Filling line

Abstract

The utility model relates to a filling line, in particular to a filling line which is provided with a cleaning machine for cleaning empty bottles, a pasteurization machine for pasteurizing bottles filled with liquid products and a liquid flow type heat exchange loop, and a method for supplying heat and / or cold to the cleaning machine and the pasteurization machine. The cleaning machine and the pasteurization machine are connected through the heat exchange loop so that heat exchange can be carried out between first liquid used for supplying heat and / or cooling to the cleaning machine and second liquid used for supplying heat and / or cooling to the pasteurization machine. The cleaning machine can be used as a heat accumulator or a cold accumulator of the pasteurization machine and can make it possible to operate the equipment relatively flexibly and efficiently.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The utility model relates to a filling line with a cleaning machine, a pasteurizing machine and a heat exchange loop connecting the two, and a method for supplying heat and / or cooling to the cleaning machine and the pasteurizing machine. Background Art

[0002] As is known, heat pumps can be used to heat and / or cool bottle washers and / or pasteurizers, such as tunnel pasteurizers, of filling lines. Combinations of heat pumps with bottle washers are known, for example, from DE 3512 463 C2, DE 10 2016 218 885 A1, DE 10 2016 206 185 A1 and DE 102013 114 607 A1. Corresponding combinations of heat pumps with pasteurizers are known, for example, from EP 2114 465 B1, DE 10 2007 003 919 A1, EP 3 068 237 and DE 10 2019 133 184 A1.

[0003] However, there is still a need to improve the energy efficiency of such plants, especially when the load changes, such as when commissioning and shutting down a pasteurizer, for example to change products or for general start-stop operation. In addition, in order to reduce the maintenance costs of the heat pump, it is necessary to run the heat pump as smoothly as possible. Utility Model Content

[0004] At least one of the objects set forth is achieved with the filling line according to the invention and the method according to the invention. Advantageous embodiments are indicated below.

[0005] The filling line comprises a washing machine for cleaning empty bottles, a pasteurizer for pasteurizing bottles filled with liquid products, and a liquid flow heat exchange circuit, which connects the washing machine and the pasteurizer so as to exchange heat between a first liquid for heating and / or cooling the washing machine and a second liquid for heating and / or cooling the pasteurizer.

[0006] The first liquid is, for example, a (first) process liquid which is guided through a washing machine, such as a cleaning liquid (e.g., lye, acid or rinse water) or spray water, or is heat exchanged with such a liquid (then in this case heating water or cooling water for the first process liquid). The second liquid is, for example, a (second) process liquid which is guided through a pasteurizer, such as heating water or cooling water (for filled bottles).

[0007] This allows the cleaning machine to be used as a heat source or heat sink for the pasteurizer, in particular when the pasteurizer is running idle or restarting, for example to change products or in general when starting / stopping, for example if the pasteurizer stops due to external reasons, such as malfunctions during downstream packaging.

[0008] The invention makes use of the knowledge that a relatively large amount of a first liquid or a (first) process liquid (e.g. lye) temperature-controlled therewith circulates in the cleaning machine and that the permissible operating temperature range of the (first) process liquid / first liquid is relatively large. Thus, a relatively large amount of heat in the cleaning machine can be buffered by means of the first liquid. This means that the heat is first stored and then released again or consumed in the cleaning machine. On this basis, it is possible to maintain specified process temperatures within narrower limits in the individual zones of the pasteurizer in order to minimize heat losses. For example, the heat and / or cooling requirements of the pasteurizer in the event of load changes can be met at least partially by heat exchange with the first liquid without exceeding or falling below the temperature range of the second liquid or the (second) process liquid temperature-controlled thereby by heat exchange, which is permissible in the cleaning machine for processing empty bottles.

[0009] Preferably, the heat exchange circuit comprises at least one heat pump for heat exchange between the first liquid and the second liquid. The heat pump is, for example, a liquid-liquid compression heat pump (industrial heat pump). Suitable are, for example, water-water compression heat pumps. The first liquid is then distributed to the condenser side of the heat pump and the second liquid is distributed to the evaporator side of the heat pump, or vice versa, and when appropriate, also interchanged according to the operating state.

