Container treatment plant and method for operating container treatment plant

Abstract

The invention relates in particular to a container handling apparatus (10) comprising a filling device (20) for filling containers with a filling material and a filling material supply device (16) connected to the filling device (20) for supplying the filling material to the filling device (20). The container treatment apparatus (10) further comprises a refrigeration circuit (22) for circulating a refrigerant, where the refrigeration circuit (22) comprises a compressor (24), a liquefier (26), a restrictor (28) and an evaporator (30). The container treatment apparatus (10) further comprises a heat exchanger (36) thermally coupling the refrigeration circuit (22) and the filling material supply (16) to each other for transferring waste heat from the refrigerant to the filling material.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a container handling apparatus and a method for operating the container handling apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] In container handling equipment, the so-called hot filling of liquid filler material is ideal in principle. Therefore, for example, it is advantageous to prevent the formation of condensate on the outside of the container after filling, and as a result, for example, the risk of labels falling off the container can be reduced.

[0003] In addition, in a plant or brewery with container handling equipment or a process step located upstream of the container handling equipment, at least one refrigeration consumer to be cooled during operation may be included.

[0004] For example, DE 10 2011 055147B4 discloses a method for supplying heat energy to a processing medium to be processed in a food processing plant. Heat energy is extracted from a cryogenic fluid flow using a heat pump. The heat pump transfers the extracted heat energy to the processing medium, either indirectly or directly.

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to provide an improved technology for hot-filling filling materials and for a cooling circuit for efficient operation of container handling equipment. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This objective is achieved through the features of the independent claims. Advantageous improvements are given in the dependent claims and the specification.

[0007] One aspect relates to a container handling apparatus comprising a (e.g., rotary) filling device for filling containers with a filling material (e.g., a beverage, such as beer or carbonated soft drink - CSD or still / carbonated water). The container handling apparatus has a filling material supply device (e.g., having a filling material line or filling material line system, with or without a temporary filling material storage) connected to the filling device for supplying the filling material to the filling device. The container handling apparatus also has a refrigeration circuit for circulating a refrigerant (e.g., ammonia), wherein the refrigeration circuit includes at least one compressor, a liquefier, a throttle, and an evaporator (and optionally other components for performing a thermodynamic cycle process). The container handling apparatus also has a heat exchanger that thermally couples the refrigeration circuit and the filling material supply device (e.g., directly or indirectly) to each other for transferring waste heat from the refrigerant to the filling material.

[0008] The term "refrigerant" can preferably be understood as any heat transfer medium.

[0009] Advantageously, the container handling apparatus allows the filling material to be advantageously heated before the filling device and / or the filling material to have a temperature which is advantageously ambient temperature, to reach the ambient temperature of the liquefaction process, which is otherwise available (heat release in the refrigeration circuit at the liquefier to a recooling circuit which is usually a cooling tower), so that the COP (English: coefficient of performance) of the refrigeration circuit or refrigeration apparatus can be significantly increased. The heat exchanger transfers the waste heat from the refrigeration circuit to the filling material. The filling material serves as a temperature sink for the refrigeration circuit. The increase in COP can be advantageously achieved by lowering the condensation temperature in the refrigeration circuit, for example from the conventional 30°C to 8°C using the proposed technology. For example, under otherwise identical boundary conditions (refrigerant ammonia (R717), evaporation temperature -6°C, superheat 10 K, subcooling 3 K, compressor efficiency 0.55), the COP can be increased from 3.5 (without heat exchanger) to 9.8 (with heat exchanger). The liquefaction here can take place at lower temperatures compared to liquefaction in a conventional cooling tower, requiring lower pressures, so, among other things, the savings described below are possible. For example, the cooling tower in the refrigeration circuit can advantageously be dispensed with and a constant efficiency is obtained throughout the year. Advantageously, there is no longer a need for evaporation and digestion in an open cooling tower, chemical dosage against biocidal membranes or water required for microbiological stability (e.g. Legionella, etc.). Advantageously, the component size of the components of the refrigeration circuit can be significantly reduced, so that the investment costs can also be reduced. The power consumption of the refrigeration circuit can advantageously be reduced by > 50% (reference example shown above; savings can deviate in both directions depending on the process parameters). CO2 emissions can also be advantageously reduced (lower electrical energy required) and, due to the lower installed capacity, cable cross-sections, connection powers to be maintained, area requirements for the supply of green electricity, etc. can be reduced and optimized.

[0010] In one embodiment, the heat exchanger can flow through the filling material on one side and through the refrigerant on the other side (e.g. co-current or counter-current). Thus, the waste heat can advantageously be transferred directly from the refrigerant to the filling material.

