Conduit system, device for producing and / or filling containers and plant for producing and / or treating containers

Abstract

The invention relates to a conduit system (10), in particular for a device for producing and / or filling containers from preforms (12) made of thermoplastic material, wherein the conduit system (10) is designed to connect at least one fluid source (14) for providing pressurised fluid, in particular blown air or filling material, to at least one opening (16), in particular a blowing and / or filling opening for connection to a mouth of a container, in particular a preform (12), wherein the conduit system (10) has at least one radiation source (18-24) for ionising radiation, in particular beta and / or gamma radiation, for sterilising the pressurised fluid flowing through the conduit system (10). The invention provides a conduit system (10), the operation and use of which is more cost-effective and requires less maintenance than the prior art.

Description

[0001] Piping system, device for producing and / or filling containers and plant for producing and / or treating containers

[0002] The invention relates to a piping system, a device for producing and / or filling containers and a plant for producing and / or treating containers.

[0003] Containers can be manufactured from preforms by forming, particularly stretch blow molding, or a forming-filling process. The preforms are made of thermoplastic material that is thermally conditioned before forming. The resulting containers can be used for food or medical applications, among other things.

[0004] For the production of sterile containers, it is advantageous to perform stretch blow molding with sterile blow air. For this purpose, it is known from EP 3 789 181 A1, for example, to sterilize the blow air using a sterile filter. The blow air is passed through the sterile filter, which is installed in a line through which the blow air flows prior to stretch blow molding. The sterile filter units are regularly serviced, particularly by autoclaving, and installed under sterile conditions.

[0005] Furthermore, it is known from DE 10 2010 041 165 A1 to pasteurise products by heating them after they have been filled into containers.

[0006] The object of the invention is to provide a device and a method whose operation and use are easier to handle, more cost-effective and require less maintenance than the prior art.

[0007] The object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous further developments are the subject of the dependent claims and the following description. In a line system, in particular for a device for producing and / or filling containers from preforms made of thermoplastic material, wherein the line system is designed to connect at least one fluid source for providing pressurized fluid, in particular blowing air or filling material, to at least one opening, in particular a blowing and / or filling opening for connecting to a mouth of a container, in particular a preform, the invention provides that the line system has at least one radiation source for ionizing radiation, in particular beta and / or gamma radiation, for sterilizing the pressurized fluid flowing through the line system.

[0008] The invention thus provides a line system in which pressurized fluid flowing through the line system is sterilized by a radiation source with ionizing radiation. The ionizing radiation can preferably be beta radiation or gamma radiation. However, the use of X-rays or ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of at most 280 nm (UV-C) is also conceivable. The radiation source can be arranged at a section of the line system and expose the fluid flowing through this section of the line system to radiation. Sterilization thus takes place while the fluid flows through the line system. The line system connects a fluid source providing pressurized fluid to at least one opening. The fluid source can be designed, for example, as a compressor for blowing air or filling material.The opening can, in particular, be a blowing and / or filling opening that can be connected to the mouth of a container, in particular a preform. Furthermore, the blowing and / or filling opening can be arranged on a mold for a container, into which a preform can be inserted. The pressurized fluid can, for example, be introduced into a preform through the blowing and / or filling opening, transforming the preform into the container.

[0009] The fluid flows from the fluid source to the opening, with the upstream flow directed toward the fluid source and the downstream flow directed toward the opening. The piping system can be used, particularly in a device for stretch blow molding, forming and / or filling containers from preforms made of thermoplastic material, for example a stretch blow molding machine, a forming and filling machine, to provide sterilized blow air or sterilized filling material without the use of sterile filters or pasteurizing heating. This eliminates the need to replace the sterile filters, sterilize the sterile filters, and install the sterilization filters under sterile conditions, or heat the filling material. The radiation source, which emits ionizing radiation, can thus provide a lower-maintenance and therefore more cost-effective solution than the prior art in the long term.

[0010] For example, several radiation sources can be provided at different locations in the piping system.

[0011] According to one example, the radiation source may be arranged on a supply line of the line system and emit ionizing radiation into the supply line.

