Method for filling flowable product into at least one package

Abstract

Shown and described is a Method for filling flowable product (26) into at least one package (2) comprising the following steps: a) providing a flowable product (26), b) adding particulates (27) to the flowable product (26), wherein the particulates (27) have a diameter between 1 to 2000 microns, preferably between 50 to 500 microns, in particular between 50 to 200 microns, wherein, preferably, the particulates (27) are microcapsules, c) providing a filling machine (1), wherein the filling machine (1) comprises a storage container (33) for storing the flowable product (26) to be filled, at least one filling device (25, 25', 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e), in particular a first filling device (25) and / or a second filling device (25'), for filling the flowable product (26) into the at least one package (2) and at least one conduit (34, 34') for feeding the flowable product (26) from the storage container (33) to the at least one filling device (25, 25', 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e), in particular the first filling device (25) and / or the second filling device (25'), d) filling the flowable (26) product into the at least one package (2) using the filling machine (1) provided in step c). To provide a method for filling flowable product (26) that achieves a satisfactory processing of the flowable product (26) to which the very small particulates (27) are added, the above method is proposed.

Description

[0001]June 14, 2023Method for filling flowable product into at least one packageThe present invention relates to a method for filling flowable product into at least onepackage comprising the following steps: a) providing a flowable product, b) addingparticulates to the flowable product, wherein the particulates have a diameterbetween 1 to 2000 microns, preferably between 50 to 500 microns, in particularbetween 50 to 200 microns, wherein, preferably, the particulates are microcapsules,c) providing a filling machine, wherein the filling machine comprises a storagecontainer for storing the flowable product to be filled, at least one filling device, inparticular a first filling device and / or a second filling device, for filling the flowableproduct into the at least one package and at least one conduit for feeding the flowableproduct from the storage container to the at least one filling device, in particular thefirst filling device and / or the second filling device, d) filling the flowable product intothe at least one package using the filling machine provided in step c).The filling of flowable product into packages is an integral step in the field ofpackaging technology, for example in regard to foodstuffs. There are thereforenumerous possibilities known for filling flowable product into the designatedpackages. The flowable products may be, for example, foodstuffs such as milk, fruitjuice, sauces or yoghurt. As packages, for example, composite packages with severalthin layers of paper, cardboard, plastic and / or metal can be used.When filling packages, the properties of the flowable product to be filled into thepackages have a considerable influence on the filling step as well as on other processsteps preceding the filling step. On the one hand process parameters need to beadapted for the respective flowable product to be filled and on the other hand themachines used also need to be suitable for the processing, in particular filling, of theflowable product. Flowable product comprising particulates has other requirementsfor the different process steps as flowable product without particulates. Moreover,flowable product with a high viscosity has likewise other requirements for thedifferent process steps as flowable product with a low viscosity.Recently there has been a need to process, in particular fill, flowable product withparticulates with significantly smaller diameter than previously usual, in particularso-called microcapsules. Respective particulates, in particular microcapsules, have adiameter of up to a few hundred microns. Due to their small diameter, these verysmall particulates have a tendency to deposit on edges or grooves of the processingmachines, no matter how small these edges or grooves are, in contrast to previouslyprocessed particulates, which often have diameters of up to a few millimeters and aretherefore less likely to get caught on very small edges or grooves. The design of theprocessing machines as well as the process parameters, for example the pressure onor the flow rate of the flowable product, need to be designed to prevent these verysmall particulates from depositing during the processing for both high viscosity andlow viscosity flowable products. Moreover, microcapsules often comprise a sensitivecore surrounded by a coating. Though the coating can protect the core to a certainextent from external influences, there is a limit to what the coating can achieve. It istherefore necessary to limit the external influences on the microcapsules, for examplehigh forces, high pressures or high temperatures. These requirements, however, oftenconflict with other requirements, for example the already addressed need to preventthe very small particulates from depositing, food regulatory aspects, in particularthermal treatment requirements, or a high throughput during processing, in particularduring thermal treatment and filling of the flowable product.Against this background, it is an object of the present invention to provide a methodfor filling flowable product that achieves a satisfactory processing of flowable productto which very small particulates are added.The object named above is solved in accordance with the present invention by amethod for filling flowable product into at least one package comprising the followingsteps: a) providing a flowable product, b) adding particulates to the flowable product,TG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023wherein the particulates have a diameter between 1 to 2000 microns, preferablybetween 50 to 500 microns, in particular between 50 to 200 microns, wherein,preferably, the particulates are microcapsules, c) providing a filling machine, whereinthe filling machine comprises a storage container for storing the flowable product tobe filled, at least one filling device, in particular a first filling device and / or a secondfilling device, for filling the flowable product into the at least one package and at leastone conduit for feeding the flowable product from the storage container to the at leastone filling device, in particular the first filling device and / or the second filling device,d) filling the flowable product into the at least one package using the filling machineprovided in step c). The particulates can also have a diameter of 80 to 200 microns,preferably 80 to 150 microns. The term “microcapsule” as used herein can preferablybe understood to mean a particle comprising an active component encapsulatedwithin a hydrolysed protein shell. The particulates, in particular microcapsules, canalternatively or in addition have a diameter of less than 100mm, preferably less than90mm, preferably less than 80mm, preferably less than 70mm, preferably less than60mm, preferably less than 50mm. preferably less than 40mm, preferably less than30mm, in particular less than 20mm. The method of measuring the diameter, alsocalled average diameter, and D (v, 0.9) (size at which the cumulative volume reaches90% of the total volume), of micro-capsules is preferably determined using a laserdiffractometer (Mastersizer 2000, Stable Micro Systems, Surrey, UK) with a range of0.2-2000 mm. For particle size analysis, microcapsule batches were resuspended inMilli-Q water and size distribution was calculated based on the light intensitydistribution data of scattered light. The microcapsules are preferably generallyspherical parts, in particular particles. The microcapsules can preferably be coatedmicrocapsules. The coating of the microcapsules can be a meltable coatingcomposition comprising wax and for example oil, wherein preferably the coatingcomposition, the wax and / or the oil is solid at room temperature. In one embodimentthe coating composition can comprise carnauba wax, beeswax, and an oil, preferablycoconut oil. In one embodiment the coating composition can comprise carnauba wax,beeswax, coconut oil and one or more of palm oil (optionally hydrogenated),sunflower oil (optionally hydrogenated) and cocoa butter. The microcapsules canTG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023comprise gelled polymer, for example denatured protein. The microcapsules cancomprise a crosslinked (denatured or hydrolysed) protein matrix containing an activeagent contained and protected within the matrix. Some active agents are, for exampleprobiotic bacteria, and susceptible to heat damage. The microcapsules may have amononuclear morphology, where the active agent is provided by a single corecontained within a protein shell or may be multinuclear in which discrete pockets ofactive agent are homogenously distributed throughout a protein matrix. The proteinmatrix of the microcapsules is preferably gastric resistant and susceptible for break-up in the ileum, thus enabling delivery of active agents through the acidic stomachconditions intact for release in the proximal ileum. The at least one filling device, inparticular the first filling device and / or the second filling device, can comprise or be afilling nozzle. This simplifies the filling of the at least one package. The filling machinecan comprise more than two filling devices, for example at least three filling devices,preferably at least four filling devices, in particular comprising the first filling deviceand / or the second filling device. The at least one package can, at least during step d),be open on one side. The open side of the at least one package can in particular be theside into which the flowable product is filled in step d). The filling machine cancomprise a transport device for transporting the at least one package. Preferably theat least on package is transported, in particular during step d) and / or in