[0011] In another embodiment, the heat exchanger is a liquid-liquid heat exchanger for transferring waste heat from the liquid refrigerant to the liquid filling material. Thus, the waste heat can also advantageously be transferred directly from the refrigerant to the filling material.

[0012] Optionally, the heat exchanger may, for example, have a packing material flowing through it on one side and a heat carrier medium (e.g., directly or indirectly) thermally coupled to the refrigeration circuit or a refrigerant (e.g., water glycol) circulating therein (e.g., an intermediate circuit) flowing through it (e.g., co-current or counter-current). The heat exchanger may also thermally couple the packing material supply device and the intermediate circuit (e.g., directly or indirectly) thermally coupled to the refrigeration circuit to each other. Therefore, if contact between the refrigerant and the packing material is not permitted, for example, in the event of a heat exchanger leak, waste heat can advantageously be transferred indirectly from the refrigerant to the packing material.

[0013] In one embodiment, the container handling apparatus has at least one buffer storage, preferably a cold or hot buffer storage, which is (e.g., directly or indirectly) thermally and / or fluidly coupled to a heat exchanger and / or a refrigeration circuit. In this way, flexibility can be advantageously increased. Depending on the application, the main system for buffering can be advantageously defined. Therefore, the buffer storage can be advantageously and flexibly integrated into operation.

[0014] In another embodiment, the buffer storage (e.g., thermal and / or fluid) is connected to or may (e.g., selectively) connected to a heat exchanger for charging and storing cold energy from the filler material. Thus, the buffer storage can advantageously be cooled by the filler material via the heat exchanger and can operate, for example, as a cold buffer storage. For instance, the heat transfer medium in the buffer storage can be cooled to a temperature of, for example, ≥6°C, preferably ≥2°C.

[0015] In one implementation variation, a buffer storage unit (e.g., thermal and / or fluid) is connected to, or may be (e.g., selectively) connected to, a liquefier in a refrigeration circuit, preferably the refrigeration circuit, for charging and storing thermal energy from the refrigerant. Thus, the buffer storage unit can advantageously be charged and heated by the refrigerant and operate, for example, as a thermal buffer storage unit. For example, the heat transfer medium in the buffer storage unit can be heated to a temperature, for example, ≤35°C. Advantageously, the liquefier can directly liquefy the refrigerant into the buffer storage unit.

[0016] In another implementation variation, the liquefier of the refrigeration circuit is integrated into the heat exchanger. Therefore, a particularly simple structure can be advantageously achieved regarding the thermal coupling of the filling material supply device and the refrigeration circuit.

[0017] In one embodiment, the refrigeration circuit has an additional, preferably air-cooled (open), water-cooled (closed), or hybrid, liquefier, preferably for starting and / or shutting down the refrigeration circuit, or for example for capturing peak operation. The additional liquefier can advantageously serve as, for example, a backup solution or for safe and rapid start-up of the refrigeration circuit.

[0018] In another embodiment, the container handling apparatus has a preferably cooled or coolable (e.g., stationary) filler tank for storing filler material upstream of a heat exchanger. Optionally, a filler material supply device can connect the filler material tank and the filling device to each other for supplying filler material from the filler material tank to the filling device. Preferably, the filler material tank is configured to cool the filler material to a temperature below ambient temperature, preferably ≤12°C, ≤4°C, or ≤0°C. Thus, on the one hand, the filler material can be advantageously stored temporarily in a cold manner, and on the other hand, it subsequently provides a particularly effective temperature bath for the refrigeration circuit.

[0019] In another embodiment, the container handling equipment has a preferably heated or heatable filling material tank for storing the filling material downstream of a heat exchanger. Optionally, a filling material supply device can connect the filling material tank and the filling device to each other for supplying the filling material from the filling material tank to the filling device. Preferably, the filling material tank is configured to heat the filling material to a temperature below ambient temperature, preferably to a temperature ≥12°C, ≥4°C, or ≥0°C. Thus, on the one hand, the filling material can be advantageously stored temporarily in a thermal manner, and on the other hand, a particularly effective temperature bath is provided for the refrigeration circuit.

[0020] In one embodiment, a refrigeration circuit is thermally connected to a filler tank for cooling the filler material stored in the tank. Alternatively or additionally, the container handling apparatus may have, for example, another filler material line connected to the filler tank for supplying filler material to the tank, and a refrigeration circuit thermally coupled to that other filler material line for cooling the filler material supplied to the tank. Thus, particularly efficient operation of the container handling apparatus can be advantageously achieved because the energy required to cool the filler material can be recovered later when heating the filler material or cooling the refrigerant.

