Sterilization method

Abstract

To provide a sterilization method capable of suppressing decrease in a sterilization effect of a bactericide.SOLUTION: A sterilization method for a sterilization system including a circulation line 53 including a heater H for heating a bactericide, and a main chamber 42 connected to the circulation line sterilizes the main chamber by a circulation step of circulating the bactericide through the circulation line while heating it with the heater, and by supplying the bactericide heated by the heater to the main chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 3

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a sterilization method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, as a system for filling beverages into containers such as bottles, there is known a content filling system that sterilizes the beverage itself and sterilizes a surge tank, pipes, filling nozzles, etc. to make them aseptic. In such a content filling system, for example, when switching the type of beverage, CIP (Cleaning in Place) is performed, and further, SIP (Sterilization in Place) is performed (for example, Patent Documents 1 to 3).

[0003] CIP is for removing residues of the previous beverage attached to the beverage flow path and tank. For example, after flowing a cleaning liquid with an alkaline agent such as caustic soda added to water through the beverage flow path, it is performed by flowing a cleaning liquid with an acidic agent added to water.

[0004] SIP is for sterilizing the beverage flow path and tank to make them aseptic. For example, it is performed by flowing heated steam or hot water through the flow path cleaned by CIP.

[0005] Also, in the filling chamber where a filling device for filling the content is arranged, COP (Cleaning out of Place) and SOP (Sterilizing out of Place) are performed for purification (for example, Patent Documents 4 to 7).

[0006] In the filling chamber, various injection nozzles are arranged. When COP and SOP are performed, disinfectants such as alkaline cleaning agents, peracetic acid cleaning agents, hydrogen peroxide water, and aseptic water are sprayed in a spray or shower form in the filling chamber in order from these nozzles. The inner wall surface of the filling chamber and the surfaces of devices such as the filling device (filler) are purified and sterilized by the mist, shower, etc. of this disinfectant and aseptic water.

[0007] Incidentally, the disinfectant sprayed into the filling chamber may be prepared by adding water to the stock solution of the disinfectant. However, there is a possibility that bacteria may survive in the water added to the stock solution of the disinfectant in advance. In this case, there is a risk that bacteria will survive in the disinfectant. Thus, if bacteria have survived in the disinfectant in advance, even when the disinfectant is sprayed into the filling chamber, the bacteria that survive in the disinfectant may remain in the filling chamber. For this reason, there is a risk that the bactericidal effect of the disinfectant will decrease, and the disinfection in the filling chamber may become insufficient.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

Patent Document 4

Patent Document 5

Patent Document 6

Patent Document 7

[0009] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such points, and an object thereof is to provide a sterilization method capable of suppressing a decrease in the sterilization effect by a disinfectant.

Disclosure of the Invention

[0010] The sterilization method according to an embodiment is a sterilization method in a sterilization system including a circulation line with a heater for heating a sterilizing agent interposed therein and a main chamber connected to the circulation line. The sterilization method includes a circulation step of circulating the sterilizing agent through the circulation line while heating the sterilizing agent with the heater, and a sterilization step of sterilizing the main chamber by supplying the sterilizing agent heated by the heater to the main chamber.

[0011] In the sterilization method according to an embodiment, the sterilization system further includes a tank connected to the circulation line for storing a sterilizing agent prepared from water and a stock solution of the sterilizing agent, a water supply unit for supplying the water to the tank, a stock solution supply unit for supplying the stock solution of the sterilizing agent to the tank, and a supply line provided between the circulation line and the tank. The main chamber is interposed in the supply line, and a filling device for filling contents into a bottle is arranged in the main chamber. In the circulation step, the sterilizing agent in the tank is circulated through the circulation line while being heated by the heater. In the sterilization step, the sterilizing agent heated by the heater may be supplied to the main chamber through the supply line.

[0012] The sterilization method according to an embodiment may further include a recovery step of returning the sterilizing agent supplied to the main chamber to the tank.

[0013] In a sterilization method according to an embodiment, the sterilization system further includes a tank that is connected to the circulation line and stores a sterilizing agent produced by water and a stock solution of the sterilizing agent, a water supply unit that supplies the water to the tank, and a stock solution supply unit of the sterilizing agent that supplies the stock solution of the sterilizing agent to the tank. In the circulation line, the heater and the aseptic chamber are sequentially interposed. The aseptic chamber has the main chamber and a sub-chamber provided on at least one of the inlet side and the outlet side of the main chamber. A filling device for filling the contents into the bottle is arranged in the main chamber. In the circulation step, the sterilizing agent in the tank is circulated through the circulation line via the sub-chamber while being heated by the heater. In the sterilization step, the sterilizing agent heated by the heater may be supplied to the main chamber through the circulation line.

[0014] In a sterilization method according to an embodiment, a recovery step of returning the sterilizing agent supplied to the main chamber to the tank may be further provided.

[0015] In a sterilization method according to an embodiment, the sterilization system further includes a water supply unit that supplies water to the circulation line and a stock solution supply unit of the sterilizing agent that supplies the stock solution of the sterilizing agent to the circulation line. In the circulation line, the heater and the aseptic chamber are sequentially interposed. The sterilizing agent is produced by the water and the stock solution of the sterilizing agent. The aseptic chamber has the main chamber and a sub-chamber provided on at least one of the inlet side or the outlet side of the main chamber. A filling device for filling the contents into the bottle is arranged in the main chamber. In the circulation step, the sterilizing agent is circulated through the circulation line via the sub-chamber while being heated by the heater. In the sterilization step, the sterilizing agent heated by the heater may be supplied to the main chamber through the circulation line.

[0016] In the sterilization method according to an embodiment, when the volume of the main chamber is x1, the volume of the flow path of the sterilizing agent in the circulation line is x2, and the circulation amount of the sterilizing agent by the circulation line in the circulation step is y, 2×(x1 + x2) ≤ y ≤ 100×(x1 + x2) It may satisfy the relationship.

[0017] In the sterilization method according to an embodiment, in the sterilization step, the temperature of the sterilizing agent may be 40°C or higher and 90°C or lower.

[0018] In the sterilization method according to an embodiment, in the circulation step, the circulation time during which the sterilizing agent circulates through the circulation line may be 5 minutes or more and 60 minutes or less.

[0019] In the sterilization method according to an embodiment, the sterilizing agent may contain peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide.

[0020] In the sterilization method according to an embodiment, in the sterilization step, the sterilizing agent may be further heated by the heater.

[0021] In the sterilization method according to an embodiment, before the sterilization step, a cleaning step of cleaning the main chamber by supplying an alkaline cleaning agent to the main chamber may be further provided.

[0022] A sterilization system according to an embodiment is a sterilization system including a circulation line with a heater for heating a sterilizing agent, a main chamber connected to the circulation line, and a control device connected to the circulation line, wherein the control device circulates the sterilizing agent through the circulation line while heating it with the heater and supplies the sterilizing agent heated by the heater to the main chamber.

[0023] According to the present disclosure, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the sterilization effect by the sterilizing agent.