stepwisemanner, through the filling machine, preferably by the transport device.Advantageously the at least one package is, preferably during step d), transportedunderneath and / or past the at least one filling device, in particular the first fillingdevice and / or the second filling device. The diameter of the at least one conduit can beat least 20 mm, preferably at least 30 in particular at least 40 mm, and / or at most75 mm, preferably at most 70 mm, in particular at most 70. This allows for a sufficientflow rate and pressure of the flowable product, in particular during filling in step d). Instep d) the flowable product preferably comprises the particulates added in step b).The terms “first” and “second” are used throughout this disclosure merely fordistinguishing different features, for example the first filling device and the secondTG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023filling device, and are not to be understood in a restrictive manner, unless otherwisedescribed in this disclosure.Various embodiments of the method are described in the following. The individualembodiments are in each case individually applicable to the method. The individualembodiments may furthermore be combined with each other at will.In an embodiment the method is characterized in that the flowable product is a highviscosity flowable product having a viscosity of at least 400 mPa*s or the flowableproduct is a low viscosity flowable product having a viscosity of less than 400 mPa*sand / or in that the flowable product is a low-acid flowable product having a pH valueof at least 4.5 or the flowable product is a high-acid flowable product having aviscosity of less than 4.5. Having a high viscosity flowable product as the flowableproduct simplifies holding the particulates in suspension and having the particulatesevenly distributed in the flowable product. This also reduces the risk that theparticulates deposit on edges or grooves of the processing machines. However, a highviscosity at the same time makes it more difficult to achieve high flow rates of theflowable product. Having a low viscosity flowable product as the flowable productmakes it easier to achieve high flow rates of the flowable product. High flow rates cancounteract the particulates from depositing on edges or grooves of the processingmachines, as the particulates will be carried away by the fast-flowing flowableproduct. However, a low viscosity flowable product, in particular without high flowrates, at the same time makes it more difficult to hold the particulates in suspensionand have the particulates evenly distributed in the flowable product. The viscosity isdetermined using a cylindrical rotational viscometer and a measuring geometryaccording to DIN 53019-1:2008-09, se preferably point 9.2.4 of the DIN, measured at ashear rate of γ = 10 s-1 at a temperature of 20 °C temperature. The pH value can bemeasured using a commercially available pH meter.In an embodiment the method is characterized in that in step d) the at least onepackage is transported, in particular stepwise, through the filling machine and in atleast one processing position, preferably a plurality of successively arrangedTG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023processing positions, the flowable product is filled in the at least one package and / orin that in step d) the flowable product is introduced from above, preferably via the atleast one filling device, in particular via the first filling device and / or the second fillingdevice, into the at least one package. This simplifies filling of the at least one package.There can preferably be at least three, in particular at least four successively arrangedprocessing positions. Increasing the number of processing positions, in particular inwhich the flowable product is filled in the at least one package, reduces the risk ofspilling and foaming, as there can be allocated more time to fill the at least onepackage with each processing position. The at least one package can be stopped instep d) in the at least one processing position, preferably in each of the plurality ofsuccessively arranged processing positions, to be filled with the followable product.This reduces the risk of spilling and simplifies the process. The first filling device ispreferably arranged along the transport direction of the at least one package beforethe second filling device.In an embodiment the method is characterized in that in step d) the flowable productis, preferably in the first processing position and / or via the first filling device, pouredagainst a sidewall of the at least one package and / or in that in step d) the flowableproduct is, preferably in the second processing position and / or via the second fillingdevice, poured on top of flowable product already filled in the at least one package. Bypouring the flowable product against a sidewall of the at least one package, the risk offoaming is reduced, in particular if no flowable product has been filled into the at leaston package yet. However, pouring flowable product against a side wall requires amore complex filling device. The first processing position is preferably arranged alongthe transport direction of the at least one package before the second processingposition. The first filling device is preferably arranged along the transport direction ofthe at least one package before the second first filling device. By pouring flowable ontop of flowable product already filled less complex filling devices can be used, as therisk for foaming is reduced when filling an already filled flowable product.TG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023In an embodiment the method is characterized in that in step d) the filling time forfilling the at least one package with flowable product, in particular for each processingposition and / or filling device, is at least 400 ms, preferably at least 450 ms, inparticular at least 500 ms and / or at most 900 ms, preferably at most 850 ms, inparticular at most 825 ms. Respective filling times allow for a filling with reduced riskof spillage or foaming as enough time is allotted for the filling. At the same time thesefilling times are short enough for sufficiently high flow rates of the flowable product,which simplifies bringing or keeping the particulates in suspension and evenlydistributing it in the flowable product while simultaneously preventing theparticulates from depositing on edges or grooves of the processing machines. Thedescribed filling time for filling the at least one package is in particular the filling timefor filling each individual package to be filled with flowable product, in particular instep d). The filling does not need to be continuous, for example the filling time can besplit into at least two parts. Preferably a first part of the filling time is completed in thefirst processing position and / or via the first filling device and a second part of thefilling time is completed in the second processing position and / or via the secondfilling device. It is advantageous, in particular in the context described before, that foreach processing position and / or filling device the described filling times are provided.This further decreases the risk of spillage or foaming as even more time is allotted forthe filling.In an embodiment the method is characterized in that the at least one filling device, inparticular the first filling device and / or the second filling device, comprises an inflowarea for the flowable product to enter, an outflow area for the flowable product to exit,and at least one channel, in particular a plurality of channels, through which to passthe flowable product and in that, preferably, each channel comprises an inlet allocatedto the inflow area and an outlet allocated to the outflow area. The at least one channel,in particular the plurality of channels, is situated between the inflow area and theoutflow area. The outflow area is in particular designed for the flowable product toexit towards the at least one package. In the direction of flow of the flowable product,the inflow area and / or the inlet is preferably located before the outflow area and / orTG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023the outlet. The inlets of the at least one channel, in particular the plurality of channels,can be arranged in one plane and / or the outlets of at least one channel, in particularthe plurality of channels, can be arranged in one plane. The advantage of arranging theoutlets in one plane is that all partial flows detach from the underside of the at leastone filling device simultaneously, and hence are exposed to gravitational accelerationsimultaneously. The plane in which the inlets are arranged is preferably parallel to theplane in which the outlets are arranged. In particular for channels that follow astraight line progression, the advantage to this is that the channels are equally long,and hence the friction-induced deceleration of partial flows is roughly the same in allchannels. This contributes to decreasing the risk of the particulates depositing in thefilling device.In an embodiment the method is characterized in that the at least one filling device, inparticular the first filling device and / or the second filling device, comprises a movablesealing element, wherein a first end of the sealing element is designed for sealing theat least one channel in a sealing area, in that, preferably, the first end of the sealingelement is at least in sections cone-shaped, and in that, preferably, the first end of thesealing element tapers at least in sections in the direction towards the outflow areaand / or the end section of the first end of the sealing element is shaped pointed. Thesealing element helps reducing spilling, as the flow of the flowable product can beeasily controlled by the sealing element. The shape of the sealing element on the otherhand helps decreasing the risk of particulates depositing in the filling device. Due tothe respective shapes the particulates can hardly deposit on the sealing device and / orcan be easily carried away by the flow of the flowable product. Moreover the shapehelps generating a turbulent flow in the flowable