[0021] In another embodiment, the container handling equipment further includes at least one processing unit for processing, preferably filtering and / or fermenting and / or mixing, the filler material. The at least one processing unit may preferably be arranged upstream of the filler material (and, for example, upstream of the filler material tank). Preferably, a refrigeration circuit may be thermally coupled to the at least one processing unit and / or an (additional) filler material pipeline upstream of the at least one processing unit for cooling the filler material processed by the at least one processing unit and / or the filler material supplied to the at least one processing unit via the (additional) filler material pipeline. Therefore, the particularly efficient operation of the container handling equipment is also advantageous because the energy required to cool the filler material can be recovered later when heating the filler material or cooling the refrigerant.

[0022] In one implementation variation, the filler material supply device has a heating device (e.g., electrically operated, steam-operated, or hot water-operated), preferably a short-time heater. Preferably, the heating device can be arranged downstream of the heat exchanger (of the filler material) for (e.g., short-time) heating of the filler material (e.g., to essentially ambient temperature or higher, such as to about 30°C). Thus, for example, after heating in the heat exchanger, the desired hot filling temperature of the filler material remains necessary, and therefore the temperature rise can be advantageously achieved in a simple and particularly flexible manner.

[0023] In another embodiment, the refrigeration circuit is preferably thermally coupled to at least one refrigeration consumer via an evaporator for cooling the at least one refrigeration consumer. Optionally, the at least one refrigeration consumer may have at least one of the following:

[0024] - Storage room, preferably a hops storage room;

[0025] - A system used to cool the wort during the brewing process;

[0026] - A system used to remove fermentation heat during (e.g., primary) fermentation (e.g., beer);

[0027] - A system used to cool virgin beer before storage and maturation processes;

[0028] - A system for deeply cooling beer before filtration;

[0029] - A system for cooling pressure tanks;

[0030] - A system for cooling storage tanks;

[0031] - Systems for cooling hot products (e.g., filler materials (e.g., beer or carbonated soft drinks) or precursors of filler materials (e.g., syrup)) (e.g., as short-term heaters);

[0032] - A system for cooling products at the mixer;

[0033] - A system for cooling stretch blow molding equipment used in the manufacture of containers;

[0034] - Systems for cooling sterile water treatment;

[0035] - Systems used for cooling buildings;

[0036] -Ozone generator;

[0037] - Vacuum pump;

[0038] - A system for cooling fresh water used in container washing machines;

[0039] - A system used to provide cooling energy to the Pasteur machine;

[0040] - Systems used to compensate for cold demand during startup and / or shutdown; and

[0041] - Systems used for cooling process water (e.g., when ambient temperature is required).

[0042] Therefore, the technique proposed in this paper can be advantageously used in a variety of different applications to simultaneously improve the thermal fill and COP of the refrigeration circuit.

[0043] Container handling equipment can preferably be configured for tempering, manufacturing, cleaning, coating, testing, filling, sealing, pasteurizing, decorating, labeling, printing, engraving, laser engraving, and / or packaging containers for liquid or paste-like media, preferably beverages, liquid foods, or products from the pharmaceutical or healthcare industries. Container handling equipment can be, for example, beverage filling equipment.

[0044] For example, containers can be implemented as bottles, cans, tubes, cartons, glass bottles (flakon), pipes, etc.

[0045] On the other hand, a method for operating a container handling apparatus is disclosed herein, preferably as described herein, the container handling apparatus having a filling material supply device, a filling device, an (e.g., liquid-liquid) heat exchanger, and a refrigeration circuit, the refrigeration circuit including a compressor, a liquefier, a throttle valve, and an evaporator. The method includes:

[0046] - Supply (e.g., pre-cooled) filler material (e.g., beverage, such as beer or carbonated soft drink - CSD or still water / carbonated water) to the filling device by means of a filler material supply device;

[0047] - Heating the filler material in the filler material supply device (e.g., heating it to a temperature higher than the upstream process step, such as higher than the storage temperature of the filler material in the filler material tank upstream of the filler material and / or heating it to a temperature ≥10°C, ≥18°C, ≥Ambient temperature or ≥30°C) by means of heat transfer from the waste heat of the refrigerant from the refrigeration circuit; and - Filling the container with the heated filler material (e.g., at a temperature higher than the upstream process step, such as higher than the storage temperature of the filler material in the filler material tank upstream of the filler material and / or a temperature ≥10°C, ≥18°C, ≥Ambient temperature or ≥30°C) by means of the filling device.

[0048] Advantageously, this method can achieve the same advantages already explained with reference to container processing devices. This also applies to the preferred embodiments of the method described below.

[0049] It should be understood that the features disclosed herein with reference to the container processing device can also be disclosed and claimed individually or in any combination with the method. Similarly, all features disclosed herein with reference to the method can also be claimed individually or in any combination with the container processing device.