[0012] The radiation source is thus located on the piping system between the fluid source and the opening. This allows the radiation source to be positioned directly on the line and emit ionizing radiation into a precisely defined section of the line. This reduces the radiation exposure to the surrounding area.

[0013] According to a further example, the conduit system may comprise at least one return line for previously used fluid still under pressure, which flows through the opening back into the conduit system, wherein the radiation source is arranged on the return line.

[0014] For example, in a device for stretch blow molding containers, pressurized blow air still in the container can be returned to the piping system through the opening. The blow air can then be directed into the return line and sterilized there using the radiation source. After sterilization, the still-pressurized blow air can be reused for stretch blow molding.

[0015] Furthermore, the line system can, for example, have a first line section and a second line section which are connected in parallel to one another, wherein the first line section has a pressure reducer for the fluid flowing through the first line section.

[0016] This reduces the pressure of the fluid in the first line section. Using the example of a device for stretch blow molding containers, the first line section can, for example, provide blowing air that creates a pre-pressure in a preform, the so-called P1 pressure. The preform can then be formed into a container using the blowing air flowing through the second line section, since the second line section can provide the fluid at a higher pressure, the so-called P2 pressure, than the first line section. It goes without saying that the flow through the line sections can be controlled using valves. Starting from the fluid source, the line can, for example, branch into the two line sections. In the direction of the blow opening, the two line sections can open into a common distribution line. The distribution line can also be connected to the at least one opening in a fluid-communicating manner.

[0017] It is further conceivable, for example, that the radiation source can be arranged on the second line section and can emit ionizing radiation into the second line section.

[0018] The radiation source can then be arranged on the second line section and sterilize the blowing air in the second line section. In particular, if the blowing air used for stretch blow molding is reused, the return line described above can open into the first line section, whereby this return line can also have a radiation source for sterilizing the blowing air flowing in it. After the first stretch blow molding process, sterile blowing air can be provided in this further example both in the first line section and in the second line section.

[0019] Furthermore, the radiation source can be arranged, for example, upstream of the first and second line sections.

[0020] In this example, the blowing air or filling material is sterilized before it enters the first or second line sections. Especially if no return line is provided, sterilized blowing air or filling material can be used in both the first and second line sections.

[0021] According to a further example, the radiation source may be arranged upstream of a first valve of the conduit system, wherein the first valve controls the entire conduit system.

[0022] In this example, the blown air or the filling material is already sterilized in a section of the piping system located closest to the fluid source. Even if the valve is closed, the blown air or the filling material can be sterilized or kept sterile before passing through the valve. The piping system may not have any additional valves upstream of the first valve, so the fluid from the fluid source must first flow through the first valve before flowing through any additional valves.

[0023] The radiation sources described above can emit radiation in a timed or continuous manner. With timed irradiation, the radiation source can be switched on and off. With continuous irradiation, radiation is emitted continuously.

[0024] Furthermore, the invention relates to a device for producing and / or filling containers made of thermoplastic material, in particular a stretch blow molding machine, a forming-filling machine or a filling machine, comprising at least one line system according to the preceding description and a rotor part, wherein the line system has a rotary inlet which is fastened to the rotor part.

[0025] The rotary union allows the piping system to be divided into a rotating part and a stationary part. The rotating part can be attached to the rotor of the device. The rotary union then forms the transition between the stationary and rotating parts.

[0026] The advantages and effects, as well as further developments, of the device arise from the advantages and effects, as well as further developments, of the line system described above. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the previous description in this regard.

[0027] According to one example, the line system may comprise at least a first line section and a second line section connected in parallel to one another, wherein the first line section comprises a pressure reducer for the fluid flowing through the first line section, wherein the rotary inlet is arranged upstream of the first and second line sections.

[0028] The first and second line sections are thus arranged on the rotor and rotate with the rotor. Radiation sources that can be arranged on the first or second line sections can thus also be attached to the rotor and rotate with the rotor.

[0029] Furthermore, the device can, for example, have a plurality of forming stations or filling stations, with an opening of the line system opening into each forming station or filling station.

[0030] According to a further example, the line system may comprise at least one return line for already used fluid still under pressure, which flows through the opening back into the line system, wherein the radiation source is arranged on the return line, wherein the return line is arranged downstream of the rotary inlet.

