Sterile device and method for filling and closing aluminum or glass containers

Abstract

A sterile device (1) for filling and closing an aluminum or glass container (100) having a ROPP screw cap (101), the sterile device (1) comprising: a filling unit (13) configured to inject a product into the container (100); a ROPP capping unit (10) arranged downstream of the filling unit (13) and configured to apply a sterilized ROPP screw cap (101) on the container (100); a separator (11) defining a pollution-controlled environment (12), the filling unit (13) and the ROPP capping unit (10) being arranged inside the separator (11).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sterile apparatus and method for filling and sealing aluminum or glass containers. Background Technology

[0002] The use of aluminum as a material for manufacturing containers has increased in recent years. In fact, compared to plastics, aluminum has a smaller environmental impact and better recyclability.

[0003] In this context, the reference area is the bottling of so-called "sensitive" foods, namely products that are particularly sensitive to bacterial contamination and oxidation, such as isotonic beverages, fruit juices, nectar, soft drinks, tea, milk drinks, coffee drinks, etc. For these products, it is crucial to avoid potential microbial contamination throughout all packaging steps.

[0004] As is well known, hot filling is used to fill aluminum containers with sensitive products. Low-acid products also undergo further heat treatment (distillation) inside the container.

[0005] Hot filling technology is also commonly used for filling glass containers with sensitive products.

[0006] Even though hot filling is a relatively simple process, sealing aluminum or glass containers requires complex capping machines.

[0007] In fact, aluminum and glass containers should be sealed with aluminum closures that are originally unthreaded. The threads in the closure are created by the cap head during its application to the container. In practice, the threaded neck of the aluminum or glass container is used to create internal threads in the closure.

[0008] This is accomplished using a ROPP capping machine (short for "Roll-On Pilfer-Proof" capping machine). ROPP capping machines are more complex than traditional capping machines used to apply closure to plastic bottles.

[0009] Due to the complexity and numerous components of ROPP capping machines, they require time-consuming and complex cleaning and sterilization procedures. This poses a significant problem, especially in aseptic applications.

[0010] In fact, in aseptic bottling lines, controlling contamination at each workstation (forming, filling, capping, etc.) is of paramount importance. This requires ensuring adequate filtration of fluids introduced into the controlled environment, proper management of pressure in each area to control the path of any unwanted particles, proper environmental monitoring, and proper management of cleaning and sterilization cycles for internal machine parts, ensuring adequate quality cleaning and sterilization cycles (CIP, short for Cleaning In Place, and SIP, short for Sterilization In Place) or proper management of cleaning and sterilization cycles for external machine parts, ensuring adequate quality cleaning and sterilization cycles (COP, short for Cleaning Out of Place, and SOP, short for Sterilization Out of Place).

[0011] In addition, ROPP capping machines are energy-intensive and require complex and lengthy maintenance. Summary of the Invention

[0012] The purpose of this invention is to provide a sterile device and method for filling and sealing aluminum or glass containers, which ensures sterilization while reducing overall complexity and energy consumption.

[0013] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sterile apparatus and method for filling and sealing aluminum or glass containers, wherein maintenance operations are easier and faster to perform.

[0014] Another object of the present invention is to provide a sterile apparatus and method for filling and sealing aluminum or glass containers, which allows for better preservation of the sensory properties of food.

[0015] The stated technical tasks and indicated objectives are essentially achieved by an aseptic apparatus for filling and sealing aluminum or glass containers with ROPP screw caps, the aseptic apparatus comprising:

[0016] - A filling unit, configured to inject product into a container;

[0017] - A ROPP capping unit, located downstream of the filling unit, is configured to apply a sterilized ROPP screw cap to the container.

[0018] - A barrier element defines a contaminated controlled environment, and the filling unit and the ROPP capping unit are arranged inside the barrier element.

[0019] Preferably, the aseptic device further includes a transfer star wheel arranged between the filling unit and the ROPP capping unit. The transfer star wheel is also positioned inside the separator.

[0020] Preferably, the transmission star wheel has multiple cavities for receiving the body of the container.