product, further decreasing the riskof the particulates depositing in the filling device and keeping the particulates insuspension. The sealing element in particular seals off the inflow area from theoutflow area. A second end of the sealing element can comprise or be formed as avalve rod for moving, in particular for lowering and raising, the sealing element, inparticular the cone-shaped first end of the sealing element. This simplifies moving thesealing element. The sealing element, preferably at least when the sealing element isTG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023in contact with the sealing area, is at least in sections spaced apart from the, inparticular inner, sidewalls of the filling device, preferably in front of and / or behindthe sealing area as seen in the direction of flow of the flowable product. It may beprovided for that a first section of the first end, in particular the end section, of thesealing element tapers, in particular cone-shaped, in the direction towards the outflowarea and / or that a second section of the first end of the sealing element tapers, inparticular arc-shaped, in the direction opposite to the outflow area. Through thetapering shape of the sealing element it is less likely that the particulates deposit onthe sealing element and / or the particulates can be easily carried away by the flow ofthe flowable product. The second section of the first end of the sealing element can belocated in the direction of flow before the first section of the first end of the sealingelement and / or the second section of the first end of the sealing element can beadjacent to the first section of the first end of the sealing element.In an embodiment the method is characterized in that in a first section the at least onechannel tapers in a direction towards the outflow area and / or in a second section theat least one channel widens, in particular arc-shaped, in a direction away from, inparticular opposite to, the inflow area. This helps decreasing the risk of theparticulates depositing in the filling device. Due to the respective shapes theparticulates can hardly deposit on the channel and / or can be easily carried away bythe flow of the flowable product, in particular due to the respective shapes generatinga turbulent flow in the flowable product. This also helps keeping the particulates insuspension. The first section of the at least one channel can be located in the directionof flow before the second section of the at least one channel and / or the first section ofthe at least one channel can be adjacent to the second section of the at least onechannel. The first section of the at least one channel can be adjoining the sealing areaand / or be part of the sealing area. The second section of the channel can be adjoiningthe sealing area and / or the outflow area.In an embodiment the method is characterized in that for at least some of the channelsthe inlets and / or outlets of the channels are arranged on circular rings around theTG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023middle axis of the at least one filling device, in particular of the first filling deviceand / or the second filling device, and / or in that for at least some of the channels themiddle axes of the channels are inclined by an angle of inclination relative to themiddle axis of the at least one filling device, in particular of the first filling deviceand / or the second filling device, and, preferably, the angle of inclination for theeccentric channels rises as the distance between the channels and middle axis of the atleast one filling device, in particular of the first filling device and / or the second fillingdevice, increases. Arranging the channels in circular rings makes it possible togenerate a uniform, symmetrically shaped filling jet. This helps generating a uniformflow in the channels, making it easier to evenly carry away the particulates by the flowof the flowable product in all the channels. Tilting the channels allows a horizontalmomentum to also be imparted to the partial flows in these channels in addition to avertical momentum. This permits an especially variable shaping of the filling jet. Therespective channels can be outwardly or inwardly inclined as viewed in the directionof flow of the flowable product. An outward inclination spreads or splits the filling jet,and guides it laterally along the sidewalls of the package. In this way, the package isfilled in an especially gentle manner and largely without foaming. By contrast, aninward inclination allows for a particularly acute, concentrated filling jet and reducesthe risk of spilling. Increasing the angle of inclination as the distance between thechannels and the middle axis of the at least one filling device increases results in thatthe more outwardly the channel is arranged, the greater is the inclination of thechannels. The stronger inclination of the outer channels is advantageous, in particulargiven an inward inclination, since an especially thin, concentrated filling jet can beachieved in this way.In an embodiment the method is characterized in that for at least some of the channelsin a first section the middle axes of the channels are inclined by an angle of inclinationrelative to the middle axis of the at least one filling device, in particular of the firstfilling device and / or the second filling device, or the middle axes of the channels runsubstantially parallel to the middle axis of the at least one filling device, in particularof the first filling device and / or the second filling device, and / or in that for at leastTG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023some of the channels in a second section the middle axes of the channels are inclinedby an angle of inclination relative to the middle axis of the at least one filling device, inparticular of the first filling device and / or the second filling device, or the middle axesof the channels run substantially parallel to the middle axis of the at least one fillingdevice, in particular of the first filling device and / or the second filling device. In casethe middle axes of a section of the channels run parallel to the middle axis of the atleast one filling device, the particulates can hardly deposit on the sidewalls of thechannels. By inclining the middle axes of a section of the channels relative to themiddle axis of the at least one filling device, the filling jet can for example be guidedlaterally along the sidewalls of the package, thereby reducing the risk of foaming, or aturbulent flow can be created which contributes to an even distribution of theparticulates in the flowable product and helps keeping the particulates in suspension.The first section of the at least one channel can be located in the direction of flowbefore the second section of the at least one channel and / or the first section of the atleast one channel can be adjacent to the second section of the at least one channel. Thefirst section of the at least on channel and / or the second section of the at least onchannel can in particular be the first section of the at least on channel and / or thesecond section of the at least on channel described in context with the previousembodiment.In an embodiment the method is characterized in that the method comprises thefollowing step: e) storing the flowable product in the storage container. Sufficientflowable product can be kept ready for filling in the storage container and the storagecontainer is also a suitable place for evenly distributing the particulates in theflowable product before the flowable product is filled. Step e) can take place beforestep d).In an embodiment the method is characterized in that the method comprises thefollowing step: f) stirring the flowable product, preferably in order to distribute, inparticular substantially evenly, the particulates in the flowable product and / or togenerate a turbulent flow in the flowable product wherein, preferably, step f) takesTG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023place at least temporarily simultaneously with step e). Hereby it is simplified that theparticulates are evenly distributed in the flowable product when the at least onepackage is filled ensuring an even distribution of particulates throughout all filledpackages. In particular floating and / or sedimentation of the particulates, preferablybefore filling, is prevented or at least reduced. Step f) can alternatively or in additiontake place at least before step d), before step e) and / or after step g). In step f) theflowable product, in particular depending on the stirring device used, can be stirredaround right and / or left.In an embodiment the method is characterized in that the filling machine, in particularthe storage container, comprises a stirring device and in that, preferably, in step e)and / or step f) the flowable product is stirred by the stirring device. Hereby it issimplified that the particulates are evenly distributed in the flowable product whenthe at least one package is filled ensuring an even distribution of particulatesthroughout all filled packages. In particular floating and / or sedimentation of theparticulates, preferably before filling, is prevented or at least reduced. In step e)and / or step f) the flowable product, in particular depending on the stirring deviceused, can be stirred around right and / or left.In an embodiment the method is characterized in that the method comprises thefollowing step: g) thermal treatment of the flowable product, in particular in acontinuous thermal treatment device, wherein, preferably, thermal treatment of theflowable product comprises a pre-heating phase, a main-heating phase and / or acooling phase. The thermal treatment prolongs the shelf life of the filled packages.Step g) preferably takes place before step d), step e) and / or step f).In an embodiment the method is characterized in that in step g) the flowable productis heated during the pre-heating phase to a temperature of at least 50 °C, preferably atleast 60 °C, in particular at least 70 °C, and / or at most 100 °C, in particular at most 90°C, in particular at most 80 °C, in that in step g) the flowable product, in