Content filling system and manufacturing method of container with content

Abstract

To provide a content filling system capable of reducing the discharge amount of carbon dioxide, and to provide a sterilization method.SOLUTION: A content filling system 10 includes: a container sterilization device 20 for sterilizing a can 1; a lid sterilization device 30 for sterilizing a lid 2 for closing the can 1; a water sterilization line 40 for performing non-heat sterilization on water; an undiluted solution sterilization line 60 for sterilizing a product undiluted solution; a filling device 70, connected to the water sterilization line 40 and the undiluted solution sterilization line 60 respectively, for filling the water and the product undiluted solution into the sterilized can 1; and a lid mounting device 80 for closing the can 1, filled with the water and the product undiluted solution, by the sterilized lid 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a content filling system and a method for manufacturing a container containing contents.

Background Art

[0002] An aseptic filling system (aseptic filling system) is known in which a sterilized container (can) is filled with sterilized contents in a sterile environment and then the container is closed with a lid (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] In such an aseptic filling system, in the aseptic filling system, the container is sterilized by spraying a sterilizing agent onto the container, and then the container is aseptically filled with the contents. In this way, a container containing contents is manufactured.

[0004] By the way, in recent years, for the purpose of reducing the environmental impact, it has been required to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such points, and an object thereof is to provide a content filling system and a sterilization method capable of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the following [1] to

[17] .

[0008] [1] A container sterilizing device for sterilizing a can, and A lid sterilizing device for sterilizing the lid for closing the can, A water sterilizing line for non-heat sterilizing water, A stock solution sterilizing line for sterilizing the product stock solution, A filling device respectively connected to the water sterilizing line and the stock solution sterilizing line for filling the sterilized can with the water and the product stock solution, A content filling system comprising a lid attaching device for closing the can filled with the water and the product stock solution with the sterilized lid.

[0009] [2] The water sterilizing line sterilizes the water by at least one of ultraviolet rays and filtration, the content filling system according to [1].

[0010] [3] The stock solution sterilizing line sterilizes the product stock solution by at least one of heating, storing and filtration, the content filling system according to [1] or [2].

[0011] [4] The container sterilizing device, A first disinfectant spraying part for spraying a disinfectant on the can, A first air rinsing part for air-rinsing the can sprayed with the disinfectant by the first disinfectant spraying part, the content filling system according to any one of [1] to [3].

[0012] [5] The disinfectant is a gas or mist of an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, In the first disinfectant spraying part, the adhesion amount of the disinfectant to the can is 0.01 μL / cm 2 or more and 0.4 μL / cm 2 or less, the content filling system according to [4].

[0013] [6] The disinfectant is a gas or mist of an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, In the first air rinsing section, aseptic air at 70°C or higher and 200°C or lower is sprayed onto the can. After the aseptic air is sprayed, the adhesion amount of the bactericide to the can is 0.00001 μL / cm 2 or more and 0.01 μL / cm 2 or less. The content filling system according to [4] or [5].

[0014] [7] The container sterilization device is provided upstream of the first bactericide spraying section and further has a first heating section for heating the can. The content filling system according to any one of [4] to [6].

[0015] [8] The container sterilization device further has a first aseptic water rinsing section provided downstream of the first air rinsing section. The content filling system according to any one of [4] to [7].

[0016] [9] The lid sterilization device has a second bactericide spraying section for spraying a bactericide onto the lid, and a second air rinsing section for air-rinsing the lid onto which the bactericide has been sprayed by the second bactericide spraying section. The content filling system according to any one of [1] to [8].

[0017]

[10] The bactericide is a gas or mist of an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, and in the second bactericide spraying section, the adhesion amount of the bactericide to the lid is 0.01 μL / cm 2 or more and 0.4 μL / cm 2 or less. The content filling system according to [9].

[0018]

[11] The bactericide is a gas or mist of an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, and in the second air rinsing section, aseptic air at 70°C or higher and 200°C or lower is sprayed onto the lid. After the sterile air is blown, the adhesion amount of the bactericide to the lid is 0.00001 μL / cm 2 or more and 0.01 μL / cm 2 or less, the content filling system according to [9] or

[10] .

[0019]

[12] The lid sterilization device is provided on the upstream side of the second bactericide spraying part, and further has a second heating part for heating the lid, the content filling system according to any one of [9] to

[11] .

[0020]

[13] The lid sterilization device further has a second sterile water rinsing part provided on the downstream side of the second air rinsing part, the content filling system according to any one of [9] to

[12] .

[0021]

[14] The container sterilization device has a first warm water supply part for supplying warm water to the can, the temperature of the warm water supplied by the first warm water supply part is 70°C or more and 90°C or less, in the first warm water supply part, the adhesion amount of the warm water to the can is 0.1 mL / cm 2 or more and 0.3 mL / cm 2 or less, the content filling system according to any one of [1] to [3].

[0022]

[15] The container sterilization device further has a first air rinsing part for air-rinsing the can supplied with the warm water by the first warm water supply part, the content filling system according to

[14] .

[0023]

[16] The lid sterilization device has a second warm water supply part for supplying warm water to the lid, the temperature of the warm water supplied by the second warm water supply part is 70°C or more and 90°C or less, in the second warm water supply part, the adhesion amount of the warm water to the lid is 0.1 mL / cm2 Above 0.3 mL / cm 2 The content filling system according to any one of [1] to [8], which is as follows.

[0024]

[17] The lid sterilization device The content filling system according to

[16] , further comprising a second air rinsing unit that air-rinses the lid supplied with the warm water by the second warm water supply unit.

[0025]

[18] A method for manufacturing a container containing contents, comprising: A can sterilization step of performing a sterilization treatment on a can by a can sterilization device; A lid sterilization step of performing a sterilization treatment on a lid by a lid sterilization device; A water sterilization step of non-heat sterilizing water by a water sterilization line; A product stock solution sterilization step of sterilizing a product stock solution by a product stock solution sterilization line; A filling step of filling the sterilized can with the water and the product stock solution by a filling device; A lid attaching step of closing the can filled with the water and the product stock solution with the sterilized lid by a lid attaching device.

Advantages of the Invention

[0026] According to the present disclosure, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027]

Figure 1

Figure 2

Figure 3A

Figure 3B

Figure 4A

Figure 4B

Figure 4C

Figure 5

Figure 6

Figure 7

Figure 8

Figure 9

Figure 10

Figure 11

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0028] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 7 are diagrams showing one embodiment. Each of the diagrams shown below is a schematically shown diagram. Therefore, the size and shape of each part are exaggerated as appropriate for easy understanding. Also, it can be implemented with appropriate changes without departing from the technical idea. In each of the diagrams shown below, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and some detailed descriptions may be omitted. Also, the numerical values such as the dimensions of each member described in this specification and the material names 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, are to be interpreted to include not only the strictly meant states but also substantially the same states.

[0029] (Content filling system) First, with reference to FIG. 1, a content filling system (aseptic filling system) according to an embodiment will be described.

[0030] The content filling system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for filling a can (container) 1 with a content such as a beverage. The content can be produced by diluting the product stock solution with water. In this case, the product stock solution may be diluted with water by 1.1 times or more and 1000 times or less, preferably 2 times or more and 10 times or less. Also, the product stock solution may be diluted with water by 10 times or more and 80 times or less, 20 times or more and 70 times or less, or 30 times or more and 50 times or less.

[0031] As shown in FIG. 1, the content filling system 10 includes a container sterilization device 20, a lid sterilization device 30, a water sterilization line 40, a stock solution sterilization line 60, a filling device (filler) 70, and a lid attaching device (seamer) 80.

[0032] Among these, the container sterilization device 20 is a device for sterilizing the can 1. The lid sterilization device 30 is a device for sterilizing the lid 2 that closes the can 1. The water sterilization line 40 is a line for non-heat sterilizing the water for diluting the product stock solution. The stock solution sterilization line 60 is a line for sterilizing the product stock solution. The filling device 70 is a device connected to the water sterilization line 40 and the stock solution sterilization line 60 respectively, and is a device for filling the sterilized can 1 with water and the product stock solution. The lid mounting device 80 is a device for closing the can 1 filled with water and the product stock solution with the sterilized lid 2.

[0033] Further, the content filling system 10 includes a product can discharging unit 11 that discharges the can 1 with the lid 2 mounted by the lid mounting device (seamer) 80. The above-described container sterilization device 20, filling device 70, lid mounting device 80, and product can discharging unit 11 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance direction of the can 1. Note that between the container sterilization device 20, filling device 70, lid mounting device 80, etc., a plurality of conveyance wheels (not shown) for conveying the can 1 between these devices are provided.

[0034] In the present embodiment, the container sterilization device 20 sterilizes the can 1 by spraying a sterilizing agent onto the can 1. Thereby, the can 1 is sterilized by the sterilizing agent before the content is filled.

[0035] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the container sterilization device 20 has a first sterilizing agent spraying unit 22 that sprays a sterilizing agent onto the can 1, and a first air rinsing unit 23 that air-rinses the can 1 onto which the sterilizing agent has been sprayed by the first sterilizing agent spraying unit 22. Further, the container sterilization device 20 may further have a first heating unit 21 provided upstream of the first sterilizing agent spraying unit 22 for heating the can 1. Furthermore, the container sterilization device 20 may further have a first sterile water rinsing unit 24 provided downstream of the first air rinsing unit 23. The first heating unit 21, the first sterilizing agent spraying unit 22, the first air rinsing unit 23, and the first sterile water rinsing unit 24 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance direction of the can 1. In FIG. 2, the can 1 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow.

