A sterilization gas conditioning device and a packaging machine having a sterilization gas conditioning device for forming packages filled with pourable products.

Abstract

A sterilization gas conditioning device (20) is described, comprising: a flow circuit (21) having an inlet opening (22) and an outlet opening (23), the inlet opening (22) being configured to receive gas exiting from an internal environment (5); a cleaning device (24) configured to remove particulate matter and / or chemical compounds from the gas; a suction device (25) configured to generate a suction force for guiding at least the gas through the inlet opening (22) and into the flow circuit (21); and at least one separation device (26) configured to separate a liquid phase from the gas. The at least one separation device (26) includes a collection section (27) for collecting the liquid phase. The sterilization gas conditioning device (20) includes at least one piping assembly (30) that fluidly connects the connecting portion (27) to the air inlet (31) of the flow loop (21), thereby forming a closed recirculation loop (32) between a portion of the flow loop (21) and the collection portion (27).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a sterilization gas conditioning device for a packaging machine used to form packaging for pourable products (preferably pourable food).

[0002] The present invention also relates to a packaging machine for forming packages filled with pourable products (preferably pourable food), the packaging machine having a sterilization gas conditioning device. Background Technology

[0003] As is well known, many liquid or pourable foods (such as fruit juice, UHT (ultra-high temperature) milk, wine, ketchup, etc.) are sold in packaging made of sterilized packaging materials.

[0004] A typical example is a parallelepiped-shaped package for liquids or pourable foods, known as TetraBrik Aseptic (registered trademark), which is made by sealing and folding laminated strip-shaped packaging material. This packaging material has a multi-layered structure, including a base layer (e.g., paper) covered on both sides by heat-sealable plastic material layers (e.g., polyethylene). For sterilized packaging of products intended for long-term storage (e.g., UHT milk), the packaging material also includes an oxygen barrier layer (oxygen barrier layer, such as aluminum foil) stacked on top of the heat-sealable plastic material layers and covered by another heat-sealable plastic material layer, forming the inner surface of the package that ultimately contacts the food.

[0005] This type of sorting and packaging is typically produced on fully automated packaging machines. The machines advance rolls of packaging material through a sterilization unit for sterilization at the sterilization station, and then into an isolation chamber (with a sterilization internal environment). In the isolation chamber, the sterilized rolls of packaging material are held and advanced. During the advancement of the rolls through the isolation chamber, they are longitudinally folded and sealed at a tube-forming station to form a tube with a longitudinal seam, which is then further fed in the vertical direction of advancement.

[0006] To complete the forming operation, the tube is filled with a pourable product (especially a pourable food), and the tube is laterally sealed during advancement in the vertical direction and then cut along equidistant transverse cross sections within the packaging forming apparatus of the packaging machine.

[0007] This results in pillow-shaped packaging, each pillow-shaped packaging having a longitudinal sealing strip, a top transverse sealing strip, and a bottom transverse sealing strip.

[0008] A typical packaging machine includes: a conveying device for advancing a roll of packaging material along a roll advance path and forming a tube from the roll of packaging material along a tube advance path; a sterilization device for sterilizing the roll of packaging material before it forms a tube; a tube forming and sealing device, at least partially arranged in an isolation chamber and configured to form a tube from the advanced roll of packaging material and to longitudinally seal the tube; a filling device for filling the tube with a pourable product; and a packaging forming device adapted to form, laterally seal, and cut the tube of packaging material into individual packages.

[0009] Typical packaging machines also include a sterilizing gas conditioning device for supplying sterilizing gases (particularly sterilizing air) to the internal environment. The sterilizing gas conditioning device, together with the internal environment, defines and may define a closed circuit with the internal space of the sterilization apparatus. This ensures that the sterilizing gas flows from the internal environment into the internal space, then into the sterilizing gas conditioning device, and returns to the internal environment.

[0010] Specifically, the sterilizing gas conditioning device is configured to ensure the sterility required for the sterilizing gas.

