Can processing plant and method for processing cans

Abstract

The invention relates, inter alia, to a can handling system (10). The can handling system (10) comprises a tunnel sterilization device (14) for sterilizing cans (12) and a can filling device (24) for filling the sterilized cans (12) with a product. The can filling device (24) is arranged downstream of the tunnel sterilization device (14). Advantageously, the can handling system (10) enables space-saving, energy-saving, and therefore cost-effective, yet hygienic filling of the cans (12).

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a can treatment plant and a method for treating cans. Technical background

[0002] It is known that cans are filled with a beverage in beverage bottling plants and then sealed.

[0003] For example, DE 10 2020 116 779 A1 relates to a container treatment device, in particular a filling machine for filling cans or similar containers with a liquid product. The container treatment device comprises a first conveyor designed as a container inlet, a rotor located downstream in the treatment direction and rotating around a machine axis with several treatment positions for treating the containers, and a second conveyor located downstream of the rotor in the treatment direction and designed as a container outlet.

[0004] To improve hygiene, the filled cans or their contents can be pasteurized after filling using a comparatively large pasteurization device, which is comparatively energy-intensive.

[0005] The invention is based on the objective of creating an improved technology for the hygienic filling of cans. Preferably, the technology should be advantageous in terms of cost, installation space (floor space) and energy consumption. Summary of the invention

[0006] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims and the description.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to a can handling system (e.g., for beverages, canned goods, and / or aluminum). The can handling system comprises a tunnel sterilization device for sterilizing cans (e.g., internally and / or externally) and a can filling device, preferably a rotary can filling device, for filling the sterilized cans with a (e.g., liquid or pasty) product. The can filling device is arranged downstream of the tunnel sterilization device.

[0008] The can handling system offers the advantage of hygienic can filling. Furthermore, the system is particularly space-saving, energy-efficient, and cost-effective. Instead of, for example, placing a tunnel pasteurization unit downstream of the can filling machine, this proposal suggests placing a tunnel sterilization unit upstream. Since the tunnel pasteurization unit pasteurizes the cans along with their contents, it would be comparatively large (e.g., 30 to 40 meters in length) and would require a significant amount of energy to heat both the cans and the contents. In contrast, the tunnel sterilization unit upstream of the can filling machine can be relatively small (e.g., ≤ 20 meters in length) and operate with comparatively low energy consumption, as empty cans only require relatively short sterilization times (e.g., 1 minute).(using heat input and / or hydrogen peroxide).

[0009] In one embodiment, the tunnel sterilization device and the can filling device are directly connected, preferably in a single unit. This advantageously allows for a particularly small installation space and thus a short transport distance between the tunnel sterilization device and the can filling device, during which the cans could still become contaminated.

[0010] In another embodiment, the outlet of the tunnel sterilization device and the inlet of the can filling device are directly connected. Advantageously, this also allows for a particularly small installation space and thus a short transport distance between the tunnel sterilization device and the can filling device, where the cans could still become contaminated.

[0011] In one embodiment, the discharge has a discharge conveyor (e.g., base handling conveyor) and / or a portioning device, preferably a portioning screw, for positioning the cans at a predetermined distance from one another, preferably in a division-compatible manner for the can filling device. Alternatively or additionally, the inlet can, for example, be designed as at least one inlet star wheel (rotary can conveyor). This advantageously allows the aforementioned benefits regarding installation space and short transport distance / hygiene to be particularly well utilized.

[0012] In another embodiment, the tunnel sterilization device is multi-lane or multi-track. Alternatively or additionally, the tunnel sterilization device is designed to sterilize the cans by exposing them to hot air (e.g., 120°C - 130°C) and / or hot steam (e.g., 120°C - 130°C) and / or hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) (e.g., internally and / or externally). Alternatively or additionally, the tunnel sterilization device includes a can conveyor (e.g., a can chain conveyor) for transporting the cans through the tunnel sterilization device, the can conveyor preferably being designed for upright transport of the cans through the tunnel sterilization device. This advantageously enables reliable sterilization of large quantities of cans.