[0031] The return line can also be arranged between the rotary inlet and the at least one opening. The return line can thus also rotate with the rotor. It is also conceivable for the return line to open into the first line section, so that the used blowing air can be reused via the first line section.

[0032] Furthermore, the device can, for example, comprise the fluid source, wherein the fluid source is preferably designed as a blowing air source or as a filling material source and in particular comprises a compressor for providing blowing air or filling material at a pressure of 25 bar to 50 bar, preferably 30 to 45 bar, more preferably 35 to 40 bar.

[0033] The invention further relates to a device for sterilizing contents in at least one container, wherein the device has at least one receptacle for a container filled with contents, wherein according to the invention it is provided that the device for sterilizing contents further has at least one radiation source for ionizing radiation, in particular beta and / or gamma radiation, for sterilizing contents in at least one container which is arranged in the at least one receptacle.

[0034] This device prevents heating of the contents in the container. Instead, the contents in the container can be sterilized by irradiation with ionizing radiation.

[0035] Further advantages and effects of the device for sterilizing contents arise from the advantages and effects as well as further developments of the piping system and device described above. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the previous description in this regard.The invention further relates to a system for producing and / or treating containers made of thermoplastic material, comprising at least one line system according to the preceding description and / or at least one device for producing and / or filling containers according to the preceding description and / or at least one device for sterilizing filling material in at least one container, wherein the system further comprises the fluid source, wherein the fluid source is preferably designed as a blown air source or filling material source and in particular has a compressor for providing blown air or filling material at a pressure of 25 bar to 50 bar, preferably 30 to 45 bar, more preferably 35 to 40 bar.

[0036] The advantages and effects, as well as further developments of the system, arise from the advantages and effects, as well as further developments, of the piping system and device described above. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the previous description in this regard.

[0037] The invention further relates to a method for sterilizing blowing air or filling material in a device, wherein the method comprises at least the following steps: feeding fluid, in particular blowing air or filling material, into a line system of a device; and forming, in particular by stretch blow molding or by filling, containers by means of the fed-in fluid; wherein, according to the invention, the method further comprises at least the following step: sterilizing the fluid by means of a radiation source that emits ionizing radiation, before forming.

[0038] According to one example, the method may further comprise at least the following steps: returning fluid, in particular blown air, from a formed container into a return line of the line system, sterilizing the fluid in the return line using the radiation source, and using the sterilized fluid from the return line for forming. Advantages and effects, as well as further developments of the method, arise from the advantages and effects, as well as further developments of the line system and the device described above. To avoid repetition, reference is therefore made to the preceding description in this regard.

[0039] The invention further relates to a method for sterilizing contents in a container, comprising at least the steps of: arranging at least one container filled with contents in a receptacle of a device for sterilizing contents in at least one container; and sterilizing the contents in at least one container received in the receptacle by means of the radiation source of the device for sterilizing contents in at least one container.

[0040] The method for sterilizing contents in a container can, in one example, be combined with the method explained above for sterilizing blown air or contents in a device for producing and / or filling containers made of thermoplastic material.

[0041] The advantages and effects of the method for sterilizing contents in a container arise from the advantages and effects as well as further developments of the piping system and the devices and system described above. To avoid repetition, reference is made to the previous description in this regard.

[0042] The invention is described below using an exemplary embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings. They show:

[0043] Figure 1 is a schematic representation of the system with the device and the piping system; Figure 2 is a flow diagram of the process for sterilizing blown air or filling material;

[0044] Figure 3 is a flow chart of the process for sterilizing contents in a container.

[0045] In the following, the piping system as a whole is referenced with the reference number 10, as also shown in Figure 1.

[0046] The line system 10 is designed to connect a fluid source 14 to at least one opening 16. The fluid source 14 is designed to provide pressurized fluid. The pressure is preferably 25 bar to 50 bar, more preferably 30 bar to 45 bar, more preferably 35 bar to 40 bar. Consequently, the line system 10 is also designed to conduct pressurized fluid.

[0047] Furthermore, the fluid source 14 can provide blowing air for stretch blow molding containers from preforms 12 made of thermoplastic material. The blowing air can be provided to a corresponding device, for example, a device 40.