[0036] The first heating unit 21 is a part that heats (preheats) the can 1 before the disinfectant is sprayed. The first heating unit 21 is configured to heat the can 1 while conveying it. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2, the can 1 may be conveyed with the flange 1a to which the lid 2 is attached facing downward. This first heating unit 21 includes first hot air nozzles 21a and 21b that spray hot air onto the can 1. Among these, the first hot air nozzle 21a is a nozzle for spraying hot air onto the inner surface of the can 1, and the first hot air nozzle 21b is a nozzle for spraying hot air onto the outer surface of the can 1. By the hot air sprayed from the first hot air nozzles 21a and 21b, the can 1 may be heated so that, for example, the surface becomes 40°C or higher and 100°C or lower, or the surface becomes 50°C or higher and 80°C or lower. Since the surface temperature of the can 1 is 40°C or higher, the sterilization effect of the can 1 can be improved. Also, since the surface temperature of the can 1 is 100°C or lower, the consumption of thermal energy can be suppressed, and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced.

[0037] The first disinfectant spraying unit 22 is a part that sterilizes the can 1 by spraying a disinfectant onto the can 1 heated by the first heating unit 21. The first disinfectant spraying unit 22 is configured to spray the disinfectant while conveying the can 1. In this case, the can 1 may be conveyed with the flange 1a to which the lid 2 is attached facing downward. Also, the first disinfectant spraying unit 22 includes first spray nozzles 22a and 22b that spray the disinfectant onto the conveyed can 1. Among these, the first spray nozzle 22a is a nozzle for spraying the disinfectant onto the inner surface of the can 1. The first spray nozzle 22b is a nozzle for spraying the disinfectant onto the outer surface of the can 1. As the disinfectant sprayed by the first disinfectant spraying unit 22, for example, an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is used. In the first disinfectant spraying unit 22, a gas obtained by vaporizing the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution at a temperature equal to or higher than the boiling point, or a mist in which a part of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is liquefied is generated. Then, the gas or mist is sprayed onto the inner and outer surfaces of the can 1 from the first spray nozzles 22a and 22b. Since the can 1 is sterilized with the gas or mist of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution in this way, the inner and outer surfaces of the can 1 are sterilized evenly.

[0038] In the first bactericide spraying section 22, when the inner surface of the can 1 is coated with at least an epoxy resin, a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, or a polyvinyl chloride, the adhesion amount of the bactericide to the can 1 is 0.01 μL / cm 2 or more and 0.4 μL / cm 2 or less, and may also be 0.03 μL / cm 2 or more and 0.1 μL / cm 2 or less. When the adhesion amount of the bactericide to the can 1 is 0.01 μL / cm 2 or more, the sterilization effect of the can 1 can be improved. Also, when the adhesion amount of the bactericide to the can 1 is 0.03 μL / cm 2 or more, the sterilization effect of the can 1 can be further improved. Further, when the adhesion amount of the bactericide to the can 1 is 0.4 μL / cm 2 or less, the residue of the bactericide in the can 1 that has passed through the container sterilization device 20 can be suppressed. In this case, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the bactericide may be 35% by weight.

[0039] The first air rinsing section 23 is a section that supplies sterile heated air or normal temperature air to the can 1 on which the bactericide has been sprayed in the first bactericide spraying section 22. Thereby, the activation of hydrogen peroxide is performed, and foreign substances, hydrogen peroxide, etc. are removed from the inside of the can 1. The first air rinsing section 23 is configured to supply sterile air while transporting the can 1. In this case, the can 1 may be transported with the flange 1a to which the lid 2 is attached facing downward. Thereby, foreign substances can be effectively removed from the inside of the can 1. If necessary, by mixing a condensed mist of low-concentration hydrogen peroxide into the normal temperature sterilized air, hydrogen peroxide can be gasified and supplied to the can 1. Also, the sterile air may be air, or may be carbon dioxide or an inert gas.

[0040] The first air blowing section 23 includes first air blowing nozzles 23a and 23b that blow sterile air onto the cans 1 being conveyed. Among these, the first air blowing nozzle 23a is a nozzle for blowing sterile air onto the inner surface of the can 1. The first air blowing nozzle 23b is a nozzle for blowing sterile air onto the outer surface of the can 1. Thereby, the gas or mist of the hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution sprayed on the inner and outer surfaces of the can 1 is activated evenly. Note that the sterile air may be blown only onto the inner surface of the can 1.

[0041] In the first air blowing section 23, sterile air at 70°C or higher and 200°C or lower may be blown onto the can 1. Since the temperature of the sterile air is 70°C or higher, the bactericide attached to the can 1 can be effectively activated. Also, since the temperature of the sterile air is 200°C or lower, the carbon dioxide emission amount can be reduced. Note that the temperature of the sterile air is the temperature immediately after being blown from the first air blowing nozzles 23a and 23b, that is, the temperature at the tips of the first air blowing nozzles 23a and 23b.

[0042] Also, after the sterile air is blown, the adhesion amount of the bactericide to the can 1 is 0.00001 μL / cm 2 or more and 0.01 μL / cm 2 or less when the inner surface of the can 1 is coated with at least epoxy resin, PET resin, or polyvinyl chloride. Since the adhesion amount of the bactericide to the can 1 is 0.00001 μL / cm 2 or more, the sterilization effect of the can 1 can be improved. Also, since the adhesion amount of the bactericide to the can 1 is 0.01 μL / cm 2 or less, the residue of the bactericide in the can 1 that has passed through the container sterilization device 20 can be suppressed.

[0043] The first sterile water rinsing section 24 is a section for rinsing the can 1 sterilized with a bactericide (hydrogen peroxide) with sterile water. Thereby, a trace amount of hydrogen peroxide adhering to the can 1 is washed away, and foreign matters are removed. The first sterile water rinsing section 24 is configured to supply sterile water while conveying the can 1. In this case, the can 1 may be conveyed with the flange 1a to which the lid 2 is attached facing downward. Thereby, the bactericide and foreign matters can be effectively removed from the inside of the can 1. Further, the first sterile water rinsing section 24 includes first sterile water rinsing nozzles 24a and 24b for spraying sterile water onto the conveyed can 1. Among these, the first sterile water rinsing nozzle 24a is a nozzle for spraying sterile water onto the inner surface of the can 1. The first sterile water rinsing nozzle 24b is a nozzle for spraying sterile water onto the outer surface of the can 1. In the first sterile water rinsing section 24, the temperature of the sterile water may be 5°C or higher and 100°C or lower. Note that each of the nozzles 21a, 22a, 23a, and 24a may be inserted into the inside of the can to improve efficiency.

[0044] Next, the water sterilization line 40 and the stock solution sterilization line 60 of the content filling system 10 will be described. First, the water sterilization line 40 will be described.

[0045] The water sterilization line 40 shown in FIG. 1 is a sterilization line for non-thermally sterilizing water. This water sterilization line 40 may sterilize water by at least one of ultraviolet rays and filtration. When the water sterilization line 40 sterilizes water by ultraviolet rays, in the water sterilization line 40, the water may be sterilized by ultraviolet rays from at least one of a low-pressure mercury lamp and a medium-pressure mercury lamp. Further, when the water sterilization line 40 sterilizes water by filtration, the water sterilization line 40 may sterilize water by filtering the water with a sterile filter (such as the first sterile filter 53 described later). Note that in this specification, "non-thermal sterilization" means sterilizing water without using thermal energy such as an electric heater or steam.

[0046] As shown in FIG. 3A, the water sterilization line 40 has at least a water sterilizer 50 for sterilizing water. In the example shown in FIG. 3A, the water sterilization line 40 has a first water tank 41, a water sterilizer 50, and a second water tank 42. The first water tank 41, the water sterilizer 50, and the second water tank 42 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. Further, a flow meter F and a sterile valve V may be provided on the downstream side of the second water tank 42 in the water sterilization line 40. Although not shown, thermometers, pressure gauges, level gauges, concentration gauges, etc. are installed at various locations in the water sterilization line 40.

[0047] The first water tank 41 is a so-called balance tank and serves to smooth the flow of water by storing water. The volume of the first water tank 41 may be 30 m 3 or more and 100 m 3 or less. As an example, it may be 50 m 3 . Further, a pump P for conveying water and a flow meter (not shown) for measuring the flow rate of water may be provided on the downstream side of the first water tank 41.

[0048] The water sterilizer 50 is a sterilizer that sterilizes the water stored in the first water tank 41. Details of the water sterilizer 50 will be described later.

[0049] The second water tank 42 is a tank (so-called aseptic tank) for storing the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 50. This second water tank 42 serves to smooth the flow of water by storing the sterilized water. The volume of the second water tank 42 may be 5 m 3 or more and 50 m 3 or less. As an example, it may be 10 m 3 .

[0050] Further, a bypass line 43 may be provided on the downstream side of the second water tank 42. As shown in FIG. 1, the bypass line 43 may connect the water sterilization line 40 and the first aseptic water rinsing section 24 to each other. Also, the bypass line 43 may connect the water sterilization line 40 and the filling device 70 to each other. Further, the bypass line 43 may connect the water sterilization line 40 and the lid mounting device 80 to each other. Furthermore, the bypass line 43 may connect the water sterilization line 40 and a second aseptic water rinsing section 34 (to be described later) of the lid sterilization device 30 to each other. Thereby, the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 50 can be used for washing the can 1, the filling device 70, and the lid 2. For this reason, compared with the case where the can 1 etc. are washed with aseptic water produced using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be further reduced.

[0051] Note that the bypass line 43 may connect the water sterilization line 40 and each of the chambers 90a to 90k (to be described later) to each other. When washing inside each of the chambers 90a to 90k, the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 40 may be supplied to each of the chambers 90a to 90k via the bypass line 43. Also, when washing machines etc. disposed inside each of the chambers 90a to 90k, the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 40 may be supplied to each of the chambers 90a to 90k via the bypass line 43. Further, the bypass line 43 may be connected to all supply devices that supply water used during the manufacture of the product can 1A and water used when the product can 1A is not being manufactured in the content filling system 10.