[0010] The heat exchange between the first liquid and the second liquid can be carried out in addition or, in the simplest case, also via at least one passive heat exchanger instead of the heat pump.

[0011] Particularly advantageously, the heat exchange circuits are connected in such a way that the heat pump can selectively supply heat and cold energy only to the cleaning machine, only to the pasteurizer, or during the exchange between the cleaning machine and the pasteurizer in the rated operation of the filling line. This makes it possible to operate the heat pump substantially continuously, for example by means of which the condenser side and the evaporator side of the heat pump can be selectively assigned to the cleaning machine and / or the pasteurizer. For this purpose, a first side of the heat exchange circuit conducting the first liquid and a second side of the heat exchange circuit conducting the second liquid can be selectively connected to the condenser side or the evaporator side of the heat pump via switchable lines. Alternatively, the heat pump can also be assigned only to the pasteurizer in rated operation.

[0012] This connection of the heat exchange circuit makes it possible to selectively use the cleaning machine as a heat source or heat sink for the pasteurizer or as a heat pump integrated in the heat exchange circuit. In other words, the heat exchange circuit is connected in such a way that the cleaning machine can be operated as a heat sink for the pasteurizer or as a heat pump integrated in the heat exchange circuit. It can also be provided that the heat exchange circuit is also connected in such a way that the cleaning machine can be operated as a heat source for the pasteurizer or as a heat pump integrated in the heat exchange circuit.

[0013] The first liquid can for example flow through the main lye tank of the washing machine or be in heat exchange with such a main lye tank. The second liquid can for example pass through a pasteurization zone for pasteurizing the bottles or an outlet zone for subsequent cooling of the bottles and / or be in heat exchange with such a zone.

[0014] The cleaning machine therefore has a main lye tank through which the first liquid flows or which is connected to the cleaning machine by means of a heat exchanger.

[0015] Furthermore, it can also be provided that the pasteurizer has a pasteurization zone through which a second liquid passes in order to pasteurize the bottles, or an outlet zone for subsequent cooling of the bottles.

[0016] If the cleaning machine has at least 20m 3 The storage capacity of the cleaning machine is particularly advantageous if the main lye tank has a storage volume of at least 20 m for the first liquid or the (first) process liquid which is temperature-controlled thereby. It is also advantageous if the first liquid or the process liquid can be treated at an overtemperature or a low temperature of at most 10 K, in particular at most 5 K. For example, it can be provided that the main lye tank has at least 20 m 3 The storage volume and the corresponding treatment of the empty bottles is configured to be overheated by up to 10K, in particular by up to 5K, and / or cooler by up to 10K, in particular by up to 5K, relative to the rated temperature for processing the empty bottles.

[0017] For example, during operation of a filling line, an overtemperature or undertemperature of a first liquid / process liquid can then be eliminated in an advantageous manner by treating the empty bottles with the first liquid in a washing machine, exchanging heat with a second liquid and using the second liquid in a pasteurizer and / or exchanging heat with a third liquid, which delivers the heat or cold to another consumer or tank in the filling line. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018] The accompanying drawings show a preferred embodiment of the present utility model. In the accompanying drawings:

[0019] Figure 1 A schematic diagram of a filling line is shown;

[0020] Figure 2 A flow chart showing one embodiment of a heat exchange circuit;

[0021] Figure 3 A flow chart showing an alternative embodiment of a heat exchange circuit;

[0022] Figure 4 A flow chart showing another embodiment of a heat exchange circuit;

[0023] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C An operating state of an embodiment of a heat exchange circuit is shown; and

[0024] FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C The operation of an alternative embodiment of a heat exchange circuit is shown. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0025] like Figure 1 As shown, the filling line 1 comprises at least one washing machine 2 for cleaning empty bottles (not shown), a washing machine 2 for cleaning bottles filled with liquid products (one of which is in the Figures 2 to 4 Schematically shown in the figure, a pasteurizer 3 for pasteurization and a heat exchange circuit 4, which connects the cleaning machine 2 and the pasteurizer 3 so as to exchange heat 5 between a first liquid 6 and a second liquid 7, the first liquid being guided to the cleaning machine 2, in particular guided through the cleaning machine, in order to provide it with heat and / or cooling, and the second liquid being guided to the pasteurizer 3, in particular guided through the pasteurizer, in order to provide it with heat and / or cooling.