[0011] To ensure the sterility of the air supplied to the internal environment, the sterilizing gas conditioning device includes: an inlet opening for receiving air; a cleaning device for removing particles and / or chemical compounds from the air; a suction device for generating suction force; a separator for separating a liquid phase from the air and having an outlet for discharging the liquid phase; and a sterilization device for sterilizing the air. In at least some solutions, the suction device receives water during use to create a liquid ring seal.

[0012] Even though known packaging machines and / or sterilization gas conditioning devices are working well, there is still an urgent need in the industry for further improvements to known packaging machines and / or sterilization gas conditioning devices. Summary of the Invention

[0013] Therefore, the object of the present invention is to provide an improved sterilization gas conditioning device for a packaging machine for forming packages filled with pourable products (preferably pourable food).

[0014] Advantageously, another object of the present invention is to provide an improved packaging machine for forming packages filled with pourable products (preferably pourable food), said packaging machine having a sterilizing gas conditioning device.

[0015] According to the present invention, a sterilization gas conditioning device as described in claim 1 is provided.

[0016] The preferred non-limiting embodiment of the sterilization gas conditioning device claimed in the claims is directly and indirectly dependent on claim 1.

[0017] In addition, according to the present invention, a packaging machine according to any one of claims 12 to 15 is provided. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Non-limiting embodiments of the invention will be described by way of example with reference to the accompanying drawings, wherein: Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of a packaging machine according to the present invention, with some parts removed for clarity; and Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A detailed schematic diagram of the packaging machine, with some parts removed for clarity. Detailed Implementation

[0019] The number 1 generally refers to a packaging machine used for producing packaging (preferably sealed packaging) of pourable foods (especially such pourable foods as milk, milk drinks, yogurt, yogurt drinks, juice, wine, ketchup, emulsions, beverages containing pulp, salt, sugar, etc.).

[0020] The packaging machine 1 can be configured to form packages from tubes 2 obtained from packaging material rolls 3. Preferably, in use, the tubes 2 extend along a longitudinal axis, and more preferably have a vertical orientation.

[0021] The packaging material forming the roll 3 can have a multi-layer structure, and preferably has heat-sealing properties (i.e., portions of the multi-layer packaging material can be sealed to each other).

[0022] More specifically, the multilayer packaging material may include at least one layer of fibrous material (e.g., paper or cardboard) and at least two heat-sealable plastic material layers (e.g., polyethylene) interposed between the fibrous material layers. Preferably, one of the two heat-sealable plastic material layers may define the inner surface of the packaging that comes into contact with the pourable product.

[0023] In addition, multilayer packaging materials may also include gas barrier and light barrier material layers (such as aluminum foil or ethylene-vinyl alcohol (EVOH) film), which are preferably arranged between one of the heat-sealable plastic material layers and the fiber material layer.

[0024] Preferably, the packaging material may also include an additional heat-sealable plastic material layer inserted between the gas barrier material layer and the fiber material layer.

[0025] Special reference Figure 1 The packaging machine 1 may include an isolation chamber 4 having an internal environment 5 (e.g., containing sterilizing gas, more specifically sterilizing air).

[0026] More specifically, isolation room 4 separates the internal environment 5 from the external environment 6.

[0027] In particular, isolation chamber 4 allows for the packaging of dumpable products under sterilization (sterilization) conditions.

[0028] Furthermore, the packaging machine 1 may include a sterilization device 7 (shown only partially) for sterilizing the packaging material (more specifically, the roll material). More specifically, the sterilization device 7 may be configured to sterilize the packaging material (more specifically, the roll material 3).

[0029] More specifically, the sterilization device 7 may include an internal space 8 in which packaging materials (more specifically, rolls 3) are sterilized during use.

[0030] According to some possible implementations, the sterilization device 7 may include a sterilization unit arranged within the internal space 8, the sterilization unit being configured to sterilize the packaging material.

[0031] For example, the sterilization unit can be configured to sterilize packaging materials by means of chemical sterilization (such as by means of hydrogen peroxide).

