Liquid replacement method for continuous liquid sterilization device

Abstract

Provided is a liquid replacement method for a continuous liquid sterilization device, capable of improving the operating rate of a sterile filling machine and efficiently manufacturing a liquid-filled product. A liquid replacement method for a continuous liquid sterilization device that sterilizes a liquid by heating the liquid from the outside while flowing the liquid, in which a first liquid is sterilized by the continuous liquid sterilization device, and a second liquid is sterilized by the continuous liquid sterilization device so that the F value is not lower than a target F value. The first liquid is made to flow while the cleaning liquid having a flow rate greater than that of the first liquid is sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilization device, thereby cleaning the inside of the liquid continuous sterilization device so that the F value is not lower than the target F value. A second liquid having a flow rate lower than that of the cleaning liquid is sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilization device, and the second liquid is caused to flow.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for replacing liquid in a liquid continuous sterilization apparatus for sterilizing a liquid such as a beverage filled in a container such as a bottle or a paper container. Background Art

[0002] When filling a liquid such as a beverage into a plastic bottle or a molded container made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate), PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), etc., or a paper container, the liquid that may be spoiled by bacteria must be sterilized by a liquid continuous sterilization apparatus and become aseptic before being filled into the container. In addition, the liquid supply system piping including a pressure stabilizing tank, a liquid supply pipe, a pre-chamber, a filling nozzle, etc., which conveys the liquid before filling the sterilized liquid, must also be pre-cleaned and sterilized to become aseptic.

[0003] Regarding the sterilization of the liquid by the liquid continuous sterilization apparatus, the F value as the sterilization value of the liquid is calculated, and based on its historical information, it is confirmed whether the sterilization has reached a level that can guarantee the liquid quality (refer to Patent Document 1 and Patent Document 2).

[0004] Regarding the liquid supply system piping of the liquid filling apparatus for filling the liquid into the container, CIP (Cleaning in Place) treatment is performed regularly or when changing the type of product to be manufactured, that is, when replacing the liquid, and then SIP (Sterilizing in Place) treatment is performed (refer to Patent Document 3).

[0005] According to Patent Document 3, the CIP treatment is performed as follows: After flowing an alkaline cleaning liquid obtained by adding a sterilized alkaline agent such as sodium hydroxide to sterile water through the flow path from the inside of the piping of the liquid supply system to the filling nozzle of the filling machine, an acidic cleaning liquid obtained by adding a sterilized acidic agent to sterile water is made to flow. The CIP treatment is performed by heating the cleaning liquid to 85°C by the liquid continuous sterilization apparatus and circulating it in the liquid supply system piping. Thereby, residues of the previous liquid attached to the inside of the liquid supply system piping are removed. In addition, sterilization is also performed at the same time.

[0006] The SIP treatment is a treatment for pre-sterilizing the inside of the liquid supply system piping before the liquid filling operation, and is performed by flowing heated steam or hot water through the liquid supply system piping cleaned by the CIP treatment to perform a sterilization treatment at a high temperature (refer to Patent Document 3).

[0007] After performing CIP treatment and SIP treatment, when the liquid flows through the piping of the liquid supply system, the liquid is sterilized by heating using a liquid continuous sterilization device disposed in the piping of the liquid supply system, thereby performing sterilization treatment of the liquid. The sterilized liquid is filled into containers such as bottles by an aseptic filling machine.

[0008] When performing CIP treatment and SIP treatment in the piping of the liquid supply system, SIP treatment is performed after CIP treatment. However, by performing these treatments simultaneously or continuously, the preparation time before filling the liquid into the container can be shortened. Patent Document 3 describes performing CIP treatment and SIP treatment simultaneously.

[0009] Patent Document 4 describes the following: Without stopping between CIP treatment and SIP treatment, the cleaning liquid used in CIP treatment is brought to the temperature required for SIP treatment, thereby performing these treatments simultaneously or continuously. In addition, it describes calculating the F value based on the heating holding time obtained from the sterilization temperature and flow rate, and managing the sterilization of the water for rinsing the cleaning liquid.

[0010] A method for shortening the transfer preparation time when transferring from SIP treatment to the process of filling the liquid has also been proposed. Patent Document 5 describes that when transferring from SIP treatment in the piping of the liquid supply system to the sterilization treatment of sterilizing the filled liquid by a liquid continuous sterilization device, the F value is calculated based on the temperature measured by a plurality of temperature sensors provided at arbitrary positions and the flow rate of the liquid, and the temperature and flow rate of the liquid continuous sterilization device that has undergone SIP treatment are adjusted to the sterilization temperature and flow rate of the filled liquid so that the F value is not lower than a specified value.

[0011] Prior Art Documents

[0012] Patent Documents

[0013] Patent Document 1: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 61-92555

[0014] Patent Document 2: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-215893

[0015] Patent Document 3: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-22600

[0016] Patent Document 4: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2018-58641

[0017] Patent Document 5: Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2007-114496 Summary of the Invention

[0018] Technical Problem to be Solved by the Invention

[0019] In a sterile filling machine that fills a container sterilized by a liquid continuous sterilization device with the liquid sterilized by the device, before filling the sterilized liquid into the container, CIP treatment and SIP treatment are performed in the flow path, that is, the piping of the liquid supply system until the sterilized liquid is filled into the container. Since a long time is spent in the CIP treatment and SIP treatment, methods for shortening these treatment times have been proposed. The following methods have been proposed: performing CIP treatment by circulating a cleaning liquid in the piping of the liquid supply system, but adding a chemical agent having a sterilizing effect to the cleaning liquid, or heating the cleaning liquid to the temperature required for SIP treatment and circulating it from the beginning of the CIP treatment, from the middle, or after the end.

[0020] When stopping the sterile filling machine and changing the type of liquid to be filled, or when filling the same liquid for a long time, resulting in the accumulation of residues caused by heating during liquid sterilization in the piping of the liquid supply system, CIP treatment and SIP treatment are performed in the piping of the liquid supply system.

[0021] When continuously changing the type of liquid filled by the sterile filling machine, different treatments such as CIP treatment and SIP treatment of the piping of the liquid supply system and liquid sterilization treatment for filling the liquid are continued. When transferring from CIP treatment to SIP treatment, since rinsing treatment is performed to rinse the cleaning liquid used in the CIP treatment with sterile water at room temperature, the temperature of the liquid continuous sterilization device decreases. When starting the SIP treatment, it is necessary to raise the temperature of the liquid continuous sterilization device to the temperature for performing the SIP treatment again, and there is a technical problem that the CIP treatment, SIP treatment, and the transfer from SIP treatment to the sterilization treatment of the liquid to be filled are very time-consuming. Therefore, it has been proposed to use the cleaning liquid used in the CIP treatment for the SIP treatment when transferring from CIP treatment to SIP treatment, thereby shortening the time required for CIP treatment and SIP treatment.

[0022] In a sterile filling machine, when changing the liquid to be filled, CIP treatment must be performed. This is because it is necessary to remove the filled liquid and clean the piping of the liquid supply system to which the residues of the filled liquid adhere.

[0023] However, SIP treatment is not necessarily required. During the period of filling the liquid, the sterility of the piping of the liquid supply system is maintained by SIP treatment performed before filling the liquid. If CIP treatment can be performed while maintaining the sterility of the piping of the liquid supply system, the liquid to be filled can be changed without performing SIP treatment.

[0024] If it is possible to remove the filled liquid using the cleaning liquid or sterile water after sterilization, sterilize the liquid to be filled next while exchanging the sterilized cleaning liquid or sterile water after removing the liquid with the sterilized liquid, then by only performing CIP treatment in the piping of the liquid supply system, it is possible to replace the filled liquid without performing SIP treatment.

[0025] According to the above method, it is not necessary to perform SIP treatment in the piping of the liquid supply system when replacing the filled liquid. However, in this method, the time required for CIP treatment is also relatively long, so it is necessary to further shorten the time required for CIP treatment when replacing the liquid. When sterilizing the liquid using a continuous liquid sterilization device, significant accumulation of liquid residues occurs at the part where the liquid flowing in the continuous liquid sterilization device becomes high temperature. By performing CIP treatment to effectively remove the liquid residues accumulated in such a part, the preparation time when replacing the liquid can be shortened.

[0026] The present invention is completed to solve such technical problems, and its purpose is to provide a method for replacing the liquid of a continuous liquid sterilization device, which can shorten the preparation time before filling the liquid into the container, improve the operation rate of the aseptic filling machine, and efficiently manufacture aseptic filling products of the liquid.

[0027] Technical solutions for solving technical problems

[0028] The method for replacing the liquid of the liquid continuous sterilization device disclosed in the present application, the liquid continuous sterilization device sterilizes the liquid by heating the liquid from the outside while the liquid is flowing, wherein the first liquid is sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilization device in a manner that the F value as the target is not lower, while the first liquid is flowing, the cleaning liquid with a flow rate larger than that of the first liquid is sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilization device to clean the inside of the liquid continuous sterilization device, and in a manner that the F value as the target is not lower, while the second liquid with a flow rate smaller than that of the cleaning liquid is flowing, the second liquid is sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilization device.

[0029] In addition, in the method for replacing the liquid of the liquid continuous sterilization device disclosed in the present application, preferably, according to the larger flow rate, the temperature corresponding to the larger flow rate not lower than the target F value is calculated, after raising the temperature of the liquid continuous sterilization device to the temperature corresponding to the calculated larger flow rate, the cleaning liquid is sterilized while flowing as the larger flow rate, according to the smaller flow rate, the temperature corresponding to the smaller flow rate not lower than the target F value is calculated, and after reducing to the smaller flow rate, the temperature of the liquid continuous sterilization device is made to be the temperature corresponding to the calculated smaller flow rate.

[0030] In addition, in the liquid replacement method of the liquid continuous sterilization device of the present disclosure, preferably, the first liquid is exchanged with the cleaning liquid, or while exchanging, the sterilization value of the cleaning liquid based on the liquid continuous sterilization device, that is, the F value, is calculated, and the temperature and flow rate of the liquid continuous sterilization device are increased in parallel in such a manner that the F value is not lower than the target value. While sterilizing the cleaning liquid with a flow rate greater than that of the first liquid using the liquid continuous sterilization device, the first fluid is caused to flow, thereby cleaning the inside of the liquid continuous sterilization device. The temperature and flow rate of the liquid continuous sterilization device are decreased in parallel in such a manner that the F value is not lower than the target value. While sterilizing a second liquid with a flow rate smaller than that of the cleaning liquid using the liquid continuous sterilization device, the second liquid is caused to flow.

[0031] In addition, in the liquid replacement method of the liquid continuous sterilization device of the present disclosure, the F value is calculated by the following formula (a) based on the holding time t minutes in the holding part of the liquid continuous sterilization device obtained from the flow rate of the liquid or the cleaning liquid flowing in the liquid continuous sterilization device and the temperature T °C of the liquid or the cleaning liquid.

[0032] F = t × 10 (T-T0) / Z …Formula (a)

[0033] (T0 °C and Z °C are constants determined by the liquid).

[0034] In addition, in the liquid replacement method of the liquid continuous sterilization device of the present disclosure, the flow rate is the flow rate of the holding part, and the temperature is the temperature at the end of the holding part.

