Tank treatment plant and method for operating a tank treatment plant

Abstract

The invention relates to a container treatment system, in particular a fluid forming machine for the production of plastic bottles (3), comprising a plurality of container treatment stations (5), a continuously driven support arrangement (4) on which the container treatment stations (5) are held and which is supported by a foot section (9) on a base surface (10), and an enclosure (6) extending towards the base surface (10) at least up to the height of the foot section (9), which accommodates the support arrangement (4) with the treatment stations (5) held thereon. According to the invention, at least a first spray device (7) for dispensing a cleaning fluid is arranged to be continuously movable with the support arrangement (4) for cleaning an inner surface of the enclosure (6). The invention also relates to a method for operating the container treatment system.

Description

[0001] The invention relates to a container treatment system, in particular a fluid forming machine for the production of plastic bottles, comprising a plurality of container treatment stations, a circumferentially driven support arrangement on which the container treatment stations are held and which is supported by a foot section on a floor surface, and an enclosure extending towards the floor surface at least to the height of the foot section, which accommodates the support arrangement with the treatment stations held thereon. The invention further relates to the operation of such a container treatment system.

[0002] The present invention relates in particular to the beverage industry, wherein the container handling system then handles beverage containers. However, the container handling system can also be designed for the production of containers, and in particular bottles, which can hold other contents. These contents can include, for example, liquid or pasty foodstuffs such as ketchup and mayonnaise, cleaning agents, cosmetic products, or the like.

[0003] Within the scope of the present invention, the term "container handling system" refers not only to the handling and modification of containers, but also includes their forming, shaping, filling, closing, labeling, or the like. For example, the container handling system could be a stretch blow molding machine, a form-filling machine, or a conventional beverage filling machine to which already formed containers are fed.

[0004] The present invention is particularly advantageous in connection with a form-filling machine as a container treatment system, where specific requirements must be taken into account.

[0005] In the form-fill process, preforms are fed to the container handling stations and formed into bottles using a filling fluid. The formed, filled bottles are then removed from the container handling stations. Because the preforms are formed directly with the filling fluid, a separate, downstream filling process is unnecessary.

[0006] It should be noted, however, that any residue of the filling material remaining on the components during the filling process can lead to contamination. In particular, the movement of the support structure, for example in the form of a carousel, can also distribute such contaminants, so regular cleaning is necessary for hygienic operation.

[0007] It is known to equip corresponding container treatment systems with an enclosure. Such an enclosure serves to protect the container treatment system and to provide a certain degree of separation from the environment. The enclosure is assigned to the respective container treatment system and typically has an input area and an output area for the treated containers or, if applicable, their preforms. In the preferred embodiment of the container treatment system as a form-fill machine, for example, preforms are fed into the input area and formed, filled containers are discharged into the output area.

[0008] Within the scope of the invention, a distinction is made between cleaning and sterilization. In this context, cleaning is understood to mean, in particular, the removal of dirt and contaminants by rinsing, washing, wiping, or the like. In container treatment systems, cleaning can be carried out manually or automatically using a cleaning fluid.

[0009] The goal of sterilizing container treatment systems is to kill or destroy microorganisms, spores, and viruses to a significant degree. In particular, a suitable sterilizing agent can be used to achieve a reduction in the number of germs and bacteria to a predetermined level, for example, by four to five orders of magnitude.

[0010] Sterilization therefore focuses on the deactivation of microorganisms, spores and viruses, whereas, unlike cleaning, the removal of the deactivated components is of secondary importance.

[0011] Against this background, sterilization in practice is often carried out dry or essentially dry. A sterilizing agent can, for example, be introduced in gaseous form. It is also possible to nebulize or spray a sterilizing agent, in which case the agent usually evaporates and is thus carried away with the surrounding air.

[0012] In contrast, the present invention provides for a cleaning process in which contaminants are removed with a cleaning fluid. Sterilization can be optionally provided, either by using a cleaning fluid with a certain sterilizing effect or by additionally or alternatively performing a separate sterilization step.