[0013] In one embodiment, the tunnel sterilization device has a sterilization section (e.g., straight and / or extending along the can conveyor of the tunnel sterilization device) along which the cans are sterilized (e.g., internally and / or externally) with a length of ≤ 20 m, ≤ 15 m, or ≤ 10 m. Alternatively or additionally, the tunnel sterilization device can be operated, for example, such that the cans are sterilized for a duration of ≤ 8 s, ≤ 6 s, or ≤ 5 s (e.g., internally and / or externally). As already mentioned, the arrangement of the tunnel sterilization device upstream of the can filling device advantageously enables this comparatively short sterilization section length and / or this comparatively short sterilization time.

[0014] For example, a processing unit of the can handling plant may be configured to operate the tunnel sterilization device (e.g., a can conveyor of the tunnel sterilization device) in such a way that the cans are sterilized in the tunnel sterilization device for a period of time of ≤ 8 s, ≤ 6 s or ≤ 5 s.

[0015] Preferably, the term "processing device" can refer to electronics (e.g., implemented as a driver circuit or with microprocessor(s) and data storage) and / or mechanical, pneumatic, and / or hydraulic control systems, which, depending on their design, can perform control tasks, regulation tasks, and / or processing tasks. Although the term "control" is used here, it can also appropriately encompass or refer to "regulation" or "control with feedback" and / or "processing."

[0016] In a further embodiment, the can handling system also includes a can sealing device, preferably a rotary can sealing device, for sealing the filled cans. The can sealing device can be arranged downstream of the can filling device. Preferably, the can filling device and the can sealing device can be directly connected to each other, preferably in a single unit. Alternatively or additionally, a connecting conveyor can, for example, be arranged as an outlet for the can filling device and an inlet for the can sealing device.

[0017] In one embodiment, the can handling system further comprises a cleanroom (e.g., pressurized with sterile air and / or overpressure), with the can filling device being located in the cleanroom. This advantageously enables particularly hygienic filling of the contents into the already sterilized cans.

[0018] In another embodiment, the cleanroom features a can inlet airlock located at an outlet of the tunnel sterilization device (e.g., at or integrated with a can outlet opening of the tunnel sterilization device and / or at or integrated with the discharge conveyor). Advantageously, the cans can thus enter the cleanroom directly after sterilization, effectively preventing recontamination of the sterilized cans. Furthermore, the cleanroom can be advantageously designed to be comparatively small, since the tunnel sterilization device itself is not located within the cleanroom and can instead function advantageously as part of the can inlet airlock.

[0019] Preferably, the outlet of the tunnel sterilization device and / or the outlet conveyor and / or the dividing device and / or the inlet of the can filling device can be arranged at least partially, preferably completely, in the cleanroom.

[0020] In one embodiment, the can sealing device is located in the cleanroom. Optionally, a lid feeding device for supplying sealing lids to the can sealing device can also be located in the cleanroom. Advantageously, this prevents contamination of the contents in the cans both before and during sealing.

[0021] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for treating (e.g., aluminum) cans (e.g., beverage or food cans), preferably by means of a can treatment plant as disclosed herein. The method comprises: Sterilizing the cans (e.g., internally and / or externally) in a tunnel sterilization device (e.g., multi-lane or multi-track) (e.g., in mass transport through a tunnel of the tunnel sterilization device); and filling the sterilized cans with a (e.g., liquid or pasty) product (e.g., beverage) using a can filling device, preferably a rotary can filling device; and optionally sealing the filled cans using a can sealing device, preferably a rotary can sealing device.

[0022] Advantageously, the same advantages can be achieved with this method as have already been explained herein with reference to the can handling system. The same applies to the preferred embodiments of the method described below.

[0023] In one embodiment, the method further comprises at least one of: Transferring the sterilized cans directly from an outlet of the tunnel sterilization device to an inlet of the can filling device; and positioning the sterilized cans at a predetermined distance from each other (e.g., to the required spacing for the filling device) by means of a dividing device, preferably a dividing screw, before filling (e.g., at an outlet of the tunnel sterilization device, at an (e.g., base handling) discharge conveyor of the tunnel sterilization device, or at an inlet of the can filling device).