[0052] Also, as shown in FIG. 3A, a circulation line 44 may be connected to the upstream side of the second water tank 42 of the water sterilization line 40. One end of this circulation line 44 may be connected to the upstream side of the second water tank 42, and the other end of the circulation line 44 may be connected to the first water tank 41. Thereby, a circulation system 44A for circulating water may be constituted by the first water tank 41, the water sterilizer 50, and the circulation line 44. Note that another tank may be provided between the first water tank 41 and the water sterilizer 50, and the other end of the circulation line 44 may be connected to the said another tank. Further, a thermometer (not shown) may be provided in the circulation line 44. Also, a concentration meter (not shown) for measuring the concentration of a bactericide or a cleaning agent may be provided in the circulation line 44 when sterilizing the water sterilizer 50. Furthermore, a temperature raising device (a heat exchanger or a heater etc. (not shown)) for warming a bactericide etc. may be installed in the circulation line 44 when cleaning and / or sterilizing the circulation line 44.

[0053] Next, the water sterilizer 50 of the water sterilization line 40 will be described. This water sterilizer 50 is a sterilizer that sterilizes the water used in the content filling system 10. In the present embodiment, the water sterilizer 50 non-thermally sterilizes water. As described above, the water sterilizer 50 sterilizes the water (pure water) stored in the first water tank 41. For this reason, the water sterilizer 50 sterilizes water having an electrical conductivity of 0.1 μS / cm or more and 20 μS / cm or less. Although it is desirable that the water is pure water, it is not limited to this depending on the type of content. The water sterilized by the water sterilizer 50 may be ultrapure water, distilled water, purified water, RO water, ion-exchanged water, tap water, or well water. When the electrical conductivity of water is 20 μS / cm or more, if the water is sterilized with ultraviolet rays, nitrite nitrogen (or nitrite) may be generated depending on the wavelength and integrated irradiation dose of the ultraviolet rays. On the other hand, the standard for nitrite nitrogen needs to be 0.04 mg / L or less in Japan, but the standards are different in other countries (for example, 3 mg / L or less, 1 mg / L or less, and 0.5 mg / L or less in WHO, USEPA, and EU, respectively). Therefore, when sterilizing water with ultraviolet rays, it is necessary to adjust and confirm the electrical conductivity of the water, the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays, or the integrated irradiation dose so that the amount of nitrite nitrogen does not exceed the standard value of the country where the content filling system 10 is installed. Even if the electrical conductivity of the water is 200 μS / cm, it is not always necessary to make the electrical conductivity of the water 20 μS / cm or less as long as the nitrite nitrogen concentration of the water after ultraviolet irradiation is within the standard value.

[0054] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the water sterilizer 50 includes at least one sterile filter (the first sterile filter 53 and the second sterile filter 55), or at least one sterilizer (the pre-stage sterilizer 56, the first sterilizer 52, and the second sterilizer 54). By the water sterilizer 50 including at least one sterile filter or at least one sterilizer, it is possible to produce highly aseptic water (water having the aseptic quality required for filling the product can 1A, which is the final product) while suppressing the carbon dioxide emission amount.

[0055] In the example shown in FIG. 3A, the water sterilizer includes a first sterilizer 52, a first sterile filter 53, and a second sterilizer 54. The first sterilizer 52, the first sterile filter 53, and the second sterilizer 54 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. In this way, since the sterilizer (in this case, the second sterilizer 54) is arranged on the downstream side of the sterile filter (in this case, the first sterile filter 53), even if bacteria pass through the sterile filter, the bacteria can be sterilized by the sterilizer. Further, since the water sterilizer 50 includes a plurality of sterilizers (the first sterilizer 52 and the second sterilizer 54), even when one sterilizer stops, the other sterilizer can guarantee the sterility of the water.

[0056] Also, as shown in FIG. 3B, the water sterilizer 50 may include a foreign matter removal filter 51, a first sterilizer 52, a first sterile filter 53, a second sterilizer 54, and a second sterile filter 55. Further, the water sterilizer 50 may further include a pre-stage sterilizer 56 provided on the upstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 51. The pre-stage sterilizer 56, the foreign matter removal filter 51, the first sterilizer 52, the first sterile filter 53, the second sterilizer 54, and the second sterile filter 55 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the water conveyance direction. In this way, since the water sterilizer 50 includes a plurality of sterile filters (the first sterile filter 53 and the second sterile filter 55), even when an abnormality occurs in one sterile filter, the other sterile filter can guarantee the sterility of the water. Note that the arrangement order of the first sterilizer 52, the first sterile filter 53, the second sterilizer 54, and the second sterile filter 55 is not limited to this. Also, the number of sterile filters and sterilizers included in the water sterilizer 50 is not limited to this. For example, although not shown, the water sterilizer 50 may include only the first sterilizer 52 or the second sterilizer 54 and the first sterile filter 53. Also, two water sterilizers 50 may be provided in parallel.

[0057] Further, the water sterilizer 50 may not be equipped with a sterile filter. That is, when the aseptic quality level (sterility assurance level (SAL)) of the content produced by diluting the product stock solution with water, the number of bacteria level (concentration) of the water supplied to the first water tank 41 is small, and / or due to the growth characteristics of bacteria in the content, etc., there may be cases where the water sterilizer 50 does not need to be equipped with a sterile filter. Also, when the sterilized water is used for cleaning (COP) and / or sterilization (SOP) in each chamber, the water does not directly touch the content. Even in such cases, there may be cases where the water sterilizer 50 does not need to be equipped with a sterile filter. In this case, for example, although not shown in the figure, the water sterilizer 50 may be equipped with only the first sterilizer 52, or may be equipped with the first sterilizer 52 and the second sterilizer 54. Thus, when the water sterilizer 50 does not have a sterile filter, the manufacturing cost of the water sterilizer 50 can be reduced.

[0058] Furthermore, the water sterilizer 50 may not be equipped with a sterilizer. That is, when the aseptic quality level of the content produced by diluting the product stock solution with water, the number of bacteria level of the water supplied to the first water tank 41 is small, and / or due to the growth characteristics of bacteria in the content, etc., there may be cases where the water sterilizer 50 does not need to be equipped with a sterilizer. In this case, for example, although not shown in the figure, the water sterilizer 50 may be equipped with only the first sterile filter 53, or may be equipped with the first sterile filter 53 and the second sterile filter 55. Thus, even when the water sterilizer 50 does not have a sterilizer, the manufacturing cost of the water sterilizer 50 can be reduced.

[0059] Next, the pre-stage sterilizer 56, the foreign matter removal filter 51, the first sterilizer 52, the first sterile filter 53, the second sterilizer 54, and the second sterile filter 55 will be described. Here, first, the pre-stage sterilizer 56 will be described.

[0060] The pre-stage sterilizer 56 is a sterilizer that preliminarily sterilizes the water supplied to the foreign matter removal filter 51. By installing the pre-stage sterilizer 56 on the upstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 51, it becomes possible to produce high-quality sterile water for a long period. Note that the configuration of the pre-stage sterilizer 56 may be substantially the same as that of the first sterilizer 52.

[0061] The foreign matter removal filter 51 is a filter that removes foreign matter in water. In the illustrated example, the water sterilizer 50 includes a single foreign matter removal filter 51. However, it is not limited to this, and the water sterilizer 50 may include a plurality of foreign matter removal filters 51. The aperture (filtration accuracy) of the foreign matter removal filter 51 may be, for example, 0.20 μm or more and 10 μm or less, or 0.45 μm or more and 5 μm or less. Also, the aperture of the foreign matter removal filter 51 is preferably sized to remove fungi (such as mold and yeast). As will be described later, in the first sterilizer 52 and the like provided on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 51, ultraviolet rays are irradiated onto the water. For this reason, the aperture of the foreign matter removal filter 51 is preferably sized to remove molds resistant to ultraviolet rays, and preferably 0.45 μm or more and 1.2 μm or less. Note that in order to enhance the sterility of the water that has passed through the foreign matter removal filter 51, the aperture of the foreign matter removal filter 51 may be 0.2 μm or more and 0.45 μm or less. Thereby, almost all the bacteria remaining in the water can be collected. Also, in order to enhance the sterility of the water that has passed through the foreign matter removal filter 51, a sterile grade filter with an aperture of 0.1 μm or more and 0.22 μm or less may be used as the foreign matter removal filter 51. Also, the filter membrane of the foreign matter removal filter 51 may be, for example, a reverse osmosis membrane (RO (Reverse Osmosis) membrane) or an ultrafiltration membrane (UF (Ultra-Filtration) membrane).

[0062] The first sterilizer 52 is provided on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 51. Also, the first sterilizer 52 is provided on the upstream side of the first sterile filter 53. The first sterilizer 52 is a sterilizer that sterilizes water by ultraviolet rays. Thereby, bacteria (bacteria other than mold and yeast) that have passed through the foreign matter removal filter 51 can be sterilized. Further, when the first sterilizer 52 sterilizes water by ultraviolet rays, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged by the content filling system can be reduced as compared with the case of sterilizing water by heating water. In particular, as described above, when producing the content, the product stock solution can be diluted 1.1 times or more and 1000 times or less, preferably 2 times or more and 10 times or less, with water. When the product stock solution is diluted 2 times or more and 10 times or less with water, 50% or more and 90% or less of the content is water. Therefore, by sterilizing without heating the water, the amount of carbon dioxide discharged when producing the content can be significantly reduced.

