Cooling capacity supply for bottle washing machine

Abstract

The invention relates to the cold supply of a bottle washing machine, in particular to a system comprising a bottle washing machine having a plurality of treatment zones and a filling machine for filling a liquid product, in particular beer, into a container; wherein at least the last of the treatment zones is at least partially cooled with fresh water; the product is conveyed to the first heat exchange module before being filled, and the fresh water is conveyed to the first heat exchange module in each case before being guided to the bottle washing machine; wherein the first heat exchange module is designed to extract cold from the product and to cool the fresh water to a predetermined temperature using the cold extracted from the product; wherein the first heat exchange module is designed to convey the product from which the cooling capacity is extracted to the filling machine and to convey the cooled fresh water to the bottle washing machine.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The invention relates to a system comprising at least one bottle washer and a filling device (referred to as a filler for short), and a corresponding method for operating such a system. Background Art

[0002] A bottle washer is a common component of a machine / system that fills liquid products, such as beverages, particularly beer, into containers, typically bottles. A bottle washer typically consists of multiple zones. Containers / bottles entering the washer are heated, subjected to one or more cleaning steps, rinsed, and finally discharged as cleaned containers. These cleaned containers can then be filled with product in the system's filling equipment. Such machines / systems can be expanded or supplemented with additional components, such as pasteurizers and / or labeling units, as needed.

[0003] In systems of this type, containers, particularly bottles, are typically made of glass. Glass bottles, and even plastic containers, suffer from the problem of relatively high temperatures after cleaning in the bottle washer. However, these hot containers are difficult to fill with products, which are typically relatively cold. The relatively large temperature difference between the hot, cleaned container and the cold product creates a risk of cracking or breakage, particularly of glass. To minimize this risk, the containers are typically cooled in the bottle washer. This cooling is typically accomplished using water or through active cooling, which utilizes an external supply of cooling energy.

[0004] However, when supplying via refrigeration equipment, ie when cooling is performed using externally fed energy (usually referred to as cold energy), the provision of corresponding pipelines may incur considerable costs.

[0005] When using a water supply, larger quantities of fresh water must be added to cool the containers. The goal is to reduce the temperature difference between the product and the temperature of the cleaned bottles to be filled later, in order to avoid temperature shocks and the resulting potential for bottle bursting. This can result in a significant consumption of fresh water.

[0006] In general, the goal of modern systems is to design them to be particularly cost-effective, thereby limiting and minimizing resource consumption. This includes fresh water, which should be limited and minimized, as should energy consumption.

[0007] DE 22 25 676 A1 describes a method for reducing water consumption in beverage processing machines. Here, water generated after recooling and / or spraying in a cleaning system is collected and fed into the primary circuit of a heat exchanger, where the cooler liquid flows through the secondary circuit. In other words, the recooled and / or sprayed process water is fed into a heat exchanger and cooled. Before the process water can be used again, it must undergo appropriate hygienic cleaning and / or treatment, which represents considerable cost for the equipment.

[0008] In view of the above problems, an object of the present invention is to provide a system and a corresponding method, wherein the fresh water demand is significantly reduced and the cooling efficiency is improved. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The solution of the present invention for achieving the above-mentioned object is a system as described in claim 1 or a method as described in claim 7.

[0010] The present invention provides:

[0011] A system comprising a bottle washer having a plurality of treatment zones and a filler for filling liquid products, in particular beer, into containers; wherein at least the last of the treatment zones is at least partially cooled by means of fresh water; a first heat exchange module, wherein the product is conveyed to the first heat exchange module before being filled and the fresh water is conveyed to the first heat exchange module in each case before being directed to the bottle washer, wherein the first heat exchange module is designed to extract cold from the product and to cool the fresh water to a predetermined temperature using the cold extracted from the product; wherein the first heat exchange module is designed to convey the product from which the cold has been extracted further to the filler and to convey the cooled fresh water further to the bottle washer.

[0012] Herein, the terms bottle washer and container washer are used synonymously.

[0013] In this system, the product's cooling capacity is used to cool the fresh water. In other words, the product directly cools the fresh water. This eliminates the need for recooling the used process water. Cooling the fresh water also makes it more hygienic, eliminating the need for sanitary treatment of the process water. Furthermore, overall fresh water consumption and required cooling energy can be reduced.

[0014] In the system, the first heat exchange module may include a first heat exchanger and / or a first heat pump.