[0013] Especially with the preferred design of the container handling system as a form-filling machine, comparatively large quantities of the filling material can escape and be distributed, particularly within the housing. In such cases, it is necessary to actually remove the contaminants and not just neutralize them to a certain extent.

[0014] From DE 10 2011 102 090 B4, a container treatment system in the configuration of a form-filling machine is known, wherein a cleaning and / or disinfection head is provided for cleaning and / or disinfecting the forming and filling points as container treatment stations. This head can accommodate exactly one container treatment station. The cleaning and / or disinfection head can spray a liquid cleaning and / or disinfectant through nozzles onto the container treatment station it holds, and the corresponding cleaning and / or disinfection fluid can be directly collected again by the cleaning and / or disinfection head. The container treatment stations, arranged on the support structure in the form of a carousel, can then be cleaned one after the other in the manner described. The cleaning process is therefore comparatively complex and time-consuming.

[0015] From DE 10 2009 036 920 A1 it is known to route the container treatment station of a container treatment plant past a spraying device.

[0016] The present invention aims to provide a container treatment system that can be operated hygienically and cleaned for this purpose in a comparatively simple manner. Furthermore, a method for operating such a container treatment system is also to be provided.

[0017] The subject matter of the invention and the solution to the problem are a container treatment plant according to claim 1 and a method for operating a container treatment plant according to claim 11.

[0018] Starting from a container treatment system according to the preamble of claim 1, it is thus provided that at least a first spray device for dispensing a cleaning fluid is arranged with the support assembly to be movable around its circumference for cleaning the inside of the housing. As also described below, the cleaning preferably takes place in a cleaning operation separate from the production operation, whereby the support assembly is also moved around its circumference.

[0019] The support structure could, for example, be a carousel with a vertical axis of rotation. At least one initial spraying unit is then guided along a circular path, allowing for cleaning of the entire inner surface of the enclosure.

[0020] Similar considerations apply if the support arrangement is circumferential in a different way, for example in a design as a chain or the like, whereby a curve deviating from the circular path can also be traversed.

[0021] Due to the circumferential arrangement of at least one first spray device, it is possible to successively clean the inside of the enclosure around its entire circumference with a single first spray device.

[0022] Of course, the invention can also include two or more first spray devices, which can be arranged at different angular positions of the support structure, particularly in a carousel configuration. Simultaneous cleaning then takes place at at least two points, which can improve cleaning performance and / or reduce cleaning time.

[0023] Additionally or alternatively, it is also possible to use several initial spray devices to cover different areas, for example, different heights on the inside of the enclosure. This also allows for particularly reliable and thorough cleaning.

[0024] According to the invention, the enclosure extends at least to the height of the base section of the support structure. Particularly preferably, the enclosure extends directly to the floor surface on which the support structure also rests with its base section. The enclosure then forms an at least substantially enclosed space, thus preventing the escape of cleaning fluid into the environment, even during cleaning.

[0025] Within the scope of the invention, at least one first spray device is provided for dispensing a cleaning fluid. According to the previously explained distinction between cleaning and sterilization, contaminants are dissolved or at least rinsed away with the cleaning fluid, so that the cleaning fluid, now laden with the contaminants, can be discharged in a suitable manner.

[0026] Against this background, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides for the cleaning fluid to be collected and / or drained from the bottom.

[0027] For example, a floor drain can be provided on the floor surface to remove the cleaning fluid.

[0028] Additionally or alternatively, a drip tray can be provided to collect the cleaning fluid. When combining the described measures, the drip tray can then, for example, empty into the previously described floor drain. However, a drip tray also allows for alternative drainage of the fluid, such as via a wastewater hose or similar device. Alternatively, it is also possible to pump or vacuum the contaminated cleaning fluid out of the drip tray.

[0029] Suitable cleaning fluids are known to experts and may contain surfactants, solvents and enzymes.

