared to metals such as brass, aluminum, zinc, magnesium, and aluminum alloys. In particular, brass, aluminum, and aluminum alloys are suitable from the perspective of strength and thermal conductivity. Aluminum has a melting point of approximately 660°C, and aluminum alloys have even lower melting points. The aluminum and aluminum alloys are molten and flow into a mold that holds the spiral-shaped metal tube 2. Upon cooling and solidification, the molten metal solidified layer 3 is obtained.

[0088] Methods for melting aluminum or aluminum alloys and flowing them into a mold include casting and die casting. Casting methods include sand casting, die casting, and low-pressure casting. Die casting methods include conventional die casting, squeeze casting, and vacuum die casting. Although any method can be used, the inexpensive sand casting method can be used because strict dimensional accuracy is not required.

[0089] A nozzle 5 is provided at one end of a spiral metal tube 2, which sprays a disinfectant into the spiral metal tube 2 in a mist form. The nozzle 5 can be any nozzle as long as it can spray the disinfectant into the spiral metal tube 2 in a mist form. However, the nozzle 5 is preferably a two-fluid nozzle. If the nozzle 5 is a two-fluid nozzle, disinfectant is supplied from the disinfectant supply port and compressed air is supplied from the compressed air supply port. The disinfectant is sprayed in a mist form from the nozzle 5 onto the inner surface of the spiral metal tube 2. The sprayed disinfectant vaporizes upon contact with the inner surface of the spiral metal tube 2, which is heated by heat conducted from the heating element 4 through the molten metal solidification layer 3. The vaporized disinfectant is ejected as gas from the disinfectant gas outlet 6. The ejection is due to the pressure of the compressed air supplied to the nozzle 5 and the volume expansion of the disinfectant during vaporization.

[0090] exist Figure 1 In the middle, the nozzle 5 and the disinfectant gas outlet 6 are located in the center of the spiral part of the spiral metal tube 2, but they can also be located along the spiral shape.

[0091] The disinfectant gas sprayed from the disinfectant gas outlet 6 can be directly blown into the container below the disinfectant gas outlet 6, or it can be like... Figure 1 As shown, a vaporization device front nozzle 10 is provided at the front end of the disinfectant gas outlet 6 to guide the sprayed disinfectant gas. The disinfectant gas is blown from the front end of the vaporization device front nozzle 10 to the container below the vaporization device front nozzle 10.

[0092] The nozzle 10 at the front end of the gasification device, like the spiral metal tube 2, can be made of metals such as iron, stainless steel, copper, brass, titanium, etc., but it can also be aluminum. Preferably, it is stainless steel with good durability against cleaning fluids containing bactericides and chemicals. As stainless steel, alloys containing chromium and nickel, alloys containing chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, alloys containing chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and copper, alloys containing chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and nitrogen, or duplex stainless steel alloys having both the aforementioned stainless steel alloy and ferrite structures are used.

[0093] The diameter of the tip of the nozzle 10 of the vaporization device is preferably narrowed to be the same as or 30% of the diameter of the disinfectant gas outlet 6 of the spiral metal tube 2. If the diameter is narrowed by more than 30%, the blowing range of the disinfectant gas will be narrowed, raising concerns that disinfection may not be sufficient. The distance between the tip of the nozzle 10 of the vaporization device and the target container is preferably 20 mm or less, more preferably 10 mm or less.

[0094] Because the temperature of the nozzle 10 at the front end of the vaporization device drops, there is a concern that the disinfectant gas may condense and drip at this location. To prevent this, the nozzle 10 can be heated by contacting at least one of the molten metal solidified layer 3 or the heating element 4. Alternatively, the heating element can be brought into contact with the nozzle 10. During contact, sealing materials such as gaskets or O-rings can be used to prevent leakage of the disinfectant gas. Fluororubber is preferably used as the sealing material.

[0095] As for the operating conditions of nozzle 5, the pressure of compressed air is preferably adjusted within the range of 0.05 MPa to 0.8 MPa, and the air flow rate is preferably 10 L / min to 500 L / min, more preferably 30 L / min to 300 L / min. If it is less than 10 L / min, when the disinfectant is blown into the container from the opening of the container below the disinfectant gas outlet 6, it is difficult for the disinfectant to adhere to the bottom of the container. Furthermore, the adhesion and distribution of the disinfectant in the container becomes poor, resulting in uneven disinfection effect. To avoid this situation, a vaporization device nozzle 10 provided at the end of the disinfectant gas outlet 6 is inserted into the container, but the device becomes complex and costly. On the other hand, if the air flow rate is 500 L / min or more, the concentration of the disinfectant becomes diluted, and if this is added, it becomes an excessive supply of disinfectant, resulting in poor efficiency. Even if the disinfectant falls by gravity, it can be pressurized by a pump or compressed by pressurized air. The supply rate of the bactericide can be freely set, for example, within the range of 1g / min to 200g / min.

