Improved adjustment of a cleaning operation for a container filling device

Abstract

The invention relates, inter alia, to a method for setting up a cleaning operation of a device (10) for filling containers (12) with a fill material. The device (10) has several filling stations (36), each with a fill material path (46), a fill material path valve (48) arranged in the respective fill material path (46), and a flow meter (50) arranged for measuring a flow rate through the respective fill material path (46). A cleaning medium is passed through at least some of the fill material paths (46) by opening the respective fill material path valves (48). Cleaning medium flow rates through the opened fill material paths (46) are measured by means of the respective flow meters (50). At least one valve actuation parameter of the cleaning operation of the device (10) is set depending on the measured cleaning medium flow rates.

Description

Technical field

[0001] The invention relates to a method for setting up a cleaning operation of a device for filling containers with a fillable substance. The invention further relates to a method for cleaning a device for filling containers with a fillable substance. The invention further relates to a device for filling containers with a fillable substance. Technical background

[0002] Various methods for cleaning and sterilizing filling devices for filling containers with a product, such as beverages, are known. For example, the so-called CIP ("Cleaning-In-Place") and SIP ("Sterilization-In-Place") methods have become established, in which the disassembly of components and surfaces in contact with the product, intermediate products, and additives can be largely avoided. For instance, the filling elements do not need to be removed for cleaning or sterilization; instead, they are rinsed or steamed with a cleaning medium while still installed. "CIP" or "SIP" cleaning can also be described as internal cleaning of the processing machine, i.e., product channels, gas channels, pipelines, etc. The present disclosure relates specifically to this internal cleaning.In comparison, the abbreviation "COP" refers, for example, to exterior cleaning (all exterior surfaces).

[0003] For the sake of linguistic simplicity, the SIP procedure is hereby subsumed under the CIP procedure, i.e., the CIP procedure includes cleaning and / or sterilization.

[0004] WO 2019 / 043240 A1 discloses a device for filling a container with a filling product. To allow venting of the container filled with the carbonized filling product at the filling valve before the container is removed from the filling valve, a relief line is preferably provided, which is routed to the outside via a rotary distributor. This relief line and the rotary distributor also allow for CIP cleaning of the filling product-carrying areas of the device.

[0005] DE 10 2019 132 749 A1 discloses a device for filling a container with a product, preferably in a beverage bottling plant, and a method for cleaning and sterilizing such a device. The device comprises a main component feed for supplying a main component, preferably water, of the product, at least one filling element in fluid communication with the main component feed for filling the container to be filled with the product, and a CIP device for cleaning and sterilizing components of the device that come into contact with the product using a CIP medium.

[0006] Traditionally, the cleaning process is manually set on-site, which is difficult and prone to errors. Therefore, the cleaning process may not guarantee adequate cleaning, especially if gas paths, such as pressurization gas paths, also need to be cleaned with the cleaning medium in addition to the material paths. Furthermore, unwanted pressure surges can occur in the system during the cleaning process, which can, for example, lead to damage to the bellows.

[0007] The invention is based on the objective of creating an improved technique for setting a cleaning operation of a device for filling containers, with which preferably at least some of the above-mentioned disadvantages can be overcome. Summary of the invention

[0008] The problem is solved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are specified in the dependent claims and the description.

[0009] One aspect concerns a method for (e.g., automatically) setting up a cleaning operation of a device, preferably a rotary device, for filling containers with a (e.g., liquid or pasty) product (e.g., beverage or food). The device has several filling stations, each with a product path, a product path valve arranged in the respective product path, and a flow meter arranged for measuring the flow rate through the respective product path. The method comprises: Passing a cleaning medium (e.g., from a cleaning medium source of the device) (e.g., only) through at least some of the material paths by releasing at least some of the material paths by opening the respective material path valves; (e.g., repeatedly) measuring cleaning medium flow rates through the released material paths using the respective flow meters; and (e.g., automatically) adjusting at least one (e.g., device and / or filling station) valve actuation parameter of the cleaning operation of the device depending on the measured cleaning medium flow rates (e.g., by means of a processing unit of the device).

[0010] The method advantageously allows for improved adjustment of the cleaning process by utilizing equipment used during filling, namely flow meters. These flow meters can be used not only to ensure a constant fill volume in the tanks during filling, but also, and more importantly, to measure the flow rate of the cleaning medium. The measurements can then be analyzed to determine the optimal valve actuation parameters for the cleaning process and adjust them accordingly. In particular, it can be determined how many paths can be simultaneously filled with cleaning medium while still achieving sufficient cleaning (e.g., flowing through each path at a sufficient velocity for a given pipe diameter).The resulting switching characteristic between the enabled paths can then preferably ensure that the total cleaning medium flow rate can be kept essentially constant during cleaning operation, which is particularly advantageous because it can, for example, reduce unwanted pressure surges in the system. Furthermore, fault situations can be quickly identified and reported. The use of existing equipment (i.e., flow meters) advantageously allows for a cost-effective and simple implementation of the process. In addition to cleaning processes, the principle can also be applied, for example, to ejection or emptying processes.

[0011] In one embodiment, the at least one valve actuation parameter specifies a target number of simultaneously open material path valves during cleaning operation. This advantageously ensures that not too many material path valves are open simultaneously during cleaning, thus preventing too many material paths from being opened for the passage of the cleaning medium at the same time, ensuring sufficient supply of cleaning medium to each material path. Conversely, it also advantageously ensures that not too few material path valves are open simultaneously, preventing too few material paths from being opened for the passage of the cleaning medium at the same time, thus ensuring that the cleaning operation does not take too long. Furthermore, setting the target number allows for relatively simple maintenance of a constant total cleaning medium flow rate, preventing unwanted pressure surges, for example.Prevent or at least reduce the switching process.