[0050] In one embodiment, the method further comprises at least one of the following steps:

[0051] - Cool the filler material before it is supplied to the filler tank, preferably by a refrigeration circuit;

[0052] - In order to heat the filling material, the heat exchanger flows through the filling material on one side and through a liquid refrigerant or a heat carrier medium thermally coupled with the refrigerant on the other side (e.g., co-current or counter-current);

[0053] - Utilizing waste heat from the refrigerant to heat the packing material results in a COP of ≥5, ≥6, ≥7, ≥8, or ≥9 (e.g., 9.8) for the refrigeration equipment; and

[0054] - Temporarily store the cold energy from the filling material and / or the heat energy from the refrigerant in at least one buffer memory of the container handling device.

[0055] In another embodiment, the method further includes at least one of the following:

[0056] - Before supply, the filler material is stored in a filler material tank that is preferably cooled (e.g. by means of a refrigeration circuit) in the container handling equipment, preferably below the ambient temperature, preferably at a temperature of ≤12°C or ≤4°C;

[0057] - After heating and before supplying, the filling material is stored in a preferably heated filling material tank of the container handling equipment, preferably at a temperature ≥12°C or ≥4°C or ≥0°C;

[0058] - The filler material is processed before being supplied to the container processing equipment by means of at least one processing device, preferably by filtering and / or fermenting and / or mixing the filler material, and optionally by means of a refrigeration circuit during and / or before processing;

[0059] - By means of a heating device (e.g., electrically operated, steam-operated, or hot water-operated) downstream of the heat exchanger (filling material), preferably a short-time heater, the filling material in the filling material supply device is additionally heated (e.g., to essentially ambient temperature or higher, e.g., to about 30°C); and

[0060] - By means of a refrigeration circuit, preferably by means of an evaporator in the refrigeration circuit, at least one of the refrigeration consumers (e.g., a storage chamber, preferably a hop storage chamber; a system for cooling wort during the brewing process; a system for removing fermentation heat during (e.g., primary) fermentation (e.g., beer); a system for cooling virgin beer before storage and maturation processes; a system for deep cooling beer before filtration; a system for cooling pressure tanks; a system for cooling storage tanks; a system for cooling heat-processed products (e.g., filler materials (e.g., beer or carbonated soft drinks)) or filler precursors (e.g., syrups)) (e.g., as a short-term heater); a system for cooling products at a mixer; a system for cooling a stretch blow molding apparatus for manufacturing containers; a system for cooling sterile water treatment; a system for cooling buildings; an ozone generator; a vacuum pump; a system for cooling fresh water for container washing machines; a system for providing cold energy to a pastoral machine; a system for compensating for cold demand during start-up and / or shutdown processes and / or a system for cooling process water (e.g., when required by ambient temperature).

[0061] The preferred embodiments and features of the present invention described above can be combined with each other as needed. Attached Figure Description

[0062] Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Wherein:

[0063] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a container processing device according to an embodiment is shown. Detailed Implementation

[0064] Figure 1 A container processing apparatus 10 is shown. In the container processing apparatus 10, containers can be filled with a filler material, preferably liquid or paste. Preferably, the filler material can also be treated in the container processing apparatus 10 (e.g., filtration, mixing, fermentation) before being filled into the container.

[0065] The container handling equipment 10 includes a filling material supply device 16, a filling device 20, a refrigeration circuit 22, and a heat exchanger 36. Preferably, the container handling equipment 10 may also include, for example, a filling material tank 12 and / or at least one (filling material) handling device 14.

[0066] The filler tank 12 is configured to store filler material. For example, the filler tank 12 is a stationary tank. For example, the filler tank 12 can store ≥100 liters, ≥250 liters, ≥500 liters, or ≥1000 liters of filler material. The filler tank 12 can be connected upstream of the heat exchanger 36.

[0067] The filling material container 12 is also preferably configured to store the filling material under cooling conditions. The filling material container 12 can cool the filling material to a temperature, for example, below ambient temperature, preferably ≤12°C or ≤4°C.

[0068] Preferably, the filling material tank 12 can be thermally coupled to a refrigeration circuit 22 for cooling the filling material stored in the filling material tank 12 by means of the refrigeration circuit 22. For example, the refrigeration circuit 22 can also be thermally coupled to a filling material pipeline connected to the filling material tank 12 for supplying filling material to the filling material tank 12. The refrigeration circuit 22 can cool the filling material supplied to the filling material tank 12 through the filling material pipeline.

[0069] The filling material tank 12 can be connected upstream of the heat exchanger 36. The filling material tank 12 can be connected to the filling device 20 via the filling material supply device 16. Filling material from the filling material tank 12 can be supplied to the filling device 20 via the filling material supply device 16. For example, the filling material supply device 16 can directly connect the filling material tank 12 and the filling device 20 to each other.