[0096] The flow rate of the disinfectant gas can be appropriately adjusted according to the container's conveying speed. Specifically, when the container's total length is 100mm to 400mm and its inner diameter is φ15mm to φ40mm, and the conveying speed is 500mm / s to 800mm / s, the flow rate of the disinfectant gas at the outlet 6 and the front end of the vaporization device nozzle 10 is preferably 10m / s to 100m / s. Furthermore, when the container's total length is 30mm to 300mm and its inner diameter is φ15mm to 40mm, and the conveying speed is 800mm / s to 2500mm / s, the flow rate is preferably 30m / s to 600m / s. If the flow rate is less than this range, sufficient disinfectant cannot adhere to the bottom of the container, resulting in a decrease in disinfection effectiveness. Furthermore, if the flow rate exceeds this range, the vaporization efficiency of the disinfectant decreases, requiring a larger vaporization device and increasing costs.

[0097] The disinfectant preferably contains at least hydrogen peroxide. Its content is preferably in the range of 0.5% by mass to 65% by mass. If it is less than 0.5% by mass, the disinfecting power may be insufficient; if it exceeds 65% by mass, it becomes difficult to handle from a safety perspective. More preferably, it is 0.5% by mass to 40% by mass. If it is below 40% by mass, handling becomes easier, and due to the low concentration, the residual amount of hydrogen peroxide in the packaging material after disinfection can be reduced.

[0098] Furthermore, to prevent the decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, the disinfectant contains a stabilizer. The stabilizer preferably used in the disinfectant is sodium pyrophosphate or orthophosphoric acid, which is designated by the Japanese Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare as a food additive for sterilizing food packaging materials. However, phosphorus-containing inorganic compounds such as sodium hydrogen pyrophosphate and phosphoric acid chelating agents such as aminotrimethylphosphonic acid alkyl diphosphonates can also be used. The stabilizer content is typically 40 ppm or less, but low-content stabilizers of 10 ppm or less are also found.

[0099] Furthermore, although the disinfectant contains water, it may also contain one or more of the following: alcohols such as methanol, ethanol, isopropanol, n-propanol, and butanol; ketones such as acetone, methyl ethyl ketone, and acetylacetone; and glycol ethers.

[0100] In addition, bactericides may contain additives such as peracetic acid, acetic acid, chlorinated compounds, ozone and other compounds with bactericidal effects, cationic surfactants, and nonionic surfactants.

[0101] The nozzle 5 can be directly connected to the spiral metal tube 2, but sometimes an extension tube is provided between the spiral metal tube 2 and the nozzle 5. The extension tube is provided in a way that conducts heat from the spiral metal tube 2 to the nozzle 5, but the temperature of the main body of the nozzle 5 does not rise.

[0102] The disinfectant gas ejected from the disinfectant gas outlet 6 can be blown onto containers and other packaging materials that need direct sterilization. Alternatively, it can be vaporized within a spiral metal tube 2 and mixed with heated air supplied by a blower via a heating device. This mixed disinfectant gas can then be blown onto the containers and other packaging materials to be sterilized. The disinfectant vaporization device can be multiple units combined with the conduit. The air is heated to between 130°C and 300°C via the heating device.

[0103] Furthermore, a filter can be installed at the disinfectant gas outlet 6 to capture the precipitated stabilizer. While a hygienic stabilizer can be used, there is a concern that it may adhere to the disinfectant gas outlet 6 and clog it. The filter can be any material, such as a ceramic filter made of alumina, zirconium oxide, or titanium oxide with an average nozzle diameter of 0.1 μm to 20 μm, an inorganic material, or a non-woven fabric made of cellulose or similar materials that has heat resistance up to 300°C and can capture the precipitated stabilizer.

[0104] Furthermore, a distribution pipe can be installed at the disinfectant gas outlet 6, or a hydrogen peroxide gas concentration meter, thermometer, or conductivity meter can be installed. By installing a hydrogen peroxide gas concentration meter or thermometer, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide gas required for disinfection and the temperature of the disinfectant gas can be measured constantly or irregularly. Hydrogen peroxide gas concentration meters generally lack heat resistance; therefore, it is preferable to lower the temperature to below 100°C and reduce the hydrogen peroxide gas concentration to 20 mg / L (preferably 10 mg / L) before measurement. Furthermore, the advantage of installing a conductivity meter is that after cleaning the interior of the disinfectant vaporization device 1 with a cleaning solution containing the disinfectant, it can be confirmed that no disinfectant residue remains during the water rinsing process.