[0030] Based on the previously explained distinction between cleaning and sterilization, a certain degree of sterilization can optionally be carried out within the scope of the invention. For this purpose, a cleaning fluid can be used which, through appropriate additions, also has a sterilizing effect. Additionally or alternatively, sterilization can also be carried out in a separate sterilization step, for which the at least one first spray device can optionally be used for dispensing a sterilizing agent. For example, peracetic acid (peroxyacetic acid) can be provided as a sterilizing agent and / or as an added component of the cleaning fluid.

[0031] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, at least a second spray device is provided within the housing for cleaning the container treatment stations and the support structure, which move past it, up to its base section. During cleaning, the inside of the housing can then be cleaned by the at least one first spray device, while simultaneously, in particular through the circular movement of the support structure, the container treatment stations and the support structure itself can also be cleaned by the at least one second spray device.

[0032] In this case, too, it is generally sufficient if only a second spraying device is provided, which is stationary within the enclosure or movable within a limited area. Cleaning of all container treatment stations is then possible by actively moving them past the at least one second spraying device using the support structure.

[0033] For faster and / or more thorough cleaning, or for cleaning different sections, several second spray devices can be arranged, especially at different circumferential positions and / or at different heights and / or with different spray directions within the enclosure.

[0034] There are many possibilities regarding the specific design of at least one first spraying device and at least one second spraying device.

[0035] For example, it is possible that at least one first and / or at least one second spray device has a supply line and a nozzle arrangement that is movable relative to the supply line. Movable nozzles or spray heads can be driven by water pressure in a known manner. Such nozzles are also known to those skilled in the art, for example, from high-pressure cleaners or the like.

[0036] Furthermore, it is possible that at least one first or second spray device has several spaced-apart outlet openings to form a kind of nozzle tree or fan nozzle.

[0037] It is understood that, within the scope of the invention, fundamentally different first spray devices and / or different second spray devices can be combined. Often, depending on the specific application, it will also be advantageous to design the at least one first spray device and the at least one second spray device differently.

[0038] Suitable configurations can be determined through theoretical calculations or preliminary tests, which also allow for verification of cleaning efficiency. In principle, it is also conceivable to incorporate adjustable nozzles to optimize the spray pattern and / or to accommodate modifications to the tank treatment system itself.

[0039] In principle, the application of the cleaning fluid to at least one spray device can also be varied. For example, different spray pressures, pressure pulses, or the like can be provided.

[0040] Regardless of whether sterilization is performed directly with the cleaning fluid or in a separate step, rinsing with clean water after at least one cleaning step is advisable to remove any remaining cleaning fluid. The water can also be specially purified and, in particular, disinfected to optimize the overall cleaning effect and prevent or slow down recontamination.

[0041] The at least one second spray device optionally provided within the scope of the invention can in principle be arranged directly on the housing in order to be able to spray from there inwards towards the treatment station and the support arrangement.

[0042] However, according to an alternative embodiment, at least one second spray device, or at least one of several second spray devices, is arranged within the housing at a distance from both the enclosure and the treatment stations. The second spray device, or at least one second spray device, is then arranged, for example, in a column-like configuration and can be supported directly on the base. This offers the advantage that at least one second spray device is located close to the container treatment stations, allowing for a degree of mechanical cleaning to be achieved directly through the water pressure, which can further enhance the effectiveness of the cleaning fluid.

[0043] According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the container treatment system is a form-fill machine in which, in an integrated process step, the containers are formed from preforms using the filling medium as a forming fluid. The container treatment stations are then configured for the combined filling and forming of plastic bottles, whereby, particularly in such a process, residues of the filling material may escape, which are then to be removed during cleaning.

[0044] The plastic bottles are made of PET according to a preferred embodiment.

[0045] In practice, filling and forming machines are known in which the container treatment stations are movably held on the support structure.

[0046] It is known to tilt a lower section outwards in container treatment stations in order to achieve the most uniform properties possible with regard to the distribution of the liquid and the force application under the centrifugal forces occurring during filling and shaping.

[0047] In the cleaning process provided according to the invention, it is preferably provided that the container treatment stations are open, or at least open for part of the cleaning process, so that an inner area of ​​the mold can also be cleaned. If the container treatment stations are movably mounted on the support structure, their position can optionally be varied to achieve the most complete cleaning possible.

