Apparatus and method for preserving beverages

Abstract

The invention relates to an apparatus (1) for preserving beverages packaged in containers, comprising a first receiving container (4) for receiving a preservative and comprising a supply line (6) which can be brought into fluidic connection with the receiving container and is suitable for supplying the preservative to the containers (10), characterised in that the apparatus comprises a filling device (14) arranged downstream of the supply line (6) in a flow direction of the preservative, which filling device is suitable and intended for filling the preservative directly into the containers (10a, 10b).

Description

[0001] Device and method for preserving beverages

[0002] Description

[0003] The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for supplying a preservative into containers and, more generally, to an apparatus and a method for preserving beverages.

[0004] Devices for dosing and inline dosing of individual product components or finished intermediate products in the food industry are well known from the state of the art. For example, in beverage production, various ingredients such as water, sugar syrup, flavorings, juice concentrates, base materials, etc., are continuously mixed together in a mixer, also called a blender, in specific mass or volume ratios.

[0005] In the case of a carbonated beverage, carbon dioxide is usually added in the same system. Ultimately, this step, known as product blending, creates the sensorially finished product from its individual components. This is then fed, usually continuously or via a buffer tank, to subsequent process steps such as flash heating, filtration, or directly to the filling machine.

[0006] Similar to the continuous inline blending of beverages, the individual ingredients of a recipe can also be mixed together in a preparation vessel, also called a batch tank, and then fed to the carbonation, product treatment, and filling processes (if present). Since filling is usually a continuous process, all upstream steps, once the finished beverage is blended, sometimes also take place continuously.

[0007] To protect beverages from microbiological spoilage, beverage manufacturers can rely on various preservation technologies and methods. Depending on the packaging material, such as carton packaging, plastic or glass bottles, flow packs, or cans, processes such as tunnel pasteurization, hot filling, or aseptic cold filling may be used more frequently, or they may be mutually exclusive due to product or packaging characteristics.

[0008] In addition to primarily physical methods of preserving beverages, these can be combined with chemical methods to ensure microbiological stability throughout the product's shelf life under given storage conditions (e.g., within or outside the cold chain). For traditional chemical preservation of beverages, sorbic acid or benzoic acid are used, which are usually added to the beverage as a solid salt or as a pre-solution during product mixing.

[0009] In addition, beverage treatment with dimethyl dicarbonate is known, which is added to the beverage immediately before bottling and then decomposes depending on time and temperature.

[0010] More recently, processes have also become known in which natural preservatives, such as the preservative known under the brand name Nagardo, are used to provide microbiological protection based on fungal glycolipids.

[0011] This is a powder that is usually pre-dissolved in water. The stock solution typically has a concentration of 0.5% - 3%, although higher or lower concentrations are also conceivable. Pre-dissolution in one or more product components could also occur. Systems for dosing individual product components into empty containers or partially or fully filled containers shortly before the closing process are also common in filling technology. In this case, comparably high quantities of these product components are usually added to the containers.

[0012] A long-standing and widespread method in the brewery industry for beer bottling is the deliberate foaming of bottles before capping. This is known as high-pressure injection (HDE). A fine injection of hot water is used to deliberately induce foaming of the contents, thereby reducing the oxygen in the bottle's headspace.

[0013] Liquid nitrogen is also used to reduce oxygen levels. Occasionally, liquid nitrogen is added to empty containers before the actual filling process to reduce the oxygen content. More often, however, liquid nitrogen is added immediately after the filling process to ensure a certain internal pressure, particularly in PET bottles, which may otherwise be difficult to label or stack.

[0014] Dosing systems for the addition of flavorings or additives have recently become available on the market, which can also be installed upstream or downstream of the filling device as a pre- or post-dosage system.

[0015] Nagardo® now offers a natural preservation option based on fungal glycolipids. This powder is usually pre-dissolved in water. The stock solution typically has a concentration of 0.5%–3%, although higher or lower concentrations are also conceivable. Pre-dissolution in one or more product components is also possible.

[0016] The present invention is based on the object of providing a device and a method that enable the admixture for preserving a beverage in a simple manner. This is achieved according to the invention by the subject matter of the independent claims. Advantageous embodiments and further developments are the subject matter of the dependent claims. A device according to the invention for preserving beverages filled into containers has a first receptacle for receiving a preservative and a supply line that can be brought into flow connection with the receptacle and which is suitable for supplying the preservative (starting from the receptacle) in particular to the containers.