Brief Description of Drawings

[0024]

Figure 1A

Figure 1B

Figure 2

Figure 3

Figure 4

Figure 5

Figure 6A

Figure 6B

Figure 6C

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Figure 12

Figure 13

Figure 14

Mode for Carrying Out the Invention

[0025] First Embodiment Hereinafter, the first embodiment will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1A to 5 are diagrams showing the first embodiment. Each of the drawings shown below is schematically shown. Therefore, the size and shape of each part are exaggerated as appropriate for easy understanding. Also, it is possible to appropriately modify and implement within the scope not departing from the technical idea. In each of the drawings shown below, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and some detailed descriptions may be omitted. Also, the numerical values and material names of the dimensions of each member described in this specification are examples as embodiments, and are not limited thereto, and can be appropriately selected and used. In this specification, terms specifying shapes and geometric conditions, such as terms like parallel, orthogonal, and perpendicular, include not only the strictly meant state but also a substantially same state.

[0026] (Contents Filling System) First, a contents filling system (aseptic filling system, aseptic filling system) provided with a filling chamber (main chamber) sterilized by the sterilization method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 1A.

[0027] The content filling system 10 shown in Fig. 1A is a system for filling a bottle 30 with contents such as beverages. The bottle 30 can be produced by biaxially stretching and blowing a preform made by injection molding a synthetic resin material. As the material of the bottle 30, it is preferable to use a thermoplastic resin, particularly PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or PEN (polyethylene naphthalate). In addition, as the container, glass, can, paper, pouch, or a composite container thereof may be used. In the present embodiment, the case of using a synthetic resin bottle as the container will be described as an example.

[0028] As shown in Fig. 1A, the content filling system 10 includes a bottle supply unit 21, a bottle sterilization device 11, an air rinsing device 14, a sterile water rinsing device 15, a filling device (filler) 20, a cap attaching device (capper, crimper, and stopper) 16, and a product bottle discharging unit 22. These bottle supply unit 21, bottle sterilization device 11, air rinsing device 14, sterile water rinsing device 15, filling device 20, cap attaching device 16, and product bottle discharging unit 22 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveying direction of the bottle 30. In addition, between the bottle sterilization device 11, air rinsing device 14, sterile water rinsing device 15, filling device 20, and cap attaching device 16, a plurality of conveying wheels 12 for conveying the bottle 30 between these devices are provided.

[0029] The bottle supply unit 21 sequentially receives empty bottles 30 from the outside into the content filling system 10 and conveys the received bottles 30 toward the bottle sterilization device 11.

[0030] The bottle sterilization device 11 is for sterilizing the bottle 30 before it is filled with the contents, and sterilizes the inside of the bottle 30 by injecting a sterilizing agent into the bottle 30. As the sterilizing agent, for example, an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is used. In the bottle sterilization device 11, a mist or gas obtained by once vaporizing and then condensing an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution having a concentration of 1% by weight or more, preferably 35% by weight, is generated, and this mist or gas is sprayed onto the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 30. Since the inside of the bottle 30 is sterilized with the mist or gas of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution in this way, the inner surface of the bottle 30 is sterilized evenly.

[0031] The air rinsing device 14 supplies sterile heated air or normal temperature air to the bottle 30 to activate hydrogen peroxide while removing foreign substances, hydrogen peroxide, etc. from inside the bottle 30.

[0032] The sterile water rinsing device 15 rinses the bottle 30 sterilized with hydrogen peroxide, which is a sterilizing agent, with sterile water at 15°C or higher and 85°C or lower. Thereby, the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the bottle 30 is washed away and foreign substances are removed.

[0033] The filling device 20 fills the inside of the bottle 30 with the contents that have been sterilized in advance from the mouth of the bottle 30. In this filling device 20, the contents are filled into the empty bottle 30. In this filling device 20, while a plurality of bottles 30 are rotated (revolved), the contents are filled into the inside of the bottle 30. The contents may be filled into the bottle 30 at normal temperature. The contents are sterilized in advance by heating or the like and cooled to a normal temperature of 3°C or higher and 40°C or lower before being filled into the bottle 30. Examples of the contents filled by the filling device 20 include beverages such as tea-based beverages and milk-based beverages.

[0034] The cap mounting device 16 closes the bottle 30 by mounting a cap 33 on the mouth of the bottle 30 filled with the contents by the filling device 20. In the cap mounting device 16, the mouth of the bottle 30 is closed by the cap 33 and sealed so that external air and microorganisms do not enter the bottle 30. In the cap mounting device 16, the cap 33 is mounted on the mouths of a plurality of bottles 30 filled with the contents while the bottles 30 rotate (revolve). In this way, by mounting the cap 33 on the mouth of the bottle 30, the product bottle 35 is obtained.

[0035] The cap 33 is sterilized in advance by the cap sterilizing device 17. The cap sterilizing device 17 is arranged, for example, outside a sterile chamber 40 (described later) and near the cap mounting device 16. In the cap sterilizing device 17, the caps 33 carried in from the outside are conveyed in order toward the cap mounting device 16. On the way to the cap mounting device 16, mist or gas of hydrogen peroxide is sprayed toward the inner and outer surfaces of the cap 33, and then dried with hot air and sterilized.

[0036] The product bottle unloading section 22 continuously unloads the product bottle 35 with the cap 33 mounted thereon by the cap mounting device 16 toward the outside of the content filling system 10.

[0037] Such a content filling system 10 is provided with a sterile chamber 40. This sterile chamber 40 has a sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber), a filling chamber 42 (main chamber), and an outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber). The sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) is provided on the inlet side of the filling chamber 42 (main chamber), and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber) is provided on the outlet side of the filling chamber 42 (main chamber). Therefore, the sterilization chamber 41, the filling chamber 42, and the outlet chamber 43 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance direction of the bottle 30. Further, a bottle sterilization device 11, an air rinsing device 14, and a sterile water rinsing device 15 are arranged in the sterilization chamber 41, and a filling device 20 and a cap attaching device 16 are arranged in the filling chamber 42. Furthermore, a product bottle carrying-out section 22 is arranged in the outlet chamber 43. Injection nozzles 41a, 42a, 43a (see FIG. 2) for injecting a bactericide or the like in a spray or shower form are respectively provided in these sterilization chamber 41, filling chamber 42, and outlet chamber 43 when the content filling system 10 is in COP and / or SOP. Such a content filling system 10 may be, for example, a sterile filling system. In this case, the inside of the sterile chamber 40 is maintained in a sterile state.

[0038] Alternatively, the content filling system 10 may be a high-temperature filling system that fills the content at a high temperature of 85 ° C or higher and less than 100 ° C. It may also be a medium-temperature filling system that fills the content at a medium temperature of 55 ° C or higher and less than 85 ° C.

[0039] Note that, as shown in FIG. 1B, a bottle forming section 100 for forming the bottle 30 by biaxially stretching and blowing the preform 30a may be provided upstream of the bottle sterilizing device 11. In this way, since the bottle forming section 100 is configured to receive the preform 30a and form the bottle 30, in the content filling system 10, the processes from the supply of the preform 30a to the formation of the bottle 30 and then to the filling and capping of the content into the bottle 30 can be continuously performed. In this case, since it can be transported from the outside to the content filling system 10 in the form of the preform 30a with a small volume instead of the form of the bottle 30 with a large volume, the transportation cost can be reduced and the facilities constituting the content filling system 10 can be made compact.