[0026] The first liquid 6 thus circulates through the first side 4 a of the heat exchange circuit 4 and the second liquid 7 circulates through the second side 4 b of the heat exchange circuit 4 .

[0027] The first liquid 6 may be a process liquid used in the cleaning machine 2, such as lye, in particular main lye, or spray water. The second liquid 7 may be a process liquid used in the pasteurizer 3, such as heating water or cooling water. Alternatively, the first liquid 6 and / or the second liquid 7 may also be conventional industrial water or cooling water for conveying heat / cold to the cleaning machine 2 or pasteurizer 3 so as to exchange heat with the process liquid used therein.

[0028] The heat exchange 5 between the first liquid 6 and the second liquid 7 is preferably carried out in at least one heat pump 8 (mainly having a condenser 8a and an evaporator 8b, each not shown separately). Alternatively or in addition, a passive heat exchange 5 can also be used, that is, the method is that the liquid with the higher temperature of the liquids 6 and 7 transfers heat to the liquid with the lower temperature. In principle, this is conceivable if the temperature levels of the first liquid 6 and the second liquid 7 are suitable. However, the described embodiment with the at least one heat pump 8 is particularly advantageous.

[0029] Figures 2 to 4Examples of possible connection of the heat exchange circuit 4 by means of elements known in principle, such as pipes, branches, valves, actuators, etc., are shown using symbols customary in RI flow diagrams.

[0030] The described functions of providing heating and / or cooling for the washing machine 2 and the pasteurizing machine 3 can be achieved by appropriate connections and, where appropriate, optionally by connecting the first side 4a and the second side 4b of the heat exchange circuit 4 to the corresponding condenser side and evaporator side of the at least one heat pump 8, respectively.

[0031] like Figure 1 As shown, the filling line 1 may also include other equipment components 9 known in principle, such as empty bottle sorting equipment 9a, belt conveyor 9b, filling machine 9c, capping machine 9d, labeling machine 9e, packaging machine 9f and / or palletizing machine 9g, and may also include a washing machine (not shown) when appropriate.

[0032] like Figure 2 As shown, in the simplest case, the heat pump 8 can be permanently connected to the first side 4a and the second side 4b of the heat exchange circuit 4. In this case, the heat pump 8 works as a heat sink for the pasteurizer 3 and a heat source for the cleaning machine 2 in the first liquid 6 circulating through the condenser 8a of the heat pump 8 and the second liquid 7 circulating through the evaporator 8b of the heat pump 8. The first liquid 6 can, for example, flow through the caustic tank heater (heat exchanger) 2a of the cleaning machine 2, thereby heating the caustic (process liquid) used in the cleaning machine 2.

[0033] The containers 202 are transported through the pasteurizer 3 in a transport direction 205 by means of a transport device 204, such as a conveyor belt, through several successive zones 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212. Figure 2 In the first embodiment shown, first two heating zones 206, 207 are provided in the conveying direction 205, then three pasteurizing zones 208, 209, 210 and finally two cooling zones 211, 212. Instead of a tunnel pasteurizer, another type of pasteurizer can also be provided, which comprises a continuous heating zone, a pasteurizing zone and a cooling zone, as well as the associated spraying devices and collecting areas.

[0034] After flowing through the corresponding zone 206-212, the process liquid 213 can be collected in the collecting areas 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229 assigned to the corresponding zone 26-212 and discharged from the collecting areas 223-229 for further use. In this case, the collecting areas 223-229 are located below the corresponding zone 26-212. In order to further use the process liquid, the corresponding suction side of the corresponding pump 222 is connected to the corresponding collecting area 223-229 via a pipeline so as to return at least part of the process liquid 213 from the corresponding collecting area 223-229 to one of the assigned, i.e., connected zones 206-212. Figure 2 As shown, in this case, it may be appropriate that the collection area 223 of the first heating zone 206 is piped to the pump 222 on the inlet side, and the pump 222 is piped to the spray device 221 of the second cooling zone 212 on the outlet side. This may be appropriate because the process liquid 213 in the first heating zone 206 is cooled by absorbing heat from the container 202 or the food / beverage in the container 202, and after flowing through the first heating zone 206, the process water 213 accumulated in the collection area 223 may have a temperature suitable for cooling the container 202 in the second cooling zone 212.