[0017] According to the invention, the device comprises a filling device arranged downstream of the supply line in a flow direction of the preservative, which is suitable and intended to fill the preservative directly into the containers.

[0018] It is particularly advantageous if the supply line has a non-return valve so that the flow can only be in one direction, the direction of the beverage. For example, a (non-return) valve can fulfill the function of the non-return valve. This valve is preferably passive, meaning it is opened and closed only by the flow of the liquid.

[0019] In another preferred embodiment, a damping device is provided to dampen the amount of preservative flowing into the beverage container (or container). This can advantageously influence the accuracy of the intermittent dosing into the beverage containers.

[0020] The procedure described above is unusual in that the goal is usually to add the preservative to the beverage as quickly as possible. Furthermore, preserving beverages requires a relatively precise addition of the preservative, so conventional systems used to add flavorings, for example, are not suitable for adding preservatives.

[0021] The preservation of beverages also requires a comparatively small amount (e.g. 1-25 ppm) of preservatives.

[0022] In contrast to systems known from the prior art, a device is therefore proposed that does not supply the preservative to a beverage line, but rather – preferably directly – to the respective containers. "Directly" means that the preservative flows directly from the filling device into the containers and, in particular, does not flow through additional elements.

[0023] The preservative is preferably a liquid preservative that is either prepared as a pre-solution from a powder or supplied ready-made.

[0024] The preservative is preferably a mixture of glycolipids of the formula (I) where, m = 3 or 5, n = 3, o = 1 p = 11 or 13

[0025] R 1 is -H or -OH, preferably R 1 = OH,

[0026] R 2is -H, alkali metal or an equivalent of an alkaline earth metal cation or -Ci-Ce-alkyl; preferably -H or alkali metal or an equivalent of an alkaline earth metal cation; and

[0027] R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 and R 7 are independently H or -C(=0)Ci-Ci2-alkyl and R 8 = H or -C(=O)Ci-Ci2-alkyl. In a preferred embodiment of the invention, R 3 , R 4 , R 5 , R 6 ,R 7 and R 8 independently of one another H or -C(=O)Ci-C6-alkyl, more preferably H or -C(=O)C3-C6-alkyl and R 8 = H or -C(=O)Ci-C6-alkyl, even more preferably R 4 = -C(=O)isobutyl and R 3 , R 5 , R 6 , R 7 , R 8 = H or / and -C(=O)CH3.

[0028] In a further preferred embodiment, R 2 , R 6 and R 7 = H.

[0029] In a further preferred embodiment, the compound of formula (I) is at least one compound of formula (II-A) to (II-D) or mixtures of these compounds

[0030] (ll-B)

[0031]

[0032] (ll-D) and salts of these compounds.

[0033] These glycolipids are commercially available as Nagardo® from LANXESS Deutschland GmbH.

[0034] The glycolipids are preferably in powder form. The glycolipids are then preferably dissolved and used in liquid form in the process according to the invention.

[0035] The preservatives are preferably mixtures of glycolipids and water. This can be deionized water or water with varying proportions of soluble salts. These solutions preferably have a pH value of 3-7. A special feature of the procedure described here is that a primarily natural preservative, which remains in the beverage and represents an essential component of microbiological protection throughout the entire shelf life of the product, is dosed into the containers either individually or continuously. It is also possible for the preservative to be introduced into the containers intermittently.

[0036] In addition, it is preferred that a corresponding dosing system is provided with a semi- or fully continuous mixing station if required, primarily for the preparation of the glycolipid solution, although other persistent preservatives such as benzoate or sorbate or mixtures thereof are also conceivable.

[0037] In a preferred embodiment, the device and / or the dosing device with the mixing unit can be cleaned and, if necessary, disinfected (during or after) the end of production in accordance with the other processing and filling units.

[0038] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a cleaning and / or disinfecting device for cleaning and / or disinfecting parts of the device and in particular the filling device and / or the supply line.

[0039] This cleaning and / or disinfecting device preferably has fluid connection means which establish a fluid connection to cleaning and / or disinfecting means of the filling device which fills the beverages.