[0040] In the example shown in FIG. 1B, the bottle forming section 100 sequentially receives the preforms 30a from the outside, forms the bottles 30, and then conveys and supplies the formed bottles 30 to the bottle sterilizing device 11.

[0041] The bottle forming section 100 includes a preform conveying section 101 for conveying the preform 30a, a blow molding section 102 for forming the bottle 30 by performing blow molding on the preform, and a bottle conveying section 103 for conveying the formed bottle 30.

[0042] Among these, the preform transfer unit 101 includes a receiving unit 104 that receives a preform supplied from the preform supply device 110 via the preform supply conveyor 111, a heating unit 105 that receives the preform from the receiving unit 104 and heats the preform while conveying it, and a delivery unit 106 that receives the preform heated by the heating unit 105 and delivers it to the blow molding unit 102. Among these, the receiving unit 104 is provided with a preform sterilizing device 104a for sterilizing the preform 30a. By this preform sterilizing device 104a, mist or gas of an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is sprayed onto the preform 30a so that the preform 30a is sterilized (preliminary sterilization). As a sterilizing agent for sterilizing the preform 30a, it is only necessary to have the property of inactivating microorganisms. For example, in addition to hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, acetic acid, pernitric acid, nitric acid, chlorine-based agents, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, alcohols such as ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol, chlorine dioxide, ozone water, acidic water, and surfactants may be used alone, or two or more of these may be used in combination.

[0043] In addition, the heating unit 105 is provided with a heater 105a for heating the preform 30a. This heater 105a may be, for example, an infrared heater. By this heater 105a, the preform 30a is heated to, for example, about 90°C or higher and 130°C or lower. In addition, the temperature of the mouth portion of the preform 30a is suppressed to a temperature of 70°C or lower in order to prevent deformation and the like.

[0044] Further, the blow molding unit 102 includes a mold (not shown), and by performing blow molding on the preform 30a using this mold, the bottle 30 is formed. This blow molding unit 102 is disposed inside the molding chamber 120.

[0045] Further, between the bottle molding section 100 and the bottle sterilizing device 11, an adjustment conveyance section 130 is provided which receives the bottle 30 from the bottle conveyance section 103 of the bottle molding section 100 and delivers the bottle 30 to the bottle sterilizing device 11. This adjustment conveyance section 130 is disposed within an atmosphere cutoff chamber 131. In this way, by disposing the adjustment conveyance section 130 within the atmosphere cutoff chamber 131, it is possible to suppress the problem that the gas or mist of the sterilizing agent or a mixture thereof generated within the sterilizing chamber 41 of the aseptic chamber 40 flows into the molding section chamber 120 where the bottle molding section 100 is disposed.

[0046] (Sterilization System) Next, a sterilization system for performing the sterilization method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 2.

[0047] As shown in FIG. 2, the sterilization system 50 includes a circulation line 53 with a heater H interposed for heating the sterilizing agent, a filling chamber (main chamber) 42 connected to the circulation line 53, and a control device 50A connected to the circulation line 53. Further, the sterilization system 50 includes a tank T connected to the circulation line 53 for storing the sterilizing agent, a water supply section 51 for supplying water to the tank T, a sterilizing agent stock solution supply section 52 for supplying the sterilizing agent stock solution to the tank T, and a supply line 54 provided between the circulation line 53 and the tank T.

[0048] The tank T is for storing the sterilizing agent as described above. By storing the sterilizing agent in the tank T, it is possible to prepare the sterilizing agent in advance during the manufacture of the product or the like, thereby shortening the downtime. The sterilizing agent stored in this tank T is prepared from water and the sterilizing agent stock solution, and may be an alkaline cleaning agent, a peracetic acid cleaning agent, hydrogen peroxide water, or the like, as will be described later.

[0049] The volume of the tank T is preferably 2 times or more and 100 times or less the volume of the filling chamber 42 to be sterilized. When the volume of the tank T is 2 times or more the volume of the filling chamber 42, it is possible to suppress a shortage of the bactericide when sterilizing the filling chamber 42. As a result, it is possible to suppress interruption of the sterilization of the filling chamber 42 by producing the insufficient bactericide again. Therefore, the sterilization time of the filling chamber 42 can be shortened. Further, when the volume of the tank T is 100 times or less the volume of the filling chamber 42, it is possible to suppress production of more bactericide than necessary. Therefore, energy saving can be achieved. The volume of this tank T depends on the volume of the filling chamber 42 to be sterilized. For example, it is 0.1 m 3 or more and 5.0 m 3 or less, preferably 1.5 m 3 or more and 3.0 m 3 or less may be sufficient.

[0050] The water supply unit 51 is for supplying water for diluting the stock solution of the bactericide into the tank T. The water supplied from the water supply unit 51 does not have to be sterile water. Since the water supplied from the water supply unit 51 is not sterile water, the cost of producing the bactericide can be reduced. The water supplied from the water supply unit 51 may be, for example, RO water, pure water, ion-exchanged water, general water (tap water), or the like. Further, the temperature of the water supplied from the water supply unit 51 may be about 10°C or more and 30°C or less, and may be around 15°C as an example.

[0051] The disinfectant stock solution supply unit 52 is for supplying a disinfectant stock solution for preparing a disinfectant to the tank T. The disinfectant stock solution supplied from the disinfectant stock solution supply unit 52 may be an alkaline aqueous solution containing sodium hydroxide or the like as an alkaline component, or may be a peracetic acid aqueous solution, a hydrogen peroxide solution, or the like. For example, when the disinfectant stock solution is an alkaline aqueous solution containing sodium hydroxide, it may be an alkaline aqueous solution containing sodium hydroxide in an amount of about 20% by weight or more and 50% by weight or less. When the disinfectant stock solution is a peracetic acid aqueous solution, it may be a peracetic acid aqueous solution containing peracetic acid in an amount of about 10% by weight or more and 15% by weight or less. Further, when the disinfectant stock solution is a hydrogen peroxide solution, it may be a hydrogen peroxide solution containing hydrogen peroxide in an amount of about 0.5% by weight or more and 35% by weight or less. In addition, as long as it can inactivate microorganisms such as potassium hydroxide and sodium hypochlorite, it can be applied as a disinfectant stock solution.

[0052] The disinfectant prepared from such a disinfectant stock solution may, for example, contain sodium hydroxide in an amount of about 0.5% by weight or more and 5% by weight or less. The disinfectant may also contain peracetic acid in an amount of about 0.15% by weight or more and 0.4% by weight or less. Further, the disinfectant may contain hydrogen peroxide in an amount of about 0.5% by weight or more and 35% by weight or less.

[0053] The circulation line 53 is for circulating the disinfectant stored in the tank T and heating the disinfectant to a desired temperature. A heater H for heating the disinfectant is interposed in the circulation line 53. Specifically, the circulation line 53 includes a first supply pipe 53a connected to the tank T and a first return pipe 53b connected to the first supply pipe 53a. Among these, the first supply pipe 53a is a pipe through which the disinfectant is supplied from the tank T. The heater H described above and a pump P1 for circulating the disinfectant are interposed in the first supply pipe 53a. On the other hand, the first return pipe 53b is a pipe for returning the disinfectant that has passed through the first supply pipe 53a into the tank T. The first return pipe 53b is connected to the tank T. Note that the heater H described above may be interposed in the first return pipe 53b.