[0105] A heating element 4 is provided on the outside of the molten metal solidified layer 3 to heat the outer surface of the molten metal solidified layer 3. The heating element 4 is preferably a casting heater that is processed to contact the outer surface of the molten metal solidified layer 3. Furthermore, any method can be used, such as a plate-shaped heater, heating the heating element 4 itself by current flowing through it, or heating via an induction heating device, as long as it can heat to the desired temperature. The heating element 4 is heated to between 130°C and 500°C. An external casing can be provided on the outside of the heating element 4 for heat insulation.

[0106] When using a casting heater, to ensure good heat conduction, it is preferable that the distance between the casting heater and the inner periphery of the heating element 4 is shorter than the distance between the casting heater and the outer periphery of the heating element 4. That is, the casting heater can be positioned close to the inner side of the heating element 4.

[0107] The heating element 4 can be divided into at least two parts from the upstream side to the downstream side of the disinfectant vaporization device 1. This is because dividing the heating element 4 reduces its weight and lightens the workload for operators. Furthermore, since independent temperature settings are possible, appropriate temperatures can be set for each location of the disinfectant vaporization device 1. For example, the temperature near the disinfectant inlet can be lowered to promote a smooth temperature rise of the disinfectant. Conversely, the temperature near the disinfectant outlet can be raised to make the disinfectant reach a higher temperature and thus less prone to condensation.

[0108] The heating element 4 is preferably made of a material with a relatively low melting point compared to metals such as brass, aluminum, zinc, magnesium, and aluminum alloys. In particular, brass, aluminum, and aluminum alloys are suitable from the perspective of strength and thermal conductivity. Aluminum has a melting point of approximately 660°C, while aluminum alloys have lower melting points. The aluminum and aluminum alloys are melted and poured into a mold that holds the heater wire, and the heating element 4 is obtained by cooling and solidification.

[0109] If the heating element 4 is heated to above 130°C, other metals, primarily aluminum, will also expand adiabatically. Therefore, it is preferable to make the heating element 4 and the molten metal solidified layer 3 the same material, thereby reducing the gap between the heating element 4 and the molten metal solidified layer 3 even when heated.

[0110] By heating the heating element 4 to a temperature between 130°C and 500°C, the inner surface of the spiral metal tube 2 can maintain a temperature between 130°C and 500°C when the disinfectant is sprayed out in a mist. When the disinfectant contains 35% by mass of hydrogen peroxide, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the disinfectant gas is between 200 mg / L and 500 mg / L.

[0111] The spiral metal tube 2 is heated by the heating body 4, thereby reliably heating to the disinfectant gas outlet 6. Compared with the conventional cylindrical vaporization device, it does not liquefy near the disinfectant gas outlet 6. The disinfectant vaporized in the spiral metal tube 2 can be maintained in a gaseous state and blown to the disinfected object.

[0112] Due to prolonged use, the stabilizer contained in the hydrogen peroxide solution in the spiral metal tube 2 of the disinfectant vaporization device 1 may precipitate and accumulate inside the spiral metal tube 2 and at the disinfectant gas outlet 6. The accumulated stabilizer hinders heat conduction to the surface of the spiral metal tube 2, reducing the vaporization efficiency of the disinfectant. Furthermore, excessive accumulation may corrode the stainless steel piping, clog the interior of the spiral metal tube 2, and block the disinfectant gas outlet 6. The portion consisting of the spiral metal tube 2 and the solidified molten metal layer 3 of this embodiment is relatively inexpensive and can be replaced after a certain period of use, allowing for the reuse of the nozzle 5 and heating element 4, thus enabling low-cost operation. Additionally, the time required for cleaning the vaporization device, as in the past, is eliminated, allowing the aseptic filling machine to be restarted in a short time.

[0113] Furthermore, since the replacement period of the part consisting of the spiral metal tube 2 and the molten metal solidified layer 3 is set to a long cycle, it is preferable to clean the inside of the spiral metal tube 2.

[0114] In the vaporization device 1 of this embodiment, the vaporization part of the disinfectant is a spiral-shaped metal tube 2. Therefore, compared with conventional cylindrical vaporization devices, the cleaning effect and rinsing performance of the cleaning liquid are superior. That is, it can efficiently remove the precipitated stabilizer and the agent used in the rinsing cleaning liquid in a short time. After the operation of the vaporization device 1 is completed, a cleaning liquid containing an alkaline or acidic agent is supplied to the nozzle 5 that sprays the disinfectant in a mist. The cleaning liquid is sprayed into the spiral-shaped metal tube 2 in a mist, thereby removing the stabilizer. Then, water is supplied to wash away the agent. Water can also be supplied before supplying the cleaning liquid containing the alkaline or acidic agent.