[0012] In a further embodiment, the setting of the at least one valve actuation parameter is also dependent on a predetermined cleaning medium supply from a cleaning medium source of the device, wherein the predetermined cleaning medium supply is preferably a nominal supply (available supply) of the cleaning medium from the cleaning medium source. Advantageously, the at least one valve actuation parameter, such as the aforementioned target number, can thus be adapted to the nominal supply, so that the total cleaning medium flow rate can be kept constant according to the nominal supply, thereby achieving a particularly effective cleaning operation.

[0013] In one embodiment, at least one of the following is fulfilled: The target number of simultaneously open material path valves during cleaning operation is set as the number of open material path valves at which the sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates essentially corresponds to the specified cleaning medium supply; the target number of simultaneously open material path valves during cleaning operation is set such that, if the sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates is less than the specified cleaning medium supply, a number of released material paths are opened (e.g.,The number of open material path valves is increased (successively) until the number of open material path valves is reached at which the sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates, determined for the increased number of open material paths, essentially corresponds to the specified cleaning medium supply; and the target number of simultaneously open material path valves during cleaning operation is set such that, if the sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates is greater than the specified cleaning medium supply, the number of open material paths is reduced (e.g., successively) by closing at least one of the open material path valves until the number of open material path valves is reached at which the sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates, determined for the reduced number of open material paths, essentially corresponds to the specified cleaning medium supply.

[0014] Advantageously, this method allows for the iterative determination of an optimal target number of simultaneously open filling material path valves for the cleaning operation.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the method also includes the output of a fault message (e.g., visual and / or acoustic) via a user interface of the device if the sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates is outside (e.g., greater or less than) a predefined tolerance range, preferably starting from the predefined cleaning medium supply. Advantageously, this also allows errors in the cleaning agent supply and distribution to be detected, so that these can subsequently be checked and corrected, for example, manually.

[0016] In one embodiment, the multiple filling stations each have a gas path (gas supply path), preferably a pressurized gas path, and a gas path valve, preferably a pressurized gas path valve, arranged in the respective gas path. Preferably, the at least one valve actuation parameter specifies a target number of simultaneously open gas path valves during cleaning operation. Particularly preferably, the target number of simultaneously open gas path valves is set as the number of open gas path valves at which a predetermined minimum flow rate and / or a predetermined minimum flow velocity through the enabled gas paths is achieved, and / or the target number of simultaneously open gas path valves during cleaning operation and a target number of simultaneously open filling material path valves during cleaning operation are coordinated.

[0017] This advantageously ensures that during cleaning, not too many gas path valves and, if applicable, material path valves are opened simultaneously, thus preventing too many gas or material paths from being open at the same time for the cleaning medium. This guarantees sufficient supply of cleaning medium to each path. Conversely, it also ensures that not too few paths are open simultaneously, preventing the cleaning process from taking too long. Furthermore, setting the target number of valves allows for relatively simple maintenance of a constant total cleaning medium flow rate, thus preventing or at least reducing unwanted pressure surges, for example, during switching. This is particularly advantageous without the need for separate flow measurements and corresponding measuring equipment in the gas paths.Instead, for example, the cleaning medium flow rates through the gas paths can be inferred from the cleaning medium flow rates through the released filling paths, e.g., if a total flow rate is also known or measured, as is described in more detail in the following preferred examples.

[0018] In one embodiment, the method further features: Passing the cleaning medium through at least some, preferably all, of the gas paths by releasing the at least some of the gas paths by opening the respective gas path valves, preferably simultaneously or overlapping in time with passing the cleaning medium through the at least some of the filling material paths.

[0019] In one embodiment, the method further features: Measuring a cleaning medium supply from a cleaning medium source of the device and / or a cleaning medium discharge from the multiple filling stations (e.g. measured in a cleaning medium return of the device), wherein preferably the setting of the at least one valve actuation parameter is further dependent on the measured cleaning medium supply and / or the measured cleaning medium discharge.

[0020] In one embodiment, the method further features: Determining a cleaning medium flow rate through the released gas paths depending on the measured cleaning medium flow rates through the released filling material paths and on the measured cleaning medium supply and / or the measured cleaning medium discharge, wherein preferably the setting of the at least one valve actuation parameter is further dependent on the determined cleaning medium flow rate through the released gas paths.

[0021] In another embodiment, at least one of the following is fulfilled: The material path valves are control valves or regulating valves and / or are designed to (e.g. steplessly or in stages) adjust a flow cross-section between an open position and a closed position; and the material path valves are operated (e.g. by a processing unit of the device) in such a way that they close with a pressure-damping closing characteristic and / or do not close abruptly.

[0022] This allows for a smooth switching between paths released for the cleaning medium (filling material paths and optionally gas paths), which further reduces unwanted pressure surges.

[0023] In one embodiment, the cleaning medium (e.g., conveyed through the released material paths and / or gas paths) is discharged from the filling station into the surrounding area. Alternatively, the cleaning medium (e.g., conveyed through the released material paths and / or gas paths) can be directed from a cleaning cap (e.g., CIP or SIP) positioned at a material outlet of the respective filling station to a cleaning medium return, preferably via a relief path of the respective filling station. The technology described herein can thus be advantageously used, for example, in rinsing processes, CIP cleaning processes, and SIP cleaning processes.

[0024] In another embodiment, each of the multiple filling stations has a filling valve located downstream of the respective filling material path valve in the respective filling material path for dispensing the filling material into a container. During the passage of the cleaning medium (e.g., through the enabled filling material paths and / or through the enabled gas paths), the filling valve of the respective filling station is open, or the filling valves of all filling stations are open.