[0048] Alternatively, the fluid source 14 can provide filling material with which containers can be filled. Additionally, the filling material can also be used to transform preforms 12 into containers.

[0049] The at least one opening 16 can be a blow or fill opening, which can be designed to connect to a mouth of a container. For example, the container can be designed as a preform 12, the mouth of which can be coupled to the blow or fill opening. The pressurized fluid, in particular the blow air or the filling material, can then be introduced into the preform through the blow or fill opening, such that the preform 12 can be formed into a container. In the case of the filling material, merely filling the produced container can also take place. The line system 10, the fluid source 14, and the opening 16 can be part of the device 40.

[0050] Alternatively or additionally, the fluid source 14 and the conduit system 10 can also be part of a system 50 for producing and / or treating containers, which comprises at least one device 40. Treating containers can include, in particular, filling, but also thermal conditioning, sterilizing, labeling, closing, packaging, and / or palletizing the containers.

[0051] The device 40 can be designed as a rotary machine and a rotor part

[0052] 48 and a stator part 49. The rotor part 48 can be rotatably mounted on the stator part

[0053] 49. A plurality of forming stations or filling stations 58 can be attached to the rotor part 48, which can have molds with which preforms 12 can be formed into containers using blown air or filling material.

[0054] Each forming station or filling station 58 can be assigned an opening 16 with which the pressurized fluid can be introduced into a preform 12 inserted into the forming station or filling station 58.

[0055] The line system 10 further comprises at least one radiation source 18-24 capable of emitting ionizing radiation. In particular, the radiation source 18-24 can emit beta radiation and / or gamma radiation, although it should not be excluded that the radiation source 18-24 can also emit X-rays and / or ultraviolet radiation with a wavelength of no more than 280 nm (UV-C).

[0056] The fluid in the piping system 10 is sterilized with ionizing radiation. For this purpose, the radiation source 18-24 does not need to irradiate the entire piping system 10, but only a section of the piping system 10.

[0057] The fluid can be sterilized by the radiation source 18-24 as it flows through the conduit system 10. The conduit system 10 can branch between the fluid source 14 and the at least one opening 16. Thus, starting from the fluid source 14, a supply line 26 can initially be provided, which opens into a first valve 41. When the valve 40 is closed, the fluid-communicating connection between the fluid source 14 and the at least one opening 16, which is provided by the conduit system 10, is blocked.

[0058] Upstream of the first valve 41, a first radiation source 18 can be provided, with which the fluid flowing through the supply line 26 to the first valve 41 can be irradiated with ionizing radiation. The fluid is then sterilized as it flows through this section of the line system 10.

[0059] Downstream of the valve 41, a further line section 28 of the supply line 26 can be provided, which opens into a rotary inlet 54. The rotary inlet 54 can fluidly connect a stationary part of the line system 10 with a rotating part of the line system 10.

[0060] The rotating part of the conduit system 10 can be attached to the rotor part 48 of a device 40.

[0061] A second radiation source 20 can be provided on the further line section 28 of the supply line 26. The second radiation source 20 can apply ionizing radiation to fluid flowing through the further line section 28 of the supply line 26, thereby sterilizing it.

[0062] Downstream of the rotary inlet 54, the line system 10 can branch. For example, a branch can occur into a first line section 30 and a second line section 32. The first line section 30 and the second line section 32 can open into a distribution line 36. The distribution line 36 can, for example, be a ring line, from which a plurality of fluid lines 37 can branch off. Each fluid line 37 can open into an opening 16 associated with the respective fluid line 37.

[0063] The first line section 30 can have a second valve 42 after the branching, with which the first line section 30 can be opened and closed for the fluid.

[0064] Furthermore, the first line section 30 upstream of the distribution line 36 can have a third valve 43 that can open and close a direct fluid-communicating connection between the first line section 30 and the distribution line 36.

[0065] Furthermore, the first line section 30 can have a pressure reducer 52, with which the pressure of the fluid flowing through the line system can be reduced downstream of the pressure reducer 52. The pressure reducer 52 can be installed between the second valve 42 and the third valve 43 in the first line section 30.

