Apparatus and method for preserving a beverage

Abstract

The invention relates to a device (1) for preserving a beverage encapsulated in a container, comprising a first receiving container (4) for receiving a preservative, and a supply line (6) which can be in fluid communication with the receiving container and is adapted to supply the preservative to the container (10), characterized in that the device comprises a filling device (14) which is arranged in the first receiving container (4), a filling device is arranged downstream of the supply line (6) in the flow direction of the preservative, the filling device being adapted and intended to directly fill the preservative into the container (10a, 10b).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to apparatus and methods for supplying a preservative into a container and more generally to apparatus and methods for preserving beverages. Background Art

[0002] From the prior art, devices for dosing and in-line dosing of individual product components or ready-made intermediate products in the food industry are known. For example, in the production of beverages, various ingredients, such as water, syrups, condiments, fruit juice concentrates, base materials, etc., are continuously mixed together in a certain mass or volume ratio in so-called mixers, which are also called blenders.

[0003] In the case of carbonated beverages, carbon dioxide is usually added in the same facility. Finally, the step known as product tempering produces the finished organoleptic product from its various components. The finished organoleptic product is then fed continuously or via a buffer tank to subsequent process steps such as flash pasteurization, filtration or directly to a filling machine.

[0004] Similar to continuous in-line blending of beverages, the individual ingredients in a recipe can also be mixed together in a batch tank and then fed to carbonation, product handling and filling, if applicable. Since filling is typically a continuous process, once the finished beverage has been mixed, all upstream steps also occur in a continuous fashion.

[0005] To protect beverages from microbial spoilage, beverage manufacturers can use a variety of technologies and methods for preservation. Depending on the packaging material, such as cardboard packaging, plastic or glass bottles, tubular bags or cans, processes such as tunnel pasteurization or hot fill or aseptic cold fill may be used more frequently or excluded due to product or packaging characteristics.

[0006] In addition to the main physical methods of preserving beverages, these methods can also be combined with chemical methods of preservation to ensure microbiological stability over the entire shelf life of the product under given storage conditions (e.g. inside or outside the cold chain). For the classical chemical preservation of beverages, sorbic acid or benzoic acid are used, which are usually added to the beverage as salts in solid form or as predissolves when mixing the product.

[0007] Also known is the treatment of beverages with dimethyl dicarbonate, which is added to the beverage immediately before filling and then decomposes depending on time and temperature.

[0008] More recently, methods have also become known in which natural preservatives, such as those known under the Nagardo brand, are used to provide microbial protection based on fungal glycolipids.

[0009] This is a powder which is usually pre-dissolved in water. The concentration of the stock solution is usually 0.5%-3%, wherein higher or lower concentrations would also be conceivable. Pre-dissolution may also take place in one or more product components.

[0010] Systems for dosing individual product groups into empty containers or partially or completely filled containers shortly before the closing process are also known in filling technology.Containers are usually supplied with relatively high quantities of these product components.

[0011] One method that has long been used in the brewery industry to fill beer is the targeted foaming of the bottle before closing. This is called high pressure effusion (HDE). A delicate injection of hot water is used to induce targeted foaming of the contents, thereby reducing the oxygen in the headspace of the bottle.

[0012] Liquid nitrogen is also used to reduce the oxygen content. For example, liquid nitrogen is occasionally dosed into empty containers before the actual filling process with the product in order to reduce the oxygen content. More frequently, however, liquid nitrogen is added immediately after the filling process in order to ensure a certain internal pressure, especially in PET bottles, which may otherwise be more difficult to label or stack.

[0013] Recently, dosing systems for adding flavourings or additives have also become available on the market, which dosing systems can also be installed upstream or downstream of the filling unit as pre-dosing systems or post-dosing systems.

[0014] Natural preservation options based on fungal glycolipids are now available. This is a powder that is usually pre-dissolved in water. The concentration of the stock solution is usually 0.5%-3%, wherein higher or lower concentrations are also conceivable. Pre-dissolution can also take place in one or more product components.