[0070] Additional or alternative filler material tanks for storing (heated) filler material can be connected downstream of heat exchanger 36 (not shown). These filler material tanks can preferably be heated and are otherwise preferably designed as described for filler material tank 12.

[0071] At least one (filler material) processing device 14 can process the filler material. For example, the filler material can be filtered or mixed by at least one processing device 14. The filler material can also be fermented in at least one processing device 14.

[0072] Preferably, at least one processing device 14 is arranged upstream of the filling device 20. The filling material processed by the at least one processing device 14 can be supplied to the filling device 20 via the filling material supply device 16. Preferably, at least one processing device 14 can be arranged upstream of the filling material tank 12. The filling material processed by the at least one processing device 14 can be (temporarily) stored in the filling material tank 12 before being supplied to the filling device 20, for example, via the filling material supply device 16.

[0073] The filler material can be processed by means of at least one processing device 14, preferably before it is supplied to the filling device 20 by means of the filler material supply device 16. Optionally, the filler material can be cooled before and / or during processing.

[0074] Preferably, at least one processing device 14 may be thermally coupled to a cooling circuit 22 for cooling the filler material before, during, and / or after processing. For example, the cooling circuit 22 may also be thermally coupled to a filler material line connected to at least one processing device 14 for supplying filler material to at least one processing device 14. The cooling circuit 22 can cool the filler material supplied to at least one processing device 14 through the filler material line, which is necessary, for example, for subsequent processing.

[0075] The filler material supply device 16 may also be referred to as a filler material supply system. The filler material supply device 16 is connected to the filling device 20 and is used to supply filler material to the filling device 20. The filler material supply device 16 preferably begins at the filler material tank 12. The filler material supply device 16 preferably terminates at or within the filling device 20.

[0076] The filler material supply device 16 may have, for example, a pipeline system through which filler material can be supplied from filler material tank 12 to filling device 20. The filler material supply device 16 may have further components, as exemplarily described below.

[0077] The filler material supply device 16 may have at least one temporary storage for temporarily storing filler material, for example, upstream, downstream and / or downstream of the heat exchanger 36.

[0078] Alternatively or additionally, the filler material supply device 16 may have, for example, a heating device 18. The heating device 18 may be, for example, an electrically operated, steam-operated, or hot water-operated heating device. The heating device 18 is preferably a so-called short-time heater. The heating device 18 is preferably arranged downstream of the heat exchanger 36 for heating the filler material. For example, the heating device 18 may be arranged between the heat exchanger 36 and the filler device 20.

[0079] The heating device 18 can additionally heat the downstream fill material of the heat exchanger 36 to, for example, essentially ambient temperature or higher, such as about 30°C.

[0080] The filling device 20 is configured to fill containers with a filling material, preferably a liquid or paste-like filling material. The filling device 20 may have multiple filling stations for simultaneously or overlappingly filling multiple containers. The filling device 20 is preferably designed as a rotary filling device. For example, the filling stations may be arranged circumferentially around the filling turntable of the rotary filling device.

[0081] Specifically, the filling device 20 can fill the container with heated filling material. Prior to filling, the filling material is heated by means of a heat exchanger 36. Optionally, prior to filling, the filling material is further heated by means of an optional heating device 18.

[0082] Refrigeration circuit 22 in Figure 1 The diagram is shown purely schematically. A refrigerant, such as ammonia or any other suitable refrigerant, can circulate in the refrigeration circuit 22. The refrigeration circuit 22 is preferably configured to perform a so-called (“left-handed”) Carnot circuit process.

[0083] The refrigeration circuit 22 includes a compressor 24, a liquefier (condenser) 26, a throttle valve 28, and an evaporator 30.

[0084] In compressor 24, gaseous refrigerant can be compressed from a low-pressure level to a high-pressure level.

[0085] In liquefaction 26, gaseous refrigerant can be liquefied at a high pressure level. Waste heat can be released during liquefaction. Liquefaction 26 can be, for example, air-cooled, or assisted by at least one fan. Optionally, liquefaction 26 can transfer the waste heat of the refrigerant to, for example, a liquid, such as a packing material, for condensation. For example, liquefaction 26 can be directly integrated into heat exchanger 36.

[0086] In the throttle valve 28, the liquid refrigerant can expand from a high-pressure level to a low-pressure level, for example, in the expansion valve.

[0087] In evaporator 30, liquid refrigerant can evaporate at a low pressure level. Waste heat can be absorbed and used for evaporation (= cooling capacity).

[0088] The refrigeration circuit 22 is configured to cool at least one refrigeration consumer 32. For example, at least one refrigeration consumer 32 may be directly or indirectly thermally coupled to the evaporator 30. Preferably, the evaporator 30 may utilize heat from at least one refrigeration consumer 32 to evaporate the refrigerant.