[0063] As described above, in this embodiment, the first sterilizer 52 sterilizes water by ultraviolet rays. In this case, the first sterilizer 52 may include an ultraviolet lamp. The ultraviolet lamp may be a low-pressure mercury lamp, a medium-pressure mercury lamp, a high-pressure mercury lamp, or a UV-LED. Also, the first sterilizer 52 may include a plurality of ultraviolet lamps having different wavelengths and / or outputs of the irradiated ultraviolet rays. As an example, the first sterilizer 52 may include a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) and a medium-pressure mercury lamp.

[0064] The low-pressure mercury lamp is a mercury lamp in which the mercury vapor pressure during lighting is less than 10 Pa. This low-pressure mercury lamp can efficiently irradiate ultraviolet rays with a wavelength (253.7 nm) having a high sterilization effect. Therefore, when the first sterilizer 52 includes a low-pressure mercury lamp, the sterilization effect in the first sterilizer 52 (and the second sterilizer 54) can be improved. The low-pressure mercury lamp may be an amalgam lamp (low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) in which an amalgam, which is an alloy of mercury and another metal, is enclosed in a discharge tube.

[0065] The medium-pressure mercury lamp is a mercury lamp in which the mercury vapor pressure during lighting is 40 kPa or more. The wavelength of the ultraviolet rays irradiated by the medium-pressure mercury lamp has a peak wavelength of 365 nm and also has peaks at 254 nm, 302 nm, 313 nm, 405 nm, 436 nm, etc. Generally, the medium-pressure mercury lamp is a high-output mercury lamp compared to the low-pressure mercury lamp. Therefore, when the first sterilizer 52 includes a medium-pressure mercury lamp, the first sterilizer 52 (and the second sterilizer 54) can sterilize a large amount of water. Also, since the medium-pressure mercury lamp is a high-output mercury lamp, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are medium-pressure mercury lamps respectively, the size of the first sterilizer 52 (and the second sterilizer 54) can be reduced.

[0066] Also, since the medium-pressure mercury lamp has higher heat resistance than the low-pressure mercury lamp, it can be lit at high temperatures. Therefore, in the circulation system 44A including the first sterilizer 52 and the second sterilizer 54, when sterilizing the first sterilizer 52 and the second sterilizer 54 by circulating hot water or a disinfectant, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. can be lit and the first sterilizer 52 etc. can be sterilized.

[0067] In this embodiment, the integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays on water is preferably 10 mJ / cm 2 or more and 10000 mJ / cm 2 or less, and more preferably 100 mJ / cm 2 or more and 1000 mJ / cm 2 or less. That is, when passing through the first sterilizer 52, the integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays on water is preferably 10 mJ / cm 2 or more and 10000 mJ / cm 2 or less, and more preferably 100 mJ / cm 2 or more and 1000 mJ / cm 2 or less. In this case, the integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays on water is preferably 10 mJ / cm 2 or more and 10000 mJ / cm 2 or less at a wavelength of 254 nm, and more preferably 100 mJ / cm 2 or more and 1000 mJ / cm 2The following is more preferable. The integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays is 10 mJ / cm 2 or more, so that aquatic bacteria (gram-negative bacteria such as the genus that can grow in water with a poor-nutrient environment and can pass through the second sterile filter 55 Pseudomonas genus or Methylobacterium genus, etc.) can be effectively sterilized. Also, when the integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays is 100 mJ / cm 2 or more, bacterial spores can also be sterilized. Further, when the integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays is 10,000 mJ / cm 2 or less, the power consumption can be reduced, and the emission amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Here, the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays may be 250 nm or more and 260 nm or less, and may be 253.7 nm (254 nm) as an example. When the wavelength of the ultraviolet rays is 250 nm or more and 260 nm or less, especially 253.7 nm, the bactericidal effect of the ultraviolet rays on bacteria can be enhanced. Here, in this specification, "aquatic bacteria" means bacteria that can pass through a sterile filter with an aperture of 0.2 μm.

[0068] Such a first sterilizer 52 is preferably capable of in-place sterilization (SIP). Thereby, the first sterilizer 52 can be sterilized regularly. When sterilizing the first sterilizer 52, the first sterilizer 52 may be sterilized with steam or hot water. Alternatively, when the first sterilizer 52 is vulnerable to heat, in the circulation system 44A including the water sterilizer 50, for example, by circulating a bactericide containing peracetic acid, the first sterilizer 52 may be sterilized. In this case, in the circulation system 44A, the bactericide may be circulated for at least 10 seconds or more and 60 minutes or less. Alternatively, in the circulation system 44A including the water sterilizer 50, while cleaning the first sterilizer 52, sterilization may be performed simultaneously by circulating a cleaning agent containing an acid or an alkali. In this case, in the circulation system 44A, the cleaning agent may be circulated for at least 10 seconds or more and 60 minutes or less.

[0069] In the circulation system 44A, when circulating the cleaning agent, the temperature of the cleaning agent may be 40°C or higher and 150°C or lower, and preferably may be 50°C or higher and less than 100°C. When using an acid as the cleaning agent, as the cleaning agent, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, peracetic acid, acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, pernitric acid, etc. may be used. Also, as the alkaline cleaning agent, a cleaning liquid added with an alkaline agent mixed with caustic soda, potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate, sodium phosphate, sodium hypochlorite, a surfactant, a chelating agent, etc. may be used. In the circulation system 44A, when circulating the cleaning agent, the cleaning agent may be circulated with the ultraviolet lamp lit. After cleaning, pure water may be supplied to the circulation line 44 and rinsed until the cleaning agent disappears from the circulation line 44. In this case, the concentration of the cleaning agent in the circulation line 44 may be monitored with a concentration meter (not shown). Also, after rinsing the inside of the circulation line 44, a integrity test of the first sterile filter 53 etc. may be performed. And in the integrity test, when no leakage of sterile air through the filter is recognized, it may be shifted to production. Also, in a series of processes such as the cleaning, sterilization, rinsing, integrity test, and production (from the start of production to the end of production) of the above-described water sterilizer 50, the water may be constantly circulated with the ultraviolet lamp lit. Note that the timing of turning on the ultraviolet lamp is at least from the sterilization process onward to the end of production. Thereby, it is possible to prevent bacteria that have passed through the filter from flowing to the subsequent second water tank 42 etc.

[0070] The first sterile filter 53 is provided on the downstream side of the first sterilizer 52. This first sterile filter 53 is a microfiltration (MF) precision filtration filter that sterilizes water by collecting bacteria remaining in the water. The aperture of the first sterile filter 53 may be 0.1 μm or more and 0.45 μm or less, preferably 0.1 μm or more and 0.22 μm or less. When the aperture of the first sterile filter 53 is 0.1 μm or more, a decrease in the sterilization efficiency of water can be suppressed. Also, when the aperture of the first sterile filter 53 is 0.45 μm or less, bacteria remaining in the water can be effectively collected by the first sterile filter 53. A filter with an aperture of 0.02 μm or more and 0.1 μm or less, which can also remove some viruses, may be used as the first sterile filter 53. When filtering and sterilizing the product stock solution as described later, the aperture of the first sterile filter 53 may be matched to the aperture of the filtration sterilization filter 61a (see Fig. 4C) of the stock solution sterilization line 60 described later. In this case, the difference between the aperture of the first sterile filter 53 and the aperture of the filtration sterilization filter 61a may be, for example, 0 μm or more and 0.8 μm or less. Also, the material of the filtration membrane (membrane) of the first sterile filter 53 may be polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethersulfone (PES), mixed cellulose (SCWP), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyamide, or the like. The filtration membrane of the first sterile filter 53 may be, for example, a reverse osmosis membrane (RO membrane) or an ultrafiltration membrane (UF membrane) according to the suitability of the contents.

[0071] This first sterile filter 53 is preferably capable of being sterilized (SIP). Thereby, the first sterile filter 53 can be sterilized periodically. Here, as described above, the first sterile filter 53 passes through the first sterilizer 52 and collects the bacteria remaining in the water. Therefore, if the sterilization of water continues for a long time in the water sterilizer 50, the collected bacteria can multiply in the first sterile filter 53. Also, if the remains of bacteria, which are organic substances, adhere to the first sterile filter 53 or the like, the remains of bacteria can become a substrate. In this case, the bacteria can multiply further in the first sterile filter 53. Thus, if they multiply in the first sterile filter 53, there is a possibility of entering the water passing through the first sterile filter 53. On the other hand, since the first sterile filter 53 is capable of being sterilized, it is possible to suppress the bacteria attached to the first sterile filter 53 from entering the water passing through the first sterile filter 53. As a result, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the filtration performance of the first sterile filter 53.

[0072] Also, it is preferable that the first sterile filter 53 can perform a integrity test on the aperture of the first sterile filter 53. Here, the integrity test may be performed, for example, by a bubble point test. The bubble point test can be performed as follows. For example, first, water is supplied to a housing (not shown) inside the first sterile filter 53 to cover the filter (not shown) of the first sterile filter 53 with water. Next, the supply of water is stopped, and the water inside the first sterile filter 53 is drained. In this case, drainage is performed while maintaining the sterile state inside the first sterile filter 53 using a blow line (not shown). Then, sterile air is supplied from the primary side inside the first sterile filter 53 with the filter covered with water. Next, the supply pressure of the sterile air is increased until the sterile air supplied from the primary side of the first sterile filter 53 leaks to the secondary side. Then, based on the pressure of the sterile air when the sterile air leaks from the first sterile filter 53 (bubble point), the size of the aperture of the first sterile filter 53 is determined. In this way, since the first sterile filter 53 can perform an integrity test on the aperture of the first sterile filter 53, the degree of deterioration of the first sterile filter 53 can be easily determined. Note that the integrity test may be performed by a diffusion flow test, a pressure hold test, or the like, in addition to the above-described bubble point test.