[0021] The aseptic device further includes a closure placement station arranged on the first zone of the transfer star wheel and configured to place ROPP screw caps onto the opening of each container.

[0022] More preferably, the closure placement station is also configured to press the ROPP screw cap onto the opening of the container.

[0023] The aseptic equipment further includes a processing device configured to sterilize the ROPP screw cap as it moves linearly along a conveying path inside the processing device.

[0024] Specifically, the processing device is positioned above the closure placement station so that sterilized ROPP screw caps are delivered to the closure placement station.

[0025] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the processing apparatus includes:

[0026] -Box-shaped main body;

[0027] - Processing chamber, located inside the box-shaped body, for ROPP screw caps;

[0028] - A compartment, located inside the box-shaped main body, defines the processing room;

[0029] - Dispensing tubes are configured to dispense sterilizing materials within the processing chamber.

[0030] Specifically, the transport path unfolds inside the processing room.

[0031] Preferably, the compartment is inclined, such that the ROPP screw cap moves along the conveyor path by gravity and / or by the force exerted by the sterilizing material.

[0032] The box-shaped body has an inlet for receiving ROPP screw caps to be processed and an outlet for delivering processed ROPP screw caps to the closure placement station.

[0033] For example, the box-shaped body has a generally tubular shape, and the compartments are composed of channels.

[0034] According to one embodiment of the invention, the distribution tube includes a plurality of nozzles positioned close to the delivery path.

[0035] Preferably, the nozzles are distributed along the length of the distribution pipe and are spaced at equal intervals.

[0036] According to another embodiment, the processing device is configured to sterilize the ROPP screw cap by radiation.

[0037] The ROPP capping unit includes multiple ROPP capping heads. Each ROPP capping head is configured to apply the ROPP cap to the container by creating internal threads in the ROPP cap using the threaded neck of the container as a base.

[0038] The stated technical task and indicated objective are essentially achieved through an aseptic method for filling and sealing aluminum or glass containers with ROPP screw caps inside an isolation element that defines a contaminated controlled environment, wherein the method comprises the following steps:

[0039] - Sterilize the ROPP screw cap;

[0040] - Fill containers with the product;

[0041] Apply the sterilized ROPP screw cap to each filled container.

[0042] Before applying the sterilized ROPP screw cap to the corresponding filled container, the method further includes placing the sterilized ROPP screw cap onto the opening of the filled container.

[0043] ROPP screw caps are sterilized by exposing them to sterilizing substances or by radiation. Attached Figure Description

[0044] Further features and advantages of the invention will become more apparent from the non-limiting description of preferred, but not exclusive, embodiments of the aseptic apparatus and method for filling and sealing aluminum or glass containers, as illustrated in the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0045] - Figure 1 A schematic plan view illustrates an aseptic apparatus according to the invention for filling and sealing aluminum or glass containers;

[0046] - Figure 2 A side-view stereoscopic view is shown. Figure 1 Aseptic equipment;

[0047] - Figure 3 It shows Figure 1 A more detailed floor plan of a portion of the aseptic equipment;

[0048] - Figure 4 Shown in side view Figure 1 Aseptic equipment processing device;

[0049] - Figure 5 A cross-sectional view is shown. Figure 4 A portion of the processing device;

[0050] - Figure 6 It shows in Figure 1 Aluminum or glass containers processed in aseptic equipment;

[0051] - Figure 7 The ROPP screw cap is shown in cross-sectional view. Detailed Implementation

[0052] Referring to the attached figures, the number 1 indicates aseptic equipment for filling and sealing aluminum or glass containers 100 (particularly bottles).

[0053] In this context, aseptic equipment 1 is also referred to simply as "equipment".

[0054] The device 1 includes a processing unit 2, which is configured to process the ROPP screw cap 101 by means of a sterilizing substance or by radiation.

[0055] In particular, the ROPP screw cap 101 is a screw cap in which the internal thread is formed by the pressure of the ROPP capping head against the neck 100b of the container 100, which will be explained better later.