[0089] At least one refrigeration consumer 32 may have, for example, a storage chamber, preferably a hop storage chamber, a system for cooling wort during the brewing process, a system for removing fermentation heat during (e.g., primary) fermentation (e.g., beer), a system for cooling virgin beer before storage and maturation processes, a system for deep cooling beer before filtration, a system for cooling pressure tanks, a system for cooling storage tanks, a system for cooling hot product handling, a system for cooling products at the mixer, a system for cooling stretch blow molding equipment for manufacturing containers, a system for cooling sterile water treatment, a system for cooling buildings, an ozone generator, a vacuum pump, a system for cooling fresh water for container washing machines, a system for providing cooling energy to the Pasteur machine, a system for compensating for cooling demand during start-up and / or shutdown processes, and / or a system for cooling process water.

[0090] At least one refrigeration consumer 32 may include at least one processing device 14 and / or a filler material tank 12. In other words, the filler material tank 12 and / or at least one processing device 14 may be thermally connected to a refrigeration circuit 22 for cooling the filler material. Preferably, the evaporator 30 may utilize the heat from the filler material to evaporate the refrigerant.

[0091] It is conceivable that the cooling side of the cooling circuit 22 includes a cold buffer memory. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image). The cold buffer may be thermally coupled to, or may be thermally (e.g., selectively) coupled to at least one cooling consumer 32 to receive heat from at least one cooling consumer 32.

[0092] Optionally, the cooling circuit 22 may include a buffer memory 34.

[0093] The heat transfer medium for storing the cold energy of the filling material or the heat energy of the refrigerant may be included in the buffer storage 34. For example, refrigerant may be supplied to the buffer storage 34 and charged with heat energy, for example, at a temperature ≤35°C, for example, controlled by a control device. For example, the buffer storage 34 may be charged via an intermediate circuit or directly with cold energy from the filling material, for example, charged to a temperature ≥6°C or ≥2°C, for example, controlled by a control device.

[0094] Buffer reservoir 34 may be connected, for example, to liquefy refrigerant 26 for receiving liquefied refrigerant from liquefied refrigerant 26. Liquefied refrigerant 26 may preferably liquefy refrigerant directly into buffer reservoir 34. Buffer reservoir 34 may be connected, for example, to throttle valve 28 for supplying liquid refrigerant from buffer reservoir 34 to throttle valve 28.

[0095] Refrigerant can be supplied via a selectively switchable bypass ( Figure 1(Not shown in the image) Bypass buffer 34. The refrigerant can, for example, flow directly from liquefier 26 to throttle 28 via a bypass.

[0096] It can also be achieved by means of (for example, another) selectively switchable bypass ( Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) Bypassing the buffer storage 34. The refrigerant can flow directly from the liquefier 26 to the heat exchanger 36 via a bypass.

[0097] Similarly, it is possible that the refrigerant can be supplied via (e.g., an additional) selectively switchable bypass. Figure 1 (Not shown in the image) Bypassing the buffer storage 34. The refrigerant can flow directly from the heat exchanger 36 to the throttle 28 via a bypass.

[0098] Heat exchanger 36 thermally couples refrigeration circuit 22 and filling material supply device 16 to each other to transfer waste heat from refrigerant to filling material.

[0099] With the aid of heat exchanger 36, the packing material in the packing material supply device 16 can be heated from the waste heat of the refrigerant in the refrigeration circuit 22. For example, the packing material can be heated to a temperature higher than that of the upstream unit, such as the storage temperature in the packing material tank 12. For example, the packing material can be heated to a temperature ≥10°C, ≥18°C, ≥ambient temperature, or ≥30°C.

[0100] Preferably, the heat exchanger 36 can directly thermally couple the refrigeration circuit 22 and the filling material supply device 16 to each other. For example, the heat exchanger 36 can be through which filling material flows on one side and liquid refrigerant flows on the other. The heat exchanger 36 can separate the filling material flow and the refrigerant flow from each other. The heat exchanger 36 can preferably be a liquid-liquid heat exchanger for transferring waste heat from the liquid refrigerant to the liquid filling material.

[0101] Alternatively, the heat exchanger 36 may, for example, thermally couple the filling material supply device 16 and the intermediate circuit thermally coupled to the refrigeration circuit 22 to each other.

[0102] Preferably, the heat exchanger 36 may be arranged upstream of the filling device 20 relative to the filling material flow. The heat exchanger 36 is preferably arranged upstream of the heating device 18 and / or downstream of the filling material tank 12 and / or at least one processing device 14 relative to the filling material flow.