[0015] The invention is based on the object of providing a device and a method which enable a mixture to be preserved in a simple manner for a beverage. According to the invention, this is achieved by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further embodiments are the subject matter of the subclaims. Summary of the invention

[0016] The device according to the invention for preserving a beverage filled in a container comprises a first receiving container for receiving a preservative and a supply line which can be fluidically connected to the receiving container and is suitable for supplying the preservative (starting from the receiving container), in particular supplying the preservative to the container.

[0017] According to the invention, the device has a feed device which is arranged downstream of the supply line in the flow direction of the preservative and which is suitable and intended to fill the preservative directly into the container.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous if the supply line has a non-return device so that the flow direction is only possible in one direction, namely in the direction of the flow of the beverage. For example, a (non-return) valve can perform the function of the non-return device. Preferably, the valve is passive, i.e. the valve is only opened or closed by the flow of liquid.

[0019] In a further preferred embodiment, the damping device is used to damp the content of the preservative flowing towards the beverage container (or containers). This can preferably advantageously influence the accuracy of intermittent dosing into the beverage container.

[0020] The procedure described above is unusual because such procedures usually strive to add preservatives to the beverage as quickly as possible. The preservation of beverages also requires relatively precise addition of preservatives, making conventional systems such as those used to add flavorings unsuitable for adding preservatives.

[0021] Preservation of beverages also requires relatively small amounts (eg, 1-25 ppm) of preservatives.

[0022] A device is thus proposed which, in contrast to the systems known in the prior art, does not supply preservative to the beverage line, but - preferably directly - to the respective container. The term "directly" means that the preservative is fed directly from the feeding device into the container and in particular does not flow through further elements.

[0023] Preferably, the preservative is a preservative in liquid form which is produced pre-dissolved from a powder or is supplied ready-made.

[0024] Preferably, the preservative is a mixture of glycolipids of formula (I).

[0025]

[0026] in,

[0027] m = 3 or 5,

[0028] n=3,

[0029] o=1,

[0030] p = 11 or 13,

[0031] R 1 is -H or -OH, preferably R 1 =OH,

[0032] R 2is -H, an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal cation equivalent, or -C 1 -C 6 -alkyl; preferably -H or an equivalent of an alkali metal or alkaline earth metal cation; and

[0033] R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 and R 7 are independently H or -C(=O)C 1 -C 12 -alkyl, and

[0034] R 8 =H or -C(=O)C 1 -C 12 -alkyl.

[0035] In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 and R 8 are independently H or -C(=O)C 1 -C 6 -alkyl, more preferably H or -C(=O)C 3 -C 6 -alkyl, and R 8 =H or -C(=O)C 1 -C 6 -alkyl, more preferably R 4 =-C(=O)isobutyl, and R 3 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 =H or / and -C(=O)CH 3 .

[0036] In another preferred embodiment, R 2 , R 6 and R 7 =H.

[0037] In a further preferred embodiment, the compound of formula (I) is at least one compound of formulae (II-A) to (II-D) or a mixture of these compounds, and the salts of these compounds.

[0038]

[0039]

[0040] These glycolipids Available from LANXESS Germany GmbH.

[0041] Preferably, the glycolipid is present in powder form.The glycolipid is then preferably dissolved and used in the method according to the invention in liquid form.

[0042] Preferably, the preservative is a mixture of glycolipids and water. This can be deionized water or water with various proportions of soluble salts. Preferably, the pH of these solutions is 3-7.

[0043] The special feature of the procedure described here is that the preservatives, which are mainly natural, are dosed individually or continuously into the container, which remain in the beverage and represent an essential component for microbial protection throughout the shelf life of the product. In addition, the preservatives can be introduced into the container intermittently.

