Device and method for automated leak testing and inerting of containers or similar containers with a lid and / or valve

Description

[0001] The object of the invention is a device and method for automated tightness testing and inertisation of containers or similar receptacles having a cover and / or valve, which allows for an automated tightness testing of containers or other similar receptacles having a cover and / or valve (hereinafter receptacles) to underpressure or overpressure, and inertisation of same, wherein the object of tightness testing is the cover and / or valve arranged on the receptacle. The operations of a tightness and inertisation test are separate and can be performed completely independently of each other, yet are carried out on the same device.

[0002] The technical problem solved by the described device is an automated execution of tightness testing and inertisation with the same device, wherein, in case of the tightness testing of receptacles, automated inertisation and, if necessary, elimination of the leaky receptacles is carried out, wherein the sequence of testing also allows for the identification of a leaky site on the receptacle. The purpose of the automated inertisation of a receptacle is to displace a certain amount of oxygen from it, thereby eliminating a possibility of an explosion when, for instance, filling the receptacle, and at the same time avoiding possible contamination - oxidation of the product fed into the receptacle, if the product should not be exposed to the atmosphere or an excessive oxygen concentration.

[0003] The tightness of a receptacle is controlled by measuring the change in the preset pressure present within the controlled space controlled by the device. In case of leakage, the results can be further analysed to determine the threshold value of the pressure, at which the receptacle is still tight, and the rate of leakage. inertisation of receptacles is carried out by inert gas flushing to reach the desired preset oxygen content measured at the receptacle's outlet. Based on the determined leakage rate, a time period, in which the level of inertisation in a receptacle is still appropriate, can be anticipated.

[0004] Similar devices already exist and are described, for example, in patent documents EP2801392, EP3174066, EP0120271, wherein said solutions do not allow for a preliminary verification of tightness of an enclosed target space, container or similar receptacles; they are rather configured to carry out only one method which only allows for the inertisation of the target space, container or similar receptacles, without prior testing these receptacles for leakage. A problem that can arise is the leakage of the inert gas supplied, thereby reducing the inertness of a receptacle to inert gas.

[0005] Furthermore, said devices disclosed in the aforementioned inventions are permanently attached to a container in order to detect the oxygen concentration in the container or a similar receptacle and to supply inert gas to maintain the desired inert atmosphere at the desired time interval. The document JP2011226906A discloses a device for automated tightness testing of a container according to the state of the art.

[0006] In the present invention, the device and the associated method combine the functions of an automated tightness testing and inertisation of containers or similar receptacles, which ensures adequate tightness, namely that a change in a preset pressure in a container at a given time is less than required. Once the inertisation method, which may follow, is over, less than a certain percentage of oxygen in the container is provided at a predetermined time interval.

[0007] The device and method for automated tightness testing and inertisation of containers or similar receptacles having a cover and / or valve and its functioning will be explained on the basis of an embodiment and accompanying drawings, in which: Figure 1shows a container or a similar receptacle arranged on a support frame; Figure 2shows a tightness test of a bottom and an upper cap; Figure 3shows a tightness test of a cover from the inside; Figure 4shows a tightness test of a cover from the outside; Figure 5shows a tightness test of a valve from the inside; Figure 6shows a tightness test of a valve from the outside; Figure 7shows the method of inertisaton of a receptacle. List of references used in Figures:

[0008] 0 Receptacle 1 Support frame 2 Bottom cap 3 Column provided with a lifting mechanism 4 Upper cap support 5 Upper cap 6 Bottom connecting pipe for tightness test 7 Inertisation connecting pipe 8 Bottom relief connecting pipe 9 Bottom pressure gauge 10 Valve opening / closing mechanism 11 Receptacle's valve 12 Seal of receptacle's valve 13 Bottom cap seal 14 Upper connecting pipe for tightness test 15 Upper connecting pipe for relief and oxygen content measurement 16 Oxygen meter 17 Upper pressure gauge 18 Receptacle's cover 19 Cover opening / closing mechanism 20 Receptacle's cover seal 21 Upper cap seal 22 Connecting pipe valve