particularwherein the flowable product is a low-acid flowable product, is heated during theTG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023main-heating phase to a temperature of at least 100 °C, preferably at least 110 °C, inparticular at least 120 °C and / or at most 160 °C, in particular at most 150 °C, inparticular at most 140 °C, and / or in that in step g) the flowable product, in particularwherein the flowable product is a high-acid flowable product, is heated during themain-heating phase to a temperature of at least 70 °C, preferably at least 75 °C, inparticular at least 80 °C and / or at most 105 °C, in particular at most 100 °C, inparticular at most 95 °C, and / or in that in step g) the flowable product is cooledduring the cooling phase to a temperature of at most 45 °C, in particular at most 35 °C,in particular at most 25 °C and / or at least 5 °C, preferably at least 10 °C, in particularat least 15 °C. Heating the flowable product and / or the particulates to thecorresponding minimum values ensures a sufficient thermal treatment while heatingto the corresponding maximum values reduces the risk of damaging the particulates,in particular microcapsules, due to excessive heat. The different temperature rangesin the main-heating phase are in particular due to different acidities, as high-acidflowable products tend to react negatively to high temperatures. In case that in step g)the flowable product is a high-acid flowable product, the pre-heating phase can last atleast 20s, preferably at least 25s, in particular at least 30s and / or at most 130s,preferably at most 125s, in particular at most 120s. In this way, the flowable productis sufficiently thermally treated while at the same time the particulates are notexposed to higher temperatures for an unnecessarily long time.In an embodiment the method is characterized in that in step d) at least temporarilythe flow rate of the flowable product, in particular in the conduit and / or the at leastone filling device, is at least 50 ml / s, preferably at least 75 ml / s, in particular at least100 ml / s and / or at most 1700 ml / s, preferably at most 1600 ml / s, in particular atmost 1500 ml / s, in that in step e) and / or step f) at least temporarily the flow rate ofthe flowable product, in particular in the storage container, is at least 600 ml / s,preferably at least 700 ml / s, in particular at least 800 ml / s and / or at most 7000 ml / s,preferably at most 6500 ml / s, in particular at most 6000 ml / s and / or in that in step g)at least temporarily the flow rate of the flowable product, in particular in the thermaltreatment device, is at least 100 ml / s, preferably at least 500 ml / s, in particular atTG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023least 1000 ml / s and / or at most 12000 ml / s, preferably at most 11000 ml / s, inparticular at most 10000 ml / s. Through the corresponding minimum values for theflow rates the risk of the particulates depositing during the different processing stepsand / or in the different processing machines is decreased. Moreover, an evendistribution of the particulates in the flowable product is ensured, as a sufficientlyhigh flow is provided. Through the corresponding maximum values for the flow ratesthe risk of damaging the particulates, in particular microcapsules, is decreased, as theforces on the particulates in the flowable product, for example due to contact with theprocessing machines, are kept sufficiently low.In an embodiment the method is characterized in that in step d) at least temporarilythe pressure on the flowable product, in particular in the conduit and / or the at leastone filling device, is at least 0.5 bar, preferably at least 0.6 bar, in particular at least 0.7bar and / or at most 4 bar, preferably at most 3.5 bar, in particular at most 3 bar, in thatin step e) and / or step f) at least temporarily the pressure on the flowable product, inparticular in the storage container, is at least 0.1 bar, preferably at least 0.2 bar, inparticular at least 0.3 bar and / or at most 5 bar, preferably at most 4 bar, in particularat most 3 bar and / or in that in step g) at least temporarily the pressure on theflowable product, in particular in the thermal treatment device, is at least 0.5 bar,preferably at least 0.75 bar, in particular at least 1 bar and / or at most 60 bar,preferably at most 55 bar, in particular at most 50 bar. Through the correspondingminimum values of the pressure, it is on the one hand ensured, that the flowableproduct can flow satisfactory through the processing machines, in particular throughnarrow gaps for example in a heat exchanger. Moreover, the minimum values of thepressure ensure that the flowable product does not start to boil at highertemperatures, for example during step g). Furthermore, the minimum values of thepressure ensure that the flowable product is not contaminated from the outside byproviding sufficient overpressure. Through the corresponding maximum values forthe pressure the risk of damaging the particulates, in particular microcapsules, isdecreased, as the forces on the particulates in the flowable product are keptsufficiently low. For example, thermal treatment of flowable product not having suchTG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023small particulates often takes place under a pressure of up to 250 bar. However, thesmall particulates, in particular microcapsules, will get damaged at such highpressures.In an embodiment the method is characterized in that step b) takes place before stepd), step e), step f) and / or step g), in that step b) takes place after step d), step e), stepf) and / or step g) and / or in that the share of particulates in the flowable product is, inparticular at least in step d), step e), step f) and / or step g), between 0.05 to 20 wt%, inparticular 0.1 to 10 wt%. By adding the particulates before the respective otherprocess steps the thermal treatment, stirring, storing, and / or filling can be simplifiedas there is no need for separate process steps for the particulates. By adding theparticulates after the respective other process steps, the particulates can be handledseparately from the flowable product and thereby more gently. Providing theparticulates in the flowable product within the respective share ranges reduces therisk of clogging the different process machines.In an embodiment the method is characterized in that the method comprises thefollowing step: h) sealing the at least one package, in particular by a sealing device,wherein, preferably, the at least one package is completely sealed. Step h) can takeplace after a), step b), step c), step d), step e), step f) and / or step g). In step h) anupper region of the at least one packages can be folded and / or sealed. After step h)the at least one package is preferably completely sealed, allowing for an easy andspilling free handling of the at least one package.Further features and advantages of the method emerge from the following descriptionof exemplary embodiments where reference is made to the attached drawing.In the drawingFig. 1 schematically shows a filling machine and further processing machines,TG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023Fig. 2a to 2c show a first embodiment of a filling device,Fig. 3a to 3c show a second embodiment of a filling device,Fig. 4a to 4c show a third embodiment of a filling device,Fig. 5a to 5c show a fourth embodiment of a filling device, andFig. 6a to 6c show a fifth embodiment of a filling device.Fig. 1 shows a filling machine 1 for filling packages 2, preferably cardboard containers,with flowable products. The filling machine 1 can comprise a device 3 for forming thepackages 2. Alternatively, however, these or other packages 2 could also be producedelsewhere and delivered to the filling machine 1. The filling machine 1 which is shownhas a number of parallel processing lines, only one of which is shown in Fig. 1.Associated with each processing line is a bundle 4 of package blanks 5 in the form ofpackage material blanks, the longitudinal edges of which are sealed against oneanother, thus forming package sleeves 6 which are provided in a folded-together state.A feed device 7 unfolds the package sleeves 6 and, if required, an application devicefor applying pour-out elements (not shown) to the package sleeve 6 can also beprovided.The device 3 for forming the packages 2 has a mandrel wheel 8 which, in the showncase, comprises six mandrels 9 and rotates cyclically, i.e. progressively in ananticlockwise direction. In the first mandrel wheel position I, a package blank 5 in theform of a package sleeve 6 is pushed onto the mandrel 9. The mandrel wheel 8 is thenrotated further into the next position II of the mandrel wheel in which the end region10 of the package sleeve 6, projecting with respect to the mandrel 9, is heated with hotair by a heating unit 11. In the next position III of the mandrel wheel, the heated endregion 10 of the package sleeve 6 is pre-folded by a press 12 and in the followingposition IV of the mandrel wheel, is tightly sealed in the folded position by a sealingTG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023device (not shown), in particular it is sealed to form a base. In this way, a unilaterallysealed package is obtained which, in the following position V of the mandrel wheel isremoved from the mandrel 9 and transferred to a cell 13 of a continuous, circulatingtransport device 14. In the next mandrel wheel position VI, no working step isassigned to the mandrel 9. If required, the number of mandrel wheel positions andmandrels and the processing steps provided there can differ from the embodimentaccording to Fig. 1 and from the associated description.With its open side directed upwards, the package 2 is transported through the fillingmachine 1 in an associated cell 13 of the transport device 14 in the form of a transportchain. If required, the packages 2 could also be filled through the upwardly directedbottom region if the downwardly directed top region is closed. The package 2 passesinto an aseptic chamber 15 comprising a sterilization zone 16 and a filling and sealingzone 17, through which the packages 