[0024] In another embodiment, at least one of the following is fulfilled: Upon exiting the tunnel sterilization device, the sterilized cans pass through a can inlet gate of a cleanroom (e.g., pressurized with sterile air and / or positive pressure); filling is carried out aseptically and / or in a cleanroom (e.g., pressurized with sterile air and / or positive pressure); sealing is carried out aseptically and / or in a cleanroom (e.g., pressurized with sterile air and / or positive pressure); and the supply of sealing caps for the cans to the can sealing device via a can feeding device is carried out aseptically and / or in a cleanroom (e.g., pressurized with sterile air and / or positive pressure).

[0025] In another embodiment, at least one of the following is fulfilled: Sterilization (e.g., internal and / or external) takes place along a sterilization line with a length of ≤ 20 m, ≤ 15 m or ≤ 10 m; and sterilization (e.g., internal and / or external) takes place for a duration of ≤ 8 s, ≤ 6 s or ≤ 5 s per can.

[0026] In another embodiment, sterilization (e.g., internal and / or external) is hot air sterilization (e.g., at approx. 120°C to 130°C) and / or hot steam sterilization (e.g., at approx. 120°C to 130°C) and / or hydrogen peroxide sterilization.

[0027] The preferred embodiments and features of the invention described above can be combined with one another in any way. Brief description of the character

[0028] Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawing. It shows: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a can treatment plant according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

[0029] The Figure 1 Figure 1 shows a can handling system 10. The cans 12 handled by the system 10 are preferably metal cans, preferably aluminum cans, for beverages or other liquid or pasty contents. The cans 12 can, for example, have cylindrical bodies. Preferably, the devices, conveyors, etc., of the system 10 can transport the cans 12 through the system 10 using so-called base handling, i.e., with support at the bottom, and optionally handle them during this process (e.g., sterilize, fill, seal).

[0030] The can handling system 10 comprises a tunnel sterilization device 14 and a can filling device 24. Preferably, the can handling system 10 may further comprise a can sealing device 30 and / or a cleanroom 34.

[0031] The tunnel sterilization device 14 is used to sterilize the containers 12, preferably inside and out. The containers 12 pass through a tunnel of the tunnel sterilization device 14 and are sterilized in the process.

[0032] For example, the cans 12 can be sterilized in the tunnel sterilizer 14 with hot air and / or hot steam (e.g., inside and / or outside), e.g., in a temperature range between 120°C and 130°C. Alternatively or additionally, the cans 12 can be sterilized in the tunnel sterilizer 14 with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (e.g., inside and / or outside), e.g., by spraying or misting with hydrogen peroxide.

[0033] The tunnel sterilization device 14 preferably has several nozzles from which the sterilizing medium, e.g., hot air and / or hot steam and / or hydrogen peroxide, can be dispensed. Preferably, the nozzles can be directed towards the cans 12 moving through the tunnel sterilization device 14, e.g., towards a can opening of the cans 12.

[0034] Preferably, the doses 12 can be sterilized in the tunnel sterilization device 14 along a sterilization path with a length ≤ 20 m, ≤ 15 m or ≤ 10 m, and / or sterilized for a sterilization time of ≤ 8 s, ≤ 6 s or ≤ 5 s per dose 12.

[0035] Preferably, the tunnel sterilization device 14 can be multi-lane or multi-track. For example, the cans 12 can be transported through the tunnel sterilization device 14 in bulk transport and sterilized in the process.

[0036] The tunnel sterilization device 14 can, for example, have a (tunnel sterilization) can conveyor 16 and / or an outlet 18.

[0037] The can conveyor 16 can convey the cans 12 through the tunnel sterilization device 14, preferably in bulk transport. Preferably, the can conveyor 16 can be designed to support the cans 12 at their base. The cans 12 can preferably be transported upright through the tunnel sterilization device 14 by the can conveyor 16.

[0038] The outlet 18 may preferably have an outlet conveyor 20 and / or a dividing device 22.

[0039] The discharge conveyor 20 can transport the cans 12 from the tunnel sterilization device 14 to the can filling device 24. For example, the discharge conveyor 20 can take over the sterilized cans 12 from the can conveyor 16. Preferably, the sterilized cans 12 can be transferred from the can conveyor 16 to the discharge conveyor 20 by means of a pusher.