[0035] In addition, in the liquid replacement method of the liquid continuous sterilization device of the present disclosure, the holding time is calculated based on the larger flow rate of the cleaning liquid. Based on the calculated holding time and the target value of the F value, T °C is calculated by formula (a), and the obtained T °C is used as the temperature corresponding to the larger flow rate. The holding time is calculated based on the smaller flow rate. Based on the calculated holding time and the target value of the F value, T °C is calculated by formula (a), and the obtained T °C is used as the temperature corresponding to the smaller flow rate.

[0036] In addition, in the liquid replacement method of the liquid continuous sterilization device of the present disclosure, preferably, the cleaning liquid is an alkaline cleaning liquid containing an alkaline compound.

[0037] In addition, in the liquid replacement method of the liquid continuous sterilization device of the present disclosure, the cleaning liquid is first water. After replacing the first liquid with first water, it is replaced from the first water with an alkaline cleaning liquid containing an alkaline compound.

[0038] Further, in the method for replacing the liquid in the liquid continuous sterilization apparatus of the present disclosure, the cleaning liquid is an alkaline cleaning liquid containing an alkaline compound, and after replacing the alkaline cleaning liquid with the second water, the second water is exchanged with the second liquid.

[0039] Advantageous Effects of the Invention

[0040] According to the present disclosure, in an aseptic filling machine, cleaning inside the liquid continuous sterilization apparatus is performed in a short time, and the liquid filled without sterilizing the piping in the liquid supply system is replaced. Therefore, it is possible to shorten the preparation time before filling the liquid into the container, improve the operation rate of the aseptic filling machine, and improve the productivity. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0041] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing a liquid supply system piping of an aseptic filling machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0042] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing a liquid supply system piping including a liquid continuous sterilization apparatus of an aseptic filling machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0043] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing a liquid supply system piping from a liquid continuous sterilization apparatus to a filling machine in an aseptic filling machine according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0044] Figure 4 is a graph showing changes over time in the temperature and flow rate of the liquid and the cleaning liquid in the holding unit of the liquid continuous sterilization apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.

[0045] Figure 5 is a graph showing changes over time in the temperature and flow rate of the liquid, water, and alkaline cleaning liquid in the holding unit of the liquid continuous sterilization apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present disclosure.

[0046] Figure 6 is a graph showing changes over time in the temperature and flow rate of the liquid and the cleaning liquid in the holding unit of the liquid continuous sterilization apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

[0047] Figure 7 is a graph showing changes over time in the temperature and flow rate of the liquid, water, and alkaline cleaning liquid in the holding unit of the liquid continuous sterilization apparatus according to Embodiment 2 of the present disclosure.

[0048] Figure 8 is a diagram showing a heating medium pipeline connected to the second-stage heating unit of the liquid continuous sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0049] Figure 9 is a diagram showing a heating medium pipeline connected to the second-stage heating unit of the liquid continuous sterilization apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed implementation mode

[0050] (Regarding liquid continuous sterilization device and CIP treatment)

[0051] A aseptic filling machine equipped with a liquid supply system pipe of the liquid continuous sterilization device of the present disclosure fills the liquid sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilization device into a sterilized container in a sterile environment, and seals the container filled with the liquid in a sterile environment using a sterilized lid material. In the case where the container is a paper container, there is no lid material. After filling the formed container with the liquid, it is sealed using the material forming the container, thereby becoming a product.

[0052] Figure 1 It shows the liquid supply system pipe 7 from the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 of the aseptic filling machine that fills the sterilized liquid into the bottle-shaped container 4 to the filling machine 2. As described above, the container is not limited to a bottle.

[0053] The aseptic filling machine includes a dispensing device 1 for dispensing liquid, a liquid continuous sterilization device 18 for sterilizing the dispensed liquid, and a filling machine 2 for filling the liquid into a container 4 such as a bottle. The dispensing device 1 is connected to the filling nozzle 2a in the filling machine 2 by a liquid supply system pipe 7. In addition, the filling part of the filling machine 2 is shielded by a filling part chamber 3.

[0054] The dispensing device 1 is used to dispense liquids such as milk coffee, black coffee, green tea beverage, black tea, milk tea, fruit drink, etc. at a desired mixing ratio. Sometimes solids or fibrous substances are mixed into the liquid filled in the container.

[0055] A conveying path is provided in the aseptic filling machine. The conveying path conveys the sterilized container 4 to the filling machine 2 and discharges the container 4 filled with the liquid by the filling machine 2. The conveying path generally consists of multiple wheels and clamps that hold the container 4 arranged around each wheel, etc.

[0056] The filling machine 2 is a device in which a plurality of filling nozzles 2a are arranged around a wheel (not shown) that rotates at a high speed in a horizontal plane. It is used to quantitatively fill the liquid from the nozzle 2a into the container 4 that is held by a gripper and travels below the filling nozzle 2a synchronously with the circumferential speed of the wheel while the filling nozzle 2a rotates together with the rotation of the wheel.

[0057] In the filling section chamber 3 that shields the filling section of the filling machine 2 equipped with a sterile filling machine, before manufacturing a product by filling a container 4 with a liquid using the sterile filling machine, a cleaning process for cleaning the inside of the filling section chamber 3 and a sterilization process for sterilizing the inside of the filling section chamber 3 are performed. In order to perform the cleaning process and sterilization process inside the chamber, the cleaning of the lid material after sterilization, and the cleaning of the outer surface of the container mouth after filling with the liquid, sterile water is required. In order to produce such sterile water, there is a case where a sterile water production device (not shown) is provided in the sterile filling machine.

[0058] In the pipe of the liquid supply system of the sterile filling machine 7 in the pipeline from the preparation device 1 to the filling machine 2, from the perspective of the flow of the liquid, in order from the upstream side to the downstream side, it successively includes a balance tank 5, a liquid continuous sterilization device 18, a manifold valve 8, a sterile buffer tank 19, and a filling machine tank 11. In addition, the sterile filling machine includes an alkaline cleaning liquid supply device 20 for supplying a cleaning liquid to the balance tank 5, a water supply device 21 for supplying water to the balance tank 5, a heat exchanger 22 for performing heat exchange on the cleaning liquid supplied to the balance tank 5 and the mixture of the discharged liquid, alkaline cleaning liquid, or water, and a controller 17 for controlling the operation of the sterile filling machine.

[0059] When adding carbonic acid to the liquid to make a carbonated beverage, the liquid supply system pipe 7 of the sterile filling machine includes a cooling device, a carbonic acid addition device, and a carbonated beverage pressure regulating tank. The cooling device, the carbonic acid addition device, and the carbonated beverage pressure regulating tank are successively arranged from upstream to downstream between the sterile buffer tank 19 and the filling machine tank 11, and a manifold valve for carbonated beverages is provided to allow the carbonated beverage to flow into the liquid supply system pipe 7.

[0060] The liquid continuous sterilization device 18 includes a first-stage heating section 12, a second-stage heating section 13, a holding pipe 14 constituting a holding section, a first-stage cooling section 15, a second-stage cooling section 16, etc. inside it. While gradually heating the filler, that is, the liquid or cleaning liquid supplied from the balance tank 5, and transporting it from the first-stage heating section 12 to the second-stage heating section 13, it is held at a specified sterilization temperature for a specified time in the holding pipe 14 for sterilization. After that, it is transported to the first-stage cooling section 15 and the second-stage cooling section 16 for gradual cooling. The number of stages of the heating section and the cooling section can be increased or decreased as needed. In addition, a homogenizer can also be provided before or after the holding pipe 14.

[0061] The heating section heats the outside of the pipe through which the liquid or cleaning liquid flows by heating steam, or by hot water heated by heating steam. As long as the outside of the pipe through which the liquid or cleaning liquid flows is heated, it can be arbitrary. In addition, the cooling section cools the liquid or cleaning liquid from the outside by allowing the cooled medium to flow outside the pipe through which the liquid or cleaning liquid flows. The filling machine tank 11 is a well-known device, so its detailed description is omitted.

[0062] In the dispensing device 1, a liquid is dispensed and conveyed from the balance tank 5 to the continuous liquid sterilizing device 18, and the liquid is subjected to a heat sterilization treatment in the continuous liquid sterilizing device 18. After the liquid that has been heat sterilized in the continuous liquid sterilizing device 18 is stored in the aseptic buffer tank 19, it is conveyed to the filling machine tank 11. The liquid in the filling machine tank 11 is supplied to the filling machine 2 and filled into the sterilized container 4 in a sterile environment through the filling nozzle 2a. The container 4 filled with the liquid is discharged to the outside of the aseptic filling machine after being sealed with a sterilized lid material.

[0063] The liquid supplied from the balance tank 5 is conveyed to the first-stage heating section 12 and the second-stage heating section 13 of the continuous liquid sterilizing device 18, and in the first-stage heating section 12 and the second-stage heating section 13, the normal-temperature liquid is heated to, for example, 130°C. In the case where the heating section is composed of two stages, in the first-stage heating section 12, it is heated from normal temperature to 80°C, and in the second-stage heating section, it is heated from 80°C to 130°C.

[0064] The liquid heated in the first-stage heating section 12 and the second-stage heating section 13 is maintained at a target temperature, for example, 130°C, in the holding pipe 14. A flowmeter 23 is provided at any position of the holding pipe 14.

[0065] The liquid is cooled from the holding pipe 14 in the first-stage cooling section 15, for example, cooled from 130°C to 99°C. The liquid cooled by the first-stage cooling section 15 is further cooled by the second-stage cooling section 16, and its temperature is cooled from 99°C to 30°C, for example. The cooled liquid is conveyed to the aseptic buffer tank 19 via the manifold valve 8.

[0066] Temperature sensors 10 are provided at various locations of the continuous liquid sterilizing device 18. A temperature sensor 10 is provided in the pipe between the balance tank 5 and the continuous liquid sterilizing device 18. A temperature sensor 10b is provided in the pipe between the first-stage heating section 12 and the second-stage heating section 13 of the continuous liquid sterilizing device 18, and a temperature sensor 10c is provided in the pipe between the second-stage heating section 13 and the holding pipe 14. A temperature sensor 10d is provided in the pipe between the holding pipe 14 and the first-stage cooling section 15, a temperature sensor 10e is provided in the pipe between the first-stage cooling section 15 and the second-stage cooling section 16, and a temperature sensor 10f is provided at the end of the second-stage cooling section 16. The temperature sensor 10d is a temperature sensor provided at the end of the holding pipe 14. In addition to the above temperature sensors 10, temperature sensors can also be provided in the continuous liquid sterilizing device 18.

[0067] The sterilization effect of the liquid is judged by calculating the sterilization value, that is, the F value. The target F value is determined according to the type of the liquid, and the liquid in the continuous liquid sterilizing device 18 must be heat sterilized to above the target F value.

[0068] The F value is calculated by the following formula (a).

[0069] F = t × 10 (T-T0) / Z …Formula (a)

[0070] (T0℃ and Z℃ are constants determined by the liquid.)