[0040] Preferably, the injection location at which the preservative is added to the containers can be chosen flexibly. For example, it is conceivable that, on the one hand, the preservative is injected into the empty container yet to be filled. On the other hand, in multi-stage filling processes, the entire process can also be carried out as an intermediate step, or the preservative can be added to a partially filled container (particularly with timed filling machines), or it can be dosed into the already fully filled container.

[0041] The dosing unit preferably has sufficient accuracy to ensure a concentration of the active ingredient in the finished beverage or a precursor (e.g., concentrated syrup) of 2 to 1,000 ppm. The preservative is preferably added in an amount between 2 ppm and 50 ppm. It is also conceivable that, in addition to the natural preservative (simultaneous or delayed), other additives and / or flavorings may also be added. Experiments on mixing the glycolipids and the beverage have shown that the aqueous phases are homogeneous, whether used as pre-, intermediate-, or post-dosing.

[0042] In addition, after the container has been closed, the mixing of the preservative and the beverage can be further assisted by a suitable device (referred to below as a mixing-promoting device), such as a container turner or headspace wetting device.

[0043] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a first control device suitable and intended for controlling the supply of the preservative into the supply line and / or into the containers, wherein the preservative can preferably be supplied to the supply line continuously or, if appropriate, in a timed manner. This control device can comprise a valve device. This valve device is preferably a proportional valve.

[0044] In a preferred embodiment, the device comprises a filling device which fills containers with a liquid, in particular with a beverage. The filling device is preferably arranged upstream or downstream of this filling device (in a transport direction of the containers to be filled). The filling device is preferably a rotary filler. However, the invention is also applicable to cycled machines. The filling device preferably comprises a (particularly stationary) liquid line, via which the liquid, which is in particular a beverage, is supplied to the filling device.

[0045] In a further preferred embodiment, the device comprises a transport device which transports containers into which the preservative is to be filled along a predetermined transport path, wherein this transport device is preferably designed such that the preservative is filled into the containers during their transport.

[0046] Preferably, this transport device has a plurality of transport units, in particular transport units which are selected from a group of transport units which includes feed stars, discharge stars and filling wheels.

[0047] The transport device is preferably a transport wheel or a transport star. A plurality of holding devices for holding the containers to be filled or filled are preferably arranged on this transport star.

[0048] In a further preferred embodiment, the filling device is arranged on a feed star, which feeds empty or partially filled containers to the filling device.

[0049] In a further preferred embodiment, the filling device is arranged on a discharge star, which discharges filled or partially filled containers from the filling device.

[0050] Preferably, the filling device is arranged stationary.

[0051] In the context of the present application, the filling device is understood to mean in particular the device which fills the beverage into the containers and the filling device is understood to mean the device which supplies the preservative to the containers

[0052] Particularly preferably, the device comprises a detection device which detects a position of the containers into which the preservative is to be filled.

[0053] In a further preferred embodiment, the device has a control device which controls the filling of the preservative depending on a position of the containers.

[0054] For example, a light barrier device could be provided which detects the position of the containers in order to control the filling of the preservative in response to this.

[0055] However, it would also be conceivable for the filling device to be integrated into a (possibly) higher-level control system of a filling device so that the supply of the preservative can be controlled in this way.

[0056] In a further advantageous embodiment, the filling device comprises a transport device that transports containers into which the preservative is to be filled along a predetermined transport path. This transport path is preferably a circular transport path.

[0057] This transport device is preferably designed in such a way that the preservative is filled into the containers during their transport.

[0058] In a further advantageous embodiment, the filling device is arranged along a transport path along which the transport device transports the containers.

[0059] For example, the filling device can be arranged on a feed starwheel that feeds empty containers to a filling device. The filling device could also be arranged on a discharge starwheel that discharges (partially) filled containers from the filling device. The filling device could also be arranged on additional transport starwheels, such as intermediate starwheels. The filling device could also be part of an entire unit, i.e., have its own transport device for transporting the containers and, if necessary, also one or more filling devices.

[0060] Preferably, however, the filling device is not arranged on the actual filling unit.

[0061] Particularly preferably, the first control device controls the supply of the preservative into the supply line based on the flow rates measured by the first flow measuring device. However, other criteria can also be used to control this supply of the preservative.

[0062] In a further advantageous embodiment, the first control device comprises a controllable and preferably adjustable valve, which is arranged in particular in or upstream of the supply line. This valve can be, for example, a proportional valve. By controlling this valve, the amount of preservative introduced into the supply line can be controlled.