[0032] Alternatively or additionally, the sterilization unit may be configured to sterilize the packaging materials by physical sterilization (such as electron beam sterilization).

[0033] Additionally, the interior space 8 and the interior environment 5 can be fluidly connected to each other.

[0034] Furthermore, during use, the packaging material (more specifically, the roll 3) can pass through the internal space 8 and enter the internal environment 5 from the internal space 8 (in other words, the packaging material (more specifically, the roll 3) is first sterilized and then introduced into the internal environment 5).

[0035] More specifically, the packaging machine 1 may include a conveying device configured to advance the roll 3 along a roll advance path, more specifically from a conveying station to a tube forming station, in which the roll 3 is formed into a tube 2 during use. The conveying device may also be configured to advance the tube 2 along the tube advance path Q.

[0036] The packaging machine 1 may include tube forming and sealing equipment, which is at least partially arranged within the internal environment 5 and configured to form tubes 2, more specifically, folded from rolls 3 into tubes 2 and longitudinally sealed. The tube forming and sealing equipment is preferably arranged at a tube forming station.

[0037] More specifically, the tube forming and sealing device may be arranged at least partially within the isolation chamber 4, more specifically within the internal environment 5, and may be configured to form and longitudinally seal the tube 2 within the isolation chamber 4 (more specifically the internal environment 5).

[0038] More specifically, the tube forming and sealing device can be configured to gradually fold the roll 3 into a tube 2 by overlapping the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge of the roll 3 to form a longitudinal seam portion of the tube 2. Preferably, the tube forming and sealing device can be configured to longitudinally seal the longitudinal seam portion.

[0039] More specifically, the conveying device can be configured to advance tube 2 and any intermediate of tube 2 along the tube advance path Q. Even more specifically, the term "intermediate of tube 2" refers to any configuration of roll 3 before obtaining the tube structure and after the tube forming and sealing device has begun folding roll 3. In other words, the intermediate of tube 2 is the result of gradually folding roll 3 (preferably by overlapping the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge of roll 3 with each other) to obtain tube 2.

[0040] Additionally, the packaging machine 1 may include a filling device 13 configured to fill the pourable product tube 2.

[0041] Special Reference Figure 1 The filling device 13 may include a filling conduit 14 and / or be configured to establish a fluid connection with a pourable product storage tank suitable for storing / providing pourable products to be packaged.

[0042] More specifically, the filling pipe 14 can be configured to guide the pourable product into the pipe 2 during use. Preferably, the filling pipe 14 can be configured to be at least partially placed inside the pipe 2 during use for supplying the pourable product into the pipe 2.

[0043] The packaging machine 1 may also include a packaging forming device 15 configured to manipulate, more specifically at least partially form and / or laterally seal and / or laterally cut the tube 2 to obtain packaging from the tube 2.

[0044] More specifically, the packaging forming apparatus 15 can be arranged downstream of the isolation chamber 4 along the pipe advance path Q.

[0045] refer to Figure 1 The packaging forming apparatus 15 may include a plurality of operating components 16 (only one is shown in part) and a plurality of mating operating components 17 (only one is shown in part), the operating components 16 and the mating operating components 17 being configured to cooperate with another tube 2 to manipulate to form a package, more specifically to at least partially shape and / or laterally seal and / or laterally cut the tube 2 to form a package.

[0046] Special Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2The packaging machine 1 also includes a sterilization gas regulating device 20, which is configured to regulate the gas to be used in the packaging machine 1, more specifically, air, and more specifically, to be introduced into the internal environment 5.

[0047] More specifically, the sterilization gas conditioning device 20 can be configured to process gas to obtain sterilization gas (which can be introduced into the internal environment 5 and corresponds to a defined hygiene standard, i.e., meets the defined hygiene requirements).

[0048] More specifically, the sterilization gas conditioning device 20 can be configured to generate sterilization gas, more specifically, sterilization air, which will be used in the packaging machine 1 and introduced into the internal environment 5.