[0025] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method for cleaning a device, preferably a rotary device, for filling containers with a (e.g., liquid or pasty) product (e.g., beverage or foodstuff), wherein the device has several filling stations, each with a product path, a product path valve arranged in the respective product path, and a flow meter arranged for measuring a flow rate through the respective product path. The method comprises: (e.g., automatic) setting of a cleaning operation of the device by means of a method as disclosed herein; and (e.g., automatic) execution of the cleaning operation to clean the device. Preferably, at least one of the following is fulfilled: the setting is performed before the cleaning operation is performed, preferably during initial commissioning of the device; the setting is performed at the beginning of the cleaning operation, preferably for the initial setting of the cleaning operation performed; and the setting is performed, preferably several times, during the cleaning operation, preferably for dynamic adjustment of the cleaning operation performed.

[0026] In one embodiment, the cleaning process is carried out such that the material path valves and / or gas path valves of the device are opened and closed, preferably in a rolling manner, according to the set at least one valve actuation parameter, preferably to maintain a constant total cleaning medium flow rate through the multiple filling stations. Alternatively or additionally, the material path valves (e.g., from a processing unit of the device) are operated such that they close with a pressure-damping closing characteristic and / or do not close abruptly.

[0027] Another aspect relates to a device, preferably a rotary device, for filling containers with a (e.g. liquid or pasty) filling material (e.g. beverage or food), wherein the device is configured to carry out a method as disclosed herein.

[0028] For example, the device can have several filling stations, each with a material path, a material path valve arranged in the respective material path, and a flow meter arranged for measuring the flow rate through the respective material path. Optionally, the several filling stations also each have a gas path (gas supply path), preferably a pressurized gas path, and a gas path valve arranged in the respective gas path, preferably a pressurized gas path valve. The device can further include a processing unit which, for example, together with the filling stations, is configured to carry out a method as disclosed herein.

[0029] Another aspect concerns a container treatment plant (e.g., for tempering, manufacturing, cleaning, coating, testing, filling, sealing, pasteurizing, labeling, printing, marking, laser marking, and / or packaging containers for liquid or pasty media, preferably beverages, liquid food products, or products from the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry). The container treatment plant may include the device as disclosed herein.

[0030] For example, the containers can be designed as bottles, cans, canisters, cartons, vials, tubes, etc.

[0031] Preferably, the term "processing device" can refer to electronics (e.g., implemented as a driver circuit or with microprocessor(s) and data storage) that, depending on its 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."

[0032] It is understood that the term "cleaning medium" includes any medium suitable for cleaning, with CIP and / or SIP cleaning medium being particularly preferred. For example, rinsing water or an alkaline solution can also be used as a cleaning medium.

[0033] The previously described preferred embodiments and features of the invention can be combined with one another in any way. Brief description of the characters

[0034] Further details and advantages of the invention are described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. These show: Figure 1 is a schematic representation of a section of a device for filling containers according to an exemplary embodiment; and Figure 2 is a schematic representation of a filling station of the exemplary device.

[0035] The embodiments shown in the figures are at least partially identical, so that similar or identical parts are provided with the same reference numerals and, to avoid repetition, reference is also made to the description of the other embodiments or figures for their explanation. Detailed description of exemplary embodiments

[0036] The Figure 1Figure 1 shows a section of a device 10 for filling containers 12 with a product. The device 10 can, for example, be included in a container treatment system. The device 10 is preferably a beverage filling device. Preferably, the product can be a beverage.

[0037] The device 10 has several filling stations 36, of which, for the sake of clarity, are shown in the Figure 1 Only one is shown. The device 10 can further comprise, for example, a filling material source 14, a carbon dioxide source 20, a buffer tank 26, a sterile air or nitrogen source 34 and / or a cleaning medium source 62.

[0038] The purely schematic in Figure 1The depicted source of filling material 14 can provide a filling material for filling the containers 12. The provided filling material can be, for example, (product) water or a (product) water-syrup mixture. The water can be, for example, pre-cleaned, degassed, and / or treated. At least one syrup can be added to the water.

[0039] The filling material can be supplied from the filling material source 14 to the buffer tank 26 via a main filling line 16.

[0040] A carbonizer 18 can preferably be arranged in the main filling line 16. The filling material can be carbonated at the carbonizer 18. The carbonizer 18 can, for example, be designed as at least one carbonation nozzle. The carbon dioxide for carbonation can be supplied by the carbon dioxide source 20. The carbon dioxide can be supplied from the carbon dioxide source 20 to the carbonizer 18 via a gas line 22.

[0041] Preferably, a bypass 24 can be arranged around the carbonator 18. By means of the bypass 24, essentially identical conditions with regard to flow rate and / or pressure for carbonation (CO2 dosing) can always be provided.

[0042] The buffer tank 26 can temporarily store (buffer) the contents. Buffer tank 26 can receive the contents via the main supply line 16. It is possible for buffer tank 26 to receive additional components, such as syrup, for the contents via an optional additional supply line 28.

[0043] Preferably, the carbonation of the contents can be maintained in the buffer tank 26. Preferably, the buffer tank 26 can be pressurized with carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide source 20. The buffer tank 26 can, for example, be pressurized with carbon dioxide at a pressure such that the release of the carbon dioxide bound in the contents is prevented. For example, the pressurization of the buffer tank 26 can be achieved by a pressurizing device by means of which carbon dioxide from the carbon dioxide source 20 can be introduced into a headspace of the buffer tank 26.

[0044] To monitor the quality of the contents in buffer tank 26, a circulation line 30 can be included. A circulation pump 32 can be arranged in the circulation line 30. The circulation pump 32 can be used to remove contents from buffer tank 26 and return them to it. At least one sensor, e.g., a carbon dioxide sensor and / or a Brix sensor, can be arranged in the circulation line 30.