[0071] In the formula, t is the time t (in minutes) that the liquid is held in the holding pipe 14. The holding pipe 14 is heat-insulated but not heated. Vacuum heat insulation is used for heat insulation, so that the heat insulation performance can be improved. The holding pipe 14 is a pipe with an inner diameter and a length of 5 - 200 m, which is in a straight folded-back shape or a spiral shape. For example, for a holding pipe 14 with an inner diameter of and a length of 130 m, the holding capacity is 533 L. If the flow rate is set to 450 L / minute, the holding time t (in minutes) is 1.18 minutes.

[0072] T is the temperature T (in ℃) at the end of the holding pipe 14, which is the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 10d. If the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 10c provided at the inlet of the holding pipe 14 is compared with the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 10d, since the holding pipe 14 is not heated, the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 10d is slightly lower. Therefore, T℃ is the temperature of the end of the holding pipe 14 measured by the temperature sensor 10d.

[0073] T0 and Z are constants determined by the liquid. Determined by the liquid means that since different bacteria to be sterilized are required according to the pH of the liquid, T0 and Z are changed. For example, in a liquid with a pH of 4.6 or higher, since a sterilization effect capable of sterilizing Clostridium botulinum is required, T0 is set to 121.1℃ and Z is set to 10℃. In a liquid with a pH of 4.0 or higher and less than 4.6, some bacteria multiply, so T0 is set to 85℃ and Z is set to 7.8℃. In a liquid with a pH less than 4.0, since bacteria do not multiply, it is a sterilization effect for sterilizing molds and yeasts, and T0 is set to 65℃ and Z is set to 5℃. The T0 and Z shown for each pH are examples, and other values can also be used instead. The F value as the target of the calculation is determined by the liquid or the composition of the specific liquid, etc.

[0074] The liquid sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilizer 18 is transported and stored in the sterile buffer tank 19. The stored liquid is transported and stored from the sterile buffer tank 19 to the filling machine tank 11. The liquid is transported from the filling machine tank 11 to the filling machine 2, and is quantitatively filled into the sterilized container 4 in the filling part chamber 3 in a sterile environment from the filling nozzle 2a. The container 4 filled with the liquid is sealed with a sterilized lid material and discharged from the sterile filling machine.

[0075] After the aseptic filling operation of the liquid is completed and the filled liquid is changed to another liquid, CIP (Cleaning in Place) treatment and SIP (Sterilizing in Place) treatment are performed in the liquid supply system pipe 7. In the liquid filling operation, the part where the residue of the liquid is most likely to adhere is the secondary heating part 13. The secondary heating part 13 is the part where the content becomes high temperature. In particular, the adhesion of the residue caused by the thermal denaturation of proteins is intense, especially for liquids containing milk. In addition, the higher the temperature and the liquid delivery flow rate, the more the residue of inorganic salts from the product components increases. The residue of the liquid like the previous filling is removed by CIP treatment.

[0076] The CIP treatment in the liquid supply system pipe 7 is performed by circulating the cleaning liquid supplied from the alkaline cleaning liquid supply device 20 or the water supply device 21 to the balance tank 5 in the liquid supply system pipe 7. As Figure 1 shown, in order to circulate the cleaning liquid, a return path 6 is provided with respect to the liquid supply system pipe 7, thereby forming a circulation path. An upstream return path 6a can also be provided with respect to the upstream pipe part 7a of the liquid supply system pipe 7 from the balance tank 5 via the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 to the manifold valve 8, forming an upstream circulation path.

[0077] It is also possible not to circulate the cleaning liquid in the upstream circulation path, and distribute it from the manifold valve 8 via the filling machine tank 11 from the filling machine manifold 2b of the filling machine 2 and flow to the filling nozzle 2a. The cleaning liquid flowing out from the filling nozzle 2a is received by the cup 9 joined to the tip of the filling nozzle 2a. The cleaning liquid flowing out from the plurality of filling nozzles 2a is collected by the circulation manifold 25 and returned to the manifold valve 8 through the downstream return path 6b. The cleaning liquid can also circulate in the liquid supply system pipe 7 from the manifold valve 8 via the upstream return path 6a.

[0078] Cups 9 that can be brought into contact and separated are respectively arranged with respect to the openings of the filling nozzles 2a of the filling machine 2. During the CIP treatment, each cup 9 is joined to the opening of the tip of the filling nozzle 2a of the filling machine 2 by an actuator (not shown), whereby the cup 9 at the start end of the downstream return path 6b is connected to the opening of the filling nozzle 2a.

[0079] The cleaning liquid refers to the liquid for cleaning the inside of the liquid supply system pipe 7, and is an alkaline cleaning liquid containing an alkaline compound or an acidic cleaning liquid containing an acidic compound that is effective for removing the liquid residue. In addition, the cleaning liquid can also be water used to remove the liquid from the liquid supply system pipe or to remove the alkaline cleaning liquid or the acidic cleaning liquid from the liquid supply system pipe 7. The devices for supplying the cleaning liquid to the balance tank 5 are described as the alkaline cleaning liquid supply device 20 and the water supply device 21 in Figure 1 , but an acidic cleaning liquid supply device can also be provided.

[0080] As Figure 2 Figure 2 As shown by the thick line, the cleaning liquid supplied from the alkaline cleaning liquid supply device 20 or the water supply device 21 to the balance tank 5 flows from the balance tank 5 to the liquid continuous sterilization device 18. The cleaning liquid can also be sterilized by being heated by the liquid continuous sterilization device 18, reach the manifold valve 8, return to the balance tank 5 via the upstream return path 6a, and circulate. The circulation is carried out through the upstream circulation path formed in the order of the balance tank 5, the liquid continuous sterilization device 18, the manifold valve 8, and the upstream return path 6a.

[0081] As Figure 3 Figure 3 As shown by the thick line, the cleaning liquid supplied from the alkaline cleaning liquid supply device 20 or the water supply device 21 to the balance tank 5 flows from the balance tank 5 to the liquid continuous sterilization device 18. The cleaning liquid is heated and sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilization device 18, reaches the filling machine 2 via the manifold valve 8, the aseptic buffer tank 19, and the filling machine tank 11, and flows from the filling machine manifold 2b to the filling nozzle 2a. The cleaning liquid can also be received by the cup 9 from the filling nozzle 2a, collected in the circulation manifold 25, returned to the balance tank 5 via the downstream return path 6b, and circulated in the liquid supply system pipe 7 through the upstream return path 6a from the manifold valve 8. The circulation path of the liquid supply system pipe 7 is sequentially composed of the balance tank 5, the liquid continuous sterilization device 18, the manifold valve 8, the aseptic buffer tank 19, the filling machine tank 11, the filling machine manifold 2b, the filling nozzle 2a, the cup 9, the circulation manifold 25, the downstream return path 6b, the manifold valve 8, and the upstream return path 6a.

[0082] The alkaline cleaning liquid refers to an alkaline compound in which an alkaline compound such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate, sodium phosphate, sodium hypochlorite, a surfactant, and a chelating agent such as sodium gluconate or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid is mixed in water. The water can be any as long as it does not contain foreign substances such as deionized water, distilled water, or tap water.

[0083] The alkaline cleaning liquid includes but is not limited to lithium carbonate, ammonium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, propylene carbonate, and mixtures thereof. In addition, it may also contain sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, lithium bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, magnesium bicarbonate as bicarbonates, sodium sesquicarbonate, potassium sesquicarbonate, lithium sesquicarbonate, and mixtures thereof as calcium bicarbonate or sesquicarbonates.

[0084] For the cleaning in the liquid supply system pipe 7, the alkaline cleaning liquid is effective, but it can also be an acidic cleaning liquid containing an acidic compound. When using an acidic cleaning liquid, an acidic cleaning liquid supply device is provided. The acidic cleaning liquid is a substance added with an acidic agent of the nitric acid series or the phosphoric acid series. In addition to the nitric acid series and the phosphoric acid series, it also includes hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, formic acid, glycolic acid, methanesulfonic acid, sulfamic acid, and mixtures thereof, but is not limited to these.

[0085] The cleaning liquid may contain various bleaching agents such as hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, percaprylic acid, persulfate, perborate, bisulfite, thiourea dioxide, etc., and percarbonate, etc. Furthermore, the cleaning liquid may contain water softeners such as aluminosilicate or polycarboxylate, and may also contain reattachment preventers such as sodium phosphate or sodium polyacrylate, sodium carboxylate, etc. Furthermore, enzymes, solvents, fatty acids, bubble regulators, active oxygen sources, etc. may also be added to the cleaning liquid.

[0086] In CIP processing, as the cleaning liquid, it is not limited to flowing the alkaline cleaning liquid first and then the acidic cleaning liquid. For example, the acidic cleaning liquid may be flowed first and then the alkaline cleaning liquid, or the acidic cleaning liquid and the alkaline cleaning liquid may be alternately flowed multiple times. In addition, CIP processing may also be performed by flowing only one of the acidic cleaning liquid or the alkaline cleaning liquid.

[0087] When operating the operation buttons on the panel (not shown) of the operation controller 17, CIP processing is performed on the liquid supply system piping 7 in a specified order. A certain amount of alkaline cleaning liquid is always or intermittently supplied from the alkaline cleaning liquid supply device 20, and while circulating the alkaline cleaning liquid, the residue of the previous liquid attached to the inside of the liquid supply system piping 7 is removed. In addition, water is supplied from the water supply device 21, the liquid is replaced with water, and then the water is replaced with alkaline cleaning liquid. After removing the residue of the previous liquid attached to the inside of the liquid supply system piping 7 using the alkaline cleaning liquid, the alkaline cleaning liquid is replaced with water.

[0088] As described above, after the aseptic filling operation of the liquid is completed, when the filled liquid is changed to another liquid, CIP processing is performed inside the liquid supply system piping 7. Usually, SIP processing is performed inside the liquid supply system piping 7 after CIP processing. However, in the embodiments of the present disclosure, SIP processing is not performed.

[0089] When the first liquid is sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 and filled into the container 4, and then the first liquid is changed to the second liquid, if the asepticity inside the liquid supply system piping 7 can be maintained during the change, there is no need to perform SIP processing inside the liquid supply system piping 7.

[0090] By sterilizing the first liquid using the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 while filling it into the container 4, residues of the first liquid adhere to the inside of the liquid supply system piping 7. A large amount of liquid residues remain in the liquid continuous sterilization device 18. Especially in the second-stage heating section 13 where the first liquid is heated to a high temperature, the adhesion of the residues of the first liquid is intense.

[0091] As long as the sterility of the piping 7 of the liquid supply system can be maintained, the SIP treatment may not be performed, but the CIP treatment of the piping 7 of the liquid supply system with the residue of the first liquid attached thereto must be performed.

[0092] After the filling of the first liquid is completed, without changing the sterilization conditions in the liquid continuous sterilizer 18 for the first liquid, a cleaning liquid is supplied from the alkaline cleaning liquid supply device 20 to the balance tank 5, the cleaning liquid supplied to the balance tank 5 is sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilizer 18, and the CIP treatment of the piping 7 of the liquid supply system is performed using the sterilized cleaning liquid. After the CIP treatment is completed, without changing the sterilization conditions of the liquid continuous sterilizer 18, the cleaning liquid is replaced with the second liquid. After the cleaning liquid is removed by the second liquid, the filling of the second liquid is started. As described above, by maintaining the sterilization conditions in the liquid continuous sterilizer 18 for the first liquid and replacing the cleaning liquid from the first liquid with the second liquid, it is possible to replace the liquid filled in the container from the first liquid with the second liquid without performing the SIP treatment.