2 are transported from left to right in thetransport direction indicated by the arrows. The packages 2 do not have to betransported in a straight line but can also be transported in at least one curve or evenin a circle.The aseptic chamber 15 is supplied with sterile air via appropriate sterile airconnections 20. The packages 2 are successively preheated by a preheating device 21which blows hot sterile air onto them. Thereafter, the packages 2 are sterilized by asterilization device 22, preferably by means of hydrogen peroxide, whereupon thepackages 2 are dried by a drying device 23 by being charged with sterile air and, afterpassing from the sterilization zone 16 to the filling and sealing zone 17, they arebrought into several processing positions 24, 24’ under several filling devices 25,25’,wherein one filling device 25, 25’ is preferably assigned to each processing position24, 24’. In the shown embodiment there is a first processing position 24 assigned to afirst filling device 25 and a second processing position 24’ assigned to a second fillingdevice 25’. However, it is also possible to have less or more processing positionsand / or filling devices, for example four processing positions and / or four fillingdevices. In the processing positions 24, 24’ the packages 2 are successively filled withTG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023a flowable product 26, particularly comprising particulates 27. The filled packages 2are then sealed by a sealing device 18 by folding and sealing an upper region of thepackages 2. The packages 2 are then removed from the cells 13 of the transport device14. The cells 13 which are now empty are moved further by the transport device 14 inthe direction of the mandrel wheel 8 to receive further packages 2 from the mandrelwheel 8.Before the flowable product 26, however, can be filled into the packages 2, theflowable product 26 needs to be provided. The flowable product can be a highviscosity flowable product with a viscosity of least 400 mPa*s or low viscosityflowable product with viscosity of less than 400 mPa*s. To the flowable product 26particulates 27 are added, which particulates 27 can have a diameter between 1 to2000 microns and which particulates are in particular microcapsules. The particulates27 can for example be added to the flowable product 26 after the flowable product 26is already filled into the packages 2. However, preferably the particulates 27 areadded to the flowable product 26 before the flowable product 26 is subjected tothermal treatment, which is described hereafter.The flowable product 26, which already comprises the particulates 27 in the heredescribed embodiment, is subjected to the thermal treatment in a continuous thermaltreatment device 28. The thermal treatment comprises in the here explainedembodiment three steps. First, there is a pre-heating phase, which is performed in apre-heater 29. During the pre-heating phase the flowable product 26 as well as theparticulates 27 are heated to a temperature of at least 50 °C and at most 100 °C.Thereafter, there is a main-heating phase, which is performed in a main-heater 30.During the main-heating phase the flowable product 26 as well as the particulates 27are heated to a temperature of at least 100 °C and at most 160 °C in the case of low-acid flowable product and at least 70 °C and at most 105 °C in the case of high- acidflowable product, especially to eliminate germs without damaging the particulates dueto excessive heat. Finally, there is a cooling phase, which is performed in a cooler 31.During the cooling phase the flowable product 26 as well as the particulates 27 areTG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023cooled to a temperature of at most 45 °C. The flow rate of the flowable product 26during the thermal treatment can be in the range up to 12000 ml / s, to ensure asufficient throughput. The pressure on the flowable product 26 during the thermaltreatment can be in the range of 0.5 bar to 60 bar, to ensure that the flowable productdoes not boil and can be fed even through narrow gaps however without exposing theparticulates it to too much stress. After the thermal treatment the flowable product 26comprising the particulates 27 is fed via a feeding line 32 to a storage container 33.The storage container 33 is used for temporarily storing the flowable product 26comprising the particulates 27 before the filling into the packages 2. During thestorage of the flowable product 26 in the storage container 33 the flowable product 26can be stirred, as indicated by the arrow in the storage container 33, to evenlydistribute the particulates 27 in the flowable product 26, in particular by generating aturbulent flow in the flowable product 26. The flowable product 26 can be stirredaround right and / or left. The stirring is executed in the embodiment shown by astirring device 19 which is provided in the storage container 33. Stirring is inparticular preferred for flowable product 26 having a low viscosity, as the particulates27 can either float to the top of the flowable product 26 and / or sediment if theflowable product 26 is not sufficiently stirred, depending on the viscosity of theflowable product 26 and / or the density of the particulates 27. In the case of flowableproduct 26 having a high viscosity stirring, however, can often be dispensed with. Theflow rate of the flowable product 26 during the storing and / or stirring can be in therange of 600 ml / s to 7000 ml / s, to ensure that the particulates 27 are evenlydistributed and kept in suspension without damaging the particulates 27. Thepressure on the flowable product 26 during the storing and / or stirring can be in therange of 0.1 bar to 5 bar, to in particular ensure that the flowable product is notcontaminated from the outside without damaging the particulates 27.From the storage container 33 the flowable product 26 comprising the particulates 27is fed via conduits 34, 34’ to the filling devices 25, 25’. In the embodiment describedthe flowable product 26 is poured against a sidewall of the package 2 in the firstTG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023processing position 24, thereby reducing the risk of foaming. In the second processingposition 24’ the flowable product 26 is poured by the second filling device 25’ on topof the flowable product 26 already filled in the package in the first processing position24. In this way a quick filling of the package 2 can be achieved. As there is alreadyflowable product 26 filled in the package 2, the risk for foaming is also rather low. Theflow rate of the flowable product 26 during filling, in particular in the conduit 34, 34’and / or the filling devices 25, 25’, can be in the range of 50 ml / s to 1700 ml / s, toensure a sufficiently quick filling, while at the same time reducing the risk ofparticulates 27 depositing without damaging the particulates 27. The pressure on theflowable product 26 during filling, in particular in the conduit 34, 34’ and / or the fillingdevices 25, 25’, can be in the range of 0.5 bar to 4 bar, to ensure that the particulates27 are evenly distributed and kept in suspension without damaging the particulates27. This also helps in feeding the flowable product 26 even through narrow gaps. Asalready described above, the filled packages 2 are then sealed and removed from thetransport device 14.Fig. 2a to 2c shows a first embodiment of a filling device 25a. Fig. 2a presents a crosssection of the respective filling device 25a. The filling device 25a shown can be used asthe first filling device 25 and / or the second filling device 25’ described in Fig. 1. Thefilling device 25a shown in Fig. 2a comprises a, in particular one-piece, housing 35,which has an inflow area 36 for the flowable product 26 to enter and an outflow area37 for the flowable product 26 to exit. Situated between the inflow area 36 andoutflow area 37 is a channel 38 for guiding the flowable product 26, in particularthrough the housing 35. The channel 38 comprises an inlet 39 that is allocated to theinflow area 36, and an outlet 40 that is allocated to the outflow area 37. In the fillingdevice 25a shown on Fig. 2a, both the inflow area 36 - and hence also the inlet 39 - aswell as the outflow area 37 - and hence also the outlet 40 - are arranged in one plane,wherein the two planes lie parallel to each other. Finally, the upper side of the fillingdevice 25a comprises a continuous flange 41 that incorporates several boreholes 42.The filling device 25a can be connected with the filling machine 1 via the boreholes 42.TG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023Fig. 2a further presents a sealing element 43. In order to interrupt the flow of flowableproduct 26 streaming through the filling device 25a - schematically denoted witharrows in Fig. 2a - the sealing element 43 is lowered, so that the sealing element 43, inparticular a first end 44 of the sealing element 43, is pressed onto the sealing area 45and seals of the inflow area 36 from the outflow area 37. A middle axis M of the fillingdevice 25a runs centrally through the sealing element 43 and the filling device 25a.In the filling device 25a the first end 44 of the sealing element 43 is cone-shaped andtapers in the direction towards the outflow area 37. The end section of the first end 44of the sealing element 43 is shaped pointed. In a first section 46 the channel 38 tapersin a direction towards the outflow area and in a second section 47 the channel 38widens arc-shaped in a direction away from, in particular opposite to, the inflow area36.Fig. 2b presents a top view of the filling device 25a from Fig. 2a, as indicated by themarker IIb in Fig. 2a. In Fig. 2b, however, the sealing element 43 is not shown. Shownin Fig. 2b is the intersecting plane IIa-IIa used for the cross section of Fig. 2a. It can beseen here that the filling device 25a of Fig. 2a only comprises one channel 38. Also, thetapering of the channel 38, in particular of the sealing area 45 and the first section 46of the channel 38 can be seen.Fig. 2c presents a bottom view of the filling device 25a from Fig. 2a, as indicated by themarker IIc in Fig. 2a. In Fig. 2c, the sealing element 43 