[0056] Initially, the ROPP screw cap 101 is a capsule comprising a base 101a and sides 101b, the sides 101b extending from the base 101a and defining a cavity therewith (see...). Figure 7 Preferably, the base 101a is circular and the cavity is cylindrical, wherein the side surface 101b is the side surface of the cylinder.

[0057] On the opposite side of the base 101a, the ROPP screw cap 101 has an opening 101c for receiving the neck 100b of the container 100, which has external threads.

[0058] Specifically, the ROPP screw cap 101 is made of aluminum.

[0059] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the processing device 2 includes a box-shaped body 3 defining an environment 4. Inside the box-shaped body 3, there is a compartment 5 that defines a processing chamber 6 for the ROPP screw cap 101.

[0060] In one embodiment of the invention shown herein, the processing device 2 is of a linear type.

[0061] According to a preferred embodiment, the box-shaped body 3 has a generally tubular shape. Therefore, the environment 4 defined by the tubular box-shaped body 3 is shaped as a channel.

[0062] Preferably, the compartment 5 consists of a passage that defines the processing chamber 6.

[0063] The processing device 2 further includes at least one conveying path 7 for processing the ROPP screw cap 101 inside the processing chamber 6.

[0064] The ROPP screw caps 101 advance linearly along the conveyor path 7, for example, one after another. In particular, the conveyor path 7 is linear. For example, the conveyor path 7 may be defined by guide rails.

[0065] Preferably, the box-shaped body 3 has an inlet 3a for receiving the ROPP screw cap 101 to be processed and an outlet 3b for delivering the processed cap 101 to the closure placement station 140, which is at least configured to place the processed cap 101 on the opening 100a of the filled container 100.

[0066] The compartment 5 is preferably tilted.

[0067] The processing device 2 further includes a distribution pipe 8, which is configured to distribute sterilization material inside the processing chamber 6.

[0068] For example, the sterilizing agent is hydrogen peroxide. Specifically, the sterilizing agent is gaseous. Alternatively, the sterilizing agent can be liquid, such as peracetic acid.

[0069] According to one embodiment of the present invention, the dispensing tube 8 is an elongated tube that unfolds inside the box-shaped body 3.

[0070] Preferably, the distribution pipe 8 has a generally longitudinal extension inside the compartment 5.

[0071] The distribution pipe 8 includes multiple nozzles 9, which are positioned inside the processing chamber 6.

[0072] Preferably, the nozzles 9 are distributed along the length of the distribution pipe 8.

[0073] More preferably, the nozzles 9 are spaced equidistantly along the length of the distribution pipe 8.

[0074] Specifically, the nozzle 9 is positioned close to the conveying path 7, so that the ROPP screw cap 101, which moves along the conveying path 7, receives the sterilization material.

[0075] The compartment 5 is preferably inclined. Thus, the ROPP screw cap 101 advances along the conveying path 7 by gravity and / or by the force of a gas jet that may be a sterilizing substance.

[0076] The box-shaped main body 3 is also preferably inclined, such as... Figure 4 As shown.

[0077] In this context, the tilt of compartment 5 or box-shaped body 3 refers to its tilt relative to the approximately horizontal ground or base plate.

[0078] According to one aspect of the invention, the compartment 5 is not sealed, thereby the processing chamber 6 is not physically separated from the environment 4 defined by the box-shaped body 3.

[0079] Nevertheless, compartment 5 is used to prevent sterilizing substances from spreading out of the ROPP screw cap 101 during the processing stage.

[0080] In another embodiment of the invention (not shown), the processing device 2 is of the rotary type.

[0081] Therefore, the processing device 2 includes a box-shaped body 3, which has a generally drum shape that defines the environment 4.

[0082] In this embodiment, the processing device 2 includes a rotating frame positioned in the processing chamber 6 and multiple longitudinal guide rails integrally mounted on the rotating frame.

[0083] The longitudinal guide rails are parallel to each other and arranged vertically relative to the ground. The longitudinal guide rails are used to accommodate the ROPP screw cap 101, which is arranged by gravity.

[0084] The device 1 further includes a ROPP capping unit 10, which is configured to apply a ROPP screw cap 101 to the container 100. In particular, the ROPP screw cap 101 applied by the ROPP capping unit 10 has been sterilized.