[0093] In the above method, the CIP treatment takes a long time. In order to shorten the time of the CIP treatment, when performing the CIP treatment, it is necessary to increase the flow rate of the cleaning liquid. By increasing the flow rate of the cleaning liquid, the residue of the first liquid attached to the piping 7 of the liquid supply system can be removed in a short time. The increase in the flow rate of the flowing cleaning liquid is an increase in the flow velocity of the cleaning liquid, and through the fast flow velocity of the cleaning liquid, the physical peeling force is increased and the cleaning effect is improved.

[0094] (Embodiment 1)

[0095] When replacing the first liquid sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilizer 18 with the second liquid, it is performed by the following method.

[0096] In Figure 4 , the time-dependent representation means the flow rate measured by the flowmeter 23 provided in the holding pipe 14 and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 10d provided at the end of the holding pipe 14 when the liquid sterilized in the liquid continuous sterilizer 18 is changed from the first liquid to the second liquid.

[0097] By flowing the first liquid at a prescribed temperature and a prescribed flow rate, the first liquid is sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilizer 18 and filled into the container 4. The F value is calculated based on the temperature T °C measured by the temperature sensor 10d at the end of the holding pipe 14 and the holding time t minutes of the liquid in the holding pipe 14 calculated based on the flow rate in the holding pipe 14. By setting the F value to be above the target value, the first liquid is sterilized. The sterilized first liquid is cooled by the first-stage cooling unit 15 and the second-stage cooling unit 16 and filled into the container 4.

[0098] After the filling of the first liquid is completed, a cleaning liquid is supplied from the alkaline cleaning liquid supply device 20 or the water supply device 21 to the balance tank 5. The supplied cleaning liquid flows in the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 that maintains the sterilization conditions of the first liquid, that is, keeps the temperature and flow rate of the holding pipe 14 unchanged, and while sterilizing the cleaning liquid, the first liquid and the cleaning liquid are exchanged. The exchanged cleaning liquid is sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 under the same conditions as the first liquid. The mixed liquid of the first liquid and the cleaning liquid is discharged from the aseptic filling machine until the first liquid in the liquid supply system pipe 7 is replaced with the cleaning liquid. It is confirmed that the first liquid in the liquid supply system pipe 7 is replaced with the cleaning liquid. The confirmation is carried out by measuring the conductivity, pH, etc. of the discharged mixed liquid.

[0099] After the filling of the first liquid is completed, the cleaning liquid is made to flow into the liquid continuous sterilization device 18. However, at this time, the cooling of the first-stage cooling unit 15 and the second-stage cooling unit 16 can be stopped or the cooling conditions can be relaxed, and the temperature of the cleaning liquid is not cooled to room temperature. When discharging the mixed liquid of the first liquid and the cleaning liquid, by using the heat exchanger 26 to perform heat exchange between the mixed liquid and the supplied cleaning liquid, the temperature of the supplied cleaning liquid can be raised from room temperature, and the heating energy of the cleaning liquid in the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 can be reduced.

[0100] CIP treatment is performed on the liquid supply system pipe 7 with the cleaning liquid that has been exchanged with the first liquid. At this time, in order to shorten the time of CIP treatment, the flow rate of the cleaning liquid is increased, and the cleaning liquid with a flow rate larger than that of the first liquid flows from the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 into the liquid supply system pipe 7. When the flow rate increases, the holding time t minutes in the holding pipe 4 becomes shorter. If only the flow rate is increased while keeping the temperature constant, the calculated F value becomes smaller and is lower than the target F value, and the sterilization of the cleaning liquid is poor. When the holding time is set to t minutes, in order to make the calculated F value above the target value, not only the flow rate is increased, but also the temperature T °C must be increased in such a way that the F value is not lower than the target value.

[0101] Determine the flow rate of the cleaning liquid for CIP treatment that is larger than the flow rate of the first liquid, calculate the sterilization value, that is, the F value, of the cleaning liquid based on the liquid continuous sterilization device (18), and at the same time increase the set temperature and set flow rate of the liquid continuous sterilization device (18) in such a way that the F value is not lower than the target value. While sterilizing the cleaning liquid with a flow rate larger than the previously determined flow rate of the first liquid by using the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 and making it flow, the inside of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 is cleaned.

[0102] As described above, the flow rate of the cleaning liquid for CIP treatment, which is greater than the flow rate of the first liquid, is determined. The residence time t minutes in the holding pipe 14 is calculated based on the greater flow rate. Based on the calculated residence time t minutes and the target value of the F value, T °C is calculated by formula a. A flow rate that is more than 1.1 times and up to 5 times the flow rate of the first liquid is appropriate. When it is less than 1.1 times, the cleaning effect of the CIP treatment does not improve, and the time for the CIP treatment cannot be sufficiently shortened. Setting the flow rate to more than 5 times requires a high-capacity pump, increasing the equipment investment cost. It is preferably 1.3 times or more and 3 times or less.

[0103] As Figure 4 shown, after replacing the first liquid with the cleaning liquid, without changing the flow rate, the temperature setting of the heating unit of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 is changed so that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 10d at the end of the holding pipe 14 rises to the calculated temperature T °C. After confirming that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 10d has risen above the calculated temperature, the flow rate is then changed to the greater flow rate. It is also possible to increase the temperature while replacing the first liquid with the cleaning liquid, and then increase the flow rate.

[0104] If the flow rate of the cleaning liquid is increased when the temperature of the cleaning liquid does not rise above the calculated temperature T °C, as can be understood from formula a, before T °C reaches the calculated temperature, t minutes becomes larger and the F value may be lower than the target value. The sterilization of the cleaning liquid is poor, and the liquid supply system pipe 7 is contaminated by bacteria. To avoid this situation, it is necessary to follow the procedure of increasing the flow rate after the temperature has risen. By following the above procedure, the aseptic state in the liquid supply system pipe 7 can be maintained while replacing the liquid.

[0105] By setting it to the calculated temperature or higher and the determined greater flow rate, the cleaning liquid is sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 to above the target F value.

[0106] After exchanging the first liquid and the cleaning liquid, the circulation path is set so as not to be lower than the target F value. The temperature and the greater flow rate of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 for sterilizing the cleaning liquid are set, and the sterilized cleaning liquid is circulated. As Figure 2 shown, this circulation path can also be an upstream circulation path from the upstream side pipe 7a through the manifold valve 8 to the upstream side return path 6a. Alternatively, the downstream side is filled with the sterilized cleaning liquid from the manifold valve 8, and the CIP treatment of the downstream side circulation path is performed by circulating the sterilized cleaning liquid in the downstream side circulation path formed by the downstream side pipe section 7b and the downstream side return path 6b. A heating device can also be provided in the downstream side pipe section 7b or the downstream side return path 6b to heat the circulating cleaning liquid.

[0107] As Figure 3As shown, the cleaning liquid can also flow through the upstream piping section 7a, the downstream piping section 7b, the downstream return path 6b, and the upstream return path 6a to form a circulation path from the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 to the filling valve 2a, and the cleaning liquid is circulated in this circulation path to perform CIP processing.

[0108] The cleaning liquid can be an alkaline cleaning liquid, an acidic cleaning liquid, or water. It is also possible to initially use water and then replace it with an alkaline cleaning liquid or an acidic cleaning liquid. Additionally, it is possible to replace water with an alkaline cleaning liquid or an acidic cleaning liquid. It is also possible to use an alkaline cleaning liquid and an acidic cleaning liquid in sequence. The cleaning effect is preferably high with an alkaline cleaning liquid, and an alkaline cleaning liquid must be used. It is also possible to replace the first liquid with an alkaline cleaning liquid and the alkaline cleaning liquid with the second liquid.

[0109] According to the sterilization conditions such as the rising temperature and large flow rate of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18, the cleaning liquid sterilized to above the target F value is circulated in the set circulation path, thereby performing CIP processing. It is also possible not to cool the cleaning liquid held by the holding pipe 14 using the first-stage cooling section 15 and the second-stage cooling section 16 and let it flow downstream. By flowing in a heated state for sterilization, the cleaning effect is improved. Additionally, it is possible to moderately cool it to a temperature above 60°C and below 95°C, which is below the boiling point of water with a high cleaning effect, and let it flow. Additionally, it is possible to cool it to room temperature and let it flow.

[0110] The CIP processing is performed for a specified time. The specified time can be a time derived from experience based on the type of the first liquid, the total flow rate flowing through filling, the sterilization temperature, etc. The specified time for performing the CIP processing, as described later, can also be determined by calculating the total heat transfer coefficient of the second-stage heating section 13 of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18.

[0111] When the calculated total heat transfer coefficient reaches a pre-determined target value, the controller 17 determines that the CIP processing is completed.

[0112] As Figure 4 shown, during the flow of the cleaning liquid, the CIP processing continues, but after the CIP processing has been performed for the specified time, the CIP processing is completed. First, the flow rate of the cleaning liquid is reduced. The reduced flow rate is the flow rate determined according to the sterilization conditions when sterilizing the second liquid to be filled next through the liquid continuous sterilization device 18. This flow rate is less than the flow rate of the cleaning liquid. The flowmeter 23 is used to confirm that the flow rate of the cleaning liquid has dropped to the flow rate determined according to the sterilization conditions of the second liquid. After confirming the drop in the flow rate, the sterilization temperature of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 is reduced to the sterilization temperature of the second liquid. The holding time t minutes in the holding pipe 14 obtained based on the small flow rate and the F value obtained based on the sterilization temperature T°C of the second liquid are above the target value.

[0113] After confirming that the temperature of the cleaning liquid measured by the temperature sensor 10d has dropped to the sterilization temperature of the second liquid, the cleaning liquid is replaced with the second liquid. It is also possible to lower the temperature and flow rate while exchanging the cleaning liquid with the second liquid.

[0114] The sterilization conditions of the second liquid must be equal to or lower than those of the first liquid. When the first liquid has a pH of 4.6 or higher, the pH of the second liquid can be any value. However, when the pH of the first liquid is 4.0 or higher and less than 4.6, the second liquid must have a pH of 4.6 or higher. This is because if the bacteria remaining under the sterilization conditions of the first liquid remain in the liquid supply system pipe 7, even if the second liquid is sterilized under sterilization conditions with a pH of 4.6 or higher, the bacteria remaining in the liquid supply system pipe 7 cannot be sterilized.

[0115] When the flow rate of the cleaning liquid, which is more than that of the first liquid, does not reach the flow rate of the second liquid, which is less than that of the cleaning liquid, that is, when the value of t is small, if the temperature of the cleaning liquid is lowered, as can be understood from Equation a, the target F value is not reached. The sterilization of the cleaning liquid is poor, and the liquid supply system pipe 7 is contaminated by bacteria. To avoid this, it is necessary to follow the process of lowering the temperature after the flow rate drops. By following the above process, the aseptic state inside the liquid supply system pipe 7 can be maintained while replacing the liquid.