[0103] The heat exchanger 36 may preferably be arranged downstream of the liquefier 26 and / or upstream of the throttle 28, relative to the refrigerant flow. The heat exchanger 36 may be connected to the buffer reservoir 34, or may (e.g., selectively) be connected to supplying liquid refrigerant from the buffer reservoir 34 to the heat exchanger 36. Alternatively or additionally, the heat exchanger 36 may be connected to the buffer reservoir 34, or may (e.g., selectively) be connected to supplying liquid refrigerant from the heat exchanger 36 to the buffer reservoir 34 (after the refrigerant has flowed through the heat exchanger 36).

[0104] As previously mentioned, the liquefier 26 can also be directly integrated into the heat exchanger 36. For example, in this case (or in any other embodiment), the refrigeration circuit 22 may include an additional liquefier 38 for liquefying the refrigerant, for example, for starting and stopping the refrigeration circuit 22 or as a backup for the liquefier 26. For example, during normal operation, the additional liquefier 38 can be bypassed by the refrigerant. The additional liquefier 38 can be, for example, air-cooled, such as assisted by at least one fan. For example, the additional liquefier 38 can be designed as a so-called cooling tower, such as one that is open or closed.

[0105] The heat exchanger 36 can be, for example, a plate heat exchanger, a tubular heat exchanger, a tube bundle heat exchanger, a jacketed heat exchanger, or any combination thereof.

[0106] This invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Instead, numerous variations and modifications are possible, which also utilize the concepts of this invention and thus fall within the scope of protection. In particular, this invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of dependent claims independent of the cited claims. Specifically, the various features of independent claim 1 are disclosed independently of each other. Furthermore, features of dependent claims independent of all features of independent claim 1 are disclosed, and for example, features concerning the presence and / or configuration of the filling device, the filling material supply device, the refrigeration circuit, and / or the heat exchanger independent of independent claim 1. All scope descriptions provided herein should be understood as disclosed, i.e., all values ​​falling within the corresponding scope appear to be individually disclosed, for example, preferably also as the narrower outer boundary of the corresponding scope.

[0107] List of reference numerals

[0108] 10 Container handling equipment

[0109] 12 Filling Material Tanks

[0110] 14 Processing device

[0111] 16 Filler Material Supply Device

[0112] 18 Heating equipment

[0113] 20 Filling device

[0114] 22 Refrigeration circuit

[0115] 24 Compressor

[0116] 26 Liquefaction Unit

[0117] 28 Throttling device

[0118] 30 Evaporator

[0119] 32 Refrigeration Consumer

[0120] 34 Buffer memory

[0121] 36 Heat Exchanger

[0122] 38. Additional liquefier.

Claims

1. A container treatment plant (10) having: a filling device (20) for filling a container with a filling material; a filling material supply device (16) connected to the filling device (20) for supplying the filling material to the filling device (20); A refrigeration circuit (22) for circulating a refrigerant, wherein the refrigeration circuit (22) comprising a compressor (24), a liquefier (26), a throttling device (28) and an evaporator (30); and a heat exchanger (36) thermally coupling the refrigeration circuit (22) and the filling material supply device (16) to each other for transferring waste heat from the refrigerant to the filling material.

2. The container treatment plant (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the following is met: the heat exchanger (36) is flowable through the filling material on one side and through the refrigerant on the other side; and the heat exchanger (36) is a liquid-liquid heat exchanger for transferring waste heat from the liquid refrigerant to the liquid filling material.

3. The container treatment plant (10) according to claim 1, wherein at least one of the following is met: the heat exchanger (36) is flowable through the filling material on one side and through a heat carrier medium thermally coupled to the refrigeration circuit (22) on the other side; and the heat exchanger (36) thermally couples the filling material supply device (16) and an intermediate circuit thermally coupled to the refrigeration circuit (22) to each other.

4. The container treatment apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein The container treatment plant (10) further comprises: a buffer storage (34), preferably a cold or hot buffer storage, thermally and / or fluidly coupled to the heat exchanger (36) and / or the refrigeration circuit (22).

5. The container treatment plant (10) according to claim 4, wherein the buffer storage (34) is connected or connectable to the heat exchanger (36) for charging and storing cold energy from the filling material.

6. The container treatment plant (10) according to claim 4 or claim 5, wherein the buffer storage (34) is connected or connectable to the refrigeration circuit (22), preferably the liquefier (26) of the refrigeration circuit (22), for charging and storing thermal energy from the refrigerant.

7. The container treatment plant (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the liquefier (26) of the refrigeration circuit (22) is integrated in the heat exchanger (36), and, optionally, the refrigeration circuit (22) has an additional, preferably air-cooled or water-cooled or hybrid liquefier (38), preferably for starting and / or shutting down the refrigeration circuit (22).