[0035] Since the process liquid 213 discharged through the spray device 220 is heated by the heat emitted by the container 202 or the food / beverage in the second cooling zone 212, and after flowing through the second cooling zone 212, the process water 213 accumulated in the collection area 229 may have a temperature suitable for heating the container 202 in the first heating zone 206, it is appropriate to send the process liquid 213 from the collection area 229 of the second cooling zone 212 to the spray device 214 of the first heating zone 26, as shown in FIG. Figure 2 Also shown schematically.

[0036] like Figure 2 As shown, the pump 222 assigned to the pasteurization zones 208-210 may further be configured to at least partially convey the process liquid 213 from the collecting chamber 225 back to the spraying device 216, from the collecting chamber 226 back to the spraying device 217, and from the collecting chamber 227 back to the spraying device 218. Thus, at least a partial amount of the process liquid 213 may circulate around the pasteurization zones 208-210.

[0037] In the device, a first heat exchanger (WT) 231 is also provided for heating the process liquid 213, into which steam 232 is introduced and which, after flowing countercurrently to the process liquid 213 from the collecting area 227 of the last pasteurization area 210, is discharged as condensed water 233. The amount of steam 232 introduced can be controlled by means of a metering device 258. The process liquid 213 from the collecting area 227 is fed into the first WT 231 by means of a pump 259 via a pressure-tight heating line system 295 and, after being heated by the countercurrently fed steam 322, leaves the first WT 231 and returns to the heating line system 295. If necessary, the process liquid 213 heated in the first WT 231 can be fed to the zones 206-210 by means of a metering device 234 via the spraying devices 214-218 assigned to the zones 206-210. Additionally or alternatively, the heated process liquid 213 or a portion thereof can also be circulated through the first WT 231, wherein the flow rate can be controlled by means of a metering device 262 in the heating line system 295. The heating line system 295 is designed as a pressure-closed system and is heated at an excess pressure relative to the ambient pressure, for example at 2×10 5 Pa overpressure, running.

[0038] Furthermore, it is provided in the device that at least a partial amount of the process liquid 213 contained in the collecting region 228 of the first cooling zone 211 is conveyed to the second WT 230 instead of being pumped back to the spraying device 215 of the second heating zone 207. The second WT 230 can be connected to a cooling device, such as a cooling tower, in order to cool the process liquid 213 from the collecting region 228 and, for this purpose, is piped to a collecting region 228 of the first cooling zone 211 and to the inlet of the spraying devices 219, 220 of the first cooling zone 211 and the second cooling zone 212 via a pressure-tight cooling line system 296. The process liquid 213 is conveyed from the collecting region 228 via the cooling line system 96 to the second WT 230 by means of a first pump 271 and a metering device 241_1 and leaves the second WT 230 after cooling. In order to cool the process liquid 213 in the second WT 230, a coolant in the cooling device is introduced into the second WT 230, flows countercurrently to the process liquid 213 and absorbs heat therefrom in the process. The heated coolant leaves the second WT 230. The process liquid 213 cooled in the second WT 230 can then be fed back to the spraying devices 216, 217, 218, 219, 220 via the metering device 272. The cooling line system 296 is designed as a pressure-closed system and is heated at an excess pressure relative to the ambient pressure, for example at 2×10 5 Pa overpressure, running.

[0039] A second bypass to the evaporator 8b of the heat pump 8 is provided in the cooling line system 296, wherein the second bypass is provided after the first pump 271 and before the second WT 230. The process liquid 213 is introduced into the evaporator 8b via the second metering device 241_2, cooled therein, leaves the evaporator 8b and is then sent back via the bypass, so that the process liquid 213 cooled in the evaporator 8b can still be guided through the second WT 230 and further cooled therein. The cooling of the process liquid 213 in the evaporator 8b is carried out by the conducting liquid flowing in the heat pump 8. Figure 2 In the embodiment shown, the process liquid 213 corresponds to the second liquid 7 .