is also not shown. The wideningof the channel 38, in particular of the second section 47 of the channel 38, can be seenhere.Fig. 3a to 3c show a second embodiment of a filling device 25b. Fig. 3a presents a crosssection of the respective filling device 25b. The filling device 25a shown can be used asthe first filling device 25 and / or the second filling device 25’ described in Fig. 1. Thefilling device 25b of Fig. 3a to 3c is similar to the filling device 25a of Fig. 2a to 2c,TG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023therefore the same components are marked with the same reference numbers and inthe following only the differences will be discussed.In contrast to the filling device 25a of Fig. 2a to 2c the filling device 25b of Fig. 3a to 3ccomprises a plurality of channels 38, wherein each channel comprises an inlet 39 andan outlet 40. For some of the channels 38, in particular the eccentric channels 38’’, themiddle axes MC of the channels 38 are inclined by an angle of inclination α relative tothe middle axis M of the filling device 25b. Moreover, the angle of inclination α for theeccentric channels 38’’ rises as the distance between the channels 38 and middle axisM of the filling device 25b increases. In the middle of the filling device 25b there isalso a channel 38’ which runs substantially parallel to the middle axis M of the fillingdevice 25b.Fig. 3b presents a cross section depicting the device 25b from Fig. 3a along theintersecting plane IIIb-IIIb recorded on Fig. 3a. As can be seen, for the eccentricchannels 38’’ the inlets 39 of the channels 38’’ are arranged on circular rings aroundthe middle axis M of the filling device 25b. The central channel 38’ lies in the middle ofthe inflow area 36. The inlets 39 of the channels 38 in the filling device 25b depicted inFig. 3b exhibit a specific pattern: The eccentric channels 38’’ are circularly arrangedon three concentric rings around the central channel 38’. The first, innermost ring hasten channels 38’’ (two sections each with two channels 38’’ and two sections eachwith three channels 38’’). The second ring has eighteen channels 38’’ (two sectionseach with four channels 38’’ and two sections each with five channels 38’’), and thethird, not completely occupied ring has twelve channels 38’’ (four sections each withthree channels 38’’). The different sections of the same ring are spaced apart fromeach other.Fig. 3c presents a bottom view depicting the filling device 25b from Fig. 3a asindicated by the marker IIIc shown in Fig. 3a. The outlets 40 of the channels 38 arealso arranged on circular rings around the middle axis M of the filling device 25b. Theeccentric channels 38’’ of the outflow area 37 are arranged around the central channelTG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023 38’ on three concentric rings, of which the outermost ring is not completely occupied.Due to the angle of inclination α of the eccentric channels 38’’, the outlets 40 of thechannels 38 are closer together compared to the inflow area 36 side and are onlyseparated from each other by very narrow webs 48.Fig. 4a to 4c show a third embodiment of a filling device 25c. Fig. 4a presents a crosssection of the respective filling device 25c. The filling device 25c shown can be used asthe first filling device 25 and / or the second filling device 25’ described in Fig. 1. Thefilling device 25c of Fig. 4a to 4c is similar to the filling device 25a of Fig. 2a to 2c,therefore the same components are marked with the same reference numbers and inthe following only the differences will be discussed. In the case of Fig. 4a to 4c thesealing element 43 is not shown.In contrast to the filling device 25a of Fig. 2a to 2c the filling device 25c of Fig. 4a to 4ccomprises a plurality of channels 38, wherein each channel comprises an inlet 39 andan outlet 40. In a first section 49 of the channels 38 the middle axes MC of thechannels 38 run substantially parallel to the middle axis M of the filling device 25c,while in a second section 50 of the channels 38 the middle axes MC of the channels 38are inclined by an angle of inclination α relative to the middle axis M of the fillingdevice 25c. Thereby it is possible to pour the flowable product 26 against a sidewall ofthe packages 2 to be filled.Fig. 4b presents a top view of the filling device 25c from Fig. 4a, as indicated by themarker IVb in Fig. 4a. Shown in Fig. 4b is the intersecting plane IVa-IVa used for thecross section of Fig. 4a. It can be seen here that the filling device 25c of Fig. 4acomprises six channels 38. The channels 38 are arranged in two columns with threechannels 38 each or three columns with two channels 38 each depending on the pointof view.Fig. 4c presents a bottom view of the filling device 25c from Fig. 4a, as indicated by themarker IVc in Fig. 4a. It can be seen here that the middle axis MC of the channels 38 isTG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023in the second section 50 of the channels 38 inclined with regard to the middle axis Mof the filling device 25c.Fig. 5a to 5c show a fourth embodiment of a filling device 25d. Fig. 5a presents a crosssection of the respective filling device 25d. The filling device 25d shown can be usedas the first filling device 25 and / or the second filling device 25’ described in Fig. 1. Thefilling device 25d of Fig. 5a to 5c is similar to the filling device 25a of Fig. 2a to 2c,therefore the same components are marked with the same reference numbers and inthe following only the differences will be discussed. In the case of Fig. 5a to 5c thesealing element 43 is not shown.In contrast to the filling device 25a of Fig. 2a to 2c the filling device 25c of Fig. 4a to 4ccomprises a plurality of channels 38, wherein each channel comprises an inlet 39 andan outlet 40. The middle axes MC of all the channels 38 are inclined by an angle ofinclination α relative to the middle axis M of the filling device 25d.Fig. 5b presents a top view of the filling device 25d from Fig. 5a, as indicated by themarker Vb in Fig. 5a. It can be seen here that the inlets 39 of the channels 38 arearranged on circular rings around the middle axis M of the filling device 25d. Theinlets 39 of the channels 38 in the filling device 25d exhibit a specific pattern: Thechannels 38 are circularly arranged on two concentric rings. The first, innermost ringhas three channels. The second, outermost ring has nine channels 38 (three sectionseach with three channels 38). The different sections of the outermost ring are spacedapart from each other.Fig. 5c presents a bottom view of the filling device 25d from Fig. 5a, as indicated by themarker Vc in Fig. 5a. Due to the angle of inclination α of the channels 38, the outlets 40of the channels 38 are closer together compared to the inlet flow area 36 side and onlyseparated from each other by very narrow webs 48.TG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023Fig. 6a to 6c show a fifth embodiment of a filling device 25e. Fig. 6a presents a crosssection of the respective filling device 25e. The filling device 25e shown can be used asthe first filling device 25 and / or the second filling device 25’ described in Fig. 1. Thefilling device 25e of Fig. 6a to 6c is similar to the filling device 25a of Fig. 2a to 2c,therefore the same components are marked with the same reference numbers and inthe following only the differences will be discussed. In the case of Fig. 6a to 6c thesealing element 43 is not shown.In contrast to the filling device 25a of Fig. 2a to 2c the filling device 25e of Fig. 6a to 6ccomprises a plurality of channels 38, wherein each channel comprises an inlet 39 andan outlet 40. In a first section 49 of the channels 38 the middle axes MC of thechannels 38 are inclined by an angle of inclination α relative to the middle axis M ofthe filling device 25e, while in a second section 50 of the channels 38 the middle axesMC of the channels 38 run substantially parallel to the middle axis M of the fillingdevice 25e.Fig. 6b presents a top view of the filling device 25e from Fig. 6a, as indicated by themarker VIb in Fig. 6a. It can be seen here that the inlets 39 of the channels 38 arearranged on, in particular circular, rings around the middle axis M of the filling device25e. The inlets 39 of the channels 38 in the filling device 25d exhibit a specific pattern:The channels 38 are, in particular circularly, arranged on two concentric rings. Thefirst, innermost ring has four channels. The second, outermost ring has eight channels38 (two sections each with four channels 38). The different sections of the outermostring are spaced apart from each other.Fig. 6c presents a bottom view of the filling device 25e from Fig. 5a, as indicated by themarker VIc in Fig. 5a. Due to the angle of inclination α of the channels 38, the outlets40 of the channels 38 are closer together and now form a rather elongatedarrangement of outlets 40.TG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023List of reference 1 filling machine2 package3 device for forming the packages4 bundle5 package blank6 package sleeve7 feed device8 mandrel wheel9 mandrel10 end region11 heating unit12 press13 cell14 transport device15 aseptic chamber16 sterilization zone17 sealing zone18 sealing device19 stirring device20 sterile air connection21 preheating device22 sterilization device23 drying device24 first processing position24’ second processing position25 first filling device25’ second filling device25a, 25b,25c, 25d,25e filling deviceTG / TG 230557WO14 June 202326 flowable product27 particulates28 thermal treatment device29 pre-heater30 main-heater31 cooler32 feeding line33 storage container34, 34’ conduit35 housing36 inflow area37 outflow area38 channel38’ central channel38’’ eccentric channels39 inlet40 outlet41 flange42 borehole43 sealing element44 first end of the sealing element45 sealing area46 first section of the channel47 second section of the channel48 web49 first section of the channel50 second section of the channelI, II, III,IV, V, VI positionM middle axis of the filling deviceTG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023MC middle axis of a channelα angle of inclination TG / TG 230557WO14 June 2023