[0063] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a flow measuring device, which is preferably arranged in the supply line and / or the filling device and which is suitable and intended to determine a flow rate of the preservative supplied to the containers.

[0064] The device is preferably modular in design and can thus be used or retrofitted into existing systems. The device preferably has an outlet connection through which the preservative can be removed from the device and / or fed into the filling device.

[0065] In a further preferred embodiment, the filling device has at least one filling nozzle which is suitable and intended to supply the preservative to the containers via its mouth.

[0066] Preferably, this filling nozzle is stationary, and the containers move relative to it. It would be conceivable for the containers to be moved in a timed fashion, each time stopping at the time the preservative is being filled. However, the preservative is preferably filled while the containers are moving.

[0067] Furthermore, it would also be possible for the filling nozzle to move along with the containers. Preferably, the filling nozzle is suitable and intended for intermittent filling or injection of the preservative into the containers. In a preferred embodiment, the filling nozzle is positioned just above the container mouths.

[0068] Preferably, a distance between an outlet opening of the filling device and a mouth opening of the containers is less than 3 cm, preferably less than 2 cm, preferably less than 1.5 cm, preferably less than 1 cm, preferably less than 0.5 cm.

[0069] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a storage device for storing the preservative, wherein this storage device is arranged downstream of the receiving container for receiving the preservative and upstream of the filling device. This storage device can, in particular but not exclusively, be a buffer tank. Particularly preferably, this storage device is arranged in the supply line for the preservative.

[0070] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a second flow measuring device, which is preferably arranged between the first receiving container and the supply line and / or in the supply line and which is suitable and intended to determine a flow rate of the preservative to the supply line and / or in the supply line.

[0071] Advantageously, the device comprises a second receptacle for receiving the preservative, and preferably at least one receptacle (and preferably both receptacles) comprises a mixing device for mixing a component of the preservative into a liquid.

[0072] In a preferred embodiment, the mixing device comprises a stirring device for stirring the component into the liquid.

[0073] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a second control device, which is suitable and intended to regulate or control the supply of the liquid containing the preservative to the filling device. The second control device preferably comprises a controllable valve. This controllable valve is particularly preferably a proportional valve. For example, continuous or batch feeding can occur.

[0074] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a first pump device for conveying the preservative, wherein this pump device is preferably a controllable pump device. This pump device is particularly preferably selected from a group of pump devices, which includes, in particular, positive displacement pumps, such as rotary piston pumps, eccentric screw pumps, peristaltic pumps, or the like. The respective pump is preferably selected such that it delivers a higher pressure level than that prevailing in the supply line. The respective pump is preferably selected such that it delivers a higher pressure level than that prevailing in the supply line. The pump is preferably suitable and intended to deliver a pressure level that is at least 5%, preferably at least 10%, preferably at least 20% above the pressure level prevailing in the pressure line.

[0075] A further advantageous embodiment involves a controllable pump device. This is particularly controllable with respect to a flow rate. Depending on the quantity of beverage to be treated and the selected preservative concentration, the flow rate is preferably between 0.15 l / h and 150 l / h, although smaller or larger quantities can also be achieved by the device with appropriate configuration.

[0076] In a further preferred embodiment, the device is suitable and intended for supplying glycolipids to the containers. These glycolipids have already been explained above.

[0077] In a further advantageous embodiment, the device comprises a mixing-promoting device which is arranged downstream of the filling device in a transport direction of the containers and which is suitable and intended to promote and / or effect a mixing of the beverage and the preservative within the container.

[0078] Particularly preferably, the device comprises a closing device for closing the containers and this mixing-promoting device is arranged downstream of this closing device in the transport direction of the containers.

[0079] It is thus possible for the containers to be turned in this mixing-promoting device or for the mixing-promoting device to be a device which turns the containers and in particular turns them around an axis which is perpendicular to a longitudinal direction of the containers.

[0080] However, it would also be possible for the mixing-promoting device to be a device which wets a head space of the containers, for example with a liquid from the outside, in order to promote mixing inside the filled container.

[0081] In a further preferred embodiment, the device comprises a measuring device for determining the amount of preservative added to the containers. This measuring device is preferably arranged on the filling device. This measuring device is preferably a flow measuring device.

[0082] The filling device preferably has a valve, in particular a controllable valve. The amount of preservative to be supplied to the containers is preferably adjustable and / or controllable.