[0066] The first line section 30 can supply fluid to the distribution line 36 at a lower pressure level than that provided by the fluid source 14. If the line system 10 is installed in a device 40, the first line section 30 can, for example, provide a so-called P1 pressure level.

[0067] The second line section 32 can have a fourth valve 44 upstream of the distribution line 36. The fourth valve 44 can be used to open and close a directly fluid-communicating connection between the second line section 32 and the distribution line 36. The fluid flowing through the second line section 32 can have a higher pressure than the fluid flowing through the pressure reducer 52. Using the example of the device 40, the fluid can be provided at the second line section 32 with the so-called P2 pressure. A third radiation source 22 can be arranged at the second line section 32, which can subject the fluid flowing through the second line section 32 to ionizing radiation, thereby sterilizing it.

[0068] A return line 34 can branch off from the distribution line 36 and can be fluidly connected to the first line section 30. A fifth valve 45 can open and close the connection between the return line 34 and the distribution line 36. A sixth valve 46 can open and close the connection between the return line 34 and the first line section 30.

[0069] A fourth radiation source 24 can be arranged on the return line 34. The fourth radiation source 24 can emit ionizing radiation into a fluid flowing through the return line 34. This allows the fluid in the return line 34 to be sterilized.

[0070] The return line 34 allows fluid that was used from the opening 16, for example, for stretch blow molding, and then re-entered the fluid line 36 through the opening 16 to be returned to the first line section 30. This allows this fluid to be reused in a sterilized state for another stretch blow molding process.

[0071] Furthermore, an outlet line 38 can be provided on each of the fluid lines 37, which can have an outlet opening 56 for discharging the fluid used, for example, blown air. The fluid-communicating connection between the outlet opening 56 and the fluid line 37 can be opened and closed at the outlet line 38 by means of a seventh valve 47.

[0072] The outlet line 38 can be opened alternatively or in addition to the return line 34 to allow pressurized fluid used for stretch blow molding to flow out of a manufactured container. The valves 41-47 can each be individually controlled to allow the pressurized fluid to flow through the line system 10 as needed.

[0073] The system 50 can further comprise a device 60 for sterilizing contents in a filled container 15. The device 60 can comprise a receptacle 35 in which a filled container 15 can be received. The receptacle 35 can also be a base on which a filled container 15 can stand.

[0074] Furthermore, the receptacle can be designed to accommodate at least one container, ie also a plurality of containers.

[0075] Furthermore, the device 60 can comprise a radiation source 25, which in this example can be a fifth radiation source. The radiation source 25 can emit ionizing radiation, in particular beta and / or gamma radiation, to sterilize the contents in the filled container 15, which is held by the receptacle 35.

[0076] The arrow in Figure 1 between the forming station or filling station 58 and the receptacle 35 is intended only to represent a transport of the containers between the forming station or filling station 58 and the receptacle 35. Additional devices can be arranged between the device 60 and the device 40, for example, a closing device for closing the containers.

[0077] If the device 40 is designed to fill the containers, which may include filling during the formation of a preform into a container, the device 60 may be arranged immediately downstream of the device 40 in the system.

[0078] If the device 40 is designed solely for stretch blow molding the containers, a filling machine can also be arranged between the device 60 and the device 40. For example, to carry out the method 100 according to Figure 2, the first valve 41, the second valve 42, and the third valve 43 can initially be open at the beginning of a forming process, with the remaining valves 44-47 closed. The fluid is then fed into the line system 10 according to a step 102 of the method 100. It can then flow through the supply line 26, where it can be sterilized by the first radiation source 18 according to a step 104 of the method 100.

[0079] If no first radiation source 18 is provided, the fluid downstream of the first valve 41 in the line section 28 of the supply line 26 can be sterilized by the second radiation source 20, which also corresponds to step 104. However, the first radiation source 18 and the second radiation source 20 can also be combined with one another to successively sterilize the fluid according to step 104.

[0080] For step 106, the fluid can then flow via the pressure reducer 52 and the first line section 32 into the distribution line 36 and then into the fluid line 37 through the opening 16 into a preform 12, which can be inserted into a forming station or filling station 58. This allows preforming, for example, pre-blowing, of the preform 12 in the forming station or filling station 58 to take place with sterilized fluid under the so-called P1 pressure level.