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, the heat exchange circuit 4 may include a switching device 4c (here with two appropriately controllable valves) for connecting the condenser side of the heat pump 8 to the first side 4a of the heat exchange circuit 4 or to the heat circuit 3a of the pasteurizer 3. The heat pump 8 works in continuous rated operation and then only supplies heat and cold energy to the pasteurizer 3. The switching device 4c makes it possible, for example, when the pasteurizer 3 is running at no load or generally when the pasteurizer requires less or no heat energy, to discharge the heat energy to the washing machine 2 via the first side 4a of the heat exchange circuit 4 instead and store it there if appropriate.

[0041] In accordance with Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the heating pipe system 295 also includes a first bypass to the condenser 8a of the heat pump 8. The first bypass passes through the first metering device 36_2 to the inlet of the condenser 8a, passes through the condenser 8a and returns to the heating pipe system 295. The first bypass is arranged after the second pump 259 and before the inlet of the first WT 231. The flow rate of the process liquid 213 flowing through the first bypass can be controlled by means of the metering device 36_2; this is very useful because the heating capacity of the heat pump 8 is limited, even if more process liquid 213 flows through the heat pump. Figure 3 In the embodiment shown, the process liquid corresponds on the one hand to the second liquid 7 and on the other hand to the first liquid 6 .

[0042] like Figure 4 As shown, the heat exchange circuit 4 may include a first heat exchanger 4d for passive heat exchange 5 from the washing machine 2 to the pasteurizer 3. Via the first liquid 6 and the first heat exchanger 4d, the thermal energy present in the washing machine 2, in particular the thermal energy previously stored by the heat exchange 5, can be released to the pasteurizer 3 when the corresponding heat is needed, for example when restarting after changing the product.

[0043] In this case, it is in principle possible to introduce the first liquid 6 directly into the heat circuit 3a of the pasteurizer 3, for example in series with the second heat exchanger 3b present therein. The first liquid 6 is then, for example, conventional process water.

[0044] Alternatively, the first heat exchanger 4d can also be connected to an additional secondary circuit (not shown) through which the first liquid flows, for example if the first liquid 6 is a caustic solution which should be run in a separate circuit.

[0045] Figure 4 Correspondingly, it is shown that, for example, the main lye tank 2b of the cleaning machine 2 can be integrated directly into the heat exchange circuit 4 instead of the lye tank heater (heat exchanger) 2a through which the first liquid 6 flows, wherein the first liquid is then the main lye.

[0046] FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C and FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C The example of supplying heat and cooling to the washing machine 2 and the pasteurizing machine 3 by means of at least one heat pump 8 integrated in the heat exchange circuit 4 is schematically shown (the first liquid 6 and the second liquid 7 are not shown in each case). Also schematically shown is, inter alia, an independent heat source 10 for supplying heat 11 to the washing machine 2.

[0047] In addition, FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C and FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C In the figure, the cooling 12 of the cleaning machine 2, the heating 13 of the pasteurizer 3 and the cooling 14 of the pasteurizer 3 are schematically represented by square arrows, and the size of the square arrows (for reference only, not to scale) represents the intensity of the corresponding heating 11, 13 and cooling 12, 14.

[0048] In accordance with FIG. 5A to FIG. 5C In the embodiment of the present invention, the heat pump 8 is Figure 5A In the rated operation shown, it is used exclusively for supplying heat 13 and cooling 14 to the pasteurizer 3, see also for examples Figure 3 The independent heat source 10 is responsible for simultaneously supplying heat 11 to the cleaning machine 2 during rated operation.

[0049] On the contrary, according to FIG. 6A to FIG. 6C In the embodiment of the present invention, the heat pump 8 is Fig. 6A In the shown rated operation, it can be used to supply both heating 11 and cooling 12 to the washing machine 2 and also to supply heating 13 and cooling 14 to the pasteurizer 3. This can be achieved, for example, by appropriately connecting the first side 4a and the second side 4b of the heat exchange circuit 4 to the condenser side or the evaporator side of the heat pump 8, for example Figure 3 or Figure 4 shown.