[0083] The present invention is further directed to a method for preserving beverages (in particular by adding a preservative),

[0084] In this case, a preservative is held in a first receiving container and the preservative is fed (in particular directly) to the containers to be filled via a feed line.

[0085] According to the invention, a filling device arranged downstream of the supply line in a flow direction of the preservative fills the preservative into the containers.

[0086] Preferably, the preservative is poured or dosed into the individual containers. Particularly preferred is the preservative being dosed into the still-open containers.

[0087] Dosing means that a small amount, and in particular a precisely measured amount, of preservative is dosed into the containers in relation to the filling quantity of the containers.

[0088] Preferably, the amount of preservative dosed into the containers is less than 10% of the beverage filled into the container, preferably less than 9%, preferably less than 8%, preferably less than 6%, preferably less than 5%, preferably less than 4%, and particularly preferably less than 3%. Preferably, the amount of preservative mixture dosed into the containers is more than 0.1% of the beverage filled into the container, preferably more than 0.2%, preferably more than 0.5%.

[0089] Preferably, the amount of preservative dosed into the containers (based on a 2L container) is less than 40ml, preferably less than 20ml, preferably less than 10ml, preferably less than 5ml, preferably less than 2ml, preferably less than 1ml, preferably less than 0.5ml, preferably less than 0.3ml, preferably less than 0.1ml.

[0090] Preferably, the filling and / or dosing takes place while the containers to be filled are moving. Particularly preferably, the filling and / or dosing takes place while the containers are moving along a circular transport path.

[0091] Preferably, the filling and / or dosing of the preservative is synchronized with a movement of the containers and / or a position of the containers.

[0092] Preferably, the filling and / or dosing of the preservative takes place during a period of time between 5 ms and 100 ms. This period also depends significantly on the number of containers that are filled per second.

[0093] In a further preferred method, the preservative comprises glycolipids, wherein preferably a proportion of the glycolipids in a stock solution is greater than 0.1%, preferably greater than 0.3% and preferably greater than 0.5% and / or a proportion of the glycolipids in a stock solution is less than 20%, preferably less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, preferably less than 5% and preferably less than 3%.

[0094] In another preferred method, a flow rate of the preservative supplied to the containers is measured. This flow rate is preferably measured at the filling device.

[0095] In another preferred method, a first component of the preservative is mixed with a second component of the preservative in the receptacle, wherein the second component is particularly preferably water. It is possible for the first component to be added to the second component in a spray, vapor, or, in particular, powder form. Particularly preferably, the first and second components are stirred together.

[0096] In a further preferred method, a flow rate of the preservative supplied to the supply line and / or the containers is measured.

[0097] Particularly preferably, the beverage is mixed from several components and preferably the preservative is added after the preparation of this mixture.

[0098] In a further preferred method, a gas, in particular carbon dioxide, is added to the beverage, in particular before the addition of the preservative, in particular in order to carbonate the beverage.

[0099] The present invention is further directed to a plant for producing beverage containers, comprising a filling device for filling containers, said filling device comprising a transport device which transports the containers along a predetermined transport path, a plurality of filling devices which fill a liquid into the containers transported by the transport device, and a closing device which closes the containers filled with the beverage, said plant further comprising a device for preserving the beverage filled into the containers,

[0100] According to the invention, the device comprises a filling device which is arranged in front of the closing device in the transport direction and which is suitable and intended to fill the preservative directly into each of the transported containers.

[0101] Preferably, the device for preserving the beverages is a device of the type described above.

[0102] The filling device is preferably arranged stationary. The filling device is preferably arranged on a conveyor star, which feeds the containers to be filled to the filling device, or on a conveyor star, which removes (partially) filled containers from the filling device. In a preferred embodiment, the conveyor transports the containers in a single lane. However, the conveyor is preferably suitable and intended for transporting the containers in multiple lanes, at least in sections.

[0103] In a preferred embodiment, the device has a distribution device which distributes the containers at least in sections across a plurality of, in particular parallel, transport paths, preferably at least two, preferably at least four such transport paths. At least one filling device, and in particular a filling device of the type described above, can be assigned to each of these transport paths. This distribution is preferably uniform across the individual transport paths. If, for example, four such transport paths are present, a first container can be fed to the first transport path, a second container to the second transport path, a third container to the third transport path, a fourth container to the fourth transport path, a fifth container back to the first transport, and so on.