Claims

June 16, 2023C l a i m s1. Method for filling flowable product (26) into at least one package (2) comprisingthe following steps:a) providing a flowable product (26),b) adding particulates (27) to the flowable product (26),- wherein the particulates (27) have a diameter between 1 to 2000 microns,preferably between 50 to 500 microns, in particular between 50 to 200microns,- wherein, preferably, the particulates (27) are microcapsules,c) providing a filling machine (1),- wherein the filling machine (1) comprises a storage container (33) forstoring the flowable product (26) to be filled, at least one filling device (25,25’, 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e), in particular a first filling device (25) and / ora second filling device (25’), for filling the flowable product (26) into the atleast one package (2) and at least one conduit (34, 34’) for feeding theflowable product (26) from the storage container (33) to the at least onefilling device (25, 25’, 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e), in particular the first fillingdevice (25) and / or the second filling device (25’),d) filling the flowable (26) product into the at least one package (2) using thefilling machine (1) provided in step c).

2. Method according to claim 1,c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a tthe flowable product (26) is a high viscosity flowable product (26) having aviscosity of at least 400 mPa*s or the flowable product (26) is a low viscosityflowable product (26) having a viscosity of less than 400 mPa*s and / or in thatthe flowable product (26) is a low-acid flowable product (26) having a pH value- 2 - of at least 4.5 or the flowable product (26) is a high-acid flowable product (26)having a viscosity of less than 4.5.

3. Method according to claim 1 or claim 2,c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a tin step d) the at least one package (2) is transported, in particular stepwise,through the filling machine (1) and in at least one processing position (24, 24’),preferably a plurality of successively arranged processing positions (24, 24’), theflowable product (26) is filled in the at least one package (2) and / or in that instep d) the flowable product (26) is introduced from above, preferably via the atleast one filling device (25, 25’, 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e), in particular via the firstfilling device (25) and / or the second filling device (25’), into the at least onepackage (2).

4. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 3,c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a tin step d) the flowable product (26) is, preferably in the first processing position(24) and / or via the first filling device (25), poured against a sidewall of the atleast one package (2) and / or in that in step d) the flowable product (26) is,preferably in the second processing position (24’) and / or via the second fillingdevice (25’), poured on top of flowable product (26) already filled in the at leastone package (2).

5. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 4,c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a tin step d) the filling time for filling the at least one package (2) with flowableproduct (26), in particular for each processing position (24, 24’) and / or fillingdevice (25, 25’, 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e), is at least 400 ms, preferably at least 450ms, in particular at least 500 ms and / or at most 900 ms, preferably at most 850ms, in particular at most 825 ms.TG / TG 230557WO16 June 2023- 3 -6. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 5,c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a tthe at least one filling device (25, 25’, 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e), in particular thefirst filling device (25) and / or the second filling device (25’), comprises an inflowarea (36) for the flowable product (26) to enter, an outflow area (37) for theflowable product (26) to exit, and at least one channel (38, 38’, 38’’), in particulara plurality of channels (38, 38’, 38’’), through which to pass the flowable product(26) and in that, preferably, each channel (38, 38’, 38’’) comprises an inlet (39)allocated to the inflow area (36) and an outlet (40) allocated to the outflow area(37).

7. Method according to claim 6,c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a tthe at least one filling device (25, 25’, 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e), in particular thefirst filling device (25) and / or the second filling device (25’), comprises amovable sealing element (43), wherein a first end (44) of the sealing element(43) is designed for sealing the at least one channel (38, 38’, 38’’) in a sealing area(45), in that, preferably, the first end (44) of the sealing element (43) is at least insections cone-shaped, and in that, preferably, the first end (44) of the sealingelement (43) tapers at least in sections in the direction towards the outflow area(37) and / or the end section of the first end (44) of the sealing element (43) isshaped pointed.