[0049] According to some non-limiting embodiments, at least a portion of the sterilization gas conditioning device 20 may define, together with a portion of the packaging machine 1 (more specifically, together with the internal environment 5 and the internal space 8), a closed gas flow loop.

[0050] Advantageously, the gas regulated by the sterilization regulating device 20 can be injected into the internal environment 5 at one or more injection stations.

[0051] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the packaging machine 1 may include a control unit configured to control a first pressure within the internal environment 5 to be greater than the ambient pressure and greater than a second pressure within the internal space 8. Additionally, the second pressure may also be higher than the ambient pressure.

[0052] Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sterilization gas conditioning device 20 includes: The flow loop 21 has an inlet opening 22 and an outlet opening 23, the inlet opening 22 being configured to be fluidly connected to the interior environment 5 and to receive gas (more specifically air) exiting the interior environment 5, the outlet opening 23 being fluidly connected to and / or controllably fluidly connected to the inlet opening 22, and the outlet opening 23 being configured to be fluidly connected to the interior environment 5 and to allow gas (more specifically air) to be supplied back into the interior environment 5; Cleaning equipment 24 is configured to remove particulate matter and / or chemical compounds from a gas (more specifically, air); A suction device 25 is configured to generate a suction force for at least directing gas (more specifically air) through the inlet opening 22 and into the flow circuit 21; and One or more separation devices 26 are configured to separate a liquid phase (i.e., water) from a gas (more specifically, air (air entering the separation device 26)).

[0053] In addition, at least corresponding parts of the cleaning device 24, the suction device 25 and the separation device 26 can be integrated into the flow loop 21.

[0054] Furthermore, corresponding parts of the cleaning device 24, the suction device 25, and the separation device 26 can be fluidly inserted between the inlet opening 22 and the outlet opening 23.

[0055] More specifically, the cleaning device 24 can be arranged downstream of the inlet opening 22, the suction device 25 can be arranged downstream of the cleaning device 24, each separation device 26 can be arranged downstream of the suction device 25, and the outlet opening 23 can be arranged downstream of each separation device 26.

[0056] For example, cleaning device 24 can be fluidly inserted between inlet opening 22 and suction device 25.

[0057] For example, suction device 25 can be fluidly inserted between cleaning device 24 and one or more separation devices 26.

[0058] For example, one or more separation devices 26 may be fluidly inserted between the suction device 25 and the outlet opening 23.

[0059] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 Each separation device 26 may include a collection section 27 for collecting liquid phase and an outlet orifice configured to allow at least a portion of the liquid phase collected in the respective collection section 27 to flow out during use.

[0060] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, the sterilization gas conditioning device 20 (e.g., flow loop 21) may include an injection unit 29 configured to inject liquid (e.g., water) into the cleaning device 24.

[0061] In this case, the separation device 26 can allow at least a partial reduction in the liquid phase in the gas generated by the operation of the injection unit 29.

[0062] Back to Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sterilization gas conditioning device 20 also includes one or more tubing arrangements 30, each tubing arrangement 30 fluidly connecting a corresponding outlet port of each separation device 26 to a corresponding inlet opening 31 of the flow loop 21, thereby creating a corresponding closed recirculation loop 32 between at least a portion of the flow loop 21 and a corresponding collection portion 27.

[0063] In this way, the liquid phase within the flow loop 21 can be recirculated.

[0064] More specifically, each air inlet 31 is configured to allow the liquid phase to be introduced into the flow loop 21.

[0065] In the specific embodiment shown, the sterilization gas conditioning device 20 may include two separation devices 26 that, under certain conditions, generate two closed recirculation loops 32.

[0066] More specifically, the separation devices 26 can be arranged in series (relative to the flow of gas). In other words, the separation devices 26 can be arranged one after another along the flow loop 21, i.e., one separation device 26 is arranged upstream of another separation device 26 along the flow loop 21.

[0067] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, an air inlet 31 may be fluidly inserted between the cleaning device 24 and the suction device 25 (i.e., the liquid phase may enter the flow loop 21 at the location inserted between the cleaning device 24 and the suction device 25) and / or the air inlet 31 may be associated with the suction device 25.