[0104] The advantage of such a distribution system is that the containers are transported much more slowly in the individual parallel transport paths than in single-lane transport and therefore the filling of the preservative is much easier.

[0105] Preferably, the device comprises a merging device which re-merges the above-mentioned plurality of transport paths into one transport path.

[0106] Since filling beverage containers, which often move very quickly in practice, with small amounts of preservative can be extremely complex, it was surprisingly discovered that the containers can be very advantageously shifted from a single continuous row into several, for example, 2-20 rows. The preservative can then be added simultaneously via, for example, 2-20 dosing nozzles, and the rows can then be reconvened into a single row. This allows for a significantly slower feed rate and thus better controllability.

[0107] The containers are preferably made of plastic or glass. Further advantages and embodiments are shown in the attached drawings.

[0108] Showing:

[0109] Fig. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating the invention; and

[0110] Fig. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating possible installation positions.

[0111] Fig. 1 shows, in its entirety, a device 1 according to the invention for preserving beverages. This device comprises the supply line 6 shown in Fig. 1, which supplies the preservative to a filling device 40 and, more precisely, to the individual containers.

[0112] The filling device 40, which serves to fill containers 10 with a beverage, can comprise a transport device, such as a filling wheel, on which a plurality of holding devices for holding the containers are arranged. Each of these holding devices is preferably assigned a filling element. These filling elements (which advantageously have filling valves) preferably move along with the containers to be filled.

[0113] The device according to the invention preferably supplies the preservative to each container 10b filled by the filling device or to each container 10a to be filled by the filling device 40. It is therefore possible for the preservative to be initially filled into the still unfilled containers or to be filled into the containers after the beverage has been filled (dashed line), as shown in Fig. 1.

[0114] Reference numerals 4 and 4a denote two receptacles for holding a preservative. This preservative consists of two components: a liquid (component K1) and a second, for example, powdered component K2. This second component K2 can be introduced into the liquid, for example, via a lid of the receptacle. The introduction can be carried out by a user.

[0115] Reference numeral 48 denotes a stirring device used to mix the two components of the resulting preservative. The liquid is transported to the supply line designated 6 via branch lines, which preferably contain valves 36 and 38. This supply line 6 preferably contains a flow meter 12 and a pump device 34.

[0116] The reference numeral 82 also designates a controllable and in particular adjustable valve with which the flow rate of the preservative into the supply line 6 and / or the supply of the preservative into the supply line 6 can be regulated.

[0117] Reference numeral 8 schematically indicates a control device that controls and, in particular, regulates the supply of the preservative to the containers 10, 10a, 10b. This control device preferably also takes into account a transport movement of the containers into which the beverage and the preservative are poured.

[0118] Reference numeral 14 schematically indicates a filling device that supplies the preservative to the containers. This filling device may have a valve (not shown) that controls the supply of the preservative to the (empty or already filled) containers 10a, 10b. Furthermore, this filling device may have a measuring device for determining the amount of preservative to be filled into the containers 10a, 10b.

[0119] Furthermore, a measuring device can optionally be located in the receptacle(s) by means of which a concentration of the second component K2 in the first component of the preservative can be measured. This concentration can also be taken into account by the control device 8 when feeding the preservative into the supply line 6.

[0120] Reference numeral 8 thus designates a control device for controlling the entire process, i.e., the filling of the preservative into the containers and preferably also the feeding of the preservative into the feed line. This control device 8 can, in turn, be integrated into a higher-level machine control system.

[0121] The reference number 53 denotes a connection and in particular a flange connection with which the part of the device shown on the left in Fig. 1, in which the preservative is produced, is fed to the filling device.

[0122] Reference numeral 51 denotes a storage device, such as a buffer tank for temporarily storing the preservative. This can additionally be equipped with an agitator and / or a cooling system.

[0123] Fig. 2 shows a schematic representation of an arrangement according to the invention for producing beverage containers.

[0124] In this arrangement, two filling devices 40, 40a are provided, which fill the containers with a beverage, for example a beverage which is filled in several components.

[0125] Reference numeral 42 denotes a feed device, such as a feed star, which feeds empty containers to the first filling device 40. Reference numeral 44 denotes a first discharge device, which discharges the containers (partially) filled by the first filling device.

[0126] The reference number 48 denotes an intermediate star which serves to transport the containers.