[0015] The system may further comprise a second heat exchange module, wherein the product from which the cold has been extracted is conveyed to the second heat exchange module before being filled, wherein a medium in liquid and / or vapor form is also conveyed to the second heat exchange module, wherein the second heat exchange module can extract heat from the medium, thereby heating the conveyed product to a predetermined filling temperature.

[0016] In the system, the medium may be water vapor and / or a heated liquid, in particular hot water, wherein the medium has a higher temperature when it is conveyed to the second heat exchange module than the temperature of the product when it leaves the first heat exchange module.

[0017] In the system, the second heat exchange module may include a second heat exchanger and / or a second heat pump.

[0018] In this system, the product can have a temperature between -2°C and 20°C, in particular between 4°C and 6°C, before being conveyed to the first heat exchange module, wherein the fresh water can have a temperature of up to 35°C, in particular between 12°C and 15°C, before being conveyed to the first heat exchange module.

[0019] Furthermore, the present invention discloses a method in a system comprising a bottle washer having a plurality of treatment zones and a filler for filling a liquid product, in particular beer, into containers, wherein at least a last of the treatment zones is at least partially cooled by means of fresh water, the method comprising: conveying the product to a first heat exchange module; conveying fresh water to the first heat exchange module; cooling the fresh water to a predetermined temperature in the first heat exchange module by extracting cold from the product; conveying the cooled fresh water to the bottle washer and conveying the product to the filler.

[0020] In the method, the first heat exchange module may include a first heat exchanger and / or a first heat pump.

[0021] In the method, conveying the product may include conveying the product to a second heat exchange module; and the method may also include the following steps: conveying a medium in liquid and / or vapor form to the second heat exchange module, and heating the conveyed product to a predetermined filling temperature in the second heat exchange module by extracting heat from the conveyed medium.

[0022] In the method, the medium may comprise water vapor and / or a heated liquid, in particular hot water, wherein the medium has a higher temperature when it is conveyed to the second heat exchange module than when the product leaves the first heat exchange module.

[0023] In the method, the second heat exchange module may include a second heat exchanger and / or a second heat pump.

[0024] In the method, the product can have a temperature of between -2°C and 20°C, in particular between 4°C and 6°C, before being conveyed to the first heat exchange module, wherein the fresh water can have a temperature of up to 35°C, in particular between 12°C and 15°C, before being conveyed to the first heat exchange module. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0025] Figure 1 A system according to an embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown.

[0026] Figure 2 Another system according to another embodiment of the present invention is schematically shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Figure 1 A system 100 is schematically shown, comprising a bottle washer 102. In this case, the bottle washer 102 comprises a plurality of zones. Purely by way of example, Figure 1 3. However, it should be understood that the bottle washer 102 may comprise a different number, in particular a greater number, of zones, and that the number of three zones has been selected for illustrative purposes only.

[0028] exist Figure 1 The direction of transport of the containers / bottles to be cleaned is indicated by arrow 108. Transport devices, such as conveyor belts, racks, etc., are well known and are therefore not shown here. Symbols representing containers or bottles are also not shown. Within the bottle washer 102 of system 100, the direction of transport of the containers / bottles to be cleaned is indicated by arrow 109. In this example, the containers / bottles to be cleaned are transported in the directions of arrows 108 (bottle transport) and 109. Cleaned containers / bottles are removed from the bottle washer in the direction of arrow 110.

[0029] Figure 1 In the bottle washer 102 of the system 100, for example, the first zone 102.1 is where the bottles to be cleaned are heated. In the second zone 102.2, the bottles to be cleaned are exposed to, for example, a cleaning solution. In the subsequent third zone 102.3, bottles that have been previously treated with, for example, a cleaning solution are rinsed and cooled. The goal here is always to reduce the temperature difference ΔT between the product temperature and the temperature of the cleaned bottles that are now to be filled, in order to avoid temperature shocks and the resulting possible bursting of the bottles.

[0030] exist Figure 1The direction of the process water in the bottle washer 102 is indicated by arrow 105. The process water can at least partially leave the bottle washer 102 corresponding to arrow 106. The process water or waste water can be cleaned and / or reprocessed by additional components. It should be understood that Figure 1 The piping and valves are not shown.