[0116] After confirming that the cleaning liquid inside the liquid supply system pipe 7 has been removed by the second liquid and then replaced with the second liquid, the filling of the second liquid is started. By sterilizing the first liquid, the cleaning liquid for replacing the first liquid, and the second liquid with a sterilization potency equal to or higher than the target F value using the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 while performing the replacement, it is possible to replace the liquid to be filled only through CIP processing without performing SIP processing. By increasing the flow rate of the cleaning liquid, the CIP processing time can be shortened for replacement.

[0117] So far, it has been described that when replacing the first liquid with the second liquid, the first liquid is replaced with the cleaning liquid, and the replaced cleaning liquid is replaced with the second liquid. As Figure 5 shown, a method of replacing the first liquid with the first water as the cleaning liquid, replacing the replaced first water with the alkaline cleaning liquid, replacing the replaced alkaline cleaning liquid with the second water, and replacing the replaced second water with the second liquid will be described. In this case, water is first used as the cleaning liquid, and then the alkaline cleaning liquid is used as the cleaning liquid. In addition, after replacing the alkaline cleaning liquid as the cleaning liquid with the second water as the cleaning liquid, the second water is replaced with the second liquid.

[0118] It is also possible to exchange the first liquid with the first water, exchange the exchanged first water with the alkaline cleaning liquid, exchange the alkaline cleaning liquid with the second liquid without exchanging the alkaline cleaning liquid with the second water, exchange the exchanged alkaline cleaning liquid with the second water, and exchange the second water with the second liquid.

[0119] If the first liquid is exchanged with the alkaline cleaning liquid, although there is a cleaning effect using the alkaline cleaning liquid, the alkaline cleaning liquid will be wasted before the first liquid is removed. By exchanging the first liquid with the first water, there is no need to worry about performing CIP treatment with the first liquid mixed in the alkaline cleaning liquid.

[0120] After exchanging the alkaline cleaning liquid with the second water, by exchanging it with the second liquid, it is possible to prevent the alkaline cleaning liquid from mixing into the second liquid. To prevent the alkaline cleaning liquid from mixing into the second liquid, it is preferable to exchange the second liquid with the second water.

[0121] By flowing the first liquid at a specified temperature and a specified flow rate, the first liquid is sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 and filled into the container 4. The F value is calculated based on the temperature T °C measured by the temperature sensor 10d at the end of the holding pipe 14 and the holding time t minutes of the first liquid in the holding pipe 14 calculated based on the flow rate in the holding pipe 14. By setting the calculated F value to be above the target value, the first liquid is sterilized. The sterilized first liquid is cooled by the first-stage cooling unit 15 and the second-stage cooling unit 16 and filled into the container 4.

[0122] After the filling of the first liquid is completed, water is supplied from the water supply device 21 to the balance tank 5, and the first liquid is exchanged with the first water while keeping the temperature and flow rate, which are the sterilization conditions of the first liquid in the liquid continuous sterilization device 18, unchanged. Under the same conditions as the first liquid, the supplied cleaning liquid is sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilization device 18. The mixed liquid of the first liquid and the first water is discharged from the aseptic filling machine until the first liquid in the liquid supply system piping 7 is replaced with the cleaning liquid. It is confirmed that the first liquid in the liquid supply system piping 7 is replaced with the first water. The confirmation is performed by measuring the conductivity of the discharged mixed liquid.

[0123] After filling the first liquid, the first water is supplied to the continuous liquid sterilizer 18 and heat-sterilized. At this time, the cooling of the first-stage cooling unit 15 and the second-stage cooling unit 16 can be stopped or the cooling conditions can be mitigated without cooling the temperature of the first water to normal temperature. When discharging the mixed liquid of the first liquid and the first water, by using the heat exchanger 26 to perform heat exchange between the mixed liquid and the supplied first water, the temperature of the first water supplied to the balance tank 5 can be raised from normal temperature, and the heating energy of the first water in the continuous liquid sterilizer 18 can be reduced.

[0124] After the first liquid in the liquid supply system pipe 7 is replaced by the first water, the first water is exchanged with the alkaline cleaning liquid. The CIP treatment of the liquid supply system pipe 7 is performed by the exchanged alkaline cleaning liquid. After completing the CIP treatment, the alkaline cleaning liquid is exchanged with the second water, and the exchanged second water is exchanged with the second liquid. In this way, by exchanging the first liquid supplied to the continuous liquid sterilizer 18 with the second liquid, the liquid filled in the container 4 can be changed from the first liquid to the second liquid without performing the SIP treatment in the liquid supply system pipe 7.

[0125] At this time, although the CIP treatment of the liquid supply system pipe 7 is performed by the alkaline cleaning liquid, in order to shorten the time of the CIP treatment, the flow rate of the cleaning liquid is increased, and the alkaline cleaning liquid with a flow rate larger than that of the first liquid flows from the continuous liquid sterilizer 18 into the liquid supply system pipe 7. When the flow rate increases, the holding time t minutes in the pipe 4 becomes shorter. As a result, the calculated F value becomes smaller, and the sterilization failure of the alkaline cleaning liquid with an increased flow rate increases. When the holding time is set to t minutes, in order to be above the target F value, the temperature T °C must be increased.

[0126] Determine the flow rate of the cleaning liquid for the CIP treatment that is larger than the flow rate of the first liquid. Calculate the holding time t minutes in the holding pipe 14 based on the increased flow rate. Based on the calculated holding time t minutes and the target value of the target F value, calculate T °C using formula a. It is appropriate that the increased flow rate is 1.1 times or more and 5 times or less of the flow rate of the first liquid. When it is less than 1.1 times, the cleaning effect of the CIP treatment does not improve, and the time of the CIP treatment cannot be sufficiently shortened. Setting the flow rate to more than 5 times requires a high-capacity pump, increasing the equipment investment.

[0127] As Figure 5As shown, without changing the sterilization conditions of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18, the first liquid in the liquid supply system pipe 7 is replaced with first water. The method of exchanging the first liquid with the first water is the same as the method of exchanging the first liquid with the cleaning liquid. After exchanging the first liquid with the first water, the temperature setting of the heating unit of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 is changed without changing the flow rate so that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 10d at the end of the holding pipe 14 rises to the calculated temperature T °C.

[0128] Confirm that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 10d has risen above the calculated temperature, and then change the flow rate to a higher flow rate while replacing the first water with the alkaline cleaning liquid. It is also possible to exchange the first water with the alkaline cleaning liquid after changing the first water to a higher flow rate.

[0129] When the temperature of the first water or the alkaline cleaning liquid does not rise above the calculated temperature, if the flow rate of the first water or the supplied alkaline cleaning liquid is increased, as can be understood from formula a, when the temperature at T °C has not reached the calculated temperature, the t minutes become smaller and the target F value is not reached. The sterilization of the first water or the alkaline cleaning liquid is poor, and the liquid supply system pipe 7 is contaminated by bacteria. To avoid this situation, it is necessary to follow the process of increasing the flow rate after raising the temperature as described above. By following the above process, the sterility inside the liquid supply system pipe 7 can be maintained while replacing the liquid.

[0130] By setting the calculated temperature and the determined flow rate, the first water or the alkaline cleaning liquid is sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 to above the target F value.

[0131] After replacing the first water with the alkaline cleaning liquid, set a circulation path for the sterilized alkaline cleaning liquid flowing at a higher flow rate. As Figure 2 shown, this circulation path can also be an upstream circulation path from the upstream side pipe 7a through the manifold valve 8 to the upstream side return path 6a. It is also possible to fill the downstream side with the sterilized cleaning liquid from the manifold valve 8, and perform CIP processing on the downstream side circulation path by circulating the sterilized cleaning liquid in the downstream side circulation path formed by the downstream side pipe section 7b and the downstream side return path 6b. It is also possible to provide a heating device in the downstream side pipe section 7b or the downstream side return path 6b to heat the circulating cleaning liquid to improve the cleaning effect.

[0132] According to the sterilization conditions such as the temperature and large flow rate rising due to the liquid continuous sterilization device 18, the alkaline cleaning liquid sterilized to above the target F value is circulated in the set circulation path, thereby performing CIP processing. It is also possible not to cool the alkaline cleaning liquid kept at a high temperature by the holding pipe 14 using the first-stage cooling unit 15 and the second-stage cooling unit 16 and let it flow downstream. By flowing in the heated state for sterilization, the cleaning effect is improved. In addition, it can also be moderately cooled to a temperature above 60°C and below 95°C, which is below the boiling point of water with a high cleaning effect, and then flow. In addition, it can also be cooled to room temperature and then flow.

[0133] The CIP processing is performed for a specified time. The specified time can be a time derived from experience based on the type of the first liquid, the total flow rate flowing through filling, the sterilization temperature, etc. It can also be determined by calculating the total heat transfer coefficient of the second-stage heating unit 13 of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 as described above.

[0134] As Figure 5 shown, after the cleaning using the alkaline cleaning liquid has been performed for a specified time, the alkaline cleaning liquid is exchanged with the second water. During the flow of the cleaning liquid, the CIP processing continues. The second water, like the first water, is supplied from the water supply device 20 to the balance tank 5, and the supplied second water is sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilization device 18.

[0135] After cleaning with the alkaline cleaning liquid, while the second water flowing in place of the alkaline cleaning liquid is flowing, the flow rate is reduced to the minimum flow rate. The reduced flow rate is the flow rate determined according to the sterilization conditions when sterilizing the second liquid to be filled next by the liquid continuous sterilization device 18. The flow rate of the second liquid is less than that of the alkaline cleaning liquid. The flow rate of the second water is confirmed by the flow meter 23 to have dropped to the flow rate determined according to the sterilization conditions of the second liquid. After confirming that the flow rate of the second water has dropped, the sterilization temperature of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 is reduced to the sterilization temperature of the second liquid. The holding time t minutes in the holding pipe 14 calculated based on the small flow rate and the F value calculated based on the sterilization temperature T °C of the second liquid are above the target values.

[0136] Confirm that the temperature of the second water measured by the temperature sensor 10d has dropped to the sterilization temperature of the second liquid. After confirming that the temperature of the second water has dropped to the sterilization temperature of the second liquid, the second water is replaced with the second liquid.

[0137] While reducing the flow rate while replacing the cleaning liquid with the second water, confirm with the flow meter 23 that the flow rate of the second water has dropped to the flow rate determined according to the sterilization conditions of the second liquid. After confirming the drop in flow rate, lower the sterilization temperature of the liquid continuous sterilizer 18 to the sterilization temperature of the second liquid. The retention time t minutes in the retention tube 14 calculated based on the small flow rate and the F value calculated based on the sterilization temperature T °C of the second liquid are above the target values. It is also possible to exchange the alkaline cleaning liquid with the second water after reducing the flow rate of the alkaline cleaning liquid.

[0138] As described above, the sterilization conditions of the second liquid must be equal to or lower than those of the first liquid.

[0139] When the flow rate of the alkaline cleaning liquid or the second water has not been fully reduced, that is, when the retention time t is small, if the temperature of the alkaline cleaning liquid or the second water is reduced, as can be understood from Equation a, the target F value is not reached. The sterilization of the alkaline cleaning liquid or the second water is poor, and the liquid supply system piping 7 is contaminated with bacteria. To avoid this, it is necessary to follow the process of reducing the temperature after the flow rate has dropped. By following the above process, it is possible to maintain the sterility inside the liquid supply system piping 7 while replacing the liquid.