[0045] It is possible that the buffer tank 26 and / or the gas line 22 for receiving sterile air is / are connected to the sterile air source 34.

[0046] The filling stations 36 can each be connected to the buffer tank 26. Specifically, the buffer tank 26 can be connected to the filling stations 36 via a material line 38. The material can be supplied from the buffer tank 26 to the filling stations 36 via the material line 38. Optionally, a gas space / headspace of the buffer tank 26 can also be connected to the multiple filling stations 36 via a pressurized gas line 40. Pressurized gas (carbon dioxide) can be supplied from the gas space of the buffer tank 26 to the filling stations 36 via the pressurized gas line 40.

[0047] Preferably, the filling stations 36 can be included in a filler carousel or a rotary filler 42 (only schematically shown in Figure 1 (indicated). The filling stations 36 can simultaneously or overlappingly fill several containers 12 with the filling material. For example, the filling stations 36 can be arranged distributed around the circumference of the filling carousel 42.

[0048] Preferably, the filling stations 36 can receive the filling material from the buffer tank 26 (and the filling material line 38) via a rotary distributor 44. Optionally, the filling stations 36 can also receive prestressing gas from the buffer tank 26 (and the prestressing gas line 40) via the rotary distributor 44.

[0049] The rotary distributor 44 can transfer the filling material and optionally the pressurizing gas from a stationary part of the device 10, in which, among other things, the buffer tank 26 and the filling material line 36 and optionally the pressurizing gas line 40 are arranged, to the filling carousel 42 rotating relative to it.

[0050] An example of a filling station 36 is located in Figure 2 shown in greater detail.

[0051] Each filling station 36 has a material path 46, a material path valve 48, and a flow meter 50. Each filling station 36 may further include, for example, a filling valve 52, a gas path (gas supply path) 54, a gas path valve 56, a relief path 58, and / or a relief valve 60. Preferably, the filling valve 52, the gas path valve 56, and the relief valve 60 can together form a filling element of a respective filling station 36.

[0052] The filling material paths 46 of the filling stations 36 can be connected to the buffer tank 26 (see Figure 1 ) to receive filling material from the buffer tank 26. Preferably, the filling material paths 46 can be connected to the filling material line 38, e.g. via the rotary distributor 44. For example, the filling material paths 46 can be connected to the rotary distributor 44 via a ring channel.

[0053] A material path valve 48 is arranged in each material path 46. The material path valve 48 can selectively enable or block the flow through the respective material path 46, or optionally adjust it. For example, a processing unit 74 of the device 10 can selectively operate the material path valve 48 to assume a release position or a closed position, or optionally to adjust a released flow cross-section. Preferably, the material path valve 48 can be a control valve or a regulating valve. Preferably, the material path valve 48 can adjust a flow cross-section between an open position and a closed position.

[0054] A flow meter 50 is arranged in each filling path 46. The flow meter 50 can, for example, be configured as shown in the Figure 1 and 2The flow meter 50 is shown to be arranged downstream of the flow path valve 48 in the respective material path 46. Alternatively, the flow meter 50 can, for example, be arranged upstream of the flow path valve 48 in the respective material path 46.

[0055] The flow meter 50 is designed to measure the flow rate through the respective material path 46. For example, the flow meter 50 can detect the flow rate of the material to the filling valve 52. The flow meter 50 can measure the flow rate in terms of quantity and / or volume. The flow meter 50 can output a measurement signal indicating the detected flow rate, e.g., to a processing unit 74 of the device 10.

[0056] The flow meter 50 can employ any suitable flow measurement principle for detecting the flow rate. Particularly preferably, the flow meter 50 can be a magnetic-inductive flow meter or an ultrasonic flow meter.

[0057] The filling valve 52 can be arranged downstream of the material path valve 48 and the flow meter 50. Preferably, the filling valve 52 is arranged at a downstream end region of the respective material path 46. The material can be dispensed by means of the filling valve 52 into a container 12 positioned below the filling valve 52.

[0058] For example, the filling valve 52 can be opened to fill the container 12. The filling valve 52 can be closed to block the flow of the filling material through the filling valve 52. Optionally, the flow cross-section of the filling valve 52 can be adjusted, e.g., to adjust the flow rate of the filling material through the filling valve 52.

[0059] The filling valve 52 is particularly preferably a proportional valve. Its design as a proportional valve makes it possible to regulate the flow of the filling product in several stages or, particularly preferably, continuously.

[0060] The filling valve 52 can, for example, be designed in the form of a cone valve. The filling valve 52 can, for instance, have a valve seat into which a valve cone of the filling valve 52 can be lowered to close the filling valve 52. By raising the valve cone from the valve seat in stages or continuously, the cross-section of the annular gap between the valve cone and the valve seat can be varied.

[0061] The gas paths 54 of the filling stations 36 can be connected, for example, to a gas space / headspace of the buffer tank 26 (see Figure 1) to receive pressurizing gas from the buffer tank 26. Preferably, the gas paths 54 can be connected to the pressurizing gas line 40, e.g. via the rotary distributor 44. For example, the gas paths 54 can be connected to the rotary distributor 44 via a ring channel.

[0062] A gas path valve 56 can be arranged in each gas path 54. The gas path valve 56 can selectively enable or block flow through the respective gas path 54. For example, a processing unit 74 of the device 10 can selectively operate the gas path valve 56 to assume either a enabling position or a closed position.

[0063] Preferably, the gas paths 54 and the gas path valves 56 can be configured as pre-pressurization gas paths. Pre-pressurization gas (e.g., from the buffer tank 26) can preferably be routed to the respective container 12 via the gas paths 54 and the (open) gas path valves 56 to pre-pressurize it. During filling, the return gas can preferably be recirculated via the gas paths 54 and the (open) gas path valves 56, e.g., into the buffer tank 26.