[0031] exist Figure 1 In the embodiment of the present invention, the fresh water supply for the bottle washer 102 of the system 100 is schematically depicted by arrow 104. However, the fresh water supply 104 is Figure 1 The first path is to the heat exchange module 112, which may also be referred to as the first heat exchange module 112. Figure 1 As can be seen, the product P is also fed into the first heat exchange module 112. This feeding is schematically indicated by the arrow 114. Here, the product P can be fed from a product tank or a product supply. Details, valves or pipe systems are not shown here. The product P, for example beer, can have a temperature here of -2°C to 20°C, in particular 4°C to 6°C. The fresh water fed in can have a temperature of up to 35°C, in particular 12°C to 15°C. The heat exchange module 112 can comprise a heat exchanger and / or a first heat pump. In the heat exchange module 112, the fresh water fed in is cooled by the cooler product. The fresh water cooled in this way is fed according to the arrow 104'. Figure 1 Bottle washer 102. It should be understood that both media meet corresponding known hygiene standards in first heat exchange module 112. It is also possible to provide an intermediate circuit (not shown here) between the product P and the fresh water, see arrows 104 and 104'. This intermediate circuit can be regulated.

[0032] In other words, in heat exchange module 112, cold energy is extracted from the product P and transferred to fresh water, thereby cooling the fresh water. For example, the fresh water can be cooled by approximately 5°C to 7°C to 10°C. Consequently, the correspondingly cooled fresh water can also effectively cool the bottles / containers in the last zone 102.3 of the bottle washer 102 of system 100. This significantly reduces the fresh water demand / consumption in the bottle washer, for example, by up to 20% compared to a situation where the fresh water is not cooled by the cold energy in the product.

[0033] Figure 1 Arrow 114' is also shown, indicating that the product heated by the temperature exchange is further conveyed to the filler F. The transport path of the bottles to the filler F of the system 100 is not shown here. Finally, the filler F fills the product P into the cleaned and cooled bottles from the bottle washer 102. Other steps such as pasteurization and labeling may be added later.

[0034] exist Figure 2 Another system according to another embodiment of the present invention is shown in FIG. Figure 2 middle, and Figure 1 The same elements are denoted by the same reference numerals and will not be described again here. Figure 2 The implementation method is Figure 1 Improvements to the implementation methods of . Figure 2 A system 150 is shown having a bottle washer 102, as described in accordance with Figure 1 As stated. Figure 2 The system 150 also includes a filling machine F, such as Figure 1 In the system 150, containers, in particular bottles, are cleaned and then the product P, in particular beer, is filled into the cleaned bottles. Fresh water is supplied according to arrows 104 and 104'. The first heat exchange module 112 corresponds to Figure 1 The first heat exchange module 112 in the embodiment may include a heat exchanger and / or a first heat pump. This embodiment also applies to minimizing the temperature difference between the product temperature and the temperature of the cleaned bottle currently waiting to be filled. This goal is always to minimize the temperature difference ΔT between the product temperature and the temperature of the cleaned bottle currently waiting to be filled, in order to avoid temperature shocks and the resulting possible bottle bursting. Figure 2 A further heat exchange module 116 is included. Heat exchange module 116 may include a heat exchanger and / or a second heat pump. This further heat exchange module 116 can be used to further heat the product P provided by first heat exchange module 112 for filling in filler F. This has the additional advantage of reducing the likelihood of condensation on the exterior of the bottles after filling in the filler. Consequently, during the subsequent labeling process, labels applied to the filled bottles are less likely to slip, placing fewer restrictions on the choice of adhesive for labeling, and generally reducing logistical issues.

[0035] exist Figure 2In the process, medium E, which can be in liquid and / or vapor form, is fed into a second heat exchanger 116. Pipes, valves, and pumps are not shown. In the second heat exchanger 116, the product P is further heated by the heat released by medium E and then conveyed to the filler F (arrow 114'). The slightly cooled medium E is returned to the reservoir for medium E according to arrow 118'. The product E, thus further heated after passing through the second heat exchanger 116, can thus be filled in the filler F, thereby preventing both bottle bursting and problems caused by condensation on the outside of the bottles. It should be understood that the medium in the second heat exchanger module 116 meets corresponding known hygiene standards. It is also possible to provide an intermediate circuit (not shown here) between the product P and the fresh water (arrows 104 and 104'). This intermediate circuit can be regulated.