[0073] The second sterilizer 54 is provided on the downstream side of the first sterile filter 53. The configuration of this second sterilizer 54 may be substantially the same as that of the first sterilizer 52. That is, the second sterilizer 54 may be a sterilizer that sterilizes water by ultraviolet rays.

[0074] The second sterile filter 55 is provided on the downstream side of the second sterilizer 54. This second sterile filter 55 is a filter that sterilizes water by passing through the second sterilizer 54 and collecting the bacteria remaining in the water. The aperture of the second sterile filter 55 may be equivalent to the aperture of the first sterile filter 53. In this case, two sterilization sets each composed of a sterilizer and a sterile filter can be arranged along the water conveyance direction. That is, a first sterilization set composed of the first sterilizer 52 and the first sterile filter 53 and a second sterilization set composed of the second sterilizer 54 and the second sterile filter 55 can be arranged in series along the water conveyance direction. For this reason, even if some abnormality occurs in one sterilization set, the sterility of the water can be guaranteed. Also, the aperture of the second sterile filter 55 may be equal to or smaller than the aperture of the first sterile filter 53. Thereby, even if the bacteria in the water pass through the first sterile filter 53 by chance, the second sterile filter 55 can collect the bacteria. For this reason, the sterility of the water can be sufficiently ensured. Note that a plurality of sterilization sets may be provided according to the sterility assurance level (SAL (Sterility Assurance Level)) of water or the final product (contents). Also, although not shown in the figure, the number of sterilization sets may be one, or may be three or more.

[0075] The aperture of the second sterile filter 55 may be 0.1 μm or more and 0.45 μm or less, preferably 0.1 μm or more and 0.22 μm or less. When the aperture of the second sterile filter 55 is 0.1 μm or more, a decrease in the sterilization efficiency of water can be suppressed. Further, when the aperture of the second sterile filter 55 is 0.45 μm or less, bacteria remaining in the water can be more effectively collected by the second sterile filter 55. When the product stock solution is sterilized by filtration as described later, the aperture of the second sterile filter 55 may match the aperture of the filtration sterilization filter 61a (see FIG. 4C) of the stock solution sterilization line 60 described later. In this case, the difference between the aperture of the second sterile filter 55 and the aperture of the filtration sterilization filter 61a may be, for example, 0 μm or more and 0.8 μm or less. The filtration membrane of the second sterile filter 55 may be, for example, a reverse osmosis membrane (RO (Reverse Osmosis) membrane) or an ultrafiltration membrane (UF (Ultra-Filtration) membrane).

[0076] Other configurations of the second sterile filter 55 may be substantially the same as those of the first sterile filter 53. That is, the second sterile filter 55 may be capable of sterilization (SIP). Further, the second sterile filter 55 may be capable of performing a integrity test on the aperture of the second sterile filter 55.

[0077] The processing capacity of such a water sterilizer 50 is preferably 105% or more of the maximum processing capacity required during the production of the product can 1A, and more preferably 110% or more of the maximum processing capacity required during the production of the product can 1A. For example, the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 50 may be 5m 3 / h or more and 50m 3 / h or less. As an example, 24m 3It may also be / h. Further, when the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 50 is 105% or more of the maximum processing capacity required during the production of the product can 1A, a predetermined amount of water can be stored in the second water tank 42 during the production of the product can 1A. In this case, by appropriately designing the volume of the second water tank 42, even during sterilization (SIP) or integrity testing of the first sterile filter 53 or the like described above, the production of the product can 1A and sterilization of the first sterile filter 53 or the like can be performed without a shortage of water. Note that the required time for sterilization (SIP) of the first sterile filter 53 or the like and the required time for the integrity test are each about 30 minutes or more and about 1 hour or less. Therefore, the volume of the second water tank 42 may be equal to or greater than the amount of water used in the content filling system 10 when producing the product can 1A for 1 hour.

[0078] Next, the stock solution sterilization line 60 will be described. The stock solution sterilization line 60 is a sterilization line for sterilizing the product stock solution.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 4A, the stock solution sterilization line 60 includes a stock solution tank 61 and a product stock solution sterilizer 62. The stock solution tank 61 and the product stock solution sterilizer 62 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance direction of the product stock solution. Further, a flow meter F and a sterile valve V may be provided on the downstream side of the product stock solution sterilizer 62 in the stock solution sterilization line 60. Although not shown, thermometers, pressure gauges, level gauges, concentration gauges, etc. are installed at various locations in the stock solution sterilization line 60.

[0080] The stock solution tank 61 is a tank that stores the product stock solution supplied from a supply source (not shown). By storing the product stock solution, the stock solution tank 61 serves to smooth the flow of the product stock solution. The volume of the stock solution tank 61 may be 0.3 m 3 or more and 30 m 3 or less. As an example, it may be 1 m 3 or more.

[0081] A pump P for transporting the product stock solution may be provided on the downstream side of the stock solution tank 61. Further, a product stock solution sterilizer 62 as described above is provided on the downstream side of the pump P.

[0082] The product stock solution sterilizer 62 is a sterilizer that heat-sterilizes the product stock solution stored in the stock solution tank 61. In the present embodiment, the product stock solution sterilizer 62 may be a sterilizer (Ultra High-temperature, hereinafter simply referred to as UHT) that sterilizes the product stock solution by the ultra-high temperature heat treatment method. This UHT 62 has a first-stage heating section 63, a second-stage heating section 64, a holding tube 65, a first-stage cooling section 66, a second-stage cooling section 67, and a third-stage cooling section 68. The product stock solution supplied to the UHT 62 is gradually heated by the first-stage heating section 63 and the second-stage heating section 64 and heated to the target temperature in the holding tube 65. In this case, for example, the product stock solution may be heated to 60°C or higher and 80°C or lower by the first-stage heating section 63 and heated to 80°C or higher and 150°C or lower by the second-stage heating section 64. Also, in the holding tube 65, the temperature of the product stock solution is maintained for a certain period of time. The product stock solution that has passed through the holding tube 65 is gradually cooled by the first-stage cooling section 66, the second-stage cooling section 67, and the third-stage cooling section 68. Note that the number of stages of the heating section and the cooling section can be increased or decreased as needed. Also, between the first-stage heating section 63 and the second-stage heating section 64, the pressure loss of the product stock solution can become high. For this reason, an additional pump (not shown) may be provided between the first-stage heating section 63 and the second-stage heating section 64. Also, a homogenizer for homogenizing the product stock solution may be provided between the first-stage heating section 63 and the second-stage heating section 64, or between the first-stage cooling section 66 and the second-stage cooling section 67, etc.

[0083] The processing capacity of such a UHT 62 is 3 m 3 / h or more and 30 m 3 / h or less, and as an example, it may be 6 m 3 / h.

[0084] Also, by monitoring the temperature at the hottest location (e.g., the second-stage heating section 64) of the UHT 62, the scale (deposits such as calcium) adhering to the UHT 62 may be monitored. And when cleaning the UHT 62 (CIP (Cleaning in Place)), the removal state of the scale may be monitored. Thereby, optimization of the cleaning process for cleaning the UHT 62 can be achieved. For this reason, the cleaning time can be shortened, and the amounts of water, steam, and cleaning agent used for cleaning can be reduced. As a result, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0085] Note that the UHT 62 may be of an injection type or an infusion type. Also, the heat exchanger used for heat exchange in the content filling system 10, such as the heat exchanger of the UHT 62, may be a plate type, a shell & tube type, a scraping type heat exchanger, or a Joule heating (ohmic heating). Also, in the content filling system 10, these heat exchangers may be used in combination.

[0086] Note that in the above-described example, the example in which the raw liquid sterilization line 60 heats and sterilizes the product raw liquid has been described, but it is not limited thereto. The raw liquid sterilization line 60 may sterilize the product raw liquid by at least one of heating, storing, and filtering. For example, the raw liquid sterilization line 60 may sterilize the product raw liquid by storing the product raw liquid in the raw liquid tank 61. In this case, the product raw liquid may contain alcohol. Thereby, the sterilization treatment of the product raw liquid can be performed by the sterilization effect of alcohol. Also, when sterilizing the product raw liquid, the product raw liquid may be stored in the raw liquid tank 61 for a certain period of time. The storage time of the product raw liquid greatly depends on the alcohol concentration. When the alcohol concentration is high, the storage time may be 10 minutes or more. By the storage time being 10 minutes or more, the sterilization effect of the product raw liquid can be improved. When the alcohol concentration is low, the storage time may be 24 hours or less. By the storage time being 24 hours or less, the sterilization time of the product raw liquid can be shortened.

[0087] As shown in FIG. 4B, when the stock solution sterilization line 60 sterilizes the product stock solution by storage, the stock solution sterilization line 60 may not have the product stock solution sterilizer 62. Also, the product stock solution may be sterilized using another tank (not shown) different from the stock solution tank 61. Further, when sterilizing the product stock solution, the sterilization process may be performed by batch processing using a plurality of tanks. Alternatively, when sterilizing the product stock solution, the sterilization process may be performed by continuously supplying the product stock solution to the stock solution tank 61 or the like while storing the product stock solution in the stock solution tank 61 or the like for a certain period of time.

[0088] Also, when there are no quality problems even if the product stock solution is sterilized by filtration, filtration sterilization may be adopted as the sterilization method for the product stock solution. In this case, as shown in FIG. 4C, the stock solution sterilization line 60 may have the stock solution tank 61 and the filtration sterilization filter 61a. The stock solution tank 61 and the filtration sterilization filter 61a are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance direction of the product stock solution. The filtration sterilization filter 61a may be a filter having the same configuration as the above-described first sterile filter 53 or second sterile filter 55. Also, a flow meter F and a sterile valve V may be provided on the downstream side of the filtration sterilization filter 61a in the stock solution sterilization line 60. Although not shown, the stock solution sterilization line 60 may further have the product stock solution sterilizer 62.