[0085] The device 1 further includes an isolation element 11, which is adapted to define a contamination-controlled and sterile environment 12.

[0086] Advantageously, the ROPP capping unit 10 is positioned within the isolation element 11, thereby positioning it within a contamination-controlled and sterile environment 12.

[0087] Preferably, the ROPP capping unit 10 is of the rotary type.

[0088] The device 1 further includes a filling unit 13 (particularly a rotary filling unit) and at least one transfer star wheel 14 arranged downstream of the filling unit 13.

[0089] The ROPP capping unit 10 is located downstream of the transmission star wheel 14.

[0090] The filling unit 13 and the transfer star wheel 14 are also located within the isolation element 11, thereby positioning them within a contamination-controlled and sterile environment 12.

[0091] The apparatus 1 further includes a sterilization unit 16 for the container 100 and a rinsing unit 17 disposed downstream of the sterilization unit 16.

[0092] Specifically, sterilization unit 16 is configured to sterilize container 100 by hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid.

[0093] The rinsing unit 17 is configured to rinse the container 100 after sterilization, for example by rinsing with sterile water or sterile air.

[0094] The sterilization unit 16 and the rinsing unit 17 are also located within the isolation element 11, thereby positioning them within the contamination-controlled and sterile environment 12.

[0095] In this context, the units (such as the ROPP capping unit 10, filling unit 13, transfer star wheel 14, closure placement station 140, sterilization unit 16, and rinsing unit 17) are positioned within the isolation member 11, meaning that at least a portion of the container 100 or the ROPP screw cap 101 being manipulated or handled by the unit is positioned within the isolation member 11. Thus, the container 100 and the ROPP screw cap 101 are protected from contamination.

[0096] Conversely, the actuation device associated with each of the units for moving these parts is located outside the isolation member 11 and in a dirty environment.

[0097] Throughout the device 1, the container 100 is manipulated via its bottom 100d. Specifically, the transfer star wheel 14 has multiple cavities for receiving the body 100c of the container 100. During the rotation of the transfer star wheel 14, the bottom 100d of the container 100 slides on a lower support.

[0098] The device 1 further includes a closed component placement station 140 arranged on the first zone of the transfer star wheel 14.

[0099] The sealing component placement station 140 is preferably located downstream of the filling unit 13 so as to receive the filled container 100 from the filling unit 13.

[0100] In this context, the expression "A downstream of B" is used to indicate the position of element A relative to element B in the forward path of container 100 throughout the device 1.

[0101] The processing device 2 is positioned above the transmission star wheel 14, so that the processing chamber 6 is also positioned above the transmission star wheel 14.

[0102] In the preferred embodiment shown thereto, the outlet 3b of the box-shaped body 3 is positioned above the closure placement station 140, such that the sterilized ROPP screw cap 101 is delivered to the closure placement station 140 and placed on the opening 100a of the container 100.

[0103] As already explained, the inclination of compartment 5 or box-shaped body 3 refers to the inclination relative to the generally horizontal ground G, which is preferably the ground on which the filling unit 13 and ROPP capping unit 10 are based.

[0104] Since the ROPP screw cap 101 is sterilized online within the equipment 1, the embodiment with the processing device 2 is preferred.

[0105] In another embodiment (not shown), the processing device 2 is not present in the device 1, but the ROPP screw cap 101 is pre-sterilized by other means. For example, the ROPP screw cap 101 can be pre-sterilized outside the device 1 by radiation (especially gamma rays).

[0106] According to one embodiment, the closure placement station 140 is configured to place ROPP screw caps 101 onto the opening 100a of each container 100.

[0107] More preferably, the closure placement station 140 is configured to place and press the ROPP screw cap 101 onto the opening 100a of each container 100.

[0108] According to one embodiment of the invention, each ROPP screw cap 101 is dropped from above (e.g., from the handling device 2) onto the opening 100a of the container 100 via a guide. In the bottling field, this is referred to as "on the fly". Pressing the ROPP screw cap 101 onto the opening 100a is accomplished by the upper guide or by an inclined plane encountered by the container 100 during movement.