[0040] Preferably, the discharge conveyor 20 can transport the cans 12 with bottom support and in an upright position. The discharge conveyor 20 is preferably a linear conveyor. For example, the discharge conveyor 20 can be designed as a belt, plate, chain, or mat conveyor. It is possible that the discharge conveyor 20 has a device for turning the cans 12, e.g., if the cans 12 need to be turned after hot steam sterilization in the tunnel sterilization device 14.

[0041] The dividing device 22 can position the sterilized cans 12 on the discharge conveyor 20 to assume predetermined distances from one another. Preferably, the dividing device 22 can position the sterilized cans 12 according to a division of the can filling device 24 (= distance between adjacent filling valves). Preferably, the dividing device 22 can be designed as at least one dividing screw.

[0042] For example, the sterilized cans 12 can be accumulated upstream of the dispensing unit 22 on the discharge conveyor 20. The accumulated, sterilized cans 12 can then be positioned by the dispensing unit 22 at the desired predetermined intervals from one another.

[0043] The can filling device 24 is arranged downstream of the tunnel sterilization device 14. The can filling device 24 can fill the sterilized cans 12 received from the tunnel sterilization device 14 with a filling material. Preferably, the filling material is liquid or pasty.

[0044] Preferably, the tunnel sterilization device 14 and the can filling device 24 are directly connected, and particularly preferably, they are interlocked. For example, the outlet 18 of the tunnel sterilization device 14 and an inlet 26 of the can filling device 24 can be directly connected. The sterilized cans 12 can thus be transferred directly from the outlet 18 of the tunnel sterilization device 14 to the inlet 26 of the can filling device 24. The inlet 26 can, for example, have at least one inlet star (inlet transport star).

[0045] Preferably, the can filling device 24 is designed as a rotary can filling device. The can filling device 24 can have several filling valves for the simultaneous or overlapping filling of several cans 12. For example, the filling valves can be arranged around the circumference of a filling carousel of the rotary can filling device. Preferably, the cans 12 can be supported at their base by the can filling device 24 during filling or handled using so-called base handling.

[0046] The can sealing device 30 can be arranged downstream of the can filling device 24. For example, the can filling device 24 can be connected to the can sealing device 30 via a connecting conveyor 28. Preferably, the can filling device 24 and the can sealing device 30 can be directly connected to each other by means of the connecting conveyor 28, preferably in a block connection.

[0047] In detail, the connecting conveyor 28 can connect the can filling device 24 and the can sealing device 30 to each other, preferably directly, for transporting filled cans 12 from the can filling device 24 to the can sealing device 30.

[0048] The connecting conveyor 28 can be connected to the can filling device 24 for receiving filled cans 12 from the can filling device 24, preferably directly. The connecting conveyor 28 can also be connected to the can sealing device 30 for transferring the received cans 12 to the can sealing device 30, preferably directly. In other words, the connecting conveyor 28 can form both an outlet for the can filling device 24 and an inlet for the can sealing device 30.

[0049] It is also possible that the connecting conveyor 28 does not take the cans 12 directly from a filling carousel of the can filling device 24, but, for example, from an outfeed star wheel of the can filling device 24. It is also possible that the connecting conveyor 28 does not transfer the cans 12 directly to a capping carousel of the can capping device 30, but, for example, to an infeed star wheel of the can capping device 30.

[0050] The connecting conveyor 28 can be configured in any way for transporting cans. Preferably, the connecting conveyor 28 is a linear conveyor. Preferably, the connecting conveyor 28 has a circulating transport element and several (can) carriers.

[0051] Preferably, the transport element is a transport chain. The transport element can transport the cans by means of the carriers.

[0052] The carriers can be spaced apart along the circulating transport element to carry the cans 12, for example, in the form of cantilever arms. Preferably, each carrier can transport (only) one of the cans 12. The carriers can be positioned equidistant from each other along the transport element. The carriers can support the cans 12 from behind for transport. For example, the carriers can push the cans 12 over a stationary support surface, e.g., a table, of the connecting conveyor 28. Alternatively, the cans 12 can be supported at the bottom, for example, on a circulating support element, e.g., a belt or a mat chain, of the connecting conveyor 28, while the cans 12 are supported circumferentially (on the outer surface / rear) by the carriers.