[0089] As described above, the stock solution sterilization line 60 may sterilize the product stock solution by at least one of heating, storage, and filtration. For example, the stock solution sterilization line 60 may sterilize the product stock solution by heating and storage, or may sterilize the product stock solution by heating, storage, and filtration. Also, the stock solution sterilization line 60 may sterilize the product stock solution by ultra-high pressure sterilization or other sterilization methods.

[0090] Also, as shown in FIGS. 4A to 4C, a circulation line 69 may be connected to the stock solution sterilization line 60. One end of this circulation line 69 may be connected to the downstream side of the sterile valve V, and the other end of the circulation line 69 may be connected to the stock solution tank 61. Thereby, a circulation system 69A for circulating the product stock solution may be configured. In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the circulation system 69A is composed of the stock solution tank 61, the product stock solution sterilizer 62, and the circulation line 69. In the example shown in FIG. 4B, the circulation system 69A is composed of the stock solution tank 61 and the circulation line 69. In the example shown in FIG. 4C, the circulation system 69A is composed of the stock solution tank 61, the filtration sterilization filter 61a, and the circulation line 69. A thermometer (not shown) may be provided in the circulation line 69. Also, a concentration meter (not shown) for measuring the concentration of a bactericide or a cleaning agent may be provided in the circulation line 69 when sterilizing the product stock solution sterilizer 62. Further, a temperature raising device (a heat exchanger or a heater etc. (not shown)) for warming the bactericide etc. may be installed in the circulation line 69 when cleaning and / or sterilizing the circulation line 69.

[0091] Here, the pipe of the water sterilization line 40 is connected to the pipe of the stock solution sterilization line 60. And a certain proportion of the product stock solution may be mixed into the flowing water. Thus, the contents can be prepared by diluting (mixing) the product stock solution with water before filling. In this case, in order to be able to adjust the flow rate of water from the water sterilization line 40 and the flow rate of the product stock solution from the stock solution sterilization line 60 respectively, aseptic valves V may be provided at the ends of the water sterilization line 40 and the stock solution sterilization line 60 as described above. And the opening and closing of the aseptic valve V may be adjusted so that the dilution ratio of diluting the product stock solution with water becomes a predetermined ratio. Note that the pipe of the stock solution sterilization line 60 may be vertically connected to the pipe of the water sterilization line 40. Also, the pipe of the water sterilization line 40 and the pipe from the intersection of the pipe of the water sterilization line 40 and the pipe of the stock solution sterilization line 60 to the storage tank 16a described later may be arranged in a straight line. Further, inside the pipe from the intersection of the pipe of the water sterilization line 40 and the pipe of the stock solution sterilization line 60 to the storage tank 16a described later, it is kept under positive pressure by the water supplied from the water sterilization line 40 and the product stock solution supplied from the stock solution sterilization line 60. Note that even when water and / or the product stock solution is drained, since the pipe from the above-described intersection to the storage tank 16a described later is connected to the storage tank 16a or the second water tank 42, the inside of the pipe is kept under positive pressure. A stirrer is installed in the storage tank 16a (not shown).

[0092] Also, a static mixer 19 may be provided on the downstream side of the intersection of the pipe of the water sterilization line 40 and the pipe of the stock solution sterilization line 60. And the two liquids (water and the product stock solution) may be made more uniform by the static mixer 19.

[0093] A storage tank (so-called aseptic tank) 16a for storing the prepared contents may be provided on the downstream side of the static mixer 19. A densitometer for measuring the concentration of the prepared contents may be installed in the storage tank 16a. The volume of the storage tank 16a is 0.1 m 3 up to 30 m 3It may also be, for example, 0.3 m 3 It may be. Although not shown, the pipe of the stock solution sterilization line 60 may be configured such that water and the product stock solution are independently supplied into the storage tank 16a from the water sterilization line 40 and the stock solution sterilization line 60 without the pipe of the stock solution sterilization line 60 being connected to the pipe of the water sterilization line 40 (tank blending).

[0094] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, a cooling device 17 for cooling the content may be provided on the downstream side of the storage tank 16a. Further, a carbon dioxide addition device 18 for adding carbon dioxide to the cooled content may be connected to the downstream side of the cooling device 17. The carbon dioxide addition device 18 may be a so-called aseptic carbonator.

[0095] Furthermore, a carbon dioxide tank 16b for storing the content to which carbon dioxide has been added may be provided on the downstream side of the carbon dioxide addition device 18. Also, a so-called filling machine tank 16c may be provided downstream of the carbon dioxide tank 16b. This filling machine tank 16c is installed vertically above the filling device 70 in order to improve the filling accuracy of the filling device 70. Further, the filling machine tank 16c may serve as a so-called cushion tank that ensures a smooth flow of the content even when the usage amount of the content on the downstream side of the filling machine tank 16c changes.

[0096] A densitometer for measuring the concentration of the added carbon dioxide may be installed between such a filling machine tank 16c and the carbon dioxide addition device 18. The volume of the filling machine tank 16c may be 0.1 m 3 or more and 1 m 3 or less. For example, it may be 0.3 m 3 It may be.

[0097] Next, the filling device 70 will be described. The filling device 70 is a device (filler) for filling the inside of the can 1 with the content that has been sterilized in advance. In this filling device 70, the content is filled into the empty can 1. The filling device 70 may be a so-called rotary filler. In this case, in the filling device 70, while a plurality of cans 1 are rotated (revolved), the content is filled into the inside of the can 1. This content may be filled into the can 1 at room temperature. The content is sterilized in advance as described above, cooled to room temperature of 3°C or higher and 40°C or lower, and then filled into the can 1. Examples of the content filled by the filling device 70 include, for example, chu-hi-based beverages, cocktail-based beverages, alcoholic beverages (low-alcohol beverages) such as liqueurs, or beers and beer-taste beverages.

[0098] The can 1 filled with the content is sealed by the lid attaching device 80.

[0099] The lid attaching device 80 is a device (seamer) for closing the can 1 by attaching the lid 2 to the can 1. In the lid attaching device 80, the can 1 filled with water and the product stock solution (content) is closed by the lid 2 and sealed so that external air and microorganisms do not enter the can 1. In the lid attaching device 80, the lid 2 is attached (wound and tightened) to the flange 1a. In this way, by attaching the lid 2 to the can 1, the product can 1A is obtained. Note that the lid attaching device 80 is not limited to a seamer. For example, when a resealable bottle can or the like is used as the can 1, a screw cap is used as the lid 2. In this case, as the lid attaching device 80, a servo capper capable of torque management may be adopted. Alternatively, depending on the type of the lid 2, a capping capper or the like may be adopted as the lid attaching device 80.

[0100] The lid 2 is pre-sterilized by a lid sterilization device 30. In the present embodiment, the lid sterilization device 30 sterilizes the lid 2 by spraying a sterilizing agent onto the lid 2. Thereby, the lid 2 is sterilized by the sterilizing agent before being attached to the can 1. The lid sterilization device 30 is disposed, for example, in the vicinity of the lid attachment device 80. In the lid sterilization device 30, a large number of lids 2 carried in from the outside of the content filling system 10 are collected in advance and conveyed in a row toward the lid attachment device 80. While the lid 2 is on its way to the lid attachment device 80, hydrogen peroxide gas or mist is sprayed toward the inner and outer surfaces of the lid 2, and then dried with hot air and sterilized.

[0101] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the lid sterilization device 30 includes a second sterilizing agent spraying unit 32 that sprays a sterilizing agent onto the lid 2, and a second air rinsing unit 33 that air-rinses the lid 2 onto which the sterilizing agent has been sprayed by the second sterilizing agent spraying unit 32. Further, the lid sterilization device 30 may further include a second heating unit 31 provided on the upstream side of the second sterilizing agent spraying unit 32 for heating the lid 2. Furthermore, the lid sterilization device 30 may further include a second sterile water rinsing unit 34 provided on the downstream side of the second air rinsing unit 33. The second heating unit 31, the second sterilizing agent spraying unit 32, the second air rinsing unit 33, and the second sterile water rinsing unit 34 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance direction of the lid 2. In FIG. 5, the lid 2 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow.

[0102] The second heating unit 31 is a part that heats (preheats) the lid 2 before the disinfectant is sprayed. The second heating unit 31 is configured to heat the lid 2 while conveying it. In this case, as shown in FIG. 5, the lid 2 may be conveyed by a guide 35 such as a so-called screw chute so that a gap is formed between the lids 2. The second heating unit 31 is provided with a second hot air nozzle 31a that heats the lid 2 by blowing hot air onto the lid 2. By the hot air blown from the second hot air nozzle 31a, the lid 2 may be heated so that, for example, the surface temperature becomes 40°C or higher and 100°C or lower, or the surface temperature becomes 50°C or higher and 80°C or lower. Since the surface temperature of the lid 2 is 40°C or higher, the sterilization effect of the lid 2 can be improved. Also, since the surface temperature of the lid 2 is 100°C or lower, the consumption of thermal energy can be suppressed and the carbon dioxide emission can be reduced.