[0068] According to this implementation scheme, the liquid phase is transferred from a corresponding collection section 27 to a suction device 25.

[0069] More specifically, the suction device 25 can be configured to use a liquid phase to create a liquid ring seal during use.

[0070] More specifically, the suction device 25 may consist of and / or include a liquid ring compressor, and at least a portion of the liquid phase (water collected in the collection section 27) is used to generate the liquid ring seal of the liquid ring compressor.

[0071] In other words, at least a portion of the liquid phase (the water collected in collection section 27) is returned to suction device 25 to obtain the desired liquid ring seal.

[0072] According to some possible non-limiting embodiments, an air intake opening 31 may be fluidly inserted between the inlet opening 22 and the cleaning device 24, and / or the air intake opening 31 may be associated with the cleaning device 24.

[0073] According to this implementation scheme, the liquid phase is transferred from a corresponding collection section 27 to a cleaning device 24.

[0074] According to some embodiments, the flow loop 21 may include more than one air inlet opening 31. For example, in the specific case shown, at least a portion of the liquid phase collected in one corresponding collection section 27 is transferred to the cleaning device 24, and at least a portion of the liquid phase collected in another corresponding collection section 27 is transferred to the suction device 25. In particular, at least a portion of the liquid phase collected in the collection section 27 of the separation device 26 arranged upstream of another separation device 26 along the flow loop 21 is transferred to the suction device 25. Furthermore, at least a portion of the liquid phase collected in the collection section 27 of the separation device 26 arranged downstream of another separation device 26 along the flow loop 21 is transferred to the cleaning device 24.

[0075] Alternatively, each air intake opening 31 may be fluidly connected to more than one collection section 27.

[0076] According to some non-limiting embodiments, it is also possible that an air inlet 31 can be used to deliver at least a portion of the liquid phase to the injection unit 29.

[0077] refer to Figure 1 and Figure 2 At least one separation device 26 may include an auxiliary port 28 configured to allow the discharge of a portion of the liquid phase present within the collection section 27. By having both an outlet port and an auxiliary port 28, a desired amount of liquid phase can be reused (through the outlet port) and a portion of the liquid phase exceeding the desired amount can be discharged (through the auxiliary port 28).

[0078] Additionally, each separation device 26 having an auxiliary orifice 28 can be configured to maintain a desired level of liquid phase and may advantageously include a control valve associated with the corresponding auxiliary orifice 28, the control valve being configured to maintain the desired level of liquid phase.

[0079] Special Reference Figure 1 and Figure 2 The sterilization gas conditioning device 20 may also include one or more main heat exchangers 33, each main heat exchanger 33 having at least a first conduit 34 for gas and a second conduit 35 for fluid (more specifically for liquid).

[0080] More specifically, the first conduit 34 may be part of the flow loop 21 and may be fluidly inserted between the inlet opening 22 and the outlet opening 23.

[0081] Furthermore, during use, heat exchange occurs between the gas flowing in the corresponding first pipe 34 and the fluid flowing in the corresponding second pipe 35.

[0082] In addition, the main heat exchangers 33 can be arranged in series with fluid.

[0083] More specifically, each main heat exchanger 33 may be fluidly arranged downstream of at least one corresponding separation device 26. For example, a main heat exchanger 33 may be fluidly inserted between two separation devices 26.

[0084] In the specific example shown, the sterilization gas conditioning unit 20 may include two main heat exchangers 33.

[0085] In the example shown, the first separation device 26 of the two separation devices 26 is fluidly arranged downstream of the cleaning device 24 and the suction device 25, the first main heat exchanger 33 of the two main heat exchangers 33 is fluidly arranged downstream of the first separation device 26, the second separation device 26 of the two separation devices 66 is fluidly arranged downstream of the first main heat exchanger 33, and the second main heat exchanger 33 of the two main heat exchangers 33 is fluidly arranged downstream of the second separation device 26.