[0044] If necessary, the corresponding dosing systems are preferably equipped with a semi-continuous or fully continuous mixing station, which is mainly used for producing glycolipid solutions, wherein other persistent preservatives, such as benzoates or sorbates or mixtures thereof are also conceivable.

[0045] In a preferred embodiment, the device with the mixing unit and / or the dosing unit can be cleaned and, if necessary, sterilized at the end of production (at or after) depending on the other processes and the filling unit.

[0046] In a preferred embodiment, the device has a cleaning and / or disinfecting device for cleaning and / or disinfecting components of the device and in particular cleaning and / or disinfecting the feed device and / or the supply line.

[0047] The cleaning and / or disinfecting device preferably has a fluid connection device which establishes a fluid connection with a cleaning and / or disinfecting agent of a filling device filled with a beverage.

[0048] Preferably, the injection position at which the preservative is supplied to the container can be flexibly selected. Thus, it is conceivable that, on the one hand, the preservative is injected into an empty container that is still to be filled, and on the other hand, in the case of a multi-stage filling process, the entire process can also be designed as an intermediate step, or fed into a partially filled container (especially in the case of a batch filling machine), or dosed into an already completely filled container.

[0049] The dosing unit preferably has sufficient precision to ensure a concentration of active ingredient in the finished beverage or precursor (eg concentrated syrup) of 2 ppm to 1000 ppm.Preferably, the preservative is added in an amount between 2 ppm and 50 ppm.

[0050] It is also conceivable that, in addition to the natural preservation, other additives and / or flavorings may also be added (simultaneously or with a time delay). Tests on the mixing of sugar lipids and beverages have shown that the aqueous phase is homogeneous when used as pre-dosing, intermediate dosing and post-dosing.

[0051] Furthermore, after the container has been closed, the mixing of preservative and beverage may be additionally supported by suitable equipment (hereinafter referred to as mixing conveyor) such as by a container tumbler or a headspace wetting device.

[0052] In a preferred embodiment, the device has a first control device, which is suitable and intended to control the supply of the preservative into the supply line and / or into the container, wherein the preservative can preferably be supplied to the supply line continuously or, if necessary, in a timed manner. The control device can have a valve device. The valve device is preferably a proportional valve.

[0053] In a preferred embodiment, the apparatus has a filling device which fills containers with a liquid, and in particular with a beverage, wherein the feeding device is preferably arranged before or after the filling device (in the transport direction of the containers to be filled). Preferably, the filling device is a rotary filler. However, the invention can also be applied to batch machines. Preferably, the filling device has a (in particular stationary) liquid line via which the liquid, in particular the beverage, is supplied to the filling device.

[0054] In a further preferred embodiment, the apparatus has a transport device which transports the containers into which the preservative is to be filled along a predetermined transport path, wherein the transport device is preferably designed in such a way that the preservative is filled into the containers during their transport.

[0055] Preferably, the transport device has a plurality of transport units, in particular a transport unit selected from a group of transport units consisting of a supply star wheel, a discharge star wheel and a filling wheel.

[0056] The transport device is preferably a transport wheel or a transport star wheel. A plurality of holding devices for holding containers to be filled or filled are preferably arranged on the transport star wheel.

[0057] In a further preferred embodiment, the feed device is arranged on a supply star wheel which feeds the empty or partly filled containers to the filling device.

[0058] In a further preferred embodiment, the feed device is arranged on a discharge star wheel which discharges the filled or partly filled containers from the filling device.

[0059] The feeding device is preferably stationary.

[0060] In the context of the present application, a filling device is understood in particular as a device which fills a beverage into a container and a feeding device is understood as a device which supplies a preservative to the container.

[0061] Particularly preferably, the device has a detection device which detects the position of the container into which the preservative is to be filled.

[0062] In a further preferred embodiment, the device has a control device which controls the filling of the preservative as a function of the position of the container.

[0063] For example, a light barrier device may be provided which detects the position of the container so as to control the filling of the preservative in response thereto.