[0054] The supply line 54 is for sending the sterilant heated by the circulation line 53 to the downstream side. An aseptic chamber 40 (sterilization chamber 41, filling chamber 42, and outlet chamber 43) is interposed in this supply line 54. Specifically, the supply line 54 is connected to the first supply pipe 53a and the first return pipe 53b of the circulation line 53, and includes a second supply pipe 54a provided upstream of the aseptic chamber 40, a second return pipe 54b connected to the aseptic chamber 40 and provided downstream of the aseptic chamber 40, and a drain pipe 54c connected to the second return pipe 54b. Among these, the second supply pipe 54a branches into a plurality of pipes upstream of the aseptic chamber 40 and is configured to be able to supply the sterilant to the sterilization chamber 41, filling chamber 42, and outlet chamber 43 of the aseptic chamber 40 independently. The second return pipe 54b is a pipe for discharging the sterilant from the aseptic chamber 40 and returning the sterilant that has passed through the aseptic chamber 40 into the tank T. This second return pipe 54b is connected to the tank T. Further, a pump P2 for returning the sterilant to the tank T is interposed in the second return pipe 54b. The drain pipe 54c is for discharging the sterilant to the outside as drainage after sterilizing the aseptic chamber 40.

[0055] The control device 50A controls the content filling system 10. This control device 50A is configured to control the water supply unit 51, the sterilant stock solution supply unit 52, and the pumps P1 and P2 described above. And the control device 50A circulates the sterilant through the circulation line 53 while heating it with the heater H. Also, the control device 50A supplies the sterilant heated by the heater H to the filling chamber (main chamber) 42.

[0056] Although not shown, valves or the like for switching the flow path are provided in the circulation line 53 and the supply line 54 (hereinafter simply referred to as the circulation line 53 etc.). Also, although not shown, thermometers are provided in the circulation line 53 etc., and the temperature information measured by these thermometers is transmitted to the control device 50A. Further, in addition to the above-described valves and thermometers not shown, and actuators not shown, various instruments such as a flow meter or a concentration meter, various switching valves, and filters are provided in the circulation line 53 etc., and these are also to be controlled by signals from the control device 50A.

[0057] (Sterilization method) Next, the operation according to this embodiment will be described. Here, a sterilization method using the sterilization system 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 3 to 5. The sterilization method according to this embodiment can be suitably applied, for example, to the COP and SOP of the content filling system 10 that can be performed after CIP and SIP of the content filling system 10. In FIGS. 3 to 5, pipes and the like through which water, the stock solution of the sterilizing agent, or the sterilizing agent passes are indicated by thick lines.

[0058] First, the operation button of the control device 50A is operated. Thereby, water is supplied from the water supply unit 51 to the tank T. Also, the stock solution of the sterilizing agent is supplied from the stock solution supply unit 52 of the sterilizing agent to the tank T. Thereby, the stock solution of the sterilizing agent is diluted in the tank T, and the sterilizing agent is produced. In this case, as the sterilizing agent, an alkaline aqueous solution containing about 0.5 wt% or more and 5 wt% or less of sodium hydroxide, or a peracetic acid aqueous solution containing about 0.15 wt% or more and 0.4 wt% or less of peracetic acid may be used. Also, as the sterilizing agent, a hydrogen peroxide solution containing about 0.5 wt% or more and 35 wt% or less of hydrogen peroxide may be used.

[0059] (Circulation step) Next, the bactericide is circulated through the circulation line 53 while being heated by the heater H. At this time, the bactericide in the tank T is circulated through the circulation line 53 while being heated by the heater H. In this case, the pump P1 in the circulation line 53 is driven, and the bactericide supplied to the tank T circulates through the circulation line 53 (see Fig. 3). At this time, the first supply pipe 53a and the first return pipe 53b communicate with each other through a valve (not shown). On the other hand, the first supply pipe 53a does not communicate with the second supply pipe 54a of the supply line 54. In this way, the bactericide is not supplied to the filling chamber 42 until it is heated to a desired temperature. For this reason, as will be described later, even if bacteria remain in the bactericide produced in the tank T, it is possible to suppress the bactericide in which the bacteria remain from being supplied to the filling chamber 42.

[0060] When the bactericide circulates through the circulation line 53, the heater H in the circulation line 53 is driven, and the bactericide is heated by the heater H. The bactericide is heated to a temperature of, for example, 40°C or higher and 90°C or lower, preferably 50°C or higher and 80°C or lower, more preferably 60°C or higher and 80°C or lower. Here, the circulation time of the bactericide through the circulation line 53 may be 5 minutes or more and 60 minutes or less. By the circulation time of the bactericide being 5 minutes or more, the bactericide can be easily heated to a desired temperature without installing a large heater or a plurality of heaters. Further, by the circulation time of the bactericide being 60 minutes or less, it is possible to suppress the sterilization time from becoming too long and to shorten the downtime.

[0061] Note that, as for the timing of supplying water and the stock solution of the bactericide to the tank T and circulating the bactericide through the circulation line 53, although it depends on the capacity of the heater H and the capacity of the tank T, it may be performed during the filling of the beverage in the content filling system 10, or may be performed during CIP or SIP of the content filling system 10. Here, after the production of the beverage is completed, when the cleaning preparation for recovering the packaging materials (the bottle 30 and the cap 33) left in the filling chamber 42 or the like is performed before starting the COP or SOP of the filling chamber 42, it is preferable to adjust the bactericide to a predetermined concentration and circulate and heat it during this cleaning preparation. Thus, in the present embodiment, since the bactericide in the tank T can be preheated to a desired temperature during CIP or SIP of the content filling system 10, the downtime in the sterilization process can be shortened.

[0062] (Sterilization step) Next, the filling chamber (main chamber) 42 is sterilized by supplying the bactericide heated by the heater H to the filling chamber (main chamber) 42. At this time, the bactericide heated by the heater H is supplied to the filling chamber 42 through the supply line 54. In this case, first, the operation button of the control device 50A is operated. Thereby, a valve (not shown) is switched, and the first supply pipe 53a and the second supply pipe 54a communicate with each other. Next, as shown in FIG. 4, the bactericide is supplied from the tank T to the second supply pipe 54a of the supply line 54 through the first supply pipe 53a of the circulation line 53. Note that, at this time, the bactericide may be further heated by the heater H.

[0063] Next, the bactericide supplied to the second supply pipe 54a passes through the second supply pipe 54a and is supplied to the filling chamber 42 of the aseptic chamber 40. At this time, the bactericide is sprayed into the filling chamber 42 by the injection nozzle 42a provided in the filling chamber 42. The supply amount of the bactericide is, for example, when the volume of the filling chamber 42 is 10 m 3 or more and 170 m 3 or less, it may be about 10 m 3 / h or more and 50 m 3 / h or less, and preferably 15 m 330 m or more above the / h 3 It may be at a level of / h or less. In this case, a bactericide may also be supplied to the sterilization chamber 41 and the outlet chamber 43 of the aseptic chamber 40.