[0050] Figure 5B and Figure 6BThe schematic diagram shows the additional supply of heat 11 to the washing machine 2 and cooling 14 to the pasteurizer 3, respectively, by means of the heat exchange 5 in the heat pump 8, for example, when the pasteurizer 3 is idle due to downtime or product change. In this case, the washing machine 2 acts as a heat sink 15 for the heat pump 8 and indirectly also for the pasteurizer 3, which can thus be cooled by means of the second liquid 7 circulating in the heat exchange circuit 4, in order to compensate, for example, for the cooling effect which is present in rated operation and which is temporarily absent in idle operation due to the supplied bottles.

[0051] Figure 5C and Figure 6C The schematic diagram shows the additional cooling 12 for the washing machine 2 and the heating 13 for the pasteurizer 3, for example, when the pasteurizer 3 is restarted after a product change, by means of the heat exchange 5 in the heat pump 8. The washing machine 2 then acts as a heat source 16 for the heat pump 8 and indirectly also for the pasteurizer 3, which can therefore be heated more intensively via the second liquid 7 circulating in the heat exchange circuit 4 for the initial heating.

[0052] In other words, when the pasteurizer 3 is idling, the first liquid 6 is heated by the heat exchanger 5 and the second liquid 7 is cooled. When the pasteurizer 3 is restarted, the first liquid 6 is cooled and the second liquid 7 is heated.

[0053] Advantageously, a relatively large amount of process liquid is maintained in the cleaning machine 2 and the cleaning machine 2 can operate normally within a relatively large temperature range of the process liquid. The lye circulating in the cleaning machine 2, for example a corresponding main lye, but in principle also spray water, is particularly suitable as such a process liquid and, if appropriate, also as the first liquid 6.

[0054] The process liquid preferably used here, in particular the first liquid 6, is the main lye tank 2b (see Figure 4 The capacity of the main alkali solution tank 2b is, for example, at least 20m 3 , especially at least 40m 3 The actual operating temperature of the main lye solution for treating empty bottles is generally permitted to deviate significantly from the corresponding rated temperature. For example, a corresponding overtemperature of up to 10 K and / or a corresponding undertemperature of up to 10 K are permitted. The corresponding rated temperature of the main lye solution may be, for example, between 60° C. and 85° C.

[0055] The cleaning machine 2 can thus be operated as a heat or cold storage for the pasteurizer 3, whose temperature behavior is relatively critical, and hereby also makes it possible to realize a relatively large storage capacity. Thus, even in the case of load changes, the individual process temperatures in the pasteurizer 3 can be maintained precisely and reliably in order to ultimately maintain the target process intensity (pasteurization units) of the bottles in the pasteurizer 3. In contrast, the process temperature of the empty bottles during cleaning is relatively less critical and can therefore be varied in the manner described depending on the storage purpose.

[0056] By means of the described heat exchange 5 , for example a specific pasteurization zone for pasteurizing bottles and / or an outlet zone for cooling bottles that have just been pasteurized can be heated and / or cooled in a targeted manner on both sides of the pasteurizer 3 . Figures 2 to 4 These process zones with the associated process liquid circuits are schematically shown in FIG.

[0057] When the filling line 1 is running at no load, the cleaning machine 2 can also directly work as the heat dissipation device 15 of the pasteurizer 3 until the temperature difference between the first liquid 6 and the second liquid 7 is appropriate.

[0058] Depending on the operating state of the filling line 1, the cleaning machine 2 can work as a heat sink 15 or a heat source 16 of the heat pump 8. Correspondingly, the cleaning machine 2 can then work as a heat accumulator or a cold accumulator.

[0059] In principle, it is also conceivable that the cleaning machine 2 operates only as a heat sink 15 for the heat pump 8. In the sense of overheating, the heat energy absorbed in the process initially leads to an overtemperature of the corresponding process liquid (if appropriate, the first liquid 6 and / or the main lye), wherein this overtemperature can be gradually dissipated in the cleaning machine 2 during its operation.