[0140] After confirming that the second water inside the liquid supply system piping 7 has been removed by the second liquid and the second water has been replaced with the second liquid, start filling the second liquid.

[0141] (Embodiment 2)

[0142] When replacing the first liquid sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilizer 18 with the second liquid, the following method is used. In Embodiment 1, the first liquid is replaced with the cleaning liquid. When replacing the cleaning liquid with the second liquid, the flow rate of the cleaning liquid increases, but the flow rate is increased after the temperature is raised, and the temperature is lowered after the flow rate is reduced. In Embodiment 2, the temperature and flow rate of the liquid continuous sterilizer are increased in parallel so that the F value is not lower than the target value. While flowing the cleaning liquid with a flow rate greater than that of the first liquid through the liquid continuous sterilizer for sterilization, the inside of the liquid continuous sterilizer is cleaned. Then, the temperature and flow rate of the liquid continuous sterilizer are decreased in parallel so that the F value is not lower than the target value, and while flowing the second liquid with a flow rate less than that of the cleaning liquid through the liquid continuous sterilizer for sterilization. Other processes are the same as those in Embodiment 1.

[0143] In Figure 6 It shows over time the flow rate measured by the flow meter 23 provided in the retention tube 14 and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 10d provided at the end of the retention tube 14 when replacing the liquid sterilized in the liquid continuous sterilizer 18 from the first liquid to the second liquid.

[0144] The first liquid is sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 by flowing the first liquid at a specified temperature and a specified flow rate, and is filled into the container 4. The F value is calculated based on the temperature T °C measured by the temperature sensor 10d at the end of the holding tube 14 and the holding time t minutes of the first liquid in the holding tube 14 calculated based on the flow rate in the holding tube 14. The first liquid is sterilized by setting the F value to be above the target value. The sterilized first liquid is cooled by the first-stage cooling unit 15 and the second-stage cooling unit 16 and filled into the container 4.

[0145] After the filling of the first liquid is completed, a cleaning liquid is supplied from the alkaline cleaning liquid supply device 20 or the water supply device 21 to the balance tank 5. The supplied cleaning liquid is made to flow in the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 while maintaining the sterilization conditions of the first liquid, that is, the temperature and flow rate of the holding tube 14 unchanged, and the first liquid and the cleaning liquid are exchanged while sterilizing the cleaning liquid. The exchanged cleaning liquid is sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 under the same conditions as the first liquid. The mixed liquid of the first liquid and the cleaning liquid is discharged from the aseptic filling machine until the first liquid in the liquid supply system piping 7 is replaced with the cleaning liquid. It is confirmed that the first liquid in the liquid supply system piping 7 is replaced with the cleaning liquid. The confirmation is performed by measuring the conductivity, pH, etc. of the discharged mixed liquid.

[0146] After the filling of the first liquid is completed, the cleaning liquid is made to flow to the liquid continuous sterilization device 18. However, at this time, the cooling of the first-stage cooling unit 15 and the second-stage cooling unit 16 may be stopped or the cooling conditions may be relaxed, and the temperature of the cleaning liquid may not be cooled to room temperature. When discharging the mixed liquid of the first liquid and the cleaning liquid, by using the heat exchanger 26 to perform heat exchange between the mixed liquid and the supplied cleaning liquid, the temperature of the supplied cleaning liquid can be raised from room temperature, and the heating energy of the cleaning liquid in the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 can be reduced.

[0147] CIP processing is performed on the liquid supply system piping 7 with the cleaning liquid after exchanging with the first liquid. At this time, in order to shorten the CIP processing time, the flow rate of the cleaning liquid is increased, and the cleaning liquid with a flow rate larger than that of the first liquid is made to flow from the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 into the liquid supply system piping 7. When the flow rate increases, the holding time t minutes in the holding tube 4 becomes shorter. If only the flow rate is increased while keeping the temperature constant, the calculated F value becomes smaller and is lower than the target F value, resulting in poor sterilization of the cleaning liquid. When the holding time is set to t minutes, in order to make the calculated F value above the target value, it is necessary to increase the temperature T °C in such a way that the F value is not lower than the target value in parallel with increasing the flow rate.

[0148] Determine the flow rate of the cleaning liquid for CIP treatment that is greater than the flow rate of the first liquid. Calculate the sterilization value, i.e., the F value, of the cleaning liquid based on the liquid continuous sterilization device 18. At the same time, gradually increase the set temperature and set flow rate of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 in parallel in such a way that the F value is not lower than the target value. Sterilize and make the cleaning liquid with a flow rate greater than the pre-determined flow rate of the first liquid flow through the liquid continuous sterilization device 18, thereby cleaning the inside of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18.

[0149] The flow rate measured by the flow meter 23 provided in the holding pipe 14 and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 10d provided at the end of the holding pipe 14 are sent to the controller 17 at intervals of, for example, 0.5 seconds. Calculate the holding time t minutes of the cleaning liquid in the holding pipe 14 based on the flow rate, and calculate the F value based on the holding time t minutes and the temperature T °C measured by the temperature sensor 10d. Increase the temperature and flow rate in parallel in such a way that the calculated F value is not lower than the target value.

[0150] The controller 17 calculates the F value in real time based on the holding time t minutes and the temperature T °C, and increases the flow rate of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 to a pre-determined higher flow rate. At this time, the controller 17 increases the temperature in parallel with the flow rate in such a way that the F value is not lower than the target value.

[0151] The flow rate can be easily increased by increasing the output of the pump. Even if the temperature setting is increased, the actual temperature of the cleaning liquid does not easily rise. The controller 17 first increases the temperature setting while confirming that the temperature rises reliably, and at the same time increases the flow rate.

[0152] It is appropriate that the higher flow rate is 1.1 times or more and 5 times or less the flow rate of the first liquid. When it is less than 1.1 times, the cleaning effect of the CIP treatment does not improve, and the time for the CIP treatment cannot be sufficiently shortened. Setting the flow rate to more than 5 times requires a high-capacity pump, increasing the equipment investment cost. It is preferably 1.3 times or more and 3 times or less.

[0153] As Figure 6 shown, after replacing the first liquid with the cleaning liquid, the flow rate of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 10d at the end of the holding pipe 14 are gradually increased in parallel, and cleaning is performed when the flow rate reaches the pre-determined flow rate. At the stage of increasing the temperature and flow rate, the calculated F value is not lower than the target value. It is also possible to increase the temperature and flow rate in parallel while replacing the first liquid with the cleaning liquid.

[0154] After replacing the first liquid with the cleaning liquid, set the flow rate of the cleaning liquid to a flow rate greater than the flow rate of the first liquid. While increasing the temperature of the cleaning liquid, increase the flow rate in parallel to the higher flow rate. When the flow rate reaches the higher flow rate, fix the settings of the temperature and flow rate, and set the circulation path in such a way that the sterilized cleaning liquid circulates. As Figure 2As shown, the circulation path can also be an upstream circulation path that flows from the upstream-side piping 7a through the manifold valve 8 to the upstream-side return path 6a. It can also be that the sterilized cleaning liquid is filled downstream from the manifold valve 8, and the CIP treatment of the downstream circulation path is performed by circulating the sterilized cleaning liquid in the downstream circulation path formed by the downstream-side piping section 7b and the downstream-side return path 6b. A heating device can be provided in the downstream-side piping section 7b or the downstream-side return path 6b to heat the circulating cleaning liquid.

[0155] As Figure 3 shown, it is also possible to make the cleaning liquid flow in the upstream-side piping section 7a, the downstream-side piping section 7b, the downstream-side return path 6b, and the upstream-side return path 6a to form a circulation path from the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 to the filling valve 2a, and perform CIP treatment by circulating the cleaning liquid in this circulation path.

[0156] According to the sterilization conditions such as the rising temperature and large flow rate of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18, the cleaning liquid sterilized to above the target F value is circulated in the set circulation path, thereby performing CIP treatment. It is also possible not to cool the cleaning liquid held by the holding pipe 14 by using the first-stage cooling section 15 and the second-stage cooling section 16 and let it flow downstream. By flowing in the heated state for sterilization, the cleaning effect is improved. In addition, it can be moderately cooled to a temperature above 60°C and below 95°C, set to a temperature below the boiling point of water with a high cleaning effect and flow. In addition, it can be cooled to room temperature and flow.

[0157] The CIP treatment is performed for a specified time. The specified time can be a time derived from experience based on the type of the first liquid, the total flow rate flowing through filling, the sterilization temperature, etc. The specified time for performing the CIP treatment can also be determined by calculating the total heat transfer coefficient of the second-stage heating section 13 of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18, as described later.

[0158] As Figure 6 shown, during the flow of the cleaning liquid, the CIP treatment continues, but after the CIP treatment has been performed for the specified time, the CIP treatment is completed. After that, the set temperature and set flow rate of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 are gradually reduced in parallel in such a way that the F value is not lower than the target value, and the set temperature and flow rate are set to the sterilization temperature and flow rate of the second liquid to be filled next. This flow rate is a flow rate smaller than the flow rate of the cleaning liquid. After setting the temperature and flow rate of the cleaning liquid to the sterilization temperature and flow rate of the second liquid, the cleaning liquid is replaced with the second liquid. It is also possible to exchange the cleaning liquid and the second liquid while reducing the temperature and flow rate in parallel.

[0159] When gradually decreasing the set temperature and set flow rate of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 in parallel, the flow rate measured by the flow meter 23 provided in the holding pipe 14 and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 10d provided at the end of the holding pipe 14 are sent to the controller 17. The holding time t (in minutes) of the cleaning liquid in the holding pipe 14 is calculated based on the flow rate, and the F value is calculated based on the holding time t (in minutes) and the temperature T (in °C) measured by the temperature sensor 10d. The flow rate and temperature are decreased in parallel in such a way that the calculated F value is not lower than the target value. Confirm that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 10d has dropped to the sterilization temperature of the second liquid, and that the flow rate of the flow meter provided in the holding pipe 14 has dropped to the determined flow rate of the second liquid. Then, replace the cleaning liquid with the second liquid.

[0160] The F value calculated based on the sterilization temperature T (in °C) of the second liquid and the holding time t (in minutes) in the holding pipe 14 calculated from the flow rate is above the target value.

[0161] The sterilization conditions of the second liquid must be the same as or below those of the first liquid. When the pH of the first liquid is 4.6 or higher, the pH of the second liquid can be any value. However, when the pH of the first liquid is 4.0 or higher and less than 4.6, the second liquid must have a pH of 4.6 or higher. This is because if bacteria remaining under the sterilization conditions of the first liquid remain in the liquid supply system piping 7, even if the second liquid is sterilized under sterilization conditions with a pH of 4.6 or higher, the bacteria remaining in the liquid supply system piping 7 cannot be sterilized.

[0162] After confirming that the cleaning liquid in the liquid supply system piping 7 has been removed with the second liquid and then replacing the cleaning liquid with the second liquid, the filling of the second liquid is started. By sterilizing the first liquid, the cleaning liquid for replacing the first liquid, and the second liquid with a sterilization potency above the target F value using the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 while performing the exchange, it is possible to perform only CIP processing and exchange the liquid to be filled without performing SIP processing. By increasing the flow rate of the cleaning liquid, the CIP processing time can be shortened for the replacement.