[0064] However, it is also conceivable to integrate the feed device into a (possibly) higher-level control system of the filling device, so that the supply of preservative can be controlled in this way.

[0065] In a further advantageous embodiment, the filling device has a transport device which transports the containers into which the preservative is to be filled along a predetermined transport path. Preferably, the transport path is a circulating transport path.

[0066] Preferably, the transfer device is designed in such a way that the preservative is filled into the container during transfer.

[0067] In a further advantageous embodiment, the feed device is arranged along a transport path along which the transport device transports the containers.

[0068] For example, the feeding device can be arranged on a supply star wheel, which feeds the empty containers to the filling device. The feeding device can also be arranged on a discharge star wheel, which discharges the (partially) filled containers from the filling device. The filling device can also be arranged on a further transport star wheel, such as an intermediate star wheel. Furthermore, the feeding device can also be part of the entire unit, i.e. the feeding device can have its own transport device for transporting the containers and can also have one or more feeding devices.

[0069] Preferably, however, the feeding device is not arranged on the actual filling unit.

[0070] Particularly preferably, the first control device controls the supply of the preservative into the supply line based on the flow rate measured by the first flow measuring device.However, other criteria may also be used to control the supply of the preservative.

[0071] In a further advantageous embodiment, the first control device has a controllable and preferably adjustable valve, which is arranged in particular in the supply line or upstream of the supply line. For example, the valve can be a proportional valve. By controlling the valve, the content of the preservative introduced into the supply line can be controlled.

[0072] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a flow measuring device, which is preferably arranged in the supply line and / or in the feed device and is suitable and intended to determine the flow rate of the preservative supplied to the container.

[0073] Preferably, the device has a modular design and can thus be used or retrofitted in existing systems.Preferably, the device has an outlet connection via which the preservative can be discharged from the device and / or supplied to a feed device.

[0074] In a further preferred embodiment, the feeding device has at least one filling nozzle which is suitable and intended to supply the preservative to the container via its mouth.

[0075] Preferably, the filling nozzle is stationary and the container moves relative to the filling nozzle. It will be appreciated that the container moves in a timed manner and is stationary during the time interval in which the preservative is filled therein. However, preferably, the preservative is filled while the container is moving.

[0076] In addition, the filling nozzle will be movable with the container. Preferably, the filling nozzle is suitable for and intended to intermittently fill or inject the preservative into the container. In a preferred embodiment, the filling nozzle is only arranged slightly above the mouth of the container.

[0077] Preferably, the distance between the outlet opening of the feeding device and the mouth opening of the container is less than 3 cm, preferably less than 2 cm, preferably less than 1.5 cm, preferably less than 1 cm, preferably less than 0.5 cm.

[0078] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a storage device for storing the preservative, wherein the storage device is arranged downstream of the receiving device for receiving the preservative and upstream of the feed device.

[0079] The storage device can be, in particular, a buffer tank, but is not limited thereto. The storage device is particularly preferably arranged in the supply line of the preservative.

[0080] In a further advantageous embodiment, the apparatus has a second flow measuring device, which is preferably arranged between the first receiving container and the supply line and / or in the supply line and is suitable and intended to determine the flow rate of the preservative to the supply line and / or in the supply line.

[0081] Advantageously, the device has a second receiving container for receiving the preservative, and preferably at least one receiving container (and preferably both receiving containers) has a mixing device for mixing the components of the preservative into the liquid.

[0082] In a preferred embodiment, the mixing device has a stirring device for stirring the components into the liquid.

[0083] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device has a second control device, which is suitable and intended to regulate or control the supply of the liquid provided with the preservative to the feed device, wherein the second control device preferably has a controllable valve. Particularly preferably, the controllable valve is also a proportional valve. For example, a continuous or batch supply can be achieved.