[0086] According to the specific example shown, one main heat exchanger 33 can be configured to cool the sterilizing gas and / or another main heat exchanger 33 can be configured to heat the sterilizing gas.

[0087] More specifically, the main heat exchanger 33 configured to heat the sterilizing gas can be arranged downstream of the main heat exchanger 33 configured to cool the sterilizing gas. In particular, the main heat exchanger 33 configured to cool the sterilizing gas can be coupled to a corresponding closed recirculation loop 32.

[0088] According to the embodiment shown, the main heat exchanger 33, configured to heat the sterilizing gas, can be configured to exchange heat between the sterilizing gas and the liquid phase flowing in the closed recirculation loop 32.

[0089] Furthermore, the upstream main heat exchanger 33 (upstream main heat exchanger 33), located upstream of another main heat exchanger 33 (downstream main heat exchanger 33), is designed to recover more liquid phase than the downstream main heat exchanger 33, and the liquid phase recovered by the downstream main heat exchanger 33 has a lower temperature than the liquid phase recovered by the upstream main heat exchanger 33.

[0090] According to the specific implementation plan shown and referenced Figure 2 The packaging machine 1 may include a cooling unit 36.

[0091] Additionally, the cooling unit 36 ​​may be fluidly coupled to a main heat exchanger 33, and more specifically, fluidly coupled to a corresponding second conduit 35.

[0092] Additionally, another main heat exchanger 33 is not fluidly connected to the cooling unit 36, and this other main heat exchanger 33 may be fluidly coupled to a corresponding closed recirculation loop 32.

[0093] More specifically, the corresponding first conduit 34 of the main heat exchanger 33 fluidly coupled to the corresponding closed recirculation loop 32 may be fluidly arranged downstream of the corresponding first conduit 34 of the main heat exchanger fluidly coupled to the cooling unit 36.

[0094] Furthermore, the main heat exchanger 33, configured to cool the sterilizing gas, can be configured to cool the sterilizing gas by exchanging heat with water originating from the cooling unit 36, and the water can flow through a corresponding second pipe 35 during use.

[0095] According to some non-limiting embodiments, the sterilization gas conditioning unit 20 may include at least one auxiliary heat exchanger 37 having a first conduit 38 for the liquid phase and a second conduit 39 for the wastewater of the cooling unit 36.

[0096] According to some preferred non-limiting embodiments, the auxiliary heat exchanger 37 can be configured to cool the liquid phase, particularly by means of heat exchange between the liquid phase and the wastewater of the cooling unit 36.

[0097] More specifically, the second conduit 39 can be integrated into the corresponding closed recirculation loop 32.

[0098] Therefore, at least one main heat exchanger 33 and an auxiliary heat exchanger 37 can be arranged such that the second pipe 35 and the second pipe 39 are respectively included in the corresponding closed recirculation loop 32.

[0099] In addition, the first conduit 38 can be fluidly coupled to the cooling unit 36.

[0100] For example, a second conduit 39 may be fluidly arranged downstream of a corresponding second conduit 35, which is integrated into a closed recirculation loop 32.

[0101] According to some non-limiting embodiments, a separation device 26 may be fluidly arranged upstream of the main heat exchanger 33 (relative to the flow of gas).

[0102] According to some non-limiting embodiments, a separation device 26 may be fluidly inserted between two main heat exchangers 33 (relative to the flow of gas), more specifically between corresponding first pipes 34.

[0103] According to some possible implementations, at least one of the closed recirculation loops 32 may include a pumping device 41 configured to generate a pumping force for controlling the flow of a corresponding liquid phase through the respective closed recirculation loop 32.

[0104] refer to Figure 1 The sterilizing gas conditioning device 20 may also include a sterilizing device 42, which is configured to sterilize the gas before it leaves through the outlet opening 23.

[0105] More specifically, the sterilization device 42 can be fluidly inserted between the outlet opening 23 and one or more separation devices 26.

[0106] In use, packaging machine 1 forms a package filled with a pourable product.

[0107] Packaging machine 1 forms packaging within the internal environment 5 using tubes 2 formed from rolls of packaging material 3.