[0115] As a cleaning solution containing an alkaline agent, it is preferable to add 0.5% to 5% by mass of sodium hydroxide and 0.1% to 5% by mass of a chelating agent to the water. The vaporization device 1 of the disinfectant is at a high temperature of 50°C to 300°C immediately after operation; therefore, water obtained through ion exchange, reverse osmosis filtration, or distillation is preferred as it does not precipitate calcium, magnesium, etc. After rinsing with water, air is supplied from nozzle 5 or the cleaning solution into device 7 to blow air into the interior of the vaporization device 1 to remove residual water. The residual water blown out is expelled into the sterile filling machine; therefore, the supplied air is preferably a sterile atmosphere that has passed through a filter.

[0116] And, as Figure 7As shown, a cleaning fluid inflow device 7, which directs the cleaning fluid into a spiral metal tube 2, is located downstream of the nozzle 5. The cleaning fluid inflow device 7 allows the cleaning fluid to flow from the cleaning fluid storage tank 9 into the spiral metal tube 2 by opening and closing the cleaning fluid inflow valve 8. The cleaning fluid is an aqueous solution or water containing an alkaline or acidic agent. It is preferable that the water obtained through ion exchange, reverse osmosis filtration, or distillation does not precipitate calcium, magnesium, etc. The spiral metal tube 2 is preferably made of a material resistant to the aforementioned cleaning fluid, such as stainless steel or titanium. As stainless steel, alloys containing chromium and nickel, alloys containing chromium, nickel, and molybdenum, alloys containing chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and copper, alloys containing chromium, nickel, molybdenum, and nitrogen, or duplex stainless steel alloys having both the aforementioned stainless steel alloy and ferrite structures are used. Specifically, these are SUS316L, SUS821L, SUS329J1, SUS323L, SUS329J3L, SUS329J4L, and SUS327L1.

[0117] The cleaning solution stored in the cleaning solution storage tank 9 flows into the spiral metal tube 2 under pressure such as gravity, a pump, or compressed air. After the disinfectant is sprayed out in a mist, the cleaning solution inflow valve 8 is opened, allowing the cleaning solution to flow into the spiral metal tube 2. A nozzle can be installed at the front end of the cleaning solution inflow device 7 to spray the cleaning solution in a mist into the spiral metal tube 2.

[0118] Compared with conventional gasification devices, the gasification device of Embodiment 1 of the present invention is lighter in weight. Even if the temperature of the surface in contact with the bactericide and the amount of hydrogen peroxide water supplied are set to be the same, it produces more hydrogen peroxide and has better gasification efficiency than conventional gasification devices.

[0119] (Implementation Method Two)

[0120] Figure 5The vaporization device 1 represents the bactericide of Embodiment 2. A molten metal solidification layer 3 is cylindrical, covering the outer and inner circumferences of a spiral metal tube 2. While the molten metal solidification layer 3 in Embodiment 1 is cylindrical, in Embodiment 2 it is cylindrical, and a heating element 4 is provided to heat the outer surface of the molten metal solidification layer 3 on both the outer and inner sides of the cylinder. In this case, the radius of the spiral of the spiral metal tube 2 is preferably 50 mm to 300 mm, based on the central axis of the spiral shape. That is, the diameter of the spiral is increased to create space inside the spiral metal tube 2. The heating element 4 is provided not only on the outer side of the cylinder but also on the inner side, thereby enabling efficient heating of the spiral metal tube 2. By increasing the heat applied to the spiral metal tube 2, the amount of bactericide supplied to the metal tube 2 can be increased, and the amount of gaseous bactericide used to sterilize the container can be increased.

[0121] Figure 5 This is a top view of the vaporization apparatus 1 for the bactericide according to Embodiment 2. A molten metal solidified layer 3 covers the outer and inner circumferences of a spiral metal tube 2, and a heating element 4 is provided on the outer and inner circumferences of the molten metal solidified layer 3. By providing the heating element 4 on the outer and inner circumferences of the molten metal solidified layer 3, the spiral metal tube 2 can be heated from both its inner and outer surfaces.

[0122] The embodiments of the present invention are configured as described above, but are not limited to the above embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the spirit of the present invention.

[0123] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures

[0124] 1: Vaporization device for bactericide; 2: Spiral metal tube; 3: Molten metal solidification layer; 4: Heating element; 5: Nozzle; 6: Bactericide gas outlet; 7: Cleaning liquid inflow device; 10: Nozzle at the front end of the vaporization device.