[0084] In a further advantageous embodiment, the apparatus has a first pump device for conveying the preservative, wherein the pump device is preferably a controllable pump device. The pump device is particularly preferably selected from a group of pump devices, which in particular include volumetric pumps, such as rotary piston pumps, eccentric screw pumps, peristaltic pumps, etc. The respective pump is selected so that the pressure level delivered by the respective pump is higher than the pressure level prevailing in the supply line. The respective pump is preferably selected so that the pressure level delivered by the respective pump is higher than the pressure level prevailing in the supply line. Preferably, the pump is suitable and intended to deliver a pressure level that is at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, preferably at least 20% higher than the pressure level prevailing in the pressure line.

[0085] In a further advantageous embodiment, the pump device is a controllable pump device. In particular, the pump device can be controlled with respect to the delivery rate. Depending on the amount of beverage to be processed and the selected concentration of the preservative, the delivery rate is preferably between 0.15 l / h and 150 l / h, wherein smaller or larger amounts can also be processed by the device if the device is configured accordingly.

[0086] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is adapted and intended to supply glycolipids to the container. These glycolipids have been explained above.

[0087] In a further advantageous embodiment, the apparatus has a mixing conveyor device which is arranged downstream of the feeding device in the transport direction of the containers and which is suitable and intended to convey and / or cause mixing of beverage and preservative within the containers.

[0088] Particularly preferably, the apparatus has a closing device for closing the containers, and the mixing conveying device is arranged downstream of the closing device in the transport direction of the containers.

[0089] Thus, the containers can be turned over in the mixing and conveying device, or the mixing and conveying device can be a device for turning over the containers, and in particular turning over the containers about an axis perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the containers.

[0090] However, the mixing delivery device may also be a device which moistens the head space of the container, for example with liquid from the outside, in order to promote mixing inside the filled container.

[0091] In a further preferred embodiment, the device has a measuring device for determining the amount of preservative added to the container. The measuring device is preferably arranged on the feeding device. Preferably, the measuring device is a flow measuring device.

[0092] Preferably, the feeding device has a valve, and in particular a controllable valve.Preferably, the content of preservative to be added to the container is adjustable and / or controllable.

[0093] The invention also relates to a method for preserving a beverage, in particular by adding a preservative.

[0094] The preservative is received in a first receiving container and is supplied via a supply line to the container to be filled, in particular directly to the container to be filled.

[0095] According to the invention, a feed device arranged downstream of the supply line in the flow direction of the preservative fills the container with the preservative.

[0096] Preferably, the preservative is filled or dosed into each container. Particularly preferably, the preservative is dosed into a still opened container.

[0097] Dosing means that a small amount of preservative is metered into the container in relation to the fill level of the container, in particular a precisely metered amount.

[0098] Preferably, the content of preservative dosed into the container is less than 10%, preferably less than 9%, preferably less than 8%, preferably less than 6%, preferably less than 5%, preferably less than 4%, and particularly preferably less than 3% of the beverage filled into the container.

[0099] Preferably, the content of the preservative mixture dosed into the container is more than 0.1%, preferably more than 0.2%, preferably more than 0.5% of the beverage filled into the container.

[0100] Preferably, the content of preservative in the dosed container (based on a 2-liter container) is less than 40 ml, preferably less than 20 ml, preferably less than 10 ml, preferably less than 5 ml, preferably less than 2 ml, preferably less than 1 ml, preferably less than 0.5 ml, preferably less than 0.3 ml, preferably less than 0.1 ml.

[0101] Preferably, the filling and / or dosing takes place during the movement of the container to be filled. Particularly preferably, the filling and / or pouring takes place during the movement of the container along the circulating transport path.

[0102] Preferably, the filling and / or dosing of the preservative is synchronized with the movement of the container and / or the position of the container.

[0103] Preferably, the filling and / or dosing of the preservative occurs during a time period between 5 ms and 100 ms. This time period also depends to a large extent on the number of containers filled per second.