[0036] The heat exchange modules 112 and 116 mentioned above can exchange heat directly, that is, from the fresh water in module 112 or from the medium E in module 116 directly to the product P. Alternatively, a secondary circuit (indirect heat transfer) can also be advantageously used, in which the fresh water or the medium E transfers heat to the secondary medium, which then transfers heat to the product P. This embodiment is particularly advantageous in terms of product safety, because if a leak occurs, it can be reliably detected.

[0037] The filling machine F usually includes a filling machine tank (not shown) which can be used as a buffer during short stops of the equipment / system.

Claims

1. A system (100, 150), comprising a bottle washer (102) having a plurality of treatment zones (102.1, 102.2, 102.3) and a filling machine (F) for filling a liquid product (P), in particular beer, into containers; wherein at least a last treatment zone (102.3) of the treatment zones (102.1, 102.2, 102.3) is at least partially cooled with fresh water; a first heat exchange module (112), wherein the product (P) is fed to the first heat exchange module (112) before being filled, and the fresh water is fed to the first heat exchange module (102) in each case before being directed to the bottle washer (102), wherein the first heat exchange module (112) is designed to extract cold energy from the product (P) and to cool the fresh water to a predetermined temperature using the cold energy extracted from the product (P); The first heat exchange module (112) is designed to continue to deliver the product (P) from which the cold energy has been extracted to the filling machine (F) and to continue to deliver the cooled fresh water to the bottle washing machine (102).

2. The system (100, 150) according to claim 1, wherein the first heat exchange module (112) comprises a first heat exchanger and / or a first heat pump.

3. The system (150) according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising a second heat exchange module (116), wherein the product (P) from which the cold has been extracted is conveyed to the second heat exchange module (116) before being filled, wherein a medium (E) in liquid and / or vapor form is also conveyed to the second heat exchange module (116), wherein the second heat exchange module (116) is designed to extract heat from the medium (E), thereby heating the conveyed product (P) to a predetermined filling temperature.

4. System (150) according to claim 3, wherein the medium (E) is water vapor and / or heated liquid, in particular hot water, wherein the medium (E) has a temperature higher when it is conveyed to the second heat exchange module (116) than the temperature of the product (P) when it leaves the first heat exchange module (112).

5. The system (150) according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the second heat exchange module (116) comprises a second heat exchanger and / or a second heat pump.

6. System (100, 150) according to at least one of the preceding claims, wherein the product (P) has a temperature of between -2°C and 20°C, in particular between 4°C and 6°C, before being conveyed to the first heat exchange module (112), wherein the fresh water has a temperature of at most 35°C, in particular between 12°C and 15°C, before being conveyed to the first heat exchange module (112).

7. A method in a system (100, 150) comprising a bottle washer (102) having a plurality of treatment zones (102.1, 102.2, 102.3) and a filler (F) for filling a liquid product (P), in particular beer, into containers, wherein at least a last treatment zone (102.3) of the treatment zones is at least partially cooled with fresh water, the method comprising: conveying the product (P) to a first heat exchange module (112); delivering the fresh water to the first heat exchange module (112); Cooling the fresh water to a predetermined temperature in the first heat exchange module (112) by extracting cold energy from the product (P); The cooled fresh water is conveyed to the bottle washing machine (102) and the product (P) is conveyed to the filling machine (F).

8. The method according to claim 7, wherein the first heat exchange module (112) comprises a first heat exchanger and / or a first heat pump.

9. The method according to claim 7 or 8, wherein conveying the product (P) to the filling machine (F) further comprises: The product (P) is transported to a second heat exchange module (116); and further comprising the following steps: delivering the medium (E) in liquid and / or vapor form to the second heat exchange module (116), In the second heat exchange module (116), the delivered product (P) is heated to a predetermined filling temperature by extracting heat from the delivered medium (E).

10. Method according to claim 9, wherein the medium (E) is water vapor and / or a heated liquid, in particular hot water, wherein the medium (E) has a temperature higher when it is conveyed to the second heat exchange module (116) than the temperature of the product when it leaves the first heat exchange module (112).

11. The method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the second heat exchange module (116) comprises a second heat exchanger and / or a second heat pump.

12. The method according to at least one of the preceding claims 7 to 11, wherein the product has a temperature of between -2°C and 20°C, in particular between 4°C and 6°C, before being conveyed to the first heat exchange module (112), wherein the fresh water has a temperature of at most 35°C, in particular between 12°C and 15°C, before being conveyed to the first heat exchange module (112).

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