[0053] The can sealing device 30 can seal the filled cans 12 with a sealing cap. For example, the can sealing device 30 can be connected to a cap feeder 32. The cap feeder 32 can feed the sealing caps for the cans 12 to the can sealing device 30 or to its sealing stations, e.g., from a cap buffer or a cap feeder conveyor. The cap feeder 32 may include a sterilization unit for sterilizing the caps.

[0054] The can sealing device 30 can preferably be designed as a rotary can sealing device 30. The can sealing device 30 can have several sealing stations for simultaneously or overlapping sealing several cans 12. For example, the sealing stations can be arranged around the circumference of a sealing carousel of the rotary can sealing device. Preferably, the cans 12 can be supported at their base by the can sealing device 30 during sealing or handled using so-called base handling.

[0055] Cleanroom 34 can also be referred to as an isolator. Cleanroom 34 can be essentially free of or low in particles (e.g., particles of all types and sizes). Cleanroom 34 can also be designed or referred to as a sterile or aseptic room, since it is preferably essentially free of microorganisms.

[0056] The cleanroom 34 is preferably supplied with sterile air. Preferably, the cleanroom 34 is supplied with sterile air such that the air pressure inside the cleanroom 34 is greater than in the surrounding area or outside the cleanroom 34.

[0057] For example, a sterile air source can be connected to the cleanroom 34. The sterile air source can supply sterile air to the cleanroom 34. The sterile air source can, for example, include at least one air filter and / or an air conveying device, such as a blower or compressor. Preferably, the sterile air source can be located outside the cleanroom 34 or be accessible from outside the cleanroom 34, so that components (e.g., air filter and / or air conveying device) of the sterile air source can preferably be serviced, repaired, or replaced from outside the cleanroom 34.

[0058] Preferably, the can filling device 24 is arranged in the cleanroom 34. Preferably, the can filling device 24 can be designed for aseptic filling of the cans 12. Furthermore, for example, the discharge 18 with the discharge conveyor 20 and the dispensing device 22 can be arranged at least partially in the cleanroom 34. The connecting conveyor 28 and / or the can sealing device 30 and / or the lid feeding device 32 can also be arranged in the cleanroom 34. Preferably, the can sealing device 30 can be designed for aseptic sealing of the cans 12.

[0059] Cleanroom 34 can, for example, have an enclosure that can enclose one or more of the components 18, 20, 22, 24, 26, 28, 30, 32.

[0060] The cleanroom 34 can have a can inlet lock 36 and a can outlet lock 38.

[0061] The can inlet 36 allows the cans 12 to be transported from outside the cleanroom 34 into the cleanroom 34. The can inlet 36 is preferably arranged at the outlet 18 of the tunnel sterilization device 14. For example, the can inlet 36 can be arranged directly at a can outlet opening of the tunnel sterilization device 14 or integrated with it. Preferably, the outlet conveyor 20 can run through the can inlet 36 or start directly at the can inlet 36.

[0062] The can discharge gate 38 allows the cans 12 to be transported from inside the cleanroom 34 to outside the cleanroom 34. The can discharge gate 38 can be located, for example, at an outlet of the can sealing device 30 or downstream of the can sealing device 30. A transport device can convey the cans 12 through the can discharge gate 38.

[0063] The invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, a multitude of variants and modifications are possible, which also make use of the inventive concept and therefore fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the invention also claims protection for the subject matter and the features of the dependent claims independently of the referenced claims. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. In addition, the features of the dependent claims are also disclosed independently of all features of independent claim 1 and, for example, independently of the features relating to the presence and / or configuration of the tunnel sterilization device and / or the can filling device of independent claim 1.All range specifications herein are to be understood as disclosed in such a way as to disclose all values ​​falling within the respective range individually, e.g. also as preferred narrower outer limits of the respective range. Reference symbol list

[0064] 10 Can handling system 12 Can 14 Tunnel sterilization device 16 Can conveyor 18 Discharge 20 Discharge conveyor 22 Dividing device 24 Can filling device 26 Inlet 28 Connecting conveyor 30 Can sealing device 32 Lid feeding device 34 Cleanroom 36 Can inlet 38 Can outlet

Claims

1. Can handling system (10) comprising: a tunnel sterilizing device (14) for sterilizing cans (12); and a can filling device (24), preferably a rotary can filling device, for filling the sterilized cans (12) with a filling material, wherein the can filling device (24) is arranged downstream of the tunnel sterilizing device (14).