[0163] So far, it has been described that when replacing the first liquid with the second liquid, the first liquid is replaced with the cleaning liquid, and the replaced cleaning liquid is replaced with the second liquid. As Figure 7 shown, a method of replacing the first liquid with water as the cleaning liquid, replacing the replaced water with an alkaline cleaning liquid, replacing the replaced alkaline cleaning liquid with water, and replacing the replaced water with the second liquid will be described.

[0164] By flowing the first liquid at a specified temperature and a specified flow rate, the first liquid is sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 and filled into the container 4. The F value is calculated based on the temperature T °C measured by the temperature sensor 10d at the end of the holding tube 14 and the holding time t minutes of the first liquid in the holding tube 14 calculated from the flow rate in the holding tube 14. The first liquid is sterilized by setting the calculated F value to be above the target value. The sterilized first liquid is cooled by the first-stage cooling unit 15 and the second-stage cooling unit 16 and filled into the container 4.

[0165] After the filling of the first liquid is completed, water is supplied from the water supply device 21 to the balance tank 5, and the temperature and flow rate, which are the sterilization conditions of the first liquid in the liquid continuous sterilization device 18, are kept unchanged while the first liquid is exchanged with the first water. Under the same conditions as the first liquid, the supplied first water is sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilization device 18. The mixed liquid of the first liquid and the first water is discharged from the aseptic filling machine until the first liquid in the liquid supply system pipe 7 is replaced with the cleaning liquid. It is confirmed that the first liquid in the liquid supply system pipe 7 is replaced with the first water. The confirmation is carried out by measuring the conductivity of the discharged mixed liquid.

[0166] After the filling of the first liquid is completed, the first water is supplied to the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 and heated and sterilized. However, at this time, the cooling of the first-stage cooling unit 15 and the second-stage cooling unit 16 can be stopped or the cooling conditions can be relaxed without cooling the temperature of the first water to room temperature, and the first liquid can be removed. When the mixed liquid of the first liquid and the first water is discharged, by using the heat exchanger 26 to exchange heat between the mixed liquid and the supplied cleaning liquid, the temperature of the first water supplied to the balance tank 5 can be raised from room temperature, and the heating energy of the first water in the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 can be reduced.

[0167] After the first liquid in the liquid supply system pipe 7 is replaced by the first water, the first water is exchanged with the alkaline cleaning liquid. The inside of the liquid supply system pipe 7 is subjected to CIP treatment with the exchanged alkaline cleaning liquid. After the CIP treatment is completed, the alkaline cleaning liquid is exchanged with the second water, and the exchanged second water is exchanged with the second liquid. In this way, by exchanging the first liquid supplied to the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 with the second liquid, the liquid filled into the container 4 can be changed from the first liquid to the second liquid without performing the SIP treatment inside the liquid supply system pipe 7.

[0168] It is also possible to exchange the first liquid with the first water, exchange the exchanged first water with the alkaline cleaning liquid, without exchanging the alkaline cleaning liquid with the second water, but directly exchange the alkaline cleaning liquid with the second liquid. It is also possible to exchange the first liquid with the alkaline cleaning liquid, exchange the exchanged alkaline cleaning liquid with the second water, and exchange the second water and the second liquid.

[0169] If the first liquid is exchanged with the alkaline cleaning liquid, although there is a cleaning effect based on the alkaline cleaning liquid, the alkaline cleaning liquid will be wasted before removing the first liquid. By exchanging the first liquid with the first water, the CIP treatment will not be carried out in a state where the first liquid is mixed into the alkaline cleaning liquid.

[0170] After exchanging the alkaline cleaning liquid with the second water, by exchanging it with the second liquid, it is possible to prevent the alkaline cleaning liquid from mixing into the second liquid. In order to prevent the alkaline cleaning liquid from mixing into the second liquid, it is preferable to exchange the second liquid with the second water.

[0171] Although the CIP treatment in the liquid supply system pipe 7 is carried out with the alkaline cleaning liquid, in order to shorten the CIP treatment time, the flow rate of the alkaline cleaning liquid is increased, and the alkaline cleaning liquid with a flow rate larger than that of the first liquid flows from the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 into the liquid supply system pipe 7. When the flow rate increases, the holding time t minutes in the holding pipe 4 becomes shorter. As a result, the calculated F value becomes smaller, and the sterilization of the alkaline cleaning liquid with an increased flow rate is poor.

[0172] As Figure 7 shown, without changing the sterilization conditions of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18, the first liquid in the liquid supply system pipe 7 is replaced with the first water. The method of exchanging the first liquid with the first water is the same as the method of exchanging the above-mentioned first liquid with the cleaning liquid. After the first liquid and the first water are exchanged, when the flow rate increases, the holding time t minutes in the holding pipe 4 becomes shorter. If the temperature is kept constant and only the flow rate is increased, the calculated F value becomes smaller, lower than the target F value, and the sterilization of water is poor. When the holding time is set to t minutes, in order to make the calculated F value above the target value, it is necessary to increase the temperature T℃ in parallel with increasing the flow rate.

[0173] The CIP treatment in the liquid supply system pipe 7 is carried out with the alkaline cleaning liquid exchanged with the first water. At this time, in order to shorten the CIP treatment time, the flow rate of the alkaline cleaning liquid is increased, and the alkaline cleaning liquid with a flow rate larger than that of the first liquid flows from the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 into the liquid supply system pipe 7.

[0174] Determine the flow rate of the first water to be more than that of the first liquid. While calculating the F value, which is the sterilization value of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 based on water, gradually increase the set temperature and set flow rate of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 in parallel in such a way that the F value is not lower than the target value. And while sterilizing the first water with a flow rate more than that of the pre-determined first liquid through the liquid continuous sterilization device 18, make it flow. When the flow rate increases, the holding time t minutes in the pipe 4 becomes shorter. If the temperature is kept constant and only the flow rate is increased, the calculated F value becomes smaller and lower than the target F value, resulting in poor sterilization of the water. When the holding time is set to t minutes, in order to make the calculated F value above the target value, the temperature T °C must be increased in parallel when the flow rate is increased.

[0175] The flow rate measured by the flow meter 23 provided in the holding pipe 14 and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 10d provided at the end of the holding pipe 14 are sent to the controller 17 at intervals of, for example, 0.5 seconds. Calculate the holding time t minutes of the cleaning liquid in the holding pipe 14 based on the flow rate, and calculate the F value based on the holding time t minutes and the temperature T °C measured by the temperature sensor 10d. Increase the temperature and flow rate in parallel in such a way that the calculated F value is not lower than the target value.

[0176] The controller 17 calculates the F value in real time based on the holding time t minutes and the temperature T °C, and increases the flow rate of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 to a pre-determined larger flow rate. At this time, the controller 17 increases the temperature in parallel in such a way that the F value is not lower than the target value.

[0177] It is appropriate that the larger flow rate is 1.1 times or more and 5 times or less of the flow rate of the first liquid. When it is less than 1.1 times, the cleaning effect of the CIP treatment does not improve, and the time for the CIP treatment cannot be sufficiently shortened. When the flow rate is set to more than 5 times, a high-capacity pump is required, and the equipment investment cost increases. It is preferably 1.3 times or more and 3 times or less.

[0178] As Figure 5 shown, after replacing the first liquid with the cleaning liquid, the flow rate of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 10d at the end of the holding pipe 14 are gradually increased in parallel. When the flow rate reaches the pre-determined flow rate, replace the first water with the alkaline cleaning liquid. At the stage of increasing the temperature and flow rate in parallel, the calculated F value is not lower than the target value. It is also possible to increase the temperature and flow rate while exchanging the first liquid with the first water.

[0179] After replacing the first water with the alkaline cleaning liquid, set the circulation path of the sterilized alkaline cleaning liquid flowing at a larger flow rate. As Figure 2As shown, the circulation path can also be an upstream circulation path that flows from the upstream-side distribution pipe 7a through the manifold valve 8 to the upstream-side return path 6a. It can also be that the sterilized cleaning liquid is filled downstream from the manifold valve 8, and the CIP treatment of the downstream circulation path is performed by circulating the sterilized alkaline cleaning liquid in the downstream circulation path formed by the downstream-side pipe section 7b and the downstream-side return path 6b. A heating device can be provided in the downstream-side pipe section 7b or the downstream-side return path 6b to heat the circulating alkaline cleaning liquid to improve the cleaning effect.

[0180] The alkaline cleaning liquid sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 to above the target F value according to sterilization conditions such as the rising temperature and large flow rate is circulated in the set circulation path, thereby performing CIP treatment. It is also possible not to cool the alkaline cleaning liquid kept at a high temperature by the holding pipe 14 using the first-stage cooling unit 15 and the second-stage cooling unit 16 and let it flow downstream. By flowing in the heated state for sterilization, the cleaning effect is improved. In addition, it can be moderately cooled to a temperature above 60°C and below 95°C, which is below the boiling point of water with a high cleaning effect, and flow. In addition, it can be cooled to room temperature and flow.

[0181] The CIP treatment is carried out for a specified time. The specified time can be a time derived from experience based on the type of the first liquid, the total flow rate flowing through filling, the sterilization temperature, etc. It can also be determined by calculating the total heat transfer coefficient of the second-stage heating unit 13 of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 as described above.

[0182] As Figure 7 As shown, the CIP treatment is continued during the flow of the alkaline cleaning liquid. After the cleaning using the alkaline cleaning liquid has been carried out for a specified time, the alkaline cleaning liquid is exchanged with the second water. Similar to the first water, the second water is supplied from the water supply device 20 to the balance tank 5, and the supplied second water is sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilization device 18.

[0183] After cleaning with the alkaline cleaning liquid, the flow rate of the second water replacing the alkaline cleaning liquid is reduced. The reduced flow rate is a flow rate determined according to the sterilization conditions when the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 sterilizes the second liquid to be filled next. The flow rate of the second liquid is less than the flow rate of the alkaline cleaning liquid. In addition, the sterilization temperature of the second water is reduced to the sterilization temperature of the second liquid. The set temperature and set flow rate of the second water are gradually reduced in parallel as the sterilization temperature and flow rate of the second liquid. It is also possible to reduce the temperature and flow rate while exchanging the second water with the second liquid.

[0184] When gradually decreasing the set temperature and set flow rate of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 in parallel, the flow rate measured by the flowmeter 23 provided in the holding pipe 14 and the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 10d provided at the end of the holding pipe 14 are sent to the controller 17. The residence time t (in minutes) of the cleaning liquid in the holding pipe 14 is calculated based on the flow rate, and the F value is calculated based on the residence time t (in minutes) and the temperature T (in °C) measured by the temperature sensor 10d. The temperature and flow rate are decreased in parallel in such a way that the calculated F value is not lower than the target value. Confirm that the temperature measured by the temperature sensor 10d has dropped to the sterilization temperature of the second liquid, and that the flow rate of the flowmeter provided in the holding pipe 14 has dropped to the determined flow rate of the second liquid. Then, the cleaning liquid is replaced with the second liquid.

[0185] After confirming that the cleaning liquid in the liquid supply system pipe 7 has been removed by the second liquid and the second water has been replaced with the second liquid, the filling of the second liquid is started.