[0009] The structure of the device is shown in Figure 1. The device consists of a support frame 1 which serves to put a receptacle 0 onto the device. A bottom cap 2 and a column 3 provided with a lifting mechanism are attached to the support frame 1. The bottom cap 2 accommodates a valve opening / closing mechanism 10 on the receptacle 0, said bottom cap being further provided with a bottom connecting pipe 6 for tightness test, a connecting pipe 7 for inertisation, a bottom relief connecting pipe 8, and a bottom pressure gauge 9. To the lifting mechanism arranged on the column 3, an upper cap support 4 is fastened and an upper cap 5 is fastened to the latter. The upper cap 5 houses a cover opening / closing mechanism 19, and an upper connecting pipe 14 for tightness test, an upper connecting pipe 15 for relief and measurement of oxygen content, and an an upper pressure gauge 17 are attached to said upper cap (5). To measure the oxygen content, an oxygen meter 16 is attached to the upper relief connecting pipe 15. The tightness between the bottom cap 2 and the receptacle 0 is provided by a seal 13 of the bottom cap, which is located on the bottom cap 2, while the tightness between the upper cap 5 and the receptacle 0 is provided by a seal 21 located on the upper cap 5. The tightness of a valve 11 of the receptacle 0 is provided by a valve seal 12, while the tightness of a cover 18 of the receptacle 0 is provided by a seal 20 of the receptacle's cover. All connecting pipes 6, 7, 8, 14, 15 on the upper and bottom caps 5, 2 are fitted with valves 22 which ensure the tightness of the connecting pipes 6, 7, 8, 14, 15 in the tightness test of the receptacle 0.

[0010] The purpose of the tightness test of a receptacle is to verify whether the cover 18 of the receptacle 0 or the cover seal 20 of the receptacle 0 and the valve 11 of the receptacle 0 or the valve seal 12 of the receptacle 0 provide for an appropriate tightness, which means that the change in a preset pressure in the receptacle 0 is less than required in a given time period. Both the overpressure and the underpressure in the interior of the receptacle 0 are tested, the underpressure in the receptacle 0 being simulated by the overpressure on the external side of the cover 18 of the receptacle 0 or the valve 11 of the receptacle 0, i.e. by the overpressure in the bottom cap 2 or the upper cap 5.

[0011] The measurement of a potential leakage is carried out by monitoring the change in the air pressure in the control volume, i.e. in the part of the receptacle or device, in which some overpressure is established for testing purposes, with pressure gauges 9, 17, one on the bottom cap 2 and one on the upper cap 5. The pressure gauges 9, 17 measure the relative change in the pressure over a given period of time. Which gauge is monitored in a certain step depends on an individual partial test that is described hereinbelow.

[0012] A tightness test can begin when the receptacle 0 is adequately positioned on the support frame 1, the upper cap 5 is lowered to an appropriate height so that it rests on the cover 18 of the receptacle. A tightness test consisting of five partial tests is described below - there may be less partial tests, if necessary, for example, if only the valve 11 of the receptacle 0 is present on the receptacle, without the cover 18 of the receptacle 0 or vice versa. Upon completion of the test, the cover opening / closing mechanism 19 in the upper cap 5 closes the cover 18 of the receptacle 0, then the upper cap support 4 with the upper cap 5 fastened thereon is moved to the uppermost position. The valve opening / closing mechanism 10 in the bottom cap 2 closes the valve of the receptacle 11.