Claims

1. A vaporization device for a bactericide, characterized in that, Given: A spiral metal tube, wherein the interval between the spirals is more than 1.0 mm and less than 30.0 mm, or the angle of the spiral relative to a plane orthogonal to the central axis of the spiral is greater than 0 degrees and less than 30 degrees; A molten metal solidification layer, which uses a casting method to leave the two ends of the spiral metal tube, and embeds the spiral-shaped portion through molten metal; A heating element that heats the outer surface of the solidified molten metal layer; A nozzle that sprays a bactericide in a mist form into the spiral metal tube from one end of the tube. The nozzle at the front end of the gasification device, located at the other end of the spiral metal tube, guides the sprayed disinfectant gas. The nozzle at the front end of the gasification device comes into contact with the solidified layer of molten metal.

2. The vaporization device for the bactericide according to claim 1, wherein, The spiral-shaped metal tube is made of stainless steel.

3. The vaporization device for the bactericide according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The nozzle at the front end of the gasification device is made of stainless steel or aluminum.

4. The vaporization device for the bactericide according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The spiral direction of the helical metal tube changes at least once.

5. The vaporization device for the bactericide according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The solidified molten metal layer is made of brass, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy.

6. The vaporization device for the bactericide according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The heating element used to heat the solidified molten metal layer and its outer surface is made of the same material.

7. The vaporization device for the bactericide according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The solidified molten metal layer covers the inner side from the outer periphery of the spiral metal tube and is cylindrical in shape.

8. The vaporization device for the bactericide according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The solidified molten metal layer covers the outer and inner circumferences of the spiral metal tube and is cylindrical in shape.

9. The vaporization device for the bactericide according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, The nozzle is a two-fluid nozzle.

10. The vaporization apparatus for the bactericide according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, A cleaning fluid inflow device is provided to allow the cleaning fluid to flow into the spiral-shaped metal tube.

11. The vaporization apparatus for the bactericide according to claim 1 or 2, wherein, A distribution pipe is provided at the outlet of the disinfectant gas sprayed from the spiral metal tube, which vaporizes the disinfectant gas. The outlet is equipped with one or more of the following: a hydrogen peroxide gas concentration meter, a thermometer, and a conductivity meter.

12. A method for vaporizing a bactericide, characterized in that, Given: A spiral metal tube, wherein the interval between the spirals is 1.0 mm to 30.0 mm or the angle of the spiral relative to a plane orthogonal to the central axis of the spiral is greater than 0 degrees and less than 30 degrees; a molten metal solidification layer, wherein the two ends of the spiral metal tube are left by casting and the spiral shape is embedded by molten metal; and a heating element that heats the outer surface of the molten metal solidification layer. A disinfectant is sprayed in a mist form from one end of the spiral metal tube into the spiral metal tube. At the other end of the spiral metal tube, a gaseous spray outlet for the disinfectant gas is provided with a front nozzle of a vaporization device to guide the sprayed disinfectant gas. The nozzle at the front end of the gasification device is brought into contact with the solidified molten metal layer for heating.

13. The method for vaporizing the bactericide according to claim 12, wherein, The spiral metal tube is made of stainless steel.

14. The method for vaporizing the bactericide according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The nozzle at the front end of the gasification device is made of stainless steel or aluminum.

15. The method for vaporizing the bactericide according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The spiral direction of the spiral metal tube is changed at least once.

16. The method for vaporizing the bactericide according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The solidified molten metal layer is made of brass, aluminum, or an aluminum alloy.

17. The method for vaporizing the bactericide according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The heating element used to heat the solidified molten metal layer and its outer surface is made of the same material.

18. The method for vaporizing the bactericide according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The solidified molten metal layer covers the inner side from the outer periphery of the spiral metal tube and is cylindrical in shape.

19. The method for vaporizing the bactericide according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The solidified molten metal layer covers the outer and inner circumferences of the spiral metal tube and is cylindrical in shape.

20. The method for vaporizing the bactericide according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The bactericide is sprayed in a mist form into the spiral metal tube through a two-fluid nozzle.

21. The method for vaporizing the bactericide according to claim 12 or 13, wherein, The cleaning fluid flows into the spiral-shaped metal tube.

22. The method for vaporizing the bactericide according to claim 21, wherein, The water used in the cleaning solution is obtained through ion exchange, reverse osmosis filtration, or distillation.

23. The method for vaporizing the bactericide according to claim 21, wherein, After the cleaning fluid flows into the spiral metal tube, the cleaning fluid is rinsed with water, and then air is blown into the spiral metal tube to remove residual water.

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