[0048] The invention also relates to a method for operating the previously described container treatment system. In this system, preforms, particularly those made of PET, are fed to the container treatment stations in a form-fill operation and formed into plastic bottles using a filling material as a fluid. The formed, filled plastic bottles are removed from the container treatment stations, and the inside of the housing is cleaned in a separate cleaning operation using at least one first spray device and a drive mechanism for the support structure.

[0049] As previously described, the container treatment stations are preferably guided past the at least one second spraying device by the drive of the support arrangement, whereby the support arrangement can be driven at a slower speed compared to the form-fill operation.

[0050] In principle, it is also conceivable to model the drive of the support structure, for example, to achieve a longer contact time of at least one second spray device on the tank treatment station. For instance, the speed can be further reduced if each tank treatment station is moved past the at least one second spray device. In many cases, however, continuous movement of the support structure will be advantageous in order to achieve satisfactory cleaning performance overall with simple process control.

[0051] Typically, the transfer of the preforms and the formed, filled bottles takes place at a transfer section at open container handling stations during the forming and filling operation.

[0052] When the support structure is designed as a carousel, a transfer can take place, for example, to and from adjacent wheels. Accordingly, there is relatively little space at the transfer section to accommodate at least one second spraying device.

[0053] Against this background, a preferred embodiment of the invention provides that, during cleaning operations, the container treatment stations are guided past the at least one second spray device outside the transfer section. Preferably, the container treatment stations are open during this process. A changeover can also be implemented with appropriate control of the opening movement. For example, in the case of a cam control system, disengagement or guidance through an alternative cam track can be provided.

[0054] As previously explained in detail, the invention provides for at least one cleaning operation using a cleaning fluid. In at least one further step, sterilization and / or rinsing may then be provided.

[0055] Finally, within the scope of the invention, it is also possible to provide drying, particularly by air circulation, at the end of the cleaning process. For example, the container treatment system can also include air circulation and / or temperature control devices, which can then also be used for drying. The supplied or circulated air can be cleaned, dried, temperature-controlled, particularly heated, or otherwise treated.

[0056] In a preferred embodiment of the invention, the entire interior of the enclosure is cleaned over a large area, the enclosure being, for example, having a height between 1.5 m and 4 m. The mean diameter of the enclosure can, for example, be in a range between 2.5 m and 10 m.

[0057] The invention is explained below using figures as an example. These show: Fig. 1. A schematic top view of a container treatment plant in a production facility, Fig. 2 the container treatment plant according to the Fig. 1 at a cleaning company, Fig. 3 the facility according to the Fig. 1 and Fig. 2 in a side view, Fig. 4. The previously described facility in a perspective view, Fig. 5a to 5d alternative designs of a spraying device of the container treatment plant.

[0058] The Fig. Figure 1 shows a top view of a container treatment plant. In the illustrated embodiment, it is a form-filling machine, wherein preforms 2 made of PET (polyethylene terephthalate) are fed into a transfer section 1 and formed, filled plastic bottles 3 are discharged.

[0059] The form-filling machine comprises a carousel as a support arrangement 4, with several container treatment stations 5 arranged on the support arrangement 4.

[0060] At transfer section 1, the container treatment stations 5 are open to allow the introduction of the preforms 2 and the removal of the formed, filled plastic bottles 3.

[0061] After the preforms 2 are loaded, the container handling stations 5 are closed, and the preforms 2 are then formed into plastic bottles 3 using a fluid as the filling material in a form-filling operation. It is not entirely possible to prevent some of the filling material from dripping down and / or being further distributed by the rotation of the support structure 4. The filling material can be, in particular, a beverage. However, cleaning agents, liquid or pasty foods, cosmetic products, or similar substances are also suitable filling materials.

[0062] In this context, the form-filling machine includes an enclosure 6, which accommodates the support arrangement 4 with the container treatment stations 5 arranged on it.