[0064] However, it is also possible that the gas paths 54 are connected to guide another gas or to guide a gas with another function, e.g. to a corresponding gas source or gas sink.

[0065] The relief path 58 can enable venting of the container 12 filled with the product. For example, the relief path 58 can be connected to the rotary distributor 44 for the discharge of gas from the headspace of the filled container 12.

[0066] A relief valve 60 can be arranged in each relief path 58. The relief valve 60 can selectively allow or block flow through the respective relief path 58. For example, a processing unit 74 of the device 10 can selectively operate the relief valve 60 to assume either a release position or a closed position.

[0067] During the filling operation of the device 10, the filling stations 36 fill the containers 12 with the fill material. The filling stations 36 can receive the fill material from the buffer tank 26. The respective fill material paths 46 can be enabled for filling by opening the respective fill material path valves 48, and the filling valves 52 can be opened to fill the containers 12. A desired fill material quantity for a container 12 can be set using the respective flow meter 50. Optionally, the containers 12 can be pre-pressurized with pressurizing gas via the gas paths 54 before filling. The respective gas paths 54 can be enabled for pre-pressurization by opening the respective gas path valves 56.

[0068] The device 10 can be operated in both filling and cleaning modes. For this purpose, the device 10 can, for example, have a cleaning medium source 62 (shown schematically only in Figure 1). Optionally, the device 10 can also, for example, have a cleaning cap 64 for each filling station 36 (shown schematically only in Figure 1). Figure 2 shown) and have a cleaning medium return 66.

[0069] The cleaning medium source 62 can supply a cleaning medium to the filling stations 36. The cleaning medium can be used for cleaning, sterilizing and / or rinsing.

[0070] For example, the cleaning medium source 62 can supply the cleaning medium to the main feed line 16. The cleaning medium can then be supplied to the buffer tank 26 via the main feed line 16. The cleaning medium can also be supplied to the feed paths 46 of the filling stations 36 via the feed line 38. Alternatively, the cleaning medium can be supplied from the main feed line 16 via a connecting line 68 to the further feed line 28 for introduction into the buffer tank 26, from where the cleaning medium can then be supplied to the filling stations 36.

[0071] Preferably, the cleaning medium source 62 can also supply the cleaning medium to the gas paths 54 of the filling stations 36, if these are present and desired. For example, the cleaning medium can be supplied from the cleaning medium source 62 via the main filling line 16 and via a connecting line 68 to the further filling line 28 for introduction into the prestressing gas line 40. The cleaning medium can then be supplied to the gas paths 54 via the prestressing gas line 40.

[0072] The cleaning cap 64 can be positioned (e.g., pivotable and / or sliding) below a filling element or the filling valve 52 of the respective filling station 36 for cleaning purposes, in order to return the cleaning medium exiting the filling valve 52, e.g., to the relief path 58. The cleaning cap 64 can thus enable so-called CIP internal cleaning and / or SIP internal sterilization of the respective filling element / filling station 36. The cleaning cap 64 can, for example, be designed as a (CIP) Cleaning-In-Place or (SIP) Sterilizing-In-Place cleaning cap.

[0073] The recirculated cleaning medium can be returned to a cleaning medium return line 66 via a relief path 58, which is released by opening the respective relief valve 60. For example, the relief paths 58 can be fed to the cleaning medium return line 66 via the rotary distributor 44.

[0074] Preferably, a pump 70 can be arranged in the cleaning medium return line 66. The pump 70 can pump the cleaning medium through the filling stations 36 to the cleaning medium return line 66 by drawing in the cleaning medium. Depending on the number of open paths 46 (through open filling material path valves 48) and / or 54 (through open gas path valves 56), the pump 70 can draw in different volumes of cleaning agent per unit of time and thus effect different cleaning agent flow rates through the open paths 46 and / or 54.

[0075] Although the embodiment with the cleaning caps 64 and the cleaning medium return line 66 with the pump 70 is particularly preferred, it should be noted that the techniques disclosed herein are not limited to this embodiment. Alternatively or additionally, in a rinsing operation as part of the cleaning operation, for example, a respective filling material outlet of the filling stations 36 can remain open, and the cleaning medium can escape from the filling stations 36 into the environment, e.g., into a collection tray arranged below the filling valves 52.

[0076] It is possible that the device 10 also has a user interface 72 and / or a processing unit 74 for operating the device 10.

[0077] The user interface 72 can be configured to receive user input and / or output information to a user. For example, the user interface 72 can be a visual, acoustic, and / or haptic / tactile user interface. Preferably, the user interface 72 can include a display (preferably touch-sensitive), a speaker, a microphone, a keyboard, a button, and / or at least one indicator light.

[0078] The user interface 72 can be used by a user, for example, to start a setting of the cleaning operation, to start a cleaning operation of the device 10 and / or to start a filling operation of the device 10.

[0079] The processing unit 74 is configured to operate the device 10, e.g. in a filling operation, in a cleaning operation and / or to adjust the cleaning operation.

[0080] A special feature of the present disclosure lies in the method for adjusting the cleaning operation. The adjustment method is based on the finding that at least one valve actuation parameter of the cleaning operation is adjusted based on measurements of the flow meters 50 when cleaning medium is passed through the filling stations 36.