[0013] The entire test cycle consists of the following five partial tests: 1. Tightness test of the device and control of the bottom cap seal 13 and the upper cap seal 21 by simulation of overpressure in the bottom cap 2, upper cap 5 and the receptacle 0 - Figure 2. The bottom cap 2 and the upper cap 5 hermetically fit the receptacle 0, the receptacle valve 11 and the receptacle cover 18 are open. Prior to pressure buildup in the control volume, the relief valves 22 on the bottom connecting pipe 8 and on the upper connecting pipe 15 are opened so that normal air pressure is established within the receptacle or control volume, thereby eliminating the impact of possible overpressure or underpressure that might be present in the receptacle 0 prior to the performance of a test. In the control volume, i.e. in the receptacle 0, in the bottom cap 2 and in the upper cap 5, the desired pre-set pressure is established through one of the connecting pipes 6 or 14 for the tightness test. Potential leakage of the bottom cap seal 13 or the upper cap seal 21, i.e. the change in pressure in the control volume, is controlled by the bottom pressure gauge 9 or the upper pressure gauge 17. 2. Tightness test of the cover 18 of the receptacle 0 from the inside by simulation of overpressure within the receptacle 0 - Figure 3. The bottom cap 2 and the upper cap 5 hermetically fit the receptacle 0, the valve 11 of the receptacle 0 is open, the cover 18 of the receptacle 0 is closed. In the control volume, i.e. in the receptacle 0 and in the bottom cap 2, the desired pre-set pressure is established through the bottom connecting pipe 6 for the tightness test. Potential leakage of the seal 20 of the cover of the receptacle 0, i.e. the change in pressure in the control volume, is controlled by the bottom pressure gauge 9. 3. Tightness test of the cover 18 of the receptacle 0 from the outside by simulation of underpressure within the receptacle 0 - Figure 4. The bottom cap 2 and the upper cap 5 hermetically fit the receptacle 0, the valve 11 of the receptacle 0 is open, the cover 18 of the receptacle 0 is closed. In the control volume, i.e. in the upper cap 5, the desired pre-set pressure is established through the upper connecting pipe 14 for the tightness test. Potential leakage of the seal 20 of the cover 18 of the receptacle 0, i.e. the change in pressure in the control volume, is controlled by the upper pressure gauge 17 or alternatively by the bottom pressure gauge 9. 4. Tightness test of the valve 11 of the receptacle 0 from the inside by simulation of overpressure within the receptacle 0 - Figure 5. The bottom cap 2 and the upper cap 5 hermetically fit the receptacle 0, the valve 11 of the receptacle is closed, the cover 18 of the receptacle 0 is open. In the control volume, i.e. in the receptacle 0 and in the upper cap 5, the desired pre-set pressure is established through the upper connecting pipe 14 for the tightness test. Potential leakage of the seal 12 of the valve 11 of the receptacle 0, i.e. the change in pressure in the control volume, is controlled by the upper pressure gauge 17. 5. Tightness test of the valve 11 of the receptacle 0 from the outside by simulation of underpressure within the receptacle 0 - Figure 6.

[0014] The bottom cap 2 and the upper cap 5 hermetically fit the receptacle 0, the valve 11 of the receptacle 0 is closed, the cover 18 of the receptacle 0 is open. In the control volume, i.e. in the bottom cap 2, the desired pre-set pressure is established through the bottom connecting pipe 6 for the tightness test. Potential leakage of the seal 12 of the valve 11 of the receptacle 0, i.e. the change in pressure in the control volume, is controlled by the bottom pressure gauge 9 or alternatively by the upper pressure gauge 17.

[0015] Upon completion of the entire set of tests, the upper cap 5, together with the support 4 of the upper cap 5, is moved to the uppermost position and the receptacle 0 is prepared to be detached from the support frame 1.

[0016] The purpose of inertisation of the receptacle 0 with an inert gas, e.g. nitrogen, is to provide a certain desired oxygen concentration in the closed receptacle 0, which is important both in terms of explosion hazard and keeping the empty receptacle 0 clean for further use in the production process. An appropriately low oxygen concentration in an empty closed receptacle 0 prevents an explosion hazard resulting for instance from a spark due to static charge when filling the receptacle 0, e.g. with powder, and further prevents oxidation of the product (such as active substances, tablets, etc.) stored in the receptacle 0.

[0017] Inertisation can be initiated when the receptacle 0 is properly arranged on the support frame 1, the upper cap 5 together with the upper cap 4 support is lowered to an appropriate height, the mechanism 19 for opening / closing the cover 18 of the receptacle 0 in the upper cap 5 opens the cover 18 of the receptacle 0, the mechanism 10 for opening / closing the valve 11 of the receptacle 0 in the bottom cap 2 opens the valve 11 of the receptacle 0. The method is schematically illustrated in Figure 7.