[0127] Reference numeral 52 denotes a second feed device, such as a feed star, which feeds partially filled containers to the second filling device 40a. Reference numeral 54 denotes a second discharge device, which discharges the containers (partially) filled by the second filling device.

[0128] The reference numeral 56 denotes a closing device which closes the containers with closures and the reference numeral 58 denotes an outlet star.

[0129] The filled and sealed containers are removed via a further transport device 16. Reference numeral 20 designates an optional mixing device that promotes the mixing of the beverage with the preservative. This can be, for example, a bottle turner, as mentioned above.

[0130] The device according to the invention is preferably arranged on one of the feed and / or discharge stars which feed the containers to the filling devices 40, 40a or discharge the containers from them.

[0131] The applicant reserves the right to claim all features disclosed in the application documents as essential to the invention, provided they are novel, individually or in combination, over the prior art. It is further noted that the individual figures also describe features that may be advantageous in and of themselves. The skilled person will immediately recognize that a specific feature described in a figure may be advantageous even without adopting further features from that figure. Furthermore, the skilled person will recognize that advantages may also arise from a combination of several features shown in individual or different figures.

Claims

Device and method for preserving beverages Patent claims 1. Device (1) for preserving beverages filled into containers, comprising a first receptacle (4) for receiving a preservative and a feed line (6) which can be brought into flow connection with the receptacle and which is suitable for feeding the preservative to the containers (10), characterized in that the device has a filling device (14) arranged downstream of the feed line (6) in a flow direction of the preservative, which is suitable and intended for filling the preservative directly into the containers (10a, 10b).

2. Device (1) according to claim 1, characterized in that the device has a first control device (8) which is suitable and intended to control the supply of the preservative into the supply line (6), wherein the preservative can preferably be supplied continuously to the supply line (6).

3. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has a filling device (40) which fills containers with a liquid and in particular with a beverage, wherein the filling device (14) is preferably arranged before or after this filling device (40).

4. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a transport device which transports containers into which the preservative is to be filled along a predetermined transport path, wherein this transport device is preferably designed such that the preservative is filled into the containers during their transport and / or the filling device is arranged along a transport path along which the transport device transports the containers.

5. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the filling device has at least one filling nozzle which is suitable and intended to fill the containers (10a, 10b) with the preservative via its mouth.

6. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a storage device (51) for storing the preservative, said storage device being arranged after the receiving container for receiving the preservative and before the filling device (14).

7. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) has a flow measuring device (14) which is arranged between the first receiving container and the supply line and which is suitable and intended to determine a flow rate of the preservative.

8. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a second receiving container (4a) for receiving the preservative and preferably at least one receiving container (4a, 4b) has a mixing device (20) for mixing a component of the preservative into a liquid.

9. Device (1) according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the mixing device comprises a stirring device for stirring the component into the Liquid. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device (1) is suitable and intended for supplying glycolipids to the supply line (6) and / or the containers. Device (1) according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the device has a mixing-promoting device (53) which is arranged downstream of the filling device (40, 40a) in a transport direction of the containers and which is suitable and intended for promoting and / or effecting a mixing of the beverage and the preservative.Plant for producing beverage containers with a filling device for filling containers, wherein this filling device has a transport device which transports the containers along a predetermined transport path and a plurality of filling devices which fill a liquid into the containers transported by the transport device and with a closing device which closes the containers filled with the beverage, wherein the plant further has a device for preserving the beverage filled into the containers, characterized in that the device has at least one filling device which is arranged in front of the closing device in the transport direction and which is suitable and intended to fill the preservative directly into each of the transported containers.Method for preserving beverages, wherein a preservative is received in a first receiving container (4) and the preservative is supplied to the containers by means of a supply line (6), characterized in that a filling device arranged downstream of the supply line in a flow direction of the preservative fills the preservative directly into the containers. Filled. Method according to the preceding claim, characterized in that the preservative comprises glycolipids, wherein a proportion of the glycolipids in a stock solution is preferably greater than 0.1%, preferably greater than 0.3%, and preferably greater than 0.5%, and / or a proportion of the glycolipids in a stock solution is less than 20%, preferably less than 15%, preferably less than 10%, preferably less than 5%, and preferably less than 3%. Method according to at least one of the preceding claims, characterized in that a flow rate of the preservative supplied to the containers is measured.

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