[0060] During operation of the filling plant 1, it is conceivable, for example, that due to a product change and / or a long production interruption, additional cooling of the pasteurizer 3 is initially required, since during idling operation of the pasteurizer 3, the cooling capacity is insufficient since no bottles are fed into the inlet side. When the pasteurizer 3 is restarted, it must then be heated again, for which purpose the heat exchanger 5 can also be used. That is, during idling operation of the pasteurizer 3, the heat pump 5 first cools the pasteurizer 3 and releases heat to the cleaning machine 2 in the process. When the pasteurizer 3 needs heat again, the heat exchanger 5 is operated in the reverse direction.

[0061] Temporarily excess heat / cold energy can thus be effectively utilized elsewhere and / or later.

[0062] In principle, it is also possible to combine the function of the cleaning machine 2 as a heat or cold accumulator with other heat / cold consumers of the filling line 1 .

[0063] The use of the cleaning machine 2 as a heat sink 15 enables a particularly flexible and efficient use of the heat pump 8 .

[0064] Even in rated operation of the filling line 1, the heat pump 8 can work as a heat sink 15 on the one hand and as a heat source 16 for the cleaning machine 2 on the other hand, and then correspondingly as a heat source or heat sink for the pasteurizer 3. This makes it possible for the heat pump 8 to operate relatively smoothly and essentially continuously, thereby minimizing the mechanical load on the heat pump during continuous operation and correspondingly reducing the maintenance requirements.

[0065] In principle, it is also conceivable to equip the heat exchange circuit 4 with at least two heat pumps, for example in order to enable a two-stage heat pump operation (not shown). For this purpose, there could be, for example, a heat pump which is specifically assigned to the pasteurizer 3 in rated operation in order to cool and heat the individual treatment zones of the pasteurizer 3. In addition, a heat pump 8 could then also be connected between the first side 4a and the second side 4b of the heat exchange circuit 4 in order to enable a heat exchange 5 between the first liquid 6 and the second liquid 7.

[0066] For this purpose, the heat pump 8 can be operated using a refrigerant which is known in principle in order to meet a suitable temperature range for the heat exchange 5 .

Claims

1. A filling line (1), characterized in that: The filling line comprises a washing machine (2) for cleaning empty bottles, a pasteurizer (3) for pasteurizing bottles containing liquid products, and a heat exchange circuit (4) connecting the washing machine and the pasteurizer so as to exchange heat (5) between a first liquid (6) for supplying heat and / or cooling (11, 12) to the washing machine and a second liquid (7) for supplying heat and / or cooling (13, 14) to the pasteurizer.

2. The filling line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchange circuit (4) comprises at least one heat pump (8) for the heat exchange (5).

3. The filling line according to claim 2, characterized in that: The heat exchange circuit (4) is connected in such a way that the heat pump (8) can selectively supply heat and cold energy only to the pasteurizer (3) during rated operation of the filling line or can supply heat and cold energy during an exchange process between the cleaning machine (2) and the pasteurizer (3).

4. The filling line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The heat exchange circuit (4) is connected in such a way that the cleaning machine (2) can work as a heat sink (15) of the pasteurizer (3) or as a heat pump (8) integrated in the heat exchange circuit (4).

5. The filling line according to claim 4, characterized in that: The heat exchange circuit (4) is also connected in such a way that the cleaning machine (2) can operate as a heat source (16) for the pasteurizer (3) or as a heat pump (8) integrated in the heat exchange circuit.

6. The filling line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The cleaning machine (2) has a main lye tank (2b) through which the first liquid (6) flows or which is connected to the cleaning machine by means of a heat exchanger (2a).

7. The filling line according to claim 6, characterized in that: The main alkali solution tank (2b) has at least 20m 3 The storage volume and relative to the rated temperature for processing the empty bottles, the corresponding processing for the empty bottles is configured to be up to 10K overtemperature and / or up to 10K undertemperature.

8. The filling line according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pasteurizer (3) has a pasteurization zone through which the second liquid (7) passes in order to pasteurize the bottles, or an exit zone for subsequent cooling of the bottles.

9. The filling line according to claim 6, characterized in that: The main alkali solution tank (2b) has at least 20m 3 The storage volume and the corresponding treatment of the empty bottles is configured to be at an overtemperature of up to 5K and / or at a lower temperature of up to 5K relative to the rated temperature for processing the empty bottles.

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