8. The container treatment plant (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one of: Preferably, a cooling or coolable filler material tank (12) is provided for storing the filler material upstream of the heat exchanger (36), wherein the filling material supply device (16) connects the filling material tank (12) and the filling device (20) to each other for supplying the filling material from the filling material tank (12) to the filling device (20); and and Preferably, a heated or heatable filling material tank for storing the filling material downstream of the heat exchanger (36) is provided, wherein the filling material supply device (16) connects the filling material tank (12) and the filling device (20) to each other for supplying the filling material from the filling material tank (12) to the filling device (20).

9. The container treatment apparatus (10) according to claim 8, wherein At least one of the following is fulfilled: the refrigeration circuit (22) is thermally connected to the filling material tank (12) for cooling the filling material stored in the filling material tank (12); and the container treatment apparatus (10) has a filling material line connected to the filling material tank (12) for supplying the filling material to the filling material tank (12), and the refrigeration circuit (22) is thermally coupled to the filling material line for cooling the filling material supplied to the filling material tank (12).

10. The container treatment apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising: at least one processing device (14) for processing, preferably filtering and / or fermenting and / or mixing the filling material, wherein the at least one treatment device (14) is arranged upstream of the filling device (20), wherein: the refrigeration circuit (22) is thermally coupled to the at least one treatment device (14) and / or a filling material line upstream of the at least one treatment device (14) for cooling the filling material treated by the at least one treatment device (14) and / or the filling material supplied to the at least one treatment device (14) by the filling material line.

11. The container treatment apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the filling material supply device (16) has a heating apparatus (18), preferably a short-time heater, wherein the heating apparatus (18) is arranged downstream of the heat exchanger (36) for heating the filling material.

12. The container treatment apparatus (10) according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the refrigeration circuit (22) is thermally coupled to at least one refrigeration consumer (32), preferably via the evaporator (30), for cooling the at least one refrigeration consumer (32); and the at least one refrigeration consumer (32) has at least one of: a storage room, preferably a hop storage room; a system for cooling wort for a brewing process; a system for discharging fermentation heat during fermentation; a system for cooling green beer before storage and maturation processes; a system for deep cooling beer before filtration; a system for cooling pressure tanks; a system for cooling storage tanks; a system for cooling hot product treatment; a system for cooling products at a mixer; a system for cooling a stretch blow molding device for manufacturing the containers; a system for cooling sterile water treatment; a system for cooling a building; an ozone generator; a vacuum pump; a system for cooling fresh water for a container washing machine; a system for providing cold energy to a pasteurizer; a system for compensating for cold demand during start-up and / or shut-down processes; and a system for cooling process water.

13. A method for operating a container treatment apparatus (10), preferably according to any one of the preceding claims, having a filling material supply device (16), a filling device (20), a heat exchanger (36) and a refrigeration circuit (22) comprising a compressor (24), a liquefier (26), a throttling device (28) and an evaporator (30), wherein, The method comprises: supplying filling material to the filling device (20) by means of the filling material supply (16); heating the filling material in the filling material supply (16) by means of heat transfer from waste heat of the refrigerant of the refrigeration circuit (22); and filling a container with heated filling material by means of the filling device (20).

14. The method of claim 13, wherein, The method further comprises at least one of: cooling the filling material before being supplied to the filling material tank (12), preferably by the refrigeration circuit (22); for heating the filling material, the heat exchanger (36) flows through the filling material on the one hand and through a preferably liquid refrigerant or a heat carrier medium thermally coupled to the refrigerant on the other hand; heating the filling material with waste heat of the refrigerant results in a COP of the refrigeration appliance ≥ 5, ≥ 6, ≥ 7, ≥ 8 or ≥ 9; and temporarily storing the cold energy from the filling material and / or the thermal energy from the refrigerant in at least one buffer storage (34) of the container handling appliance (10).

15. The method of claim 13 or claim 14, wherein, The method further comprises at least one of: storing the filling material before being supplied in a preferably cooled filling material tank (12) of the container handling appliance (10), preferably below ambient temperature, preferably at a temperature of ≤ 12°C or ≤ 4°C or ≤ 0°C; storing the filling material after being heated and before being supplied in a preferably heated filling material tank of the container handling appliance (10), preferably at a temperature of ≥ 12°C or ≥ 4°C or ≥ 0°C; processing, preferably filtering and / or fermenting and / or mixing, the filling material before being supplied to the container handling appliance (10) by means of at least one processing device (14), and cooling the filling material during and / or before processing by means of the refrigeration circuit (22); extra heating the filling material in the filling material supply (16) by means of a heating appliance (18) downstream of the heat exchanger (36), preferably a short-time heater; and cooling at least one of the refrigeration consumers (32) by means of the refrigeration circuit (22), preferably by means of the evaporator (30) of the refrigeration circuit (22).

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