[0064] By the way, there is a possibility that bacteria may remain alive in the water supplied from the water supply unit 51 in advance. And among these bacteria, there are also bacteria that have resistance to the components of the bactericide. For example, when the bactericide contains peracetic acid, examples of bacteria having resistance to peracetic acid include Staphylococcus aureus ( Bacillus cereus ), Bacillus polymyxa ( B. polymyxa ), Bacillus megaterium ( B. megaterium ), Paenibacillus tibeticus ( Paenibacillus chibensis ), Paenibacillus fabisporus ( P. favisporus ), Ketonium globosum ( Chaetomium globosum ), etc. When bacteria have resistance to the components of the bactericide like these, bacteria may survive in the bactericide produced in the tank T, and even if the filling chamber 42 is sterilized using the bactericide, the bacteria in the bactericide may remain in the filling chamber 42. Especially when the temperature and concentration of the bactericide are low or the sterilization time is short, it becomes difficult to kill bacteria having resistance to the components of the bactericide, and the possibility that bacteria remain alive in the bactericide becomes high.

[0065] On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the bactericide supplied to the filling chamber 42 is heated by the heater H provided in the circulation line 53, and the bactericide has reached a desired temperature. Thus, by heating the bactericide to a desired temperature, even if there are bacteria having resistance to the components of the bactericide remaining alive in advance in the water supplied to the tank T, the bacteria can be killed.

[0066] When supplying the sterilant to the filling chamber 42, the temperature of the sterilant may be 40°C or higher and 90°C or lower, preferably 50°C or higher and 80°C or lower, and more preferably 60°C or higher and 70°C or lower. When the temperature of the sterilant is 40°C or higher, even if there are bacteria resistant to the components of the sterilant surviving in advance in the water supplied to the tank T, the bacteria can be efficiently killed. In particular, when the temperature of the sterilant is 60°C or higher, even if the sterilant contains peracetic acid and there are bacteria resistant to peracetic acid surviving in the water supplied to the tank T, the bacteria can be efficiently killed. Also, when the temperature of the sterilant is 90°C or lower, energy savings and cost reduction can be achieved. Furthermore, when the temperature of the sterilant is 80°C or lower, decomposition of the components contained in the sterilant (for example, peracetic acid) can be suppressed. On the other hand, when decomposition of the components contained in the sterilant can be suppressed by additives or the like, or depending on the sterilant used, the temperature of the sterilant may be 70°C or higher and 90°C or lower, preferably 75°C or higher and 90°C or lower. When the temperature of the sterilant is 70°C or higher, especially 75°C or higher, even if there are bacteria resistant to the components of the sterilant surviving in advance in the water supplied to the tank T, the bacteria can be efficiently killed.

[0067] (Recovery process) Next, the sterilant supplied to the filling chamber 42 is returned to the tank T. At this time, the pump P2 in the supply line 54 is driven, and as shown in FIG. 4, the sterilant supplied to the filling chamber 42 is supplied to the second return pipe 54b. Then, the sterilant supplied to the second return pipe 54b passes through the second return pipe 54b and is returned to the tank T. In this way, the heated sterilant circulates through the first supply pipe 53a of the circulation line 53 and the supply line 54 for a predetermined time.

[0068] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 5, the bactericide is discharged to the outside as drainage from a drain pipe 54c provided in a second return pipe 54b of a supply line 54. Note that, without performing the above-described recovery step, the bactericide supplied from a filling chamber 42 to the second return pipe 54b may be discharged to the outside as drainage from the drain pipe 54c. That is, the bactericide supplied from the filling chamber 42 to the second return pipe 54b may not be returned to the tank T.

[0069] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the sterilization method includes a circulation step of circulating the bactericide through a circulation line 53 while heating the bactericide with a heater H, and a sterilization step of sterilizing the filling chamber 42 by supplying the bactericide heated by the heater H to the filling chamber (main chamber) 42. Thereby, the bactericide heated to a desired temperature can be supplied to the filling chamber 42. For this reason, even when bacteria having resistance to the components of the bactericide have survived in the bactericide in advance, the bacteria can be killed. As a result, even when bacteria having resistance to the components of the bactericide have survived in the bactericide in advance, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the sterilization effect of the bactericide.

[0070] Also, according to the present embodiment, in the circulation step, the bactericide in the tank T is circulated through the circulation line 53 while being heated by the heater H, and in the sterilization step, the bactericide heated by the heater H is supplied to the filling chamber 42 by a supply line 54. Thereby, the bactericide heated to a desired temperature can be supplied to the filling chamber 42. For this reason, even when bacteria having resistance to the components of the bactericide have survived in the water supplied to the tank T in advance, the bacteria can be killed. As a result, even when bacteria having resistance to the components of the bactericide have survived in the water supplied to the tank T in advance, it is possible to suppress a reduction in the sterilization effect of the bactericide.

[0071] Further, according to the present embodiment, the sterilization method further includes a recovery step of returning the sterilizing agent supplied to the filling chamber 42 to the tank T. That is, the sterilizing agent in the tank T can be circulated through the first supply pipe 53a of the circulation line 53 and the supply line 54 while sterilizing the filling chamber 42. Thereby, the usage amount of the sterilizing agent can be reduced, and the cost for sterilizing the filling chamber 42 can be reduced.

[0072] Also, according to the present embodiment, the sterilizing agent contains peracetic acid. Thus, even when the sterilizing agent is an aqueous peracetic acid solution, in the present embodiment, bacteria having resistance to peracetic acid can be efficiently killed. Therefore, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the sterilization effect by the sterilizing agent.

[0073] Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, in the sterilization step, the sterilizing agent is further heated by the heater H. Thereby, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the temperature of the sterilizing agent when the sterilizing agent is supplied to the filling chamber 42. That is, the sterilizing agent can be supplied to the filling chamber 42 in a state of being at a high temperature. Therefore, the sterilization effect by the sterilizing agent can be improved.

[0074] In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the aseptic chamber 40 includes a filling chamber 42 (main chamber) in which a filling device for filling the bottle with the content is arranged, a sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) provided on the inlet side of the filling chamber 42, and an outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber) provided on the outlet side. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, although not shown, the aseptic chamber 40 may have only one of the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) provided on the inlet side of the filling chamber 42 and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber) provided on the outlet side.

[0075] In addition, other processes may be performed between the respective processes in the above-described embodiments. For example, a rinsing process may be provided to rinse the inside of the second supply pipe 54a of the supply line 54 with a bactericide heated by the heater H between the circulation process and the sterilization process. Here, the inside of the second supply pipe 54a may not be maintained in a sterile state. For this reason, after the previous SOP, bacteria may have mixed into the water remaining in the second supply pipe 54a, and during the production of the beverage after the previous SOP, the bacteria may have grown in the second supply pipe 54a. On the other hand, by rinsing the inside of the second supply pipe 54a before the sterilization process, it is possible to suppress the bacteria from mixing into the inside of the filling chamber 42 or the like.

[0076] When performing the rinsing process, after the circulation process, the operation button of the control device 50A is operated. As a result, a valve (not shown) is switched, and the first supply pipe 53a and the second supply pipe 54a communicate with each other. At this time, among the valves (not shown) provided in the second supply pipe 54a, the valve provided closest to the aseptic chamber 40 is switched so that the aseptic chamber 40 and the second supply pipe 54a do not communicate with each other. Next, as shown in FIG. 6A, a bactericide is supplied from the tank T to the second supply pipe 54a of the supply line 54 through the first supply pipe 53a of the circulation line 53. At this time, the bactericide may be further heated by the heater H.