[0063] The Fig. Figure 2 shows the form-filling machine in a cleaning operation, in which no preforms 2 are fed in. Instead, the container treatment stations 5 remain open during their rotation while the support structure 4 moves. At least one first spray device 7 is arranged on the support structure 4, which is in the form of a carousel. In the illustrated cleaning operation, this sprays a cleaning fluid onto the inside of the housing 6, thereby cleaning it. Since the support structure 4 is also rotated during the cleaning operation, a single first spray device 7 can clean the entire inner circumference of the housing 6.

[0064] In the Fig. 1 and the Fig. In this context, Figure 2 shows in dashes that, according to an optional embodiment, two or more first spray devices 7 may also be provided to enable faster or more complete cleaning.

[0065] As further explained below, several first spray devices 7 can also be designed differently from each other and / or arranged at different heights in order to clean different height sections of the enclosure 6 on its inside.

[0066] Furthermore, at least one second spray device 8 is provided, which is arranged within the housing 6 for cleaning the container treatment stations 5 and the support structure 4 as they move past it. This second spray device 8 can be freestanding, for example as a column, to be positioned as close as possible to the container treatment stations 5 as they are moved past. This also makes it possible to achieve a greater degree of mechanical cleaning through the spray action, thus supporting the effect of the cleaning fluid.

[0067] The cleaning fluid may contain surfactants, solvents and enzymes in the usual way to dissolve or rinse away impurities.

[0068] In principle, the cleaning fluid should also have a sterilizing effect, whereby sterilization can also be carried out in a separate process step, in particular also using the first spray device 7 and the second spray device 8.

[0069] Finally, a final rinsing with water can also be carried out using at least one first spray device 7 and at least one second spray device 8, whereby the water may also be filtered, disinfected or otherwise treated.

[0070] Regarding the second spray device 8, it is also possible to provide several of them, which is likewise indicated by a dashed line in the Fig. 1 as well as Fig. 2 is indicated.

[0071] The Fig. Figure 3 shows a highly schematic side view of the container treatment plant, where it can be seen that the enclosure 6 accommodates the entire support structure 4 with the container treatment stations 5 arranged on it.

[0072] The support structure 4 has a base section 9 which is supported on a base surface 10. The enclosure 6 extends towards the base surface 10 at least up to the height of the base section 9.

[0073] In the specific embodiment shown, the enclosure 6 extends directly to the floor surface 10, so that cleaning of the inside of the enclosure 6 is then possible (cf. Fig. 2) is possible up to the floor area 10 itself.

[0074] Finally, the floor area 10 is also cleaned, where a floor drain 11 is schematically shown, through which the dirty cleaning fluid is removed.

[0075] In principle, it is also conceivable to recycle the cleaning fluid, with or without treatment, at least to some extent, in order to achieve resource-efficient handling overall.

[0076] Without treatment, the contaminants would initially accumulate in the cleaning fluid before it is finally removed.

[0077] The representation of the first spray device 7 and the second spray device 8 in the Fig. Figure 3 is only schematic. However, it can be seen that a comparatively large area is to be cleaned, so that the spray devices 7 and 8 can then be adjusted accordingly, which will be discussed in more detail below.

[0078] The Fig. Figure 4 shows the container treatment system in the form of a filling and forming machine in a perspective view. For example, several feet 12 can be provided in the base section 9, allowing cleaning up to the feet 12. However, it is also conceivable to arrange a drip tray or similar in the area of ​​the base section 9, for example at the level of the feet 12, which is located to a certain extent above the level of the floor surface 10.

[0079] However, it is essential within the scope of the invention that, with at least one second clamping direction 8, significant areas above and below the container treatment stations 5 are also cleaned, which can also become contaminated during the form-filling operation.

[0080] The Fig. Figures 5a to 5d show purely exemplary possible configurations of the spray devices 7, 8. The spray devices 7, 8 can, for example, each have several outlet openings to form a nozzle tree or fan spray (see Fig. 5a).

[0081] According to the Fig. 5b indicates that a water jet generated by the spray device 7, 8 can also be self-rotating in order to achieve a uniform water distribution as well as a kind of milling effect.