[0109] For example, the inclined plane is a fan-shaped lower plane positioned above the opening 100a of the container 100.

[0110] The concept of “dynamic” grasping is well-known, for example in non-aseptic capping machines, so it will not be elaborated upon here.

[0111] The actual application of the ROPP screw cap 101 to the corresponding container 100 is performed by the ROPP capping unit 10.

[0112] Specifically, the ROPP capping unit 10 includes a plurality of ROPP capping heads. Each ROPP capping head is configured to apply a ROPP screw cap 101 previously placed (preferably pressed) onto the opening 100a of the aluminum or glass container 100, thereby ultimately sealing the container 100. In particular, each ROPP capping head uses the threaded neck 100b of the container 100 as a base to create internal threads in the ROPP screw cap 101.

[0113] It must be pointed out that ROPP sealing is a mature technology for sealing glass containers and has also been used to seal aluminum containers in the past few years.

[0114] The device 1 further includes an air supply unit 15 for supplying sterile air to the filling unit 13 and the ROPP capping unit 10.

[0115] Preferably, the air supply device 15 is configured to supply sterile air to the filling unit 13 at a first pressure and to supply sterile air to the ROPP capping unit 10 at a second pressure, wherein the second pressure is lower than the first pressure.

[0116] Specifically, the first pressure is between 20 Pa and 50 Pa, and the second pressure is between 5 Pa and 30 Pa.

[0117] In this context, the pressure value should refer to the overpressure value, that is, it is a relative pressure value.

[0118] These different overpressure values ​​are used to prevent contaminants from traveling toward critical areas. In fact, the overpressure established in filling unit 13 (which is more critical) causes airflow toward ROPP capping unit 10 (which is less critical), thus limiting the travel of contaminants in the opposite direction (i.e. from ROPP capping unit 10 to filling unit 13).

[0119] The method for filling and sealing aluminum or glass containers according to the present invention is described below.

[0120] Preferably, the method is performed using the aforementioned device 1.

[0121] Before starting the method, all units and facilities within the contaminated controlled environment 12 (i.e., below the isolation element 11) are subjected to CIP-COP and SIP-SOP cycles.

[0122] Therefore, multiple nozzles are arranged within the contamination control environment 12 to reach all parts. In particular, dedicated nozzles are arranged to dispense cleaning and sterilizing agents toward the critical ROPP capping head.

[0123] After the CIP-COP and SIP-SOP cycles, the workflow begins with sterilizing container 100 in sterilization unit 16. Then, container 100 is rinsed in rinsing unit 17 by wet or dry cleaning.

[0124] The container 100 is then filled with the product in the filling unit 13, which is located inside a contamination-controlled and sterile environment 12.

[0125] The filled containers 100 are then discharged onto the transfer star wheel 14. Specifically, they arrive at the closure placement station 140.

[0126] At the sealing placement station 140, the filled container 100 "dynamically" receives the sterilized ROPP screw cap 101.

[0127] As mentioned, the ROPP screw caps 101 are preferably sterilized using the processing device 2, whereby they are discharged from the outlet 3b of the box-shaped body 3 to the sealing component placement station 140.

[0128] Alternatively, the ROPP screw cap 101 can be sterilized offline.

[0129] A ROPP screw cap 101 is placed (and preferably pressed) on the opening 100a of the container 100, and the container 100 continues to travel on the transfer star wheel 14, reaching the ROPP capping unit 10 along the forward path.

[0130] Here, the ROPP capping head applies the ROPP screw cap 101 to the container 100 by creating internal threads in the cap itself.

[0131] The characteristics of the aseptic equipment and methods for filling and sealing aluminum or glass containers have been clearly indicated in the provided description.

[0132] Arranging ROPP capping units within the isolation unit allows for the use of aseptic techniques to cap aluminum or glass containers.

[0133] Compared to traditional hot filling and distillation methods, this offers several advantages, such as:

[0134] -Reduces thermal stress on food, thus better preserving its sensory properties;

[0135] - Reduce energy consumption, thereby reducing environmental impact;

[0136] -Reduce complexity and human workload;

[0137] Cleaning, sterilization, and maintenance operations are faster and easier.