[0077] Next, the bactericide supplied to the second supply pipe 54a passes through the second supply pipe 54a and is discharged to the outside as drainage from the drain pipe 54d connected to the second supply pipe 54a.

[0078] In this rinsing step, it is preferable that the volume of the bactericide used for rinsing the second supply pipe 54a is at least 1 time or more and 5 times or less the volume of the flow path of the bactericide in the second supply pipe 54a. When the volume of the bactericide used is 1 time or more the volume of the flow path of the bactericide in the second supply pipe 54a, the water remaining in the second supply pipe 54a from the previous SOP can be effectively removed. Also, when the volume of the bactericide used is 5 times or less the volume of the flow path of the bactericide in the second supply pipe 54a, the amount of bactericide used can be reduced, and the cost of the rinsing step can be reduced.

[0079] In this way, by performing a rinsing step between the circulation step and the sterilization step, it is possible to suppress bacteria remaining in the second supply pipe 54a from mixing into the inside of the filling chamber 42 or the like. Also, by performing a rinsing step between the circulation step and the sterilization step, the second supply pipe 54a can also be heated by the bactericide heated by the heater H. Thereby, it is also possible to suppress the temperature of the bactericide from decreasing inside the second supply pipe 54a when the bactericide passes through the second supply pipe 54a in the sterilization step.

[0080] Further, the sterilization method may further include a cleaning step of cleaning the filling chamber 42 by supplying an alkaline cleaning agent to the filling chamber (main chamber) 42 before the above-described sterilization step.

[0081] In this case, as shown in FIG. 6B, the sterilization system 50 may further include an alkaline cleaning agent supply unit 52A that supplies an alkaline cleaning agent to the supply line 54.

[0082] The alkaline cleaning agent supplied from the alkaline cleaning agent supply unit 52A may be an alkaline aqueous solution containing about 0.5 wt% or more and 5 wt% or less of sodium hydroxide.

[0083] When performing the cleaning process, during or before the circulation process, operate the operation buttons of the control device 50A. As a result, valves (not shown) are switched, and valves (not shown) etc. are switched so that the first supply pipe 53a and the second supply pipe 54a do not communicate with each other. Next, an alkaline cleaning agent is supplied from the alkaline cleaning agent supply unit 52A to the second supply pipe 54a of the supply line 54.

[0084] Next, the alkaline cleaning agent supplied to the second supply pipe 54a passes through the second supply pipe 54a and is supplied to the filling chamber 42 of the aseptic chamber 40. At this time, the alkaline cleaning agent is injected into the filling chamber 42 by an injection nozzle 42a provided in the filling chamber 42. The supply amount of the alkaline cleaning agent is, for example, when the volume of the filling chamber 42 is 10 m 3 or more and 170 m 3 or less, it may be about 10 m 3 / h or more and 50 m 3 / h or less, and preferably about 15 m 3 / h or more and 40 m 3 / h or less. In this case, the alkaline cleaning agent may also be supplied to the sterilization chamber 41 and the outlet chamber 43 of the aseptic chamber 40.

[0085] Also, when supplying the alkaline cleaning agent to the filling chamber 42, the temperature of the alkaline cleaning agent may be 15°C or more and 99°C or less, and preferably 40°C or more and 80°C or less.

[0086] Next, the pump P2 of the supply line 54 is driven, and the alkaline cleaning agent supplied to the filling chamber 42 is supplied to the second return pipe 54b. Then, the alkaline cleaning agent supplied to the second return pipe 54b is discharged to the outside as drainage from a drain pipe 54c provided in the second return pipe 54b.

[0087] Thus, before the sterilization step, by supplying an alkaline cleaning agent to the filling chamber (main chamber) 42, a cleaning step of cleaning the filling chamber 42 is performed, so that the filling chamber 42 can be purified before the sterilization step. Therefore, the sterilization effect by the sterilizing agent can be improved.

[0088] In addition, although the example in which the alkaline cleaning agent supply unit 52A of the sterilization system 50 supplies the alkaline cleaning agent to the supply line 54 has been described, it is not limited thereto. For example, as shown in FIG. 6C, the alkaline cleaning agent supply unit 52A may supply the alkaline cleaning agent to the first supply pipe 53a of the circulation line 53. In this case, the cleaning step is preferably performed before the circulation step.

[0089] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which a sterilizing agent is newly prepared by diluting the sterilizing agent stock solution supplied from the sterilizing agent stock solution supply unit 52 with the water supplied from the water supply unit 51 has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, although not shown, the sterilizing agent used when the sterilization system 50 was sterilized last time may be stored in the tank T or other recovery tanks without being discharged, and reused (multi-use).

[0090] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the content filling system 10 includes the bottle supply unit 21, the bottle sterilization device 11, the air rinsing device 14, the aseptic water rinsing device 15, the filling device 20, the cap attaching device 16, and the product bottle carrying-out unit 22 has been described, but it is not limited thereto. For example, although not shown, the content filling system 10 may not include the aseptic water rinsing device 15.

[0091] Second Embodiment Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 7 to 10. The second embodiment shown in FIGS. 7 to 10 is different from the first embodiment mainly in that, in the circulation step, the bactericide in the tank T is circulated through the sterilization chamber 41 and the outlet chamber 43. In FIGS. 7 to 10, the same parts as those in the first embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0092] (Sterilization System) First, a sterilization system for performing the sterilization method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 7.

[0093] As shown in FIG. 7, the sterilization system 50 is connected to a circulation line 55 and includes a tank T for storing a bactericide, a water supply unit 51 for supplying water to the tank T, and a stock solution supply unit 52 for supplying a stock solution of the bactericide to the tank T.

[0094] The circulation line 55 is for circulating the disinfectant stored in the tank T and heating the disinfectant to a desired temperature. A heater H for heating the disinfectant and a sterile chamber 40 are sequentially interposed in this circulation line 55. Specifically, the circulation line 55 is connected to the tank T and includes a supply pipe 55a provided upstream of the sterile chamber 40, a return pipe 55b connected to the sterile chamber 40 and provided downstream of the sterile chamber 40, and a drain pipe 55c connected to the return pipe 55b. Among these, the supply pipe 55a branches into a plurality of pipes upstream of the sterile chamber 40 and is configured to be able to supply the disinfectant independently to the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber), filling chamber 42 (main chamber), and outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber) of the sterile chamber 40. The return pipe 55b is a pipe for discharging the disinfectant from the sterile chamber 40 and returning the disinfectant that has passed through the sterile chamber 40 to the tank T. This return pipe 55b is connected to the tank T. Further, a pump P2 for returning the disinfectant to the tank T is interposed in the return pipe 55b. The drain pipe 55c is for discharging the disinfectant after sterilizing the sterile chamber 40.

[0095] Although not shown, various instruments such as a valve, thermometer, or actuator for switching the flow path, a flow meter or concentration meter, various switching valves, and a filter are also provided in the circulation line 55, and these are also to be controlled by a signal from the control device 50A.

[0096] (Sterilization method) Next, the sterilization method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 10.

[0097] First, the operation button of the control device 50A is operated. As a result, water is supplied from the water supply unit 51 to the tank T. Further, the disinfectant stock solution is supplied from the disinfectant stock solution supply unit 52 to the tank T. As a result, the disinfectant stock solution is diluted in the tank T, and the disinfectant is prepared.