[0104] In further preferred methods, the preservative comprises a glycolipid, wherein preferably, the proportion of the glycolipid in the stock solution is greater than 0.1%, preferably greater than 0.3%, and preferably greater than 0.5%, and / or the proportion of the glycolipid in the stock solution is less than 20%, preferably less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, and preferably less than 3%.

[0105] In a further preferred method, the flow rate of the preservative supplied to the container is measured. The flow rate is preferably measured at the feeding device.

[0106] In a further preferred method, a first component of the preservative is mixed with a second component of the preservative in a receiving container, wherein the second component is particularly preferably water. The first component can be added to the second component in the form of a spray, vapor or in particular a powder. Particularly preferably, the first component and the second component are mixed together.

[0107] In a further preferred method, the flow rate of the preservative supplied to the supply line and / or the container is measured.

[0108] Particularly preferably, the beverage is mixed from several components and the preservative is preferably added after this mixture has been prepared.

[0109] In a further preferred method, gas and in particular carbon dioxide is added to the beverage, in particular before the preservative is supplied, in order in particular to carbonate the beverage.

[0110] The present invention also relates to a facility for producing beverage containers, the facility having a filling device and a closing device, the filling device being used to fill the containers, wherein the filling device has a conveying device and a plurality of filling devices, the conveying device conveying the containers along a predetermined conveying path, the plurality of filling devices filling liquid into the containers conveyed by the conveying device, the closing device closing the containers filled with the beverage, wherein the facility also has equipment for preserving the beverage filled into the containers.

[0111] According to the invention, the apparatus has a feeding device which is arranged in front of the closing device in the transport direction and which is suitable and intended to fill the preservative directly into each of the transported containers.

[0112] Preferably, the device for holding beverages is of the type described above.

[0113] Preferably, the feeding device is stationary.The feeding device is preferably arranged on a transport star wheel which supplies containers to be filled to the feeding device or on a transport star wheel which removes (partially) filled containers from the filling device.

[0114] In a preferred embodiment, the transport device transports the containers in a single lane. Preferably, however, the transport device is adapted and intended to transport the containers at least sectionally in a plurality of lanes.

[0115] In a preferred embodiment, the device has a distribution device, which distributes the containers at least in sections to several, in particular parallel, transport paths, preferably at least two such transport paths, preferably at least four such transport paths. At least one feed device, and in particular a feed device of the type described above, can be assigned to each of these transport paths. Preferably, this distribution to the individual transport paths is uniform. For example, if there are four such transport paths, a first container can be supplied to the first transport path, a second container to the second transport path, a third container to the third transport path, a fourth container to the fourth transport path, a fifth container back to the first transport path, and so on.

[0116] The advantage of such a dispensing device is that the containers can be transported much more slowly in individual parallel transport paths than in a single channel and can therefore be filled with preservative more easily.

[0117] Preferably, the device has a merging device, which merges the above-mentioned several transmission paths back into one transmission path.

[0118] Since filling very fast moving beverage containers with small amounts of preservatives can be very complicated in practice, it was surprisingly found that the containers can very advantageously be moved from a single continuous row to several rows, for example 2-20 rows, and then the dosing of preservatives can take place simultaneously via, for example, 2-20 dosing nozzles, and then the rows can be recombined into a single row. This makes the feed cycle slower and therefore easier to control.

[0119] Preferably, the container is a plastic container or a glass container. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0120] Further advantages and embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings. In the drawings:

[0121] Figure 1 shows a schematic diagram illustrating the present invention; and

[0122] Figure 2 A schematic diagram showing possible mounting locations is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0123] Figure 1 The whole shows a device 1 for preserving beverages according to the present invention. The device 1 has Figure 1 , which supplies the preservative to the filling device 40 and, more precisely, to the individual containers.

[0124] The filling device 40 for filling the container 10 with a beverage can have a transport device, such as a filling wheel, on which a plurality of holding devices for holding the container are arranged. A filling element is preferably assigned to each of these holding devices. These filling mechanisms (which advantageously have a filling valve) preferably move together with the container to be filled.