[0018] Inertisation is carried out through the inertisaton connecting pipe 7 attached to the bottom cap 2. An inert gas, such as nitrogen, is blown through the inertisation connection tube 7 into the bottom cap 2 and further into the receptacle 0 and into the upper cap 5 and finally through the upper connection tube 15 for relief and oxygen content measurement. The presence of oxygen is measured by the oxygen meter 16 located on the upper connecting pipe 15 for relief and oxygen content measurement, which is further attached to the upper cap 5. The time of inertisation depends on the capacity of the receptacle 0. Inertisation is successful when the oxygen concentration value drops below the set threshold. Once inertisaton is completed, the inert gas supply is discontinued, the cover 18 of the receptacle 0 is closed. If necessary, overpressure in established within the receptacle 0 and then the valve 11 of the receptacle 0 is closed.

[0019] Upon completion of the inertisation, the upper cap 5, together with the support 4 of the upper cap 5, is moved to the uppermost position and the receptacle 0 is prepared to be detached from the support frame 1.

Claims

1. Device for automated tightness testing and inertisation of containers or similar receptacles having a cover and / or valve, consisting of a support frame (1) which serves to receive a receptacle (0), wherein a bottom cap (2) and a column (3) provided with a lifting mechanism are attached to the support frame (1) and an upper cap (5) fastened to an upper cap support (4) is attached to the lifting mechanism arranged on the column (3); wherein the bottom cap (2) accommodates a valve opening / closing mechanism (10) on the receptacle (0), said bottom cap being further provided with a bottom connecting pipe (6) for tightness test, a connecting pipe (7) for inertisation, a bottom relief connecting pipe (8), and a bottom pressure gauge (9), the upper cap (5) houses a mechanism (19) for opening / closing the cover and an upper connecting pipe (14) for tightness test, an upper connecting pipe (15) for relief and measurement of oxygen content, and an upper pressure gauge (17), are attached to said upper cap (5) while an oxygen meter (16) is attached to the upper relief connecting pipe (15) for measuring the oxygen content, characterised in that the bottom cap (2) is equipped with a seal (13) arranged between the bottom cap (2) and the receptacle (0), while the upper cap (5) is equipped with a seal (21) arranged between the upper cap (5) and the receptacle (0), wherein the tightness of the valve (11) is provided by a seal (12) and the tightness of the cover (18) of the receptacle (0) is provided by a seal (20).

2. Device according to claim 1, characterised in that it can be used to perform the functions of tightness testing and inertisation continuously or independently from one another.

3. Method for automated tightness testing of containers or similar receptacles having a cover and / or valve using the device of claim 1, characterised in that it is applicable to verify whether the cover (18) of the receptacle (0) or the cover seal (20) of the receptacle (0) and the valve (11) of the receptacle (0) or the valve seal (12) of the receptacle (0) provide for an appropriate tightness, which means that the change in a preset pressure in the receptacle (0) is less than required in a given period of time, wherein both the overpressure and the underpressure in the interior of the receptacle (0) are tested, the underpressure in the receptacle (0) being simulated by overpressure on the external side of the cover (18) of the receptacle (0) or the valve (11) of the receptacle (0), i.e. by the overpressure in the bottom cap (2) or the upper cap (5).

4. Method for automated tightness testing of containers or similar receptacles having a cover and / or valve according to claim 3, characterised in that the entire test cycle includes at least one of the following partial tests: tightness test of the device and control of the bottom cap (2) seal (13) and the upper cap (5) seal (21) by simulation of overpressure in the bottom cap (2), upper cap (5) and the receptacle (0); tightness test of the cover (18) of the receptacle (0) from the inside - by simulation of overpressure within the receptacle (0); tightness test of the cover (18) of the receptacle (0) from the outside - by simulation of underpressure within the receptacle (0); tightness test of the valve (11) of the receptacle (0) from the inside - by simulation of underpressure within the receptacle (0); tightness test of the valve (11) of the receptacle (0) from the outside - by simulation of underpressure within the receptacle (0).