2. Can handling system (10) according to claim 1, wherein: the tunnel sterilization device (14) and the can filling device (24) are directly connected to each other, preferably blocked together.

3. Can handling system (10) according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: an outlet (18) of the tunnel sterilization device (14) and an inlet (26) of the can filling device (24) are directly connected to each other.

4. Can handling system (10) according to claim 3, wherein at least one of the following is fulfilled: the outlet (18) has an outlet conveyor (20) and a dividing device (22), preferably a dividing screw, for positioning the cans (12) at a predetermined distance from each other, preferably dividing to the can filling device (24); and the inlet (26) is designed as at least one inlet star.

5. Can handling system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the following is fulfilled: the tunnel sterilization device (14) is multi-lane or multi-track; the tunnel sterilization device (14) is configured to sterilize the cans (12) by applying hot air and / or hot steam and / or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2); and the tunnel sterilization device (14) has a can conveyor (16) for transporting the cans (12) through the tunnel sterilization device (14), wherein the can conveyor (16) is configured for transporting the cans (12) upright through the tunnel sterilization device (14).

6. Can handling system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the following is fulfilled: the tunnel sterilization device (14) has a sterilization section along which the cans (12) are sterilized, with a length ≤ 20 m, ≤ 15 m or ≤ 10 m; and the tunnel sterilization device (14) is operable such that the cans (12) are sterilized for a period of time of ≤ 8 s, ≤ 6 s or ≤ 5 s.

7. Can handling system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a can sealing device (30), preferably a rotary can sealing device, for sealing the filled cans (12), wherein the can sealing device (30) is arranged downstream of the can filling device (24), wherein preferably: the can filling device (24) and the can sealing device (30) are directly connected to each other, preferably blocked together; and / or a connecting conveyor (28) is arranged as an outlet of the can filling device (24) and an inlet of the can sealing device (30).

8. Can handling system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: a cleanroom (34), wherein the can filling device (24) is arranged in the cleanroom (34).

9. Can handling system (10) according to claim 8, wherein: the cleanroom (34) has a can inlet lock (36) which is arranged at an outlet (18) of the tunnel sterilization device (14).

10. Can handling system (10) according to claim 7 and claim 8 or 9, wherein: the can closing device (30) is arranged in the cleanroom (34); and optionally a lid feeding device (32) for feeding closure lids to the can closing device (30) is arranged in the cleanroom (34).

11. Method for treating cans (12), preferably by means of a can treatment system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, wherein the method comprises: sterilizing the cans (12) in a tunnel sterilization device (14); and filling the sterilized cans (12) with a filling material by means of a can filling device (24), preferably a rotary can filling device; and optionally closing the filled cans (12) by means of a can closing device (30), preferably a rotary can closing device.

12. Method according to claim 11, further comprising at least one of: transferring the sterilized cans (12) directly from an outlet (18) of the tunnel sterilization device (14) to an inlet (26) of the can filling device (24); and positioning the sterilized cans (12) at a predetermined distance from each other by means of a dividing device (22), preferably a dividing screw, before filling.

13. Method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein at least one of the following is fulfilled: the sterilized cans (12) pass through a can inlet gate (36) of a cleanroom (34) as they exit the tunnel sterilization device (14); filling is carried out aseptically and / or in a cleanroom (34); sealing is carried out aseptically and / or in a cleanroom (34); and the supply of closure caps for the cans (12) to the can sealing device (30) by means of a cap supply device (32) is carried out aseptically and / or in a cleanroom (34).

14. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 13, wherein at least one of the following is fulfilled: sterilization is carried out along a sterilization path with a length ≤ 20 m, ≤ 15 m or ≤ 10 m; and sterilization is carried out for a duration of ≤ 8 s, ≤ 6 s or ≤ 5 s per can (12).

15. Method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein: the sterilization is hot air sterilization and / or hot steam sterilization and / or hydrogen peroxide sterilization.

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