[0125] The device according to the invention preferably supplies the preservative to each container 10b filled by the filling device, or supplies the preservative to each container 10a to be filled by the filling device 40. Thus, the preservative can first be filled into the containers that have not yet been filled, or filled into the containers after they have been filled with beverages (dashed lines), as shown in FIG. Figure 1 shown.

[0126] Reference numerals 4 and 4a identify two receiving containers for receiving a preservative. This preservative consists of two components, namely a liquid (component K1) and a second component K2, for example, in powder form. For example, the second component K2 can be introduced into the liquid via the lid of the receiving container. The second component K2 can be introduced by the user.

[0127] Reference numeral 48 indicates a stirring device which is used to mix the two components of the preservative produced in this way. The liquid is transferred to the supply line marked 6 via a branch line, in which valves 36 and 38 are preferably located. The flow measuring device 12 and the pump device 34 are preferably located in this supply line 6.

[0128] Reference numeral 82 furthermore designates a controllable and in particular adjustable valve, with which the flow rate of the corrosion inhibitor into the supply line 6 and / or the supply of corrosion inhibitor into the supply line 6 can be adjusted.

[0129] Reference numeral 8 schematically identifies a control device which controls and in particular regulates the supply of preservative to the containers 10, 10a, 10b. The control device preferably also takes into account the transport movement of the container into which the beverage is filled and into which the preservative is also filled.

[0130] Reference numeral 14 schematically identifies a feeding device, which supplies the preservative to the container. The feeding device may have a valve (not shown) which controls the supply of preservative to the (empty or already filled) container 10a, 10b. In addition, the feeding device may have a measuring device for determining the preservative to be filled into the container 10a, 10b.

[0131] Furthermore, a measuring device can optionally be located in the receiving container, by means of which the concentration of the second component K2 in the first component of the corrosion inhibitor can be measured. The control device 8 can also take this concentration into account when the corrosion inhibitor is fed to the supply line 6 .

[0132] Reference numeral 8 therefore identifies a control device for controlling the entire process, ie controlling the filling of the preservative into the container and preferably also controlling the supply of preservative into the supply line. This control device 8 can in turn be integrated into a higher-level machine control system.

[0133] Reference numeral 53 denotes a connection, and in particular a flange connection, by means of which the Figure 1 The part of the plant shown on the left in which the preservative is produced is supplied to the filling device.

[0134] Reference numeral 51 indicates a storage device, such as a buffer tank, which is used for intermediate storage of the preservative. The storage device may also be equipped with a stirrer and / or a cooling system.

[0135] Figure 2 A schematic representation of an arrangement for producing beverage containers according to the invention is shown.

[0136] In this arrangement, two filling devices 40, 40a are provided, which fill containers with beverage, for example with beverage filled in several parts.

[0137] Reference numeral 42 denotes a supply device, such as a supply star wheel, which supplies empty containers to the first filling device 40. Reference numeral 44 denotes a first discharge device, which discharges containers (partially) filled by the first filling device from the first filling device.

[0138] Reference numeral 48 denotes an intermediate star wheel, which is used for transporting the containers.

[0139] Reference numeral 52 denotes a second supply device, such as a supply star wheel, which supplies partially filled containers to the second filling device 40a. Reference numeral 54 identifies a second discharge device, which discharges containers (partially) filled by the second filling device from the second filling device.

[0140] Reference numeral 56 denotes a closing device which closes the container with a closure, and reference numeral 58 denotes an outlet star wheel.

[0141] The filled and sealed containers are discharged via a further conveying device 16. Reference numeral 20 identifies an optional mixing conveyor device which facilitates mixing of the beverage with the preservative. For example, the optional mixing conveyor device may be a bottle turner, as mentioned above.