[0186] (Total thermal conductivity calculation method)

[0187] Temperature sensors 10a to 10f are provided at various locations of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 as Figure 1 shown. The location where the temperature sensor 10b is disposed is the inlet of the second-stage heating section 13, and the location where the temperature sensor 10c is disposed is the outlet of the second-stage heating section 13. Information on the temperatures measured by these temperature sensors is sent to the controller 17.

[0188] As Figure 8 shown, in order to heat the second-stage heating section 13, which is the most downstream in the heating section, a heating medium pipeline 24 for supplying a heating medium to the second-stage heating section 13 is connected.

[0189] A heating steam supply section 27 for supplying heating steam to the heating medium pipeline 24 is provided in the heating medium pipeline 24, and the heating medium flowing in the heating medium pipeline 24 is heated to a high temperature by the heating steam supplied from this heating steam supply section 27. The heating of the heating medium can also be performed by an electric heater. Moreover, a pressure pump 28 is provided in the heating medium pipeline 24. It is appropriate for the heating medium to be water. Oil can also be used in addition to water.

[0190] The heating medium pipeline 24 is supplied to the heating pipe 13a of the second-stage heating section 13. As Figure 6 shown, the heating medium flows in the heating pipe 13a in a direction opposite to the flow direction of the liquid in the liquid supply system pipe 7. The heating medium can also flow in the same direction as the flow direction of the liquid in the liquid supply system pipe 7. A temperature sensor 10g is provided at the inlet of the heating pipe 13a, and a temperature sensor 10h is provided at the outlet of the heating pipe 13a.

[0191] As shown Figure 8 In the heating medium pipeline 24, the flowing heating medium is supplied to the heating pipe 13a to heat the liquid flowing in the secondary heating section 13. The heating medium that heats the liquid in the secondary heating section 13 cools down at the outlet of the heating pipe 13a, but is heated by the heating steam supplied from the heating steam supply section 27. The heated heating medium is supplied to the heating pipe 13a and circulates.

[0192] The secondary heating section 13 of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 is the part that heats and sterilizes the content at a high temperature, and it is easy to generate dirt such as scorching on the inner surface of the heating pipe 13a. Calculate the total heat transfer coefficient of the heating pipe 13a of the secondary heating section 13 that is most easily contaminated, and efficiently perform the CIP treatment in the liquid continuous sterilization device 18. The total heat transfer coefficient of other heating sections and cooling sections of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 can also be calculated. When the total heat transfer coefficients of all the heating sections and cooling sections reach the target value, the CIP treatment should be completed. However, the most liquid remains at the very downstream of the heating section. It is also possible to end the CIP treatment when the total heat transfer coefficient at the very downstream of the heating section reaches the target value, and use this as the specified time.

[0193] Figure 9 It shows the change over time of the production time and the total heat transfer coefficient (U value). The higher the total heat transfer coefficient (U value), the easier it means the temperature is to transfer. The total heat transfer coefficient of the heating pipe 13a gradually decreases with the production of the filled product due to attachments such as scorching of the liquid adhering to the inner part of the heating pipe 13a during the sterilization of the liquid. The total heat transfer coefficient decreased due to production increases through the CIP treatment and returns to the total heat transfer coefficient before the start of the production of the filled product. That is, the purpose of completing the CIP treatment is to restore the total heat transfer coefficient of the heating pipe 13a to the state where there are no residues caused by the attached liquid in the heating pipe 13a. Determine the target value of the decreased total heat transfer coefficient, and complete the CIP treatment when the total heat transfer coefficient of the heating pipe 13a reaches the target value through the CIP treatment. Thereby, useless time is not spent in the CIP treatment, and the CIP treatment can be efficiently performed.

[0194] The controller 17 stores various data, calculates the total heat transfer coefficient based on the measured temperature sent from the heating pipe 13a of the second-stage heating unit 13, determines whether the calculated total heat transfer coefficient reaches the target value, determines that the CIP process is completed when the total heat transfer coefficient reaches the target value, and completes the CIP process in the liquid supply system pipe 7. This determination of completion is for the second-stage heating unit 13 of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18. However, since the contamination of the second-stage heating unit of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 is the most severe, the determination of the completion of the CIP process in the second-stage heating unit 13 of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18 can also be used as the determination of the completion of the CIP process in the liquid supply system pipe 7. That is, the time until the total heat transfer coefficient reaches the target value can also be set as a specified time.

[0195] In order to calculate the total heat transfer coefficient, as Figure 8 shown, a temperature sensor 10b is provided at the inlet of the cleaning liquid of the heating pipe 13a of the second-stage heating unit 13 of the liquid continuous sterilization device 18, a temperature sensor 10c is provided at the outlet of the cleaning liquid, a temperature sensor 10g is provided at the inlet of the heating medium of the heating pipe 13a, and a temperature sensor 10h is provided at the outlet of the heating medium of the heating pipe 13a. The temperature is measured by these temperature sensors. The temperature of the temperature sensor 10b is set as T1, the temperature of the temperature sensor 10c is set as T2, the temperature of the temperature sensor 10g is set as T3, and the temperature of the temperature sensor 10h is set as T4.

[0196] The measured temperatures T1, T2, T3, and T4 are sent to the controller 17, and the controller 17 calculates the total heat transfer coefficient. The total heat transfer coefficient is calculated as follows.

[0197] First, the logarithmic mean temperature difference ΔT is calculated. The logarithmic mean temperature difference ΔT is calculated by the following formula (Formula 1).

[0198] [Formula 1]

[0199]

[0200] Next, through the temperature T1, the temperature T2, and the flow rate R (L / h), the heat Q in the second-stage heating unit 13 is calculated by the following formula (Formula 2). When the specific heat is set to 1 (kcal / kg·°C) and the specific gravity is set to 1 (kg / L),

[0201] Q = 1 × 1 × R × (T2 - T1) (Formula 2)

[0202] The flow rate R is measured by the flowmeter 23 and sent to the controller 17. A flowmeter can also be provided in the heating pipe 13a of the second-stage heating unit 13, and the measured value of this flowmeter can be used.

[0203] In addition, the heat conduction area A (m 2 ) of the heating pipe 13a of the secondary heating unit 13 is preset.

[0204] Based on the above, the controller 17 calculates the total heat transfer coefficient (U value) of the secondary heating unit 13 through the following formula (Formula 3).

[0205] U = Q / (A × ΔT) (Formula 3)

[0206] As described above, it is possible to calculate the total heat transfer coefficient of the secondary heating unit 13 during the CIP process. When the total heat transfer coefficient reaches the target value, the CIP process is completed and the next process is moved to. Therefore, it is not necessary to continue the CIP process more than necessary, and the CIP process can be efficiently implemented.

[0207] When the calculated total heat transfer coefficient reaches the pre-determined target value, the controller 17 determines that the CIP process is completed.

[0208] Explanation of reference numerals

[0209] 2... Filler

[0210] 6... Return path

[0211] 6a... Upstream return path

[0212] 6b... Downstream return path

[0213] 7... Beverage supply system pipe

[0214] 7a... Upstream pipe section

[0215] 7b... Downstream pipe section

[0216] 10... Temperature sensor

[0217] 12... Primary heating unit

[0218] 13... Secondary heating unit

[0219] 14... Holding pipe

[0220] 15... Primary cooling unit

[0221] 16... Secondary cooling unit

[0222] 18... Liquid continuous sterilization device

[0223] 20... Alkaline cleaning liquid supply device

[0224] 21... Water supply device

[0225] 23... Flow meter

Claims

1. A method for replacing the liquid of a liquid continuous sterilization device, which sterilizes the liquid by heating the liquid from the outside while making the liquid flow. Characterized in that, The first liquid is sterilized by the liquid continuous sterilization device. In a manner not lower than the target F value, while sterilizing a cleaning liquid with a flow rate greater than that of the first liquid by using the liquid continuous sterilization device and making the cleaning liquid flow, the inside of the liquid continuous sterilization device is cleaned. In a manner not lower than the target F value, while sterilizing a second liquid with a flow rate less than that of the cleaning liquid by using the liquid continuous sterilization device and making the second liquid flow.

2. The method for replacing the liquid of the liquid continuous sterilization device according to claim 1. Characterized in that, Calculate the temperature corresponding to the greater flow rate not lower than the target F value according to the greater flow rate, and after raising the temperature of the liquid continuous sterilization device to the temperature corresponding to the calculated greater flow rate, while sterilizing the cleaning liquid as the greater flow rate and making it flow. Calculate the temperature corresponding to the lower flow rate not lower than the target F value according to the lower flow rate, and after reducing to the lower flow rate, make the temperature of the liquid continuous sterilization device become the temperature corresponding to the calculated lower flow rate.

3. The method for replacing the liquid of the liquid continuous sterilization device according to claim 1. Characterized in that, Replace the first liquid with the cleaning liquid, or calculate the sterilization value, i.e., the F value, of the cleaning liquid based on the liquid continuous sterilization device while exchanging, and parallelly increase the temperature and flow rate of the liquid continuous sterilization device in a manner that makes the F value not lower than the target value. While sterilizing the cleaning liquid with a flow rate greater than that of the first liquid by using the liquid continuous sterilization device and making the cleaning liquid flow, the inside of the liquid continuous sterilization device is cleaned. Parallelly reduce the temperature and flow rate of the liquid continuous sterilization device in a manner that makes the F value not lower than the target value. Use the liquid continuous sterilization device to sterilize a second liquid with a flow rate less than that of the cleaning liquid and make the second liquid flow.

4. The method for replacing the liquid of the liquid continuous sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3. Characterized in that, The F value is calculated by the following formula a according to the holding time t minutes in the holding part of the liquid continuous sterilization device obtained from the flow rate of the liquid or the cleaning liquid flowing in the liquid continuous sterilization device, and the temperature T °C of the liquid or the cleaning liquid. F = t × 10 (T-T0) / Z ... formula a Wherein, T0 °C and Z °C are constants determined by the liquid.

5. The method for replacing the liquid of the liquid continuous sterilization device according to claim 4. Characterized in that, The flow rate is the flow rate of the holding part, and the temperature is the temperature at the end of the holding part.

6. The method for replacing the liquid of the liquid continuous sterilization device according to claim 4. Characterized in that, Calculate the holding time based on the larger flow rate of the cleaning liquid. Based on the calculated holding time and the target value of the F value, calculate T °C using formula a, and use the obtained T °C as the temperature corresponding to the larger flow rate. Calculate the holding time based on the smaller flow rate. Based on the calculated holding time and the target value of the F value, calculate T °C using formula a, and use the obtained T °C as the temperature corresponding to the smaller flow rate.

7. The liquid replacement method of the liquid continuous sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cleaning liquid is an alkaline cleaning liquid containing an alkaline compound.

8. The liquid replacement method of the liquid continuous sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cleaning liquid is the first water. After replacing the first liquid with the first water, replace the first water with an alkaline cleaning liquid containing an alkaline compound.

9. The liquid replacement method of the liquid continuous sterilization device according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized in that the cleaning liquid is an alkaline cleaning liquid containing an alkaline compound. After replacing the alkaline cleaning liquid with the second water, exchange the second water with the second liquid.

Images