[0081] The at least one valve actuation parameter can preferably be at least one valve actuation parameter of the filling stations 36. Particularly preferably, the at least one valve actuation parameter can comprise a target number of simultaneously open material path valves 48 and / or a target number of simultaneously open gas path valves 56, as described below by way of example. The at least one valve actuation parameter can alternatively or additionally comprise a respective valve control curve for the material path valves 48 and / or the gas path valves 56. The at least one valve actuation parameter can alternatively or additionally comprise a respective opening duration for the material path valves 48 and / or the gas path valves 56. The at least one valve actuation parameter can alternatively or additionally comprise a respective opening time and / or a respective closing time for the material path valves 48 and / or the gas path valves 56.

[0082] The procedure for setting up the cleaning operation can be applied differently depending on the level of development and / or automation.

[0083] For example, the adjustment can be made before the actual cleaning operation of the device 10 is carried out, preferably during the initial commissioning of the device 10. For example, the adjustment can be made at the beginning of the cleaning operation of the device 10, preferably for the initial adjustment of the cleaning operation. For example, the adjustment can be made, preferably several times, during the cleaning operation of the device 10, preferably for dynamic adjustment of the cleaning operation.

[0084] For example, the setting can be used only for cleaning the material paths 46 of the filling stations 36. Alternatively, the setting can be used for cleaning both the material paths 46 and the gas paths 54 of the filling stations 36.

[0085] In the adjustment procedure, a cleaning medium is first passed through at least some of the material paths 46. For this purpose, the material path valves 48 arranged in some of the material paths 46 are opened. Preferably, only material paths 46 are opened, but not any gas paths 54 that may be present. The gas path valves 56 can be closed accordingly.

[0086] The cleaning medium passed through can, for example, be discharged from the filling stations 36 into an environment or directed to the cleaning medium return 66 by means of a respective cleaning cap 64.

[0087] During the passage of the cleaning medium, the filling valves 52 of the respective filling stations 36 with the released filling material paths 46 can be open, or, for example, the filling valves 52 of all filling stations 36 can be open.

[0088] For example, the cleaning medium conveyed through the enabled material paths 46 can be directed from the cleaning cap 64 of the respective filling stations 36, positioned at a material outlet of the filling station 36, to the cleaning medium return line 66, preferably via the relief path 58, e.g., as in CIP or SIP cleaning. Alternatively, the cleaning medium conveyed through the enabled material paths 46 can be discharged from the filling station 36 into the surrounding area via the respective open filling valve 52, e.g., as in rinsing.

[0089] During the passage through the released filling material paths 46, the cleaning medium flow rates are measured by means of the flow meters 50.

[0090] Depending on the measured cleaning medium flow rates, a target number of simultaneously open material path valves 48 for the cleaning operation can then be set, preferably automatically, preferably by means of the processing device 74. As already mentioned, the target number of simultaneously open material path valves 48 in the cleaning operation is a preferred example of a set valve actuation parameter of the cleaning operation.

[0091] Preferably, the target number of simultaneously open material path valves 48 can be set as the number of open material path valves 48 at which a sum V2_sum of the measured cleaning medium flows essentially corresponds to a cleaning medium supply V1_nominal, i.e. V1_nominal = V2_sum.

[0092] The cleaning medium supply V1_nominal is a predetermined value, preferably a nominal supply (available supply) of the cleaning medium from the cleaning medium source 62. The predetermined value can be received, for example, via a communication interface of the device 10 or entered via the user interface 72.

[0093] If the sum V2_sum of measured cleaning medium flow rates is less than the specified cleaning medium supply V1_nenn, i.e., V2_sum < V1_nenn, then the number of released material paths 46 can be increased by opening at least one further material path valve 48 until the number of open material path valves 48 is reached at which the sum V2_sum of measured cleaning medium flow rates determined for the increased number of released material paths 46 essentially corresponds to the specified cleaning medium supply V1_nenn, i.e., V1_nenn = V2_sum.

[0094] If the sum V2_sum of measured cleaning medium flow rates is greater than the cleaning medium supply V1_nenn, i.e., V2_sum > V1_nenn, then the number of released material paths 46 can be reduced by closing at least one of the open material path valves 48 until the number of open material path valves 48 is reached at which the sum V2_sum of measured cleaning medium flow rates determined for the reduced number of released material paths 46 essentially corresponds to the cleaning medium supply V1_nenn, i.e., V1_nenn = V2_sum.

[0095] It is also possible for a fault message to be issued. For example, the processing unit 74 can operate the user interface 72 to issue a fault message if the sum V2_sum of measured cleaning medium flow rates is outside a predefined tolerance range. The tolerance range can be predefined, for example, based on the predefined cleaning medium supply V1_nenn, e.g., via the user interface 72.

[0096] For example, the cleaning medium source may be capable of providing a nominal flow rate of 60 m³ / h of cleaning medium. Therefore, if, for example, V1_nominal >> V2_sum or V1_nominal << V2_sum, a fault message may be issued.

[0097] For example, it can be determined in the manner described above that with 150 enabled fill paths 46 (or 150 open fill path valves 48), the sum V2_sum of the 150 measured cleaning medium flows of approximately 400 l / h each corresponds to the specified cleaning agent supply of, for example, approximately 60 m³ / h (60,000 l / h). Therefore, the target number of simultaneously open fill path valves 48 for the cleaning operation can be set at 150. When executing this cleaning operation, only 150 of, for example, a total of 160 fill paths 46 would then be enabled, or only 150 of, for example, a total of 160 fill path valves 48 would be open. The material path valves 48 can be opened and closed, preferably in a rolling manner, so that the actual number of simultaneously open material path valves 48 corresponds to the specified target number of simultaneously open material path valves 48.

[0098] The setting procedure can optionally be modified or supplemented to include consideration of the gas paths 54, for example, if the gas paths 54 are present and their consideration is desired. When considering the gas paths 54, the at least one valve actuation parameter to be set for the cleaning operation can preferably have a target number of simultaneously open gas path valves 56 during the cleaning operation.