Claims

1. An aseptic apparatus (1) for filling and sealing aluminum or glass containers (100) having ROPP screw caps (101), said aseptic apparatus (1) comprising: - Filling unit (13), which is configured to inject product into container (100); - ROPP capping unit (10), the ROPP capping unit (10) is arranged downstream of the filling unit (13), the ROPP capping unit (10) is configured to apply the sterilized ROPP screw cap (101) onto the container (100); -Isolation element (11), which defines a contaminated controlled environment (12), wherein the filling unit (13) and the ROPP capping unit (10) are arranged inside the isolation element (11).

2. The aseptic device (1) according to claim 1, further comprising: -Transfer star wheel (14), the transfer star wheel (14) is arranged between the filling unit (13) and the ROPP capping unit (10), and the transfer star wheel (14) is positioned inside the separator (11); - A closure placement station (140) is arranged on the first zone of the transfer star wheel (14) and configured to place ROPP screw caps (101) onto the opening (100a) of each container (100); - A processing device (2) configured to sterilize the ROPP screw cap (101) as it moves linearly along a conveying path (7) inside the processing device (2), the processing device (2) being positioned above the closure placement station (140) such that the sterilized ROPP screw cap (101) is delivered to the closure placement station (140).

3. The aseptic device (1) according to claim 2, wherein, The closure placement station (140) is also configured to press the ROPP screw cap (101) onto the opening (100a) of the container (100).

4. The aseptic device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The processing device (2) includes: - Box-shaped main body (3); - Processing chamber (6), located inside the box-shaped body (3), the processing chamber (6) is used for the ROPP screw cap (101), and the conveying path (7) unfolds inside the processing chamber (6); - Compartment (5), the compartment (5) being located inside the box-shaped body (3) and defining the processing chamber (6); - Dispensing tube (8), which is configured to dispense sterilizing material inside the processing chamber (6).

5. The aseptic device (1) according to claim 4, wherein, The compartment (5) is inclined, such that the ROPP screw cap (101) moves along the conveying path (7) by gravity and / or by the force exerted by the sterilizing material.

6. The aseptic device (1) according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The box-shaped body (3) has an inlet (3a) for receiving the ROPP screw cap (101) to be processed and an outlet (3b) for delivering the processed ROPP screw cap (101) to the closure placement station (140).

7. The aseptic device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein, The box-shaped body (3) has a generally tubular shape, and the compartment (5) is composed of channels.

8. The aseptic device (1) according to any one of claims 4 to 7, wherein, The distribution tube (8) includes a plurality of nozzles (9) positioned close to the delivery path (7).

9. The aseptic device (1) according to claim 8, wherein, The nozzles (9) are distributed along the length of the distribution pipe (8) and are spaced at equal intervals.

10. The aseptic device (1) according to claim 2 or 3, wherein, The processing device (2) is configured to sterilize the ROPP screw cap (101) by radiation.

11. The aseptic device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 10, wherein, The transmission star wheel (14) has multiple cavities in the body (100c) for receiving the container (100).

12. The aseptic device (1) according to any one of claims 2 to 11, wherein, The ROPP capping unit (10) includes a plurality of ROPP capping heads, each of which is configured to apply the ROPP screw cap (101) to the container (100) by creating an internal thread in the ROPP screw cap (101) using the threaded neck (100b) of the container (100) as a base.

13. An aseptic method for filling and sealing an aluminum or glass container (100) with a ROPP screw cap (101) inside an isolation element (11) defining a contaminated controlled environment (12), the method comprising: - The ROPP screw cap (101) is sterilized; - Fill the container (100) with the product; - Apply the sterilized ROPP screw cap (101) to each filled container (100).

14. The method according to claim 13, wherein, Before applying the sterilized ROPP screw cap (101) to the corresponding filled container (100), the method further includes placing the sterilized ROPP screw cap (101) onto the opening (100a) of the filled container (100).

15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein, The ROPP screw cap (101) is sterilized by exposing it to a sterilizing substance or by radiation.

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