[0108] More specifically, the conveying equipment propels the roll of packaging material 3 along a feed path and within an internal environment 5, where the roll of packaging material 3 is formed by tube forming and sealing equipment.

[0109] Additionally, the pourable product is filled into the pipe 2 by the filling device 13.

[0110] More specifically, the conveying equipment also advances pipe 3 along pipe advance path Q.

[0111] The packaging forming apparatus 15 forms and laterally seals the tube 3, and preferably also laterally cuts the tube 3 to obtain packaging.

[0112] Before entering the internal environment 5, the roll of packaging material 3 is sterilized in the internal space 8 and sterilized by the operation of sterilization device 7.

[0113] During the operation of the packaging machine 1, sterilization gas is required, more specifically sterilization air, and the sterilization gas regulating device 20 sterilizes the gas discharged from the internal environment 5 and, after regulating it, supplies it back into the internal environment 5.

[0114] More specifically, the gas discharged from the internal environment 5 (e.g., also through the internal space 8) enters the sterilization gas conditioning device 20.

[0115] Cleaning device 24 removes particles and / or chemical compounds from the gas, suction device 25 generates suction force to guide the gas through inlet opening 22 and into flow loop 21, and each separation device 26 separates the liquid phase from the gas.

[0116] Additionally, each liquid phase collected in the respective collection section 27 is at least partially supplied to the flow loop 21 through the respective air inlet 31.

[0117] The gas is supplied through one or more main heat exchangers 33.

[0118] Finally, sterilization equipment 42 sterilizes the gas before it is reintroduced into the internal environment 5.

[0119] The advantages of the packaging machine 1 according to the present invention can be clearly seen from the foregoing description.

[0120] In particular, by collecting the liquid phase in the corresponding collection section 27, the total water consumption connected to the operation of the sterilization gas conditioning device 20 can be optimized.

[0121] Additionally, the use of the main heat exchanger 33 and / or the auxiliary heat exchanger 37 allows for optimization of energy consumption.

[0122] Additionally, since the corresponding main heat exchanger 33 is configured to heat the sterilizing gas before it enters the sterilization equipment 42, preheating of the sterilizing gas can be achieved.

[0123] Furthermore, thanks to the auxiliary heat exchanger 37, the recirculated liquid phase can be kept below the threshold temperature before being supplied back into the flow loop 21.

[0124] Additionally, the recovered liquid phase can be kept below the threshold temperature by feeding the liquid phase recovered from the main heat exchanger 33, which is located downstream of the heat exchanger 33, into the flow loop 21.

[0125] Obviously, modifications can be made to the packaging machine 1 and / or sterilization gas conditioning device 20 as described herein without departing from the scope of protection defined in the appended claims.

Claims

1. A sterilization gas conditioning device (20) for forming a packaged product filled with a pourable product in a packaging machine (1), the sterilization gas conditioning device (20) comprising: A flow loop (21) having an inlet opening (22) and an outlet opening (23), the inlet opening (22) being configured to be fluidly connected to the internal environment (5) of the packaging machine (1) and to receive gas exiting from the internal environment (5), the outlet opening (23) being fluidly connected to the inlet opening (22) and / or controllably fluidly connected to the inlet opening (22), and the outlet opening (23) being configured to be fluidly connected to the internal environment (5) and to allow the gas to be supplied back into the internal environment (5); Cleaning equipment (24) is configured to remove particulate matter and / or chemical compounds from the gas; A suction device (25) is configured to generate a suction force for at least guiding the gas through the inlet opening (22) and into the flow circuit (21); and at least one separation device (26) configured to separate a liquid phase from the gas; wherein at least corresponding portions of the cleaning device (24), the suction device (25) and the at least one separation device (26) are integrated into the flow loop (21) and fluidly inserted between the inlet opening (22) and the outlet opening (23); The at least one separation device (26) therein includes a collection section (27) for collecting the liquid phase and an outlet orifice configured to allow at least a portion of the liquid phase collected in the collection section (27) during use to flow out. The sterilization gas conditioning device (20) includes at least one piping assembly (30) that fluidly connects the outlet orifice to a corresponding air inlet (31) of the flow circuit (21), thereby forming a closed recirculation circuit (32) between a portion of the flow circuit (21) and the collection portion (27).