[0099] For this purpose, the cleaning medium can be passed through at least some, preferably all, of the gas paths 54. The gas paths 54 to be released can be opened by opening the gas path valves 56 arranged in the gas paths 54 to be released. The passage preferably takes place simultaneously or at least overlapping in time with the passage of the cleaning medium through some of the material paths 46.

[0100] The cleaning medium passed through can, for example, be discharged from the filling stations 36 into an environment or directed to the cleaning medium return 66 by means of a respective cleaning cap 64.

[0101] During the passage of the cleaning medium, the filling valves 52 of the respective filling stations 36 with the released gas paths 54 and the released filling material paths 46 can be open, or, for example, the filling valves 52 of all filling stations 36 can be open.

[0102] The cleaning medium flow rates through the released material paths 46 can again be measured using the respective flow meters 50. The sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates is again V2_sum.

[0103] The cleaning medium flow rate through the released gas paths 54 can then be determined, for example, using the processing device 74 as follows.

[0104] The cleaning medium supply from the cleaning medium source 62 and / or a cleaning medium discharge from the filling stations 36 can be measured (=V1_mess), e.g. by a flow meter (not shown in the figures) downstream of the cleaning medium source 62 and / or a flow meter (not shown in the figures) in the cleaning medium return 66.

[0105] The cleaning medium flow rate V3_erm through the released gas paths 54 can be determined based on the sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates V2_sum through the released material paths 46 and the measured cleaning medium supply or discharge V1_mess. Preferably, the cleaning medium flow rate V3_erm through the released gas paths 54 can be calculated directly as the difference between the measured cleaning medium supply or discharge V1_mess and the sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates V2_sum, i.e., V3_erm = V1_mess - V2_sum.

[0106] The target number of simultaneously open gas path valves 56 in cleaning operation can then preferably be set depending on the determined cleaning medium flow rate V3_erm through the released gas paths 54.

[0107] Preferably, the number of enabled gas paths 54 and / or the number of enabled fill material paths 46 can be varied until a cleaning medium flow rate V3_erm is determined that ensures a predetermined minimum flow rate and / or a predetermined minimum flow velocity is achieved through the enabled gas paths 54. For example, the respective pipe diameter of the gas paths 54 must be traversed with a minimum flow velocity of 1.5 m / s. The number of enabled gas paths 54 underlying this determined cleaning medium flow rate V3_erm can then be set as the target number of simultaneously open gas path valves 56 during cleaning operation. The number of enabled fill material paths 46 underlying this determined cleaning medium flow rate V3_erm can then be set as the target number of simultaneously open fill material path valves 48 during cleaning operation.

[0108] For example, a cleaning medium supply V1_mess of 60 m³ / h (60,000 l / h) is measured. The device has, for example, 160 filling stations, which also correspond to 160 material path valves 48 and 160 gas path valves 56. The desired cleaning medium flow rate V3_erm can then be achieved, for example, if the target number of simultaneously open material path valves 48 is approximately 75 (at 400 l / h per material path 46) and the target number of simultaneously open gas path valves 56 is approximately 150 (at 200 l / h per gas path 54). It is understood that other combinations of target numbers are also possible, in particular those where the target number of simultaneously open gas path valves 56 corresponds to a total number of gas path valves 56, in this example, 160.

[0109] In general terms, the target number of simultaneously open gas path valves 56 in cleaning operation and the target number of simultaneously open filling material path valves 48 in cleaning operation can be adjusted to be coordinated with each other.

[0110] The cleaning operation can then preferably be carried out in such a way that the filling material path valves 48 and / or gas path valves 56 are opened and closed according to the set at least one valve actuation parameter, preferably rolling, preferably to keep a constant total cleaning medium flow through the several filling stations.

[0111] Preferably, the material path valves 48 are operated during cleaning operation to gradually change the flow rate of the conveyed cleaning medium when the respective material path valve 48 is opened and closed, so that pressure surges during opening and closing of the respective material path valve 48 can be prevented. This can be achieved, for example, by means of a pressure surge damping closing characteristic, which, for example, prevents an abrupt closing of the respective material path valve 48.

[0112] 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. All range specifications herein are to be understood as disclosed in such a way that all values ​​falling within the respective range are disclosed individually, e.g., also as preferred narrower outer limits of the respective range. Reference symbol list 10 device 44 rotary distributor 12 container 46 Filling material path 14 Source of filling material 48 Filling material path valve 16 Main filling line 50 Flow meter 18 Carbonizer 52 Filling valve 20 Carbon dioxide source 54 (e.g., tension) gas path 22 Gas pipeline 56 (e.g., tension) gas path valve 24 bypass 58 Relief pathway 26 Buffer tank 60 Relief valve 28 further filling line 62 Cleaning medium source 30 Circulation line 64 Cleaning cap 32 circulation pump 66 Cleaning medium return 34 Sterile air source 68 Connection line 36 Filling station 70 pump 38 Filling line 72 User interface 40 Gas line 74 Processing facility 42 Filler carousel

Claims

1. A method for setting a cleaning operation of a device (10), preferably a rotary device, for filling containers (12) with a filling material, wherein the device (10) has several filling stations (36) each with a filling material path (46), a filling material path valve (48) arranged in the respective filling material path (46), and a flow meter (50) arranged for measuring a flow rate through the respective filling material path (46), wherein the method comprises: passing a cleaning medium through at least some of the filling material paths (46) by releasing the at least some of the filling material paths (46) by opening the respective filling material path valves (48); measuring cleaning medium flow rates through the released filling material paths (46) by means of the respective flow meters (50); and setting at least one valve actuation parameter of the cleaning operation of the device (10) depending on the measured cleaning medium flow rates.