[0081] After pre-forming, the second valve 42 and the third valve 43 can be closed and the fourth valve 44 can be opened. The fluid then flows, for example, at the pressure provided by the fluid source 14 through the second line section 32, which can be referred to as P2 pressure, particularly for forming. In the second line section 32, the third radiation source 22 can sterilize the fluid according to step 104 if, for example, neither a first radiation source 18 nor a second radiation source 20 is provided. The fluid can then flow into the distribution line 36 and then into the fluid line 37 through the opening 16 into the pre-formed preform 12. However, the third radiation source 22 can also sterilize the fluid according to step 104 in combination with the first radiation source 18 and / or the second radiation source 20.

[0082] Introducing the fluid into the preform 12 at the pressure provided by the fluid source 14 causes the preform 12 to be transformed into a container of sterilized fluid.

[0083] After forming, the fluid contained in the manufactured container can be directed back into the fluid line 37 through the opening 16, for example, by closing the fourth valve 44 and opening the seventh valve 47. The fluid then flows through the outlet line 38 to the outlet opening 56 and can be discharged into the environment.

[0084] Alternatively or additionally, the fifth valve 45 and the sixth valve 46 can be opened instead of the seventh valve 47. The fluid can then flow through the return line 34 into the first line section 30 according to step 108. According to step 112, the fluid can be reused in a subsequent forming operation performed according to step 104 to provide the pre-forming pressure P1.

[0085] The fourth radiation source 24 can sterilize the fluid flowing through the return line 34 with ionizing radiation according to step 110, so that any germs contained in the preform 12 or the produced container, which were absorbed by the fluid during the forming process, can be removed.

[0086] The fourth radiation source 24 can be provided as the only radiation source or in combination with the first, second and / or third radiation source 18, 20, 22 to sterilize the fluid.

[0087] Figure 3 describes a method 200 for sterilizing containers filled with contents. Method 200 can be performed, for example, using the device 60 explained above or using a system 50 that includes such a device 60.

[0088] In a step 202, a filled container 15 is arranged in a receptacle 35 of a device 60.

[0089] In a further step 204, the fifth radiation source 25 can be used to emit ionizing radiation into the contents of the container 15, which can be held by the receptacle 35.

[0090] This allows sterilization of the contents in the container 15 without heating the contents.

[0091] The example described above does not limit the invention in any way. Rather, the invention can be modified in many ways. All of the features of the invention described above can be essential to the invention alone or in combination with one another.

[0092] List of reference symbols

[0093] 10 Pipe system 40 Device for manufacturing

[0094] 12 Preform and / or filling of containers

[0095] 14 Fluid source 41 first valve

[0096] 15 filled container 42 second valve

[0097] 16 Opening 43 third valve

[0098] 18 first radiation source 44 fourth valve

[0099] 20 second radiation source 45 fifth valve

[0100] 22 third radiation source 46 sixth valve

[0101] 24 fourth radiation source 47 seventh valve

[0102] 25 fifth radiation source 48 rotor part

[0103] 26 Supply line 49 Stator part

[0104] 28 Line section 50 system

[0105] 30 first line section 52 pressure reducer

[0106] 32 second line section 54 rotary union

[0107] 34 Return line 56 Outlet opening

[0108] 35 Sterilization device 58 Forming station or filling station for contents 60 Sterilization device

[0109] 36 Distribution line of filling material in a container

[0110] 37 Fluid line

[0111] 38 Outlet line

Claims

Claims 1. Conduit system (10), in particular for a device for producing and / or filling containers from preforms (12) made of thermoplastic material, wherein the conduit system (10) is designed to connect at least one fluid source (14) for providing pressurised fluid, in particular blowing air or filling material, to at least one opening (16), in particular a blowing and / or filling opening for connecting to a mouth of a container, in particular a preform (12), characterized in that the conduit system (10) has at least one radiation source (18 - 24) for ionising radiation, in particular beta and / or gamma radiation, for sterilizing the pressurised fluid flowing through the conduit system (10).

2. Conduit system (10) according to claim 1, characterized in that the radiation source (18 - 24) is arranged on a supply line (26, 28) of the conduit system (10) and emits ionizing radiation into the supply line (26, 28).