[0082] According to the Fig. Figure 5c shows that the spray device 7, 8 has a supply line 13 and a nozzle arrangement 14 that is movable relative to the supply line 13.

[0083] In the Fig. Finally, 5d indicates that several spray devices 7, 8 can be arranged at different heights on the support structure 4 and / or around the perimeter of the enclosure 6 in order to cover different height ranges.

[0084] The described variants are merely examples and can also be combined with each other. Reference symbol list 1. Transfer section 2 Preform 3 plastic bottles 4 Support arrangement 5 container treatment stations 6 Enclosure 7 first spray device 8 second spray device 9 foot section 10 floor area 11 Floor drain 12 feet 13 Supply line 14 nozzle arrangement QUOTES INCLUDED IN THE DESCRIPTION

[0000] This list of documents cited by the applicant was automatically generated and is included solely for the reader's convenience. The list is not part of the German patent or utility model application. The DPMA accepts no liability for any errors or omissions. Cited patent literature

[0000] DE 10 2011 102 090 B4

[0014] DE 10 2009 036 920 A1

[0015]

Claims

[1] Container treatment plant, in particular fluid forming machine for the formation of plastic bottles (3), with a plurality of container treatment stations (5), with a circumferentially driven support arrangement (4) on which the container treatment stations (5) are held and which is supported by a foot section (9) on a floor surface (10), and with an enclosure (6) extending in the direction of the floor surface (10) at least up to the height of the foot section (9), which accommodates the support arrangement (4) with the treatment stations (5) held thereon, characterized by , that at least a first spray device (7) for dispensing a cleaning fluid is arranged to be movable around the circumference with the support arrangement (4) for cleaning an inside of the housing (6). [2] Container treatment plant according to claim 1, characterized by that it is designed to collect and / or drain the cleaning fluid from the bottom. [3] Container treatment plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that within the enclosure (6) at least a second spraying device (8) is provided for cleaning the container treatment stations (5) and the support arrangement (4) that can be moved past it up to its foot section (9). [4] Container treatment plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the support arrangement (4) is designed as a carousel with a vertical axis of rotation. [5] Container treatment plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one first or second spray device (7, 8) has a supply line (13) and a nozzle arrangement (14) movable relative to the supply line (13). [6] Container treatment device according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by, that at least one first or second spray device (7, 8) has several outlet openings spaced apart from each other. [7] Container treatment plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the floor surface (10) has a floor drain (11) and / or a collection tray. [8] Container treatment plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that at least one second spray device (8) is arranged within the enclosure (6) at a distance from the enclosure (6) on the one hand and from the container treatment stations (5) on the other. [9] Container treatment plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by , that the container treatment stations (5) are set up for combined filling and forming of plastic bottles (3). [10] Container treatment plant according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the container treatment stations (5) are movably held on the support arrangement (4). [11] Method for operating a container treatment plant according to one of the preceding claims, wherein in a form-fill operation preforms (2) are fed to the container treatment stations (5) and are formed therein with a filling material as a fluid to form plastic bottles (3) and the formed, filled plastic bottles (3) are removed from the container treatment stations (5) and wherein in a cleaning operation separate from the form-fill operation, the inside of the housing (6) is cleaned with the at least one first spray device (7) and with a drive of the support arrangement (4). [12] Method according to claim 11, wherein in the cleaning operation the container treatment stations (5) are guided past the at least one second spray device (8) by the drive of the support arrangement (4). [13] Method according to claim 12, wherein the transfer of the preforms (2) and the formed, filled plastic bottles (3) takes place at a transfer section (1) with open container treatment stations (5) during the form-fill operation, and wherein the container treatment stations (5) are passed in an open state outside the transfer section (1) past the at least one second spray device (8) during the cleaning operation. [14] Method according to one of claims 11 to 13, wherein during the cleaning operation, in a first step cleaning with a cleaning fluid and in at least one further step sterilization and / or rinsing takes place. [15] Method according to one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the cleaning operation is completed by drying, in particular by air circulation.

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