5. Method according to claim 4, characterised in that the tightness test of the device and control of the bottom cap (2) seal (13) and the upper cap (5) seal (21) - by simulation of overpressure in the bottom cap (2), upper cap (5) and the receptacle (0) is carried out in a way that the bottom cap (2) and the upper cap (5) hermetically fit the receptacle (0), the valve (11)_of the receptacle and the cover (18) of the receptacle being open, wherein, prior to pressure buildup in the control volume, the relief valves (22) on the bottom connecting pipe (8) and on the upper connecting pipe (15) are opened so that normal air pressure is established within the receptacle or control volume, thereby eliminating the impact of possible overpressure or underpressure that might be present in the receptacle (0) prior to the performance of a test, in the control volume, i.e. in the receptacle (0), in the bottom cap (2) and in the upper cap (5), the desired pre-set pressure is established through one of the connecting pipes (6) or (14) and potential leakage of the bottom cap (2) seal (13) or the upper cap (5) seal (21), i.e. the change in pressure in the control volume, is controlled by the bottom pressure gauge (9) or the upper pressure gauge (17).

6. Method according to claim 4, characterised in that the tightness test of the cover (18) of the receptacle (0) from the inside - by simulation of overpressure within the receptacle (0) is carried out in a way that the bottom cap (2) and the upper cap (5) hermetically fit the receptacle (0), the valve (11) of the receptacle (0) is open, the cover (18) of the receptacle (0) is closed, in the control volume, i.e. in the receptacle (0) and in the bottom cap (2), the desired pre-set pressure is established through the bottom connecting pipe (6) for the tightness test and potential leakage of the seal (20) of the cover of the receptacle (0), i.e. the change in pressure in the control volume, is controlled by the bottom pressure gauge (9).

7. Method according to claim 4, characterised in that the tightness test of the cover (18) of the receptacle (0) from the outside - by simulation of underpressure within the receptacle (0) is carried out in a way that the bottom cap (2) and the upper cap (5) hermetically fit the receptacle (0), the valve (11) of the receptacle (0) is open, the cover (18) of the receptacle (0) is closed, in the control volume, i.e. in the upper cap (5), the desired pre-set pressure is established through the upper connecting pipe (14) for the tightness test and potential leakage of the seal (20) of the cover (18) of the receptacle (0), i.e. the change in pressure in the control volume, is controlled by the upper pressure gauge (17) or alternatively by the bottom pressure gauge (9).

8. Method according to claim 4, characterised in that the tightness test of the valve (11) of the receptacle (0) from the inside - by simulation of underpressure within the receptacle (0) is carried out in a way that the bottom cap (2) and the upper cap (5) hermetically fit the receptacle (0), the valve (11) of the receptacle is closed, the cover (18) of the receptacle (0) is open, in the control volume, i.e. in the receptacle (0) and the upper cap (5), the desired pre-set pressure is established through the upper connecting pipe (14) for the tightness test and potential leakage of the seal (12) of the valve (11) of the receptacle (0), i.e. the change in pressure in the control volume, is controlled by the upper pressure gauge (17).

9. Method according to claim 4, characterised in that the tightness test of the valve (11) of the receptacle (0) from the outside - by simulation of underpressure within the receptacle (0) is carried out in a way that the bottom cap (2) and the upper cap (5) hermetically fit the receptacle (0), the valve (11) of the receptacle (0) is closed, the cover (18) of the receptacle (0) is open, in the control volume, i.e. in the bottom cap (2), the desired pre-set pressure is established through the bottom connecting pipe (6) for the tightness test and potential leakage of the seal (12) of the valve (11) of the receptacle (0), i.e. the change in pressure in the control volume, is controlled by the bottom pressure gauge (9) or alternatively by the upper pressure gauge (17).

10. Method for inertisation of containers or similar receptacles having a cover and / or valve using the device of claim 1, characterised in that inertisation is carried out in a way that an inert gas, such as nitrogen, is blown through the inertisation connection tube (7) fastened to the bottom cap (2) and further into the receptacle (0) and into the upper cap (5) and finally through the upper connection tube (15) for relief and oxygen content measurement, wherein the presence of oxygen is measured by the oxygen meter (16) located on the upper connecting pipe (15) which is further attached to the upper cap (5), wherein the time of inertisation depends on the volume of the receptacle (0) and inertisation is successful when the oxygen concentration value drops below the set threshold.