3. Conduit system (10) according to one of claims 1 or 2, characterized in that the conduit system (10) has at least one return line (34) for already used fluid which is still under pressure and which flows through the opening (16) back into the conduit system (10), wherein the radiation source (18 - 24) is arranged on the return line (34).

4. Conduit system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the conduit system (10) has a first conduit section (30) and a second conduit section (32) which are connected in parallel to one another, wherein the first conduit section (30) has a pressure reducer (52) for the fluid flowing through the first conduit section (30).

5. Conduit system (10) according to claim 4, characterized in that the radiation source (18 - 24) is arranged on the second conduit section (32) and emits ionizing radiation into the second conduit section (32).

6. Conduit system (10) according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the radiation source (18 - 24) is arranged upstream of the first and second conduit sections (30, 32).

7. Conduit system (10) according to one of the preceding claims, characterized in that the radiation source (18 - 24) is arranged upstream of a first valve (41) of the conduit system (10), wherein the first valve (41) controls the entire conduit system (10).

8. Device (40) for producing and / or filling containers made of thermoplastic material, in particular a stretch blow molding machine, a forming filling machine or a filling machine, comprising at least one line system (10) according to one of the preceding claims and a rotor part (48), wherein the line system (10) has a rotary inlet (54) which is fastened to the rotor part (48).

9. Device (40) according to claim 8, wherein the line system (10) is designed at least according to claim 4, characterized in that the rotary inlet (54) is arranged upstream of the first and second line sections (30, 32).

10. Device (40) according to claim 8 or 9, characterized in that the device (40) has a plurality of forming stations or filling stations (58), wherein an opening (16) of the line system (10) opens into each forming station or filling station (58).

11. Device (40) according to one of claims 8 to 10, wherein the line system (10) is designed at least according to claim 3, characterized in that the return line (34) is arranged downstream of the rotary inlet (54).

12. Device (40) according to one of claims 8 to 11, characterized in that the device (40) comprises the fluid source (14), wherein the fluid source (14) is preferably designed as a blowing air source or as a filling material source and in particular has a compressor for providing blowing air or filling material at a pressure of 25 bar to 50 bar, preferably 30 bar to 45 bar, more preferably 35 bar to 40 bar.

13. Device (60) for sterilizing contents in at least one container (15), wherein the device (60) has at least one receptacle (35) for a container (15) filled with contents, characterized in that the device (60) further has at least one radiation source (25) for ionizing radiation, in particular beta and / or gamma radiation, for sterilizing contents in at least one container (15) arranged in the at least one receptacle (35).

14. Plant (50) for producing and / or treating containers made of thermoplastic material, comprising at least one line system (10) according to one of claims 1 to 7 and / or at least one device (40) according to one of claims 8 to 12 and / or at least one device (60) according to claim 13, wherein the plant (50) further comprises the fluid source (14), wherein the fluid source (14) is preferably designed as a blown air source or as a filling material source and in particular has a compressor for providing blown air or filling material at a pressure of 25 bar to 50 bar, preferably 30 to 45 bar, more preferably 35 to 40 bar.

15. A method (100) for sterilizing blowing air or filling material in a device (40) for producing and / or filling containers made of thermoplastic material, wherein the method (100) comprises at least the following steps: feeding (102) fluid, in particular blowing air or filling material, into a line system (10) of a device (40); and Forming (104) containers by means of the injected fluid; characterized in that the method (100) further comprises at least the following step: Sterilizing (106) the fluid by means of a radiation source (18 - 24) emitting ionizing radiation before forming (104).

16. Method (100) according to claim 15, characterized in that the method (100) further comprises at least the following steps: Returning (108) fluid, in particular blown air, from a formed container into a return line (34) of the line system (10); Sterilizing (110) the fluid in the return line (34) by means of the radiation source (18 - 24); and Using (112) the sterilized fluid from the return line (34) for forming (104).

17. A method (200) for sterilizing contents in a container, comprising at least the steps: Arranging (202) at least one container filled with contents in a receptacle of a device for sterilizing contents in at least one container; and Sterilizing (204) the contents in at least one container received by the receptacle by means of the radiation source of the device for sterilizing contents in at least one container.

Images