[0103] The second disinfectant spraying unit 32 is a part that sterilizes the lid 2 by spraying a disinfectant onto the lid 2 heated by the second heating unit 31. The second disinfectant spraying unit 32 is configured to spray the disinfectant while conveying the lid 2. Also in this case, the lid 2 may be conveyed by a guide 35 such as a so-called screw chute so that a gap is formed between the lids 2. Also, by vibrating the guide 35, a gap may be provided between the lids 2. And in a state where a gap is provided between the lids 2, the disinfectant may be adhered to the lid 2. The second disinfectant spraying unit 32 includes a second spraying nozzle 32a that sprays the disinfectant onto the conveyed lid 2. In the second spraying nozzle 32a, the discharge pressure of the disinfectant may be 0.4 MPa or higher. Also, a plurality of second spraying nozzles 32a may be used to adhere the disinfectant to the lid 2. As the disinfectant sprayed by the second disinfectant spraying unit 32, for example, an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is used. In the second disinfectant spraying unit 32, a gas or mist of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is generated, and the gas or mist is sprayed from the second spraying nozzle 32a onto the inner and outer surfaces of the lid 2. Since the lid 2 is sterilized with the gas or mist of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution in this way, the inner and outer surfaces of the lid 2 are sterilized evenly.

[0104] In the second disinfectant spraying section 32, when the inner surface of the lid 2 is coated with at least an epoxy resin, a PET resin, or a polyvinyl chloride, the adhesion amount of the disinfectant to the lid is 0.01 μL / cm 2 or more and 0.4 μL / cm 2 or less, and may also be 0.03 μL / cm 2 or more and 0.1 μL / cm 2 or less. When the adhesion amount of the disinfectant to the lid 2 is 0.01 μL / cm 2 or more, the disinfection effect of the lid 2 can be improved. Also, when the adhesion amount of the disinfectant to the lid 2 is 0.03 μL / cm 2 or more, the disinfection effect of the lid 2 can be further improved. Also, when the adhesion amount of the disinfectant to the lid 2 is 0.4 μL / cm 2 or less, the residue of the disinfectant on the lid 2 that has passed through the lid disinfection device 30 can be suppressed. In this case, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide in the disinfectant may be 35% by weight.

[0105] The second air rinsing section 33 is a part that supplies sterile heated air or normal temperature air to the lid 2 on which the disinfectant has been sprayed in the second disinfectant spraying section 32. Thereby, the activation of hydrogen peroxide is performed, and foreign substances, hydrogen peroxide, etc. are removed from inside the lid 2. The second air rinsing section 33 is configured to supply sterile air while transporting the lid 2. Also in this case, the lid 2 may be transported by a guide 35 such as a so-called screw chute so that a gap is formed between the lids 2. Thereby, foreign substances can be effectively removed from inside the lid 2. If necessary, a low-concentration hydrogen peroxide condensation mist may be mixed into the normal temperature sterilized air to gasify hydrogen peroxide and supply it to the lid 2. Also, the sterile air may be air, carbon dioxide, or an inert gas.

[0106] The second air blowing section 33 includes a second air blowing nozzle 33a that blows sterile air against the conveyed lid 2. The second air blowing nozzle 33a may blow sterile air against the inner and outer surfaces of the lid 2. Thereby, the gas or mist of the hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution sprayed on the inner and outer surfaces of the lid 2 is activated evenly.

[0107] In the second air blowing section 33, sterile air at 70°C or higher and 200°C or lower may be blown against the lid 2. Since the temperature of the sterile air is 70°C or higher, the bactericide attached to the lid 2 can be effectively activated. Also, since the temperature of the sterile air is 200°C or lower, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced. Note that the temperature of the sterile air is the temperature immediately after being blown from the second air blowing nozzle 33a, that is, the temperature at the tip of the second air blowing nozzle 33a.

[0108] Also, after the sterile air is blown, the amount of the bactericide attached to the lid 2 may be 0.00001 μL / cm 2 or more and 0.01 μL / cm 2 or less when the inner surface of the lid is coated with at least epoxy resin, PET resin, or polyvinyl chloride. Since the amount of the bactericide attached to the lid 2 is 0.00001 μL / cm 2 or more, the sterilization effect of the lid 2 can be improved. Also, since the amount of the bactericide attached to the lid 2 is 0.01 μL / cm 2 or less, the residue of the bactericide in the lid 2 that has passed through the lid sterilization device 30 can be suppressed.

[0109] The second sterile water rinsing section 34 is a section for rinsing the lid 2 sterilized with a bactericide (hydrogen peroxide) with sterile water. Thereby, a very small amount of hydrogen peroxide adhering to the lid 2 is washed away, and foreign matters are removed. The second sterile water rinsing section 34 is configured to supply sterile water while conveying the lid 2. Also in this case, the lid 2 may be conveyed by a guide 35 such as a chute with a screw so that a gap is formed between the lids 2. Thereby, the bactericide and foreign matters can be effectively removed from inside the lid 2. In the second sterile water rinsing section 34, the temperature of the sterile water may be 5°C or higher and 100°C or lower.

[0110] The lid 2 sterilized in this way is attached to the flange 1a of the can 1 in the lid attaching device 80 as described above. The product can 1A thus obtained is continuously carried out toward the outside of the content filling system 10 by the product can carrying-out section 11 (see FIG. 1).

[0111] As shown in FIG. 1, the product can carrying-out section 11 may include a can warmer 12 for warming the product can 1A. This can warmer 12 may warm the product can 1A at about 5°C to about 30°C. Thereby, when packing the product can 1A, it is possible to suppress the occurrence of dew condensation on the surface of the product can 1A. For this reason, it is possible to suppress, for example, that packing materials such as cardboard get wet due to dew condensation.

[0112] Note that the content filling system 10 includes a first heating chamber 90a, a first bactericide spraying chamber 90b, a first air rinsing chamber 90c, a first sterile water rinsing chamber 90d, a filling chamber 90e, a lid attaching chamber 90f, and an outlet chamber 90g. The first heating chamber 90a, the first bactericide spraying chamber 90b, the first air rinsing chamber 90c, the first sterile water rinsing chamber 90d, the filling chamber 90e, the lid attaching chamber 90f, and the outlet chamber 90g are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveying direction of the can 1.

[0113] In addition, the content filling system 10 includes a second heating chamber 90h, a second disinfectant spraying chamber 90i, a second air rinsing chamber 90j, and a second sterile water rinsing chamber 90k. The second heating chamber 90h, the second disinfectant spraying chamber 90i, the second air rinsing chamber 90j, the second sterile water rinsing chamber 90k, the lid mounting chamber 90f, and the outlet chamber 90g are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance direction of the lid 2.

[0114] Each of the chambers 90a to 90k is separated by a partition wall. The partition wall serves to prevent the flow of disinfectant and the like in an unintended direction between the chambers 90a to 90k and to stabilize the pressure within each of the chambers 90a to 90k. Note that a gap through which the can 1 or the lid 2 can pass is formed in the partition wall. This gap is formed to be minimized, for example, to the size of one can 1 or lid 2 so that the pressure within each of the chambers 90a to 90k does not change. Further, a shutter for closing the above-described gap may be provided in the partition wall. This shutter may be configured to open and close automatically, for example, by a signal from a control unit (not shown). Furthermore, a pressure gauge Pg may be provided in each of the chambers 90a to 90k (see, for example, FIGS. 2 and 5).

[0115] As shown in FIG. 2, among the chambers 90a to 90k, inside the first heating chamber 90a, a first heating unit 21 (first hot air nozzles 21a, 21b) is accommodated. Also, inside the first disinfectant spraying chamber 90b, a first disinfectant spraying unit 22 (first spraying nozzles 22a, 22b) is accommodated. Further, inside the first air rinsing chamber 90c, a first air rinsing unit 23 (first air rinsing nozzles 23a, 23b) is accommodated. Moreover, inside the first sterile water rinsing chamber 90d, a first sterile water rinsing unit 24 (first sterile water rinsing nozzles 24a, 24b) is accommodated. As shown in FIG. 2, a first sterile air supply line 91 for supplying sterile air is connected to the first heating chamber 90a and the first air rinsing chamber 90c. Also, a first exhaust line 92 for exhausting the air inside each of the chambers 90a, 90c, and 90d is connected to the first heating chamber 90a, the first air rinsing chamber 90c, and the first sterile water rinsing chamber 90d. A scrubber (not shown) for treating the exhausted air is connected to the first exhaust line 92. On the other hand, in the illustrated example, the first exhaust line 92 is not connected to the first disinfectant spraying chamber 90b. Thereby, a decrease in the gas concentration of the disinfectant inside the first disinfectant spraying chamber 90b can be suppressed. Note that if the pressure relationships described later inside each of the chambers 90a to 90e can be maintained, the first exhaust line 92 may be connected to the first disinfectant spraying chamber 90b.

[0116] Referring to FIG. 1 again, inside the filling chamber 90e, a filling device 70 is accommodated. Also, inside the lid attaching chamber 90f, a lid attaching device 80 is accommodated. Further, inside the outlet chamber 90g, a conveyor (not shown) of the product can carrying unit 11 is accommodated.

[0117] As shown in FIG. 5, inside the second heating chamber 90h, a second heating unit 31 (second hot air nozzle 31a) is accommodated. Also, inside the second disinfectant spraying chamber 90i, a second disinfectant spraying unit 32 (second spraying nozzle 32a) is accommodated. Further, inside the second air rinsing chamber 90j, a second air rinsing unit 33 (second air rinsing nozzle 33a) is accommodated. Furthermore, inside the second sterile water rinsing chamber 90k, a second sterile water rinsing unit 34 (second sterile water rinsing nozzle 34a) is accommodated. Also, as shown in FIG. 5, a second sterile air supply line 93 for supplying sterile air is connected to the second heating chamber 90h and the second air rinsing chamber 90j. Also, a second exhaust line 94 for exhausting the air inside each of the chambers 90h, 90j, and 90k is connected to the second heating chamber 90h, the second air rinsing chamber 90j, and the second sterile water rinsing chamber 90k. A scrubber (not shown) for treating the exhausted air is connected to the second exhaust line 94. On the other hand, in the illustrated example, the second exhaust line 94 is not connected to the second disinfectant spraying chamber 90i. Thereby, a decrease in the gas concentration of the disinfectant inside the second disinfectant spraying chamber 90i can be suppressed. Note that the second exhaust line 94 may be connected to the second disinfectant spraying chamber 90i as long as the pressure relationships described later inside each of the chambers 90e, 90f, and 90h to 90k can be maintained.