[0142] The device according to the invention is preferably arranged on one of the supply starwheels and / or discharge starwheels which supply containers to the filling devices 40 , 40 a or discharge containers from these filling devices 40 , 40 a .

[0143] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents that are essential to the invention, provided that all features are novel, either individually or in combination, compared with the prior art. It should also be noted that individual figures also depict features that may be advantageous in themselves. A person skilled in the art immediately recognizes that a specific feature depicted in a figure may also be advantageous without adopting further features from this figure. Furthermore, a person skilled in the art recognizes that advantages may also result from a combination of several features shown in individual figures or in different figures.

Claims

1. A device (1) for preserving a beverage filled into a container, comprising a first receiving container (4) for receiving a preservative and a supply line (6), the first receiving container being capable of fluid communication with the receiving container and being suitable for supplying the preservative to the container (10), It is characterized in that The device has a feeding device (14) arranged downstream of the supply line (6) in the flow direction of the preservative, suitable and intended to fill the preservative directly into the containers (10a, 10b).

2. The device (1) according to claim 1, It is characterized in that The apparatus has a first control device (8) which is suitable and intended to control the supply of the preservative into the supply line (6), wherein the preservative can preferably be supplied continuously to the supply line (6).

3. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The device (1) has a filling device (40) for filling a container with a liquid, in particular a beverage, wherein the feeding device (14) is preferably arranged before or after the filling device (40).

4. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The device has a transport device, which transports containers along a predetermined transport path, into which the preservative is to be filled, wherein the transport device is preferably designed in such a way that the preservative is filled into the container during the transport of the container, and / or the feeding device is arranged along the transport path, along which the transport device transports the container.

5. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The feeding device has at least one filling nozzle adapted and intended to fill the preservative into the container (10a, 10b) via the mouth of the at least one filling nozzle.

6. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The device has a storage device (51) for storing a preservative, wherein the storage device is arranged downstream of the receiving container for receiving the preservative and upstream of the feed device (14).

7. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The device (1) has a flow measurement device (14) arranged between the first receiving container and the supply line, which is suitable and intended to determine the flow rate of the preservative.

8. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The device has a second receiving container (4a) for receiving the preservative, and preferably at least one of the receiving containers (4a, 4b) has a mixing device (20) for mixing the components of the preservative into a liquid.

9. The device (1) according to the preceding claim, It is characterized in that The mixing device has a stirring device for stirring the components into the liquid.

10. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The device (1) is suitable and intended to supply glycolipid to the supply line (6) and / or to the container.

11. The device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The device has a mixing conveyor (53) arranged downstream of the filling device (40, 40a) in the transport direction of the containers, suitable and intended to convey and / or achieve mixing of the beverage and the preservative.

12. A plant for producing beverage containers, comprising a filling device for filling the containers and a closing device, wherein the filling device is used to fill the containers. in, The filling device comprises a conveying device and a plurality of filling devices, the conveying device conveys the container along a predetermined conveying path, the plurality of filling devices fill the liquid into the container conveyed by the conveying device, the closing device closes the container filled with the beverage, wherein the facility further comprises a device for storing the beverage filled into the container, It is characterized in that The apparatus comprises at least one feeding device, arranged in front of the closing device in the transport direction, suitable and intended to fill a preservative agent directly into each of the transported containers.

13. A method for preserving a beverage, in, The preservative agent is received in the first receiving container (4) and is supplied to the container via a supply line (6). It is characterized in that A feed device fills the preservative agent directly into the container, the feed device being arranged downstream of the supply line in the flow direction of the preservative agent.

14. The method according to the preceding claim, It is characterized in that The preservative comprises glycolipids, wherein preferably, the proportion of glycolipids in the stock solution is greater than 0.1%, preferably greater than 0.3%, preferably greater than 0.5%, and / or the proportion of glycolipids in the stock solution is less than 20%, preferably less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, preferably less than 3%.

15. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims, It is characterized in that The flow rate of the preservative supplied to the container is measured.

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