8. Method according to claim 6 or claim 7,c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a tin a first section (46) the at least one channel (38) tapers in a direction towardsthe outflow area (37) and / or in a second section (47) the at least one channel(38) widens, in particular arc-shaped, in a direction away from, in particularopposite to, the inflow area (36).

9. Method according to any one of claims 6 to 8,TG / TG 230557WO16 June 2023- 4 - ch a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a tfor at least some of the channels (38, 38’’) the inlets (39) and / or outlets (40) ofthe channels (38, 38’’) are arranged on circular rings around the middle axis (M)of the at least one filling device (25, 25’, 25b, 25d, 25e), in particular of the firstfilling device (25) and / or the second filling device (25’), and / or in that for at leastsome of the channels (38, 38’’) the middle axes (MC) of the channels (38, 38’’) areinclined by an angle of inclination (α) relative to the middle axis (M) of the atleast one filling device (25, 25’, 25b, 25d), in particular of the first filling device(25) and / or the second filling device (25’), and, preferably, the angle ofinclination (α) for the eccentric channels (38’’) rises as the distance between thechannels (38, 38’, 38’’) and middle axis (M) of the at least one filling device (25,25’, 25b, 25d), in particular of the first filling device (25) and / or the second fillingdevice (25’), increases.

10. Method according to any one of claims 6 to 9,c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a tfor at least some of the channels (38, 38’, 38’’) in a first section (49) the middleaxes (MC) of the channels (38, 38’, 38’’) are inclined by an angle of inclination (α)relative to the middle axis (M) of the at least one filling device (25, 25’, 25b, 25d,25e), in particular of the first filling device (25) and / or the second filling device(25’), or the middle axes (MC) of the channels (38) run substantially parallel tothe middle axis (M) of the at least one filling device (25, 25’, 25a, 25b, 25c), inparticular of the first filling device (25) and / or the second filling device (25’),and / or in that for at least some of the channels (38, 38’, 38’’) in a second section(50) the middle axes (MC) of the channels (38, 38’, 38’’) are inclined by an angleof inclination (α) relative to the middle axis (M) of the at least one filling device(25, 25’, 25b, 25c, 25d), in particular of the first filling device (25) and / or thesecond filling device (25’), or the middle axes (MC) of the channels (38) runsubstantially parallel to the middle axis (M) of the at least one filling device (25,25’, 25a, 25b), in particular of the first filling device (25) and / or the second fillingdevice (25’).TG / TG 230557WO16 June 2023- 5 -11. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 10,c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a tthe method comprises the following step:e) storing the flowable product (26) in the storage container (33),12. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 11,c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a tthe method comprises the following step:f) stirring the flowable product (26), preferably in order to distribute, inparticular substantially evenly, the particulates (27) in the flowableproduct (26) and / or to generate a turbulent flow in the flowable product(26),- wherein, preferably, step f) takes place at least temporarilysimultaneously with step e).

13. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 12,c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a tthe filling machine (1), in particular the storage container (33), comprises astirring device (19) and in that, preferably, in step e) and / or step f) the flowableproduct (26) is stirred by the stirring device (19).

14. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 13,c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a tthe method comprises the following step:g) thermal treatment of the flowable product (26), in particular in acontinuous thermal treatment device (28),- wherein, preferably, thermal treatment of the flowable product (26)comprises a pre-heating phase, a main-heating phase and / or a coolingphase.TG / TG 230557WO16 June 2023- 6 -15. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 14,characterized in thatin step g) the flowable product (26) is heated during the pre-heating phase to atemperature of at least 50 °C, preferably at least 60 °C, in particular at least 70 °C,and / or at most 100 °C, in particular at most 90 °C, in particular at most 80 °C, inthat in step g) the flowable product (26), in particular wherein the flowableproduct (26) is a low-acid flowable product (26), is heated during the main-heating phase to a temperature of at least 100 °C, preferably at least 110 °C, inparticular at least 120 °C and / or at most 160 °C, in particular at most 150 °C, inparticular at most 140 °C, in that in step g) the flowable product (26), inparticular wherein the flowable product (26) is a high-acid flowable product(26), is heated during the main-heating phase to a temperature of at least 70 °C,preferably at least 75 °C, in particular at least 80 °C and / or at most 105 °C, inparticular at most 100 °C, in particular at most 95 °C, and / or in that in step g) theflowable product (26) is cooled during the cooling phase to a temperature of atmost 45 °C, in particular at most 35 °C, in particular at most 25 °C and / or at least5 °C, preferably at least 10 °C, in particular at least 15 °C.

16. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 15,c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a tin step d) at least temporarily the flow rate of the flowable product (26), inparticular in the conduit (34, 34’) and / or the at least one filling device (25, 25’,25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e), is at least 50 ml / s, preferably at least 75 ml / s, inparticular at least 100 ml / s and / or at most 1700 ml / s, preferably at most 1600ml / s, in particular at most 1500 ml / s, in that in step e) and / or step f) at leasttemporarily the flow rate of the flowable product (26), in particular in the storagecontainer (33), is at least 600 ml / s, preferably at least 700 ml / s, in particular atleast 800 ml / s and / or at most 7000 ml / s, preferably at most 6500 ml / s, inparticular at most 6000 ml / s and / or in that in step g) at least temporarily theflow rate of the flowable product (26), in particular in the thermal treatmentdevice (28), is at least 100 ml / s, preferably at least 500 ml / s, in particular at leastTG / TG 230557WO16 June 2023- 7 - 1000 ml / s and / or at most 12000 ml / s, preferably at most 11000 ml / s, inparticular at most 10000 ml / s.

17. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 16,c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a tin step d) at least temporarily the pressure on the flowable product (26), inparticular in the conduit (34, 34’) and / or the at least one filling device (25, 25’,25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e), is at least 0.5 bar, preferably at least 0.6 bar, inparticular at least 0.7 bar and / or at most 4 bar, preferably at most 3.5 bar, inparticular at most 3 bar, in that in step e) and / or step f) at least temporarily thepressure on the flowable product (26), in particular in the storage container (33),is at least 0.1 bar, preferably at least 0.2 bar, in particular at least 0.3 bar and / orat most 5 bar, preferably at most 4 bar, in particular at most 3 bar and / or in thatin step g) at least temporarily the pressure on the flowable product (26), inparticular in the thermal treatment device (28), is at least 0.5 bar, preferably atleast 0.75 bar, in particular at least 1 bar and / or at most 60 bar, preferably atmost 55 bar, in particular at most 50 bar.

18. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 17,c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a tstep b) takes place before step d), step e), step f) and / or step g), in that step b)takes place after step d), step e), step f) and / or step g) and / or in that the share of particulates (27) in the flowable product (26) is, in particular at least in step d),step e), step f) and / or step g), between 0.05 to 20 wt%, in particular 0.¶1 to 10<sub>wt%.

19. Method according to any one of claims 1 to 18,c h a r a c t e r i z e d i n t h a tthe method comprises the following step:h) sealing the at least one package (2), in particular by a sealing device (18),- wherein, preferably, the at least one package (2) is completely sealed.TG / TG 230557WO16 June 2023

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