[0118] Next, the relationships of the pressures PA to PE inside each of the chambers 90a to 90e will be described. The pressure PA inside the first heating chamber 90a, the pressure PB inside the first disinfectant spraying chamber 90b, the pressure PC inside the first air rinsing chamber 90c, the pressure PD inside the first sterile water rinsing chamber 90d, and the pressure PE inside the filling chamber 90e may satisfy the following relationships. 0 (Pa) ≤ PA ≤ PB < PC ≤ PD < PE Or PB ≤ PA < PC ≤ PD < PE In this case, the pressure PE in the filling chamber 90e becomes higher than the pressure PD in the first sterile water rinsing chamber 90d. As a result, it is possible to suppress the air in the first sterile water rinsing chamber 90d from entering the filling chamber 90e. Therefore, the aseptic state inside the filling chamber 90e can be maintained well.

[0119] Next, the relationship between the pressures PE, PF, PH to PK in each of the chambers 90e, 90f, and 90h to 90k will be described. The pressure PE in the filling chamber 90e, the pressure PF in the lid mounting chamber 90f, the pressure PH in the second heating chamber 90h, the pressure PI in the second disinfectant spraying chamber 90i, the pressure PJ in the second air rinsing chamber 90j, and the pressure PK in the second sterile water rinsing chamber 90k may satisfy the following relationship. 0 (Pa) ≤ PH ≤ PI < PJ ≤ PK ≤ PF < PE Or PI ≤ PH < PJ ≤ PK ≤ PF < PE In this case, the pressure PE in the filling chamber 90e becomes higher than the pressure PF in the lid mounting chamber 90f. As a result, it is possible to suppress the air in the lid mounting chamber 90f from entering the filling chamber 90e. Therefore, the aseptic state inside the filling chamber 90e can be maintained well. Also, in this case, the pressure PF in the lid mounting chamber 90f becomes equal to or higher than the pressure PK in the second sterile water rinsing chamber 90k. As a result, it is possible to suppress the air in the second sterile water rinsing chamber 90k from entering the lid mounting chamber 90f. Therefore, the aseptic state inside the lid mounting chamber 90f can be maintained well.

[0120] As shown in FIG. 1, sterile air supply devices 95 may be provided in the chambers 90c to 90g, 90j, and 90k, respectively. The sterile air supply device 95 may include a blower and a sterilizing filter. The air that has passed through the blower of the sterile air supply device 95 is sterilized by the sterilizing filter. Thereafter, the sterilized air is blown into the chambers 90c to 90g, 90j, and 90k as sterile air. As the sterilizing filter, a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) may be used.

[0121] (Content filling method) Next, a content filling method using the above-described content filling system 10 (FIG. 1) will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7.

[0122] First, the empty can 1 is sterilized using an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution as a sterilizing agent by the container sterilizing device 20 (can sterilization step, reference symbol S1 in FIG. 6). At this time, first, the can 1 is heated (preheating step, reference symbol S11 in FIG. 7). In the preheating step, first, the can 1 is sent to the first heating unit 21. Next, the can 1 is heated to, for example, 40° C. or higher and 100° C. or lower by the heating air from the first hot air nozzles 21a and 21b. Thereafter, the heated can 1 is conveyed to the first sterilizing agent spraying unit 22.

[0123] Next, in the first sterilizing agent spraying unit 22, the sterilizing agent is sprayed onto the can 1 (sterilizing agent spraying step, reference symbol S12 in FIG. 7). At this time, the sterilizing agent may be a gas or mist obtained by once vaporizing the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution above its boiling point. The gas or mist of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution adheres to the inner and outer surfaces of the can 1 to sterilize the inner and outer surfaces of the can 1.

[0124] Next, the can 1 is sent to the first air rinsing unit 23. In the first air rinsing unit 23, by supplying sterile heated air or normal temperature air to the can 1, the activation of hydrogen peroxide is performed, and foreign substances, hydrogen peroxide, etc. are removed from the can 1 (air rinsing step, reference symbol S13 in FIG. 7). In the air rinsing step, if necessary, a condensed mist of low-concentration hydrogen peroxide may be mixed with the sterile heated air or the normal temperature sterilized air. In this case, hydrogen peroxide is gasified by the sterile air. And in the air rinsing step, the gasified hydrogen peroxide may be supplied to the can 1.

[0125] Subsequently, the can 1 is sent to the first sterile water rinsing unit 24. In the first sterile water rinsing unit 24, the can 1 is washed with sterile water (sterile water rinsing step, reference symbol S14 in FIG. 7). Thereby, the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the can 1 is washed away, and foreign substances are removed.

[0126] Thereafter, the can 1 is conveyed to the filling device 70.

[0127] Also, by the lid sterilization device 30, a sterilization treatment is performed on the lid 2 using an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution as a sterilizing agent (lid sterilization step, symbol S2 in Fig. 6). At this time, as in the case of the can 1, first, the lid 2 is heated (preheating step, symbol S11 in Fig. 7). In the preheating step, first, the lid 2 is sent to the second heating unit 31. Next, the lid 2 is heated to, for example, 40°C or higher and 100°C or lower by the heating air from the second hot air nozzle 31a. Thereafter, the heated lid 2 is conveyed to the second sterilizing agent spraying unit 32.

[0128] Next, as in the case of the can 1, a sterilizing agent is sprayed onto the lid 2 (sterilizing agent spraying step, symbol S12 in Fig. 7). At this time, the sterilizing agent may be a gas or mist of an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, and the gas or mist of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution adheres to the inner and outer surfaces of the lid 2 to sterilize the inner and outer surfaces of the lid 2. Next, the lid 2 is sent to the second air rinsing unit 33.

[0129] Next, as in the case of the can 1, by supplying sterile heating air or normal temperature air to the lid 2, the activation of hydrogen peroxide is performed, and foreign substances and hydrogen peroxide, etc. are removed from the lid 2 (air rinsing step, symbol S13 in Fig. 7). Note that in the air rinsing step, gasified hydrogen peroxide may be supplied to the lid 2.

[0130] Subsequently, the lid 2 is sent to the second sterile water rinsing unit 34. And, as in the case of the can 1, the lid 2 is washed with sterile water (sterile water rinsing step, symbol S14 in Fig. 7). Thereby, the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the lid 2 is washed away, and foreign substances are removed.

[0131] Thereafter, the lid 2 is conveyed to the lid mounting device 80.

[0132] Also, the water sterilization line 40 sterilizes water without heating it (water sterilization process, reference sign S3 in Fig. 6). The water may be sterilized by ultraviolet rays in the water sterilization line 40.

[0133] Furthermore, the product stock solution sterilization line 60 sterilizes the product stock solution by heating it (product stock solution sterilization process, reference sign S4 in Fig. 6).

[0134] Thereafter, the sterilized water and the sterilized product stock solution are mixed at the intersection of the pipe of the water sterilization line 40 and the pipe of the product stock solution sterilization line 60.

[0135] Next, the filling device 70 fills the sterilized can 1 with water and the product stock solution (filling process, reference sign S5 in Fig. 6). In this filling device 70, the contents produced by the water and the product stock solution are filled into the can 1.

[0136] Subsequently, the can 1 filled with the contents is conveyed to the lid attaching device 80.

[0137] Next, the lid attaching device 80 closes the can 1 filled with water and the product stock solution (contents) with the sterilized lid 2 (lid attaching process, reference sign S6 in Fig. 6). As a result, the sterilized lid 2 is attached to the flange 1a of the can 1 conveyed from the filling device 70. In this way, the can 1 is closed and the product can 1A is obtained.

[0138] Thereafter, the product can 1A is conveyed from the lid attaching device 80 to the product can discharging section 11 and discharged to the outside of the contents filling system 10 (can discharging process, reference sign S7 in Fig. 6). Then, the product can 1A is heated by the can warmer 12 and then transported to a packaging line (not shown) for packaging.

[0139] Note that the above-mentioned can sterilization process, filling process, lid attachment process, and can discharge process are carried out in a sterile atmosphere surrounded by the first heating chamber 90a, the first disinfectant spraying chamber 90b, the first air rinsing chamber 90c, the first sterile water rinsing chamber 90d, the filling chamber 90e, the lid attachment chamber 90f, and the outlet chamber 90g, that is, in a sterile environment. Further, the lid sterilization process is carried out in a sterile atmosphere surrounded by the second heating chamber 90h, the second disinfectant spraying chamber 90i, the second air rinsing chamber 90j, and the second sterile water rinsing chamber 90k, that is, in a sterile environment. In this case, each of the chambers 90a to 90k has been sterilized by spraying hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid (40°C or higher and 80°C or lower), spraying caustic soda (50°C or higher and 100°C or lower), or discharging hot water (60°C or higher and 100°C or lower). After each chamber has been sterilized, each chamber is dried with sterile heated air, supplied with sterile air at room temperature, and maintained in a positive pressure state.

[0140] Also, the water sterilization line 40 and the stock solution sterilization line 60 are cleaned (CIP) using a cleaning agent (0.1% or more and 5% or less) containing an alkaline agent such as caustic soda or an acidic agent such as nitric acid, which has been added in advance at about 60°C or higher and 100°C or lower. After washing, the flow path is rinsed with sterile water, and then water is circulated through the pipelines of the circulation systems 44A and 69A, and standby operation is performed in a sterile holding state. In addition, sterile air is supplied to the secondary flow path of the second water tank 42 of the downstream water sterilization line 40 and the flow path from the storage tank 16a to the filling device 70 (