2. Method according to claim 1, wherein: the at least one valve actuation parameter has a target number of simultaneously open fill material path valves (48) in cleaning operation.

3. Method according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: the setting of the at least one valve actuation parameter is further dependent on a predetermined cleaning medium supply from a cleaning medium source (62) of the device (10), wherein preferably: the predetermined cleaning medium supply is a nominal supply of the cleaning medium from the cleaning medium source (62).

4. Method according to claim 2 and claim 3, wherein at least one of the following is fulfilled: the target number of simultaneously open fill material path valves (48) in cleaning operation is set as the number of open fill material path valves (48) at which a sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates substantially corresponds to the predetermined cleaning medium supply;The target number of simultaneously open fill material path valves (48) during cleaning operation is set such that, if the sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates is less than the specified cleaning medium supply, the number of released fill material paths (46) is increased by opening at least one further fill material path valve (48) until the number of open fill material path valves (48) is reached at which the sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates determined for the increased number of released fill material paths (46) essentially corresponds to the specified cleaning medium supply;and the target number of simultaneously open fill material path valves (48) during cleaning operation is set such that, if the sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates is greater than the specified cleaning medium supply, the number of released fill material paths (46) is reduced by closing at least one of the open fill material path valves (48) until the number of open fill material path valves (48) is reached at which the sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates determined for the reduced number of released fill material paths (46) essentially corresponds to the specified cleaning medium supply.

5. Method according to one of the preceding claims, further comprising: outputting a fault message via a user interface (72) of the device (10) if a sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates is outside a predetermined tolerance range, preferably starting from the predetermined cleaning medium supply.

6. A method according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: the multiple filling stations (36) each further comprise a gas path (54), preferably a pressurized gas path, and a gas path valve (56), preferably a pressurized gas path valve, arranged in the respective gas path (54); and the at least one valve actuation parameter comprises a target number of simultaneously open gas path valves (56) in cleaning operation, wherein preferably: - the target number of simultaneously open gas path valves (56) is set as the number of open gas path valves (56) at which a predetermined minimum flow rate and / or a predetermined minimum flow velocity through the released gas paths (54) is achieved; and / or - the target number of simultaneously open gas path valves (56) in cleaning operation and a target number of simultaneously open fill material path valves (48) in cleaning operation are coordinated with each other.

7. Method according to claim 6, wherein the method further comprises: passing the cleaning medium through at least some, preferably all, of the gas paths (54) by releasing the at least some of the gas paths (54) by opening the respective gas path valves (56), preferably simultaneously or overlapping in time with passing the cleaning medium through the at least some of the filling material paths (46).

8. Method according to claim 7, further comprising: measuring a cleaning medium supply from a cleaning medium source (62) of the device (10) and / or a cleaning medium discharge from the multiple filling stations (36), wherein preferably: the setting of the at least one valve actuation parameter is further dependent on the measured cleaning medium supply and / or the measured cleaning medium discharge.

9. Method according to claim 8, further comprising: determining a cleaning medium flow rate through the released gas paths (54) depending on the measured cleaning medium flow rates through the released filling paths (46) and on the measured cleaning medium supply and / or the measured cleaning medium discharge, wherein preferably: the setting of the at least one valve actuation parameter is further dependent on the determined cleaning medium flow rate through the released gas paths (54).

10. Method according to any one of the preceding claims, wherein at least one of the following is fulfilled: the filling material path valves (48) are control valves or regulating valves and / or are designed to adjust a flow cross-section between an open position and a closed position; and the filling material path valves (48) are operated such that they each close with a pressure surge damping closing characteristic and / or do not close abruptly.

11. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the conveyed cleaning medium is discharged from the filling station (36) into an environment of the filling station (36); or the conveyed cleaning medium is directed from a cleaning cap (64) of the respective filling station (36) positioned at a filling outlet of the respective filling station (36) to a cleaning medium return (66), preferably via a relief path (58) of the respective filling station (36).

12. Method according to one of the preceding claims, wherein: the multiple filling stations (36) each have a filling valve (52) arranged in the respective filling material path (46) downstream of the respective filling material path valve (48) for dispensing the filling material into a container (12); and during the passage of the cleaning medium, the filling valve (52) of the respective filling station (36) is open or the filling valves (52) of all filling stations (36) are open.

13. Method for cleaning a device (10), preferably a rotary device, for filling containers (12) with a filling material, wherein the device (10) has several filling stations (36), each with a filling material path (46), a filling material path valve (48) arranged in the respective filling material path (46), and a flow meter (50) arranged for measuring a flow rate through the respective filling material path (46), wherein the method comprises: setting up a cleaning operation of the device (10) by means of a method according to one of the preceding claims; and carrying out the cleaning operation to clean the device (10), wherein at least one of the following is fulfilled: - the setting is carried out before carrying out the cleaning operation, preferably during an initial start-up of the device (10); - the setting is carried out at the beginning of carrying out the cleaning operation, preferably for the initial setting of the carried out cleaning operation;and - the adjustment, preferably several times, takes place during the execution of the cleaning operation, preferably for dynamic adaptation of the cleaning operation performed.; 14. Method according to claim 13, wherein the cleaning operation is carried out such that: the filling material path valves (48) and / or gas path valves (56) of the device (10) are opened and closed according to the set at least one valve actuation parameter, preferably in a rolling manner, preferably to maintain a constant total cleaning medium flow through the several filling stations (36); and / or the filling material path valves (48) are operated such that they each close with a pressure surge damping closing characteristic and / or do not close abruptly.

15. Device (10), preferably a rotary device, for filling containers (12) with a filling material, wherein the device (10) is configured to perform a method according to one of the preceding claims.

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