2. The sterilization gas conditioning device according to claim 1, wherein the suction device (25) is fluidly inserted between the cleaning device (24) and the at least one separation device (26); in, The air inlet (31) is fluidly inserted between the cleaning device (24) and the suction device (25), and / or the air inlet (31) is associated with the suction device (25); and / or The air intake opening (31) is fluidly inserted between the inlet opening (22) and the cleaning device (24), and / or the air intake opening (31) is associated with the cleaning device (24).

3. The sterilization gas conditioning device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the at least one separation device (26) includes an auxiliary port (28) configured to allow the discharge of a portion of the liquid phase present in the collection section (27).

4. The sterilization gas conditioning device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising at least one heat exchanger (33) having a first conduit (34) for the gas and a second conduit (35) for the fluid.

5. The sterilization gas conditioning device according to claim 4, wherein, The first conduit (34) is fluidly inserted between the inlet opening (22) and the outlet opening (23).

6. The sterilization gas conditioning device according to claim 4 or 5, wherein, The at least one heat exchanger (33) is fluidly arranged downstream of the at least one separation device (26).

7. The sterilization gas conditioning device according to any one of claims 4 to 6, further comprising a plurality of heat exchangers (33), wherein the at least one separation device (26) is fluidly inserted between two heat exchangers (33).

8. The sterilization gas conditioning device according to any one of claims 4 to 7, further comprising at least one auxiliary heat exchanger (37), the at least one auxiliary heat exchanger (37) having a first conduit (38) and a second conduit (39); wherein, The at least one auxiliary heat exchanger (37) is arranged such that the second pipe (39) is included in the closed recirculation loop (32).

9. The sterilizing gas conditioning device according to any one of the preceding claims, further comprising a sterilizing device (42) fluidly inserted between the outlet opening (23) and the at least one separating device (26), and configured to sterilize the gas before it leaves through the outlet opening (23).

10. The sterilization gas conditioning device according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein the air inlet (31) is arranged such that the liquid phase is transferred from the corresponding collection section (27) to the suction device (25) and / or the air inlet (31) is arranged such that the liquid phase is transferred from the corresponding collection section (27) to the cleaning device (24).

11. The sterilization gas conditioning device according to claim 10, wherein, The suction device (25) consists of and / or includes a liquid ring compressor, and the liquid phase is used to generate the liquid ring seal of the liquid ring compressor.

12. A packaging machine for forming a package filled with a pourable product (1): An isolation room (4) with an internal environment (5); and The sterilization gas conditioning device (20) according to any one of the preceding claims; in, The inlet opening (22) and the outlet opening (23) are fluidly connected to the internal environment (5).

13. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 12, configured to form the packaging from packaging material; in, The packaging machine (1) includes a sterilization device (7) configured to sterilize the packaging material within the internal space (8) of the sterilization device (7); The interior space (8) is arranged such that the packaging material enters the interior environment (5) from the interior space (8); The sterilization gas conditioning device (20) is configured to receive the gas from the internal environment (5) through the internal space (8) and guide the gas into the internal environment (5) through the outlet opening (23).

14. The packaging machine (1) according to claim 12 or 13, further comprising: Conveying equipment, configured to advance the packaging material roll (3) along the roll advance path; Tube forming and sealing equipment, which is at least partially arranged within the internal environment (5), and is configured to form and longitudinally seal the tube (2) by the advancing roll of the packaging material (3) in use; A filling device (13) is arranged at least partially within the internal environment and configured to fill the tube (2) with the pourable product.

15. The packaging machine (1) according to any one of claims 12 to 14, further comprising a packaging forming apparatus (15) configured to, in use, laterally seal the packaging within a forming space arranged downstream of the internal environment (5) by the advancing tube (2).

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