[0098] (Circulation process) Next, the bactericide is circulated through the circulation line 55 while being heated by the heater H. At this time, the bactericide in the tank T is circulated through the circulation line 55 while being heated by the heater H, via the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber). In this case, the pumps P1 and P2 in the circulation line 55 are driven, and the bactericide supplied to the tank T circulates through the circulation line 55 (see Fig. 8). At this time, a valve (not shown) causes the supply pipe 55a to communicate with the sterilization chamber 41 and the outlet chamber 43. Then, the bactericide supplied to the supply pipe 55a of the circulation line 55 passes through the supply pipe 55a and is supplied to the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber) of the aseptic chamber 40. At this time, the bactericide is sprayed into the sterilization chamber 41 and the outlet chamber 43 by the injection nozzles 41a, 43a provided in the sterilization chamber 41 and the outlet chamber 43, respectively. On the other hand, the supply pipe 55a does not communicate with the filling chamber 42. In this way, the bactericide is not supplied to the filling chamber 42 until it is heated to the desired temperature. Therefore, even if bacteria remain in the bactericide produced in the tank T, it is suppressed that the bactericide in which the bacteria remain is supplied to the filling chamber 42.

[0099] (Sterilization process) Next, the filling chamber (main chamber) 42 is sterilized by supplying the bactericide heated by the heater H to the filling chamber (main chamber) 42. At this time, the bactericide heated by the heater H is supplied to the filling chamber 42 (main chamber) through the circulation line 55. In this case, first, the operation button of the control device 50A is operated. Thereby, a valve (not shown) is switched, and the supply pipe 55a of the circulation line 55 and the filling chamber 42 communicate with each other.

[0100] Next, as shown in FIG. 9, the bactericide supplied from the tank T to the supply pipe 55a of the circulation line 55 is supplied to the filling chamber 42 (main chamber) of the aseptic chamber 40. In this case, the bactericide may also be supplied to the sterilization chamber 41 and the outlet chamber 43 of the aseptic chamber 40.

[0101] (Recovery step) Next, the bactericide supplied to the filling chamber 42 is returned to the tank T. At this time, the pump P2 of the circulation line 55 is driven, and as shown in FIG. 9, the bactericide supplied to the filling chamber 42 is supplied to the return pipe 55b. Then, the bactericide supplied to the return pipe 55b passes through the return pipe 55b and is returned to the tank T. In this way, the heated bactericide circulates through the circulation line 55 via the filling chamber 42 for a predetermined time.

[0102] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 10, the bactericide is discharged to the outside as drainage from the drain pipe 55c provided in the return pipe 55b of the circulation line 55. Note that, without performing the above-described recovery step, the bactericide supplied from the filling chamber 42 to the return pipe 55b may be discharged to the outside as drainage from the drain pipe 55c. That is, the bactericide supplied from the filling chamber 42 to the return pipe 55b does not have to be returned to the tank T.

[0103] As described above, according to the present embodiment, in the circulation step, the bactericide in the tank T is circulated through the circulation line 55 while being heated by the heater H via the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber). In the sterilization step, the bactericide heated by the heater H is supplied to the filling chamber 42 (main chamber) by the circulation line 55. Also in this case, the bactericide heated to the desired temperature can be supplied to the filling chamber 42. Therefore, even if bacteria having resistance to the components of the bactericide have survived in advance in the water supplied to the tank T, the bacteria can be killed. As a result, even if bacteria having resistance to the components of the bactericide have survived in advance in the water supplied to the tank T, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the bactericidal effect by the bactericide.

[0104] In the above-described embodiment, an example in which the sterilization system 50 includes the circulation line 55 has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, although not shown, the sterilization system 50 may be configured to include a circulation line 53 and a supply line 54, similar to the configuration shown in FIG. 2. In this case, for example, in the above-described circulation step, the bactericide in the tank T may be circulated by the first supply pipe 53a of the circulation line 53 (see FIG. 2), the second supply pipe 54a of the supply line 54, the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) and / or the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber), and the second return pipe 54b of the supply line 54. That is, in the circulation step, the first return pipe 53b of the circulation line 53 may not be used.

[0105] Also, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which, in the circulation step, the bactericide in the tank T is circulated through the circulation line 55 while being heated by the heater H via the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber) has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, although not shown, in the circulation step, the bactericide in the tank T may be circulated through the circulation line 55 via only one of the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber).

[0106] Also, in the circulation step, the bactericide in the tank T may be circulated through the circulation line 55 via the cap sterilizer 17. In this case, by configuring the cap sterilizer 17 to be interposed in the circulation line 55, the bactericide in the tank T can be circulated through the circulation line 55 via the cap sterilizer 17.

[0107] Furthermore, when the bottle molding unit 100 is provided in the content filling system 10 (see FIG. 1B), in the circulation step, for example, the bactericide in the tank T may be circulated through the circulation line 55 via at least one of the molding chamber 120 and the atmosphere blocking chamber 131 of the bottle molding unit 100. In this case, by configuring the molding chamber 120 and the atmosphere blocking chamber 131 to be interposed in the circulation line 55, the bactericide in the tank T can be circulated through the circulation line 55 via at least one of the molding chamber 120 and the atmosphere blocking chamber 131.

[0108] Third Embodiment Next, a third embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 11 to 14. The third embodiment shown in FIGS. 11 to 14 is mainly different from the first embodiment in that the sterilization system 50 does not include the tank T. In FIGS. 11 to 14, the same parts as those in the first embodiment or the second embodiment are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

[0109] (Sterilization System) First, a sterilization system for performing the sterilization method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. 11.

[0110] As shown in FIG. 11, the sterilization system 50 according to the present embodiment does not include a tank T. In the present embodiment, the sterilization system 50 includes a heater H that heats a sterilizing agent and a sterile chamber 40 that are sequentially interposed, and a circulation line 56 that circulates the sterilizing agent. Further, the sterilization system 50 includes a water supply unit 51 that supplies water to the circulation line 56 and a stock solution supply unit 52 that supplies a stock solution of the sterilizing agent to the circulation line 56. That is, in the present embodiment, the water supply unit 51 and the stock solution supply unit 52 are configured to supply water and the stock solution of the sterilizing agent to the circulation line 56, respectively.

[0111] The circulation line 56 is for circulating the sterilizing agent and heating the sterilizing agent to a desired temperature. As described above, the heater H that heats the sterilizing agent and the sterile chamber 40 are sequentially interposed in the circulation line 56. Specifically, the circulation line 56 includes a supply pipe 56a provided upstream of the sterile chamber 40, a return pipe 56b that is connected to the sterile chamber 40 and provided downstream of the sterile chamber 40, and a drain pipe 56c that is connected to the return pipe 56b. Among these, water is supplied to the supply pipe 56a from the water supply unit 51, and a stock solution of the sterilizing agent is supplied from the stock solution supply unit 52. Further, the supply pipe 56a branches into a plurality of pipes upstream of the sterile chamber 40, and is configured to be able to supply the sterilizing agent independently to the sterilizing chamber 41 (sub-chamber), the filling chamber 42 (main chamber), and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber) of the sterile chamber 40. The return pipe 56b is a pipe for discharging the sterilizing agent from the sterile chamber 40 and supplying the sterilizing agent that has passed through the sterile chamber 40 to the supply pipe 56a. This return pipe 56b is connected to the supply pipe 56a. Further, a pump P2 for circulating the sterilizing agent is interposed in the return pipe 56b. The drain pipe 56c is for discharging the sterilizing agent after sterilizing the sterile chamber 40.

[0112] Although not shown, the circulation line 56 is also provided with various instruments such as a valve, a thermometer, or an actuator for switching the flow path, a flow meter or a concentration meter, various switching valves, and a filter, etc., and these are also to be controlled by a signal from the control device 50A.

[0113] (Sterilization method) Next, the sterilization method according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 12 to 14.

[0114] First, the operation button of the control device 50A is operated. As a result, water and the stock solution of the bactericide are supplied from the water supply section 51 and the stock solution supply section 52 of the bactericide to the circulation line 56. Thereby, the stock solution of the bactericide is diluted in the circulation line 56, and the bactericide is produced. In this case, the flow rates of the water and the stock solution of the bactericide are measured by a flow meter (not shown). Then, the flow rates of the water and the stock solution of the bactericide are adjusted so that the produced bactericide has a predetermined concentration by a signal from the control device 50A.

[0115] (Circulation process) Next, the bactericide is circulated through the circulation line 56 while being heated by the heater H. At this time, the bactericide in the circulation line 56 is circulated through the circulation line 56 while being heated by the heater H via the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber). In this case, the pumps P1 and P2 in the circulation line 56 are driven, and the bactericide circulates through the circulation line 56 (see FIG. 12). At this time, the supply pipe 56a communicates with the sterilization chamber 41 and the outlet chamber 43 through a valve (not shown). Then, the bactericide in the supply pipe 56a of the circulation line 56 is supplied to the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber) of the aseptic chamber 40. On the other hand, the supply pipe 56a does not communicate with the filling chamber 42. Thus, the filling chamber 42 is not supplied with the bactericide until the bactericide is heated to a desired temperature. Therefore, even if bacteria remain in the bactericide produced in the tank T, it is possible to prevent the bactericide in which the bacteria remain from being supplied to the filling chamber 42.

[0116] Here, when the volume of the filling chamber 42 (main chamber) is x1, the volume of the flow path of the bactericide in the circulation line 56 is x2, and the circulation amount of the bactericide by the circulation line 56 in the circulation process is y, 2×(x1 + x2) ≦ y ≦ 100×(x1 + x2) It is preferable that the relationship is satisfied, 3×(x1 + x2) ≦ y ≦ 50×(x1 + x2) It is more preferable that the relationship is satisfied. Thereby, when sterilizing the filling chamber 42, it is possible to prevent the bactericide from being insufficient. Therefore, it is possible to prevent the sterilization of the filling chamber 42 from being interrupted in order to produce the insufficient bactericide again. As a result, the sterilization time of the filling chamber 42 can be shortened. In addition, it is possible to prevent the production of more bactericide than necessary. Therefore, energy saving can be achieved.

[0117] (Sterilization process) Next, the filling chamber (main chamber) 42 is sterilized by supplying the sterilant heated by the heater H to the filling chamber (main chamber) 42. At this time, the sterilant heated by the heater H is supplied to the filling chamber 42 (main chamber) through the circulation line 56. In this case, first, the operation button of the control device 50A is operated. As a result, a valve (not shown) is switched, and the supply pipe 56a of the circulation line 56 and the filling chamber 42 communicate with each other.

[0118] Next, as shown in FIG. 13, the sterilant that has passed through the supply pipe 56a of the circulation line 56 is supplied to the filling chamber 42 (main chamber) of the aseptic chamber 40. In this case, the sterilant may also be supplied to the sterilization chamber 41 and the outlet chamber 43 of the aseptic chamber 40.

[0119] Next, the sterilant is circulated through the circulation line 56 via the filling chamber 42 for a predetermined time.

[0120] Thereafter, as shown in FIG. 14, the sterilant is discharged to the outside as drainage from the drain pipe 56c provided in the return pipe 56b of the circulation line 56. Note that the sterilant supplied from the filling chamber 42 to the return pipe 56b may be discharged to the outside as drainage from the drain pipe 56c without circulating through the circulation line 56 via the filling chamber 42.

[0121] As described above, also in this embodiment, the sterilant heated to a desired temperature can be supplied to the filling chamber 42. Therefore, even if bacteria having resistance to the components of the sterilant have survived in advance in the water supplied to the circulation line 56, the bacteria can be killed. As a result, even if bacteria having resistance to the components of the sterilant have survived in advance in the water supplied to the circulation line 56, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the sterilization effect by the sterilant.

[0122] In the above-described embodiments, in the circulation step, an example was described in which the bactericide is circulated through the circulation line 56 while being heated by the heater H via the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber), but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, although not shown in the drawings, in the circulation step, the bactericide may be circulated through the circulation line 56 via only one of the sterilization chamber 41 (sub-chamber) and the outlet chamber 43 (sub-chamber).

[0123] Further, in the circulation step, the bactericide in the tank T may be circulated through the circulation line 55 via the cap sterilization device 17. In this case, by configuring the cap sterilization device 17 to be interposed in the circulation line 55, the bactericide in the tank T can be circulated through the circulation line 55 via the cap sterilization device 17.

[0124] Furthermore, when the bottle molding unit 100 is provided in the content filling system 10 (see FIG. 1B), in the circulation step, for example, the bactericide in the tank T may be circulated through the circulation line 55 via at least one of the molding chamber 120 and the atmosphere blocking chamber 131 of the bottle molding unit 100. In this case, by configuring the molding chamber 120 and the atmosphere blocking chamber 131 to be interposed in the circulation line 55, the bactericide in the tank T can be circulated through the circulation line 55 via at least one of the molding chamber 120 and the atmosphere blocking chamber 131.

[0125] It is also possible to appropriately combine a plurality of components disclosed in the above-described embodiments and each modification as needed. Alternatively, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the above-described embodiments and each modification.

Claims

1. A circulation line having a heater for heating the sterilant; A sterilization method in a sterilization system comprising: A circulation step of circulating the sterilant through the circulation line while heating the sterilant with the heater; A sterilization step of sterilizing the main chamber by supplying the sterilizing agent heated by the heater to the main chamber, The method of sterilization, wherein the sterilizing agent is the sterilizing agent used the previous time the sterilization system was sterilized.

2. The sterilization method according to claim 1 , wherein in the circulation step, the sterilizing agent is not supplied to the main chamber.

3. 3. A method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the disinfectant is the disinfectant used the previous time the main chamber was disinfected.

4. A circulation line having a heater for heating the sterilant; a main chamber connected to the circulation line; A sterilization system comprising: a control device connected to the circulation line, The control device circulates the sterilant through the circulation line while heating the sterilant with the heater, and supplies the sterilant heated by the heater to the main chamber; A sterilization system, wherein the sterilizing agent is the sterilizing agent used the previous time the sterilization system was sterilized.

5. The sterilization system according to claim 4 , wherein the control device does not supply the sterilant to the main chamber when the sterilant is circulated through the circulation line while being heated by the heater.

6. 6. A sterilization system according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the sterilizing agent is the sterilizing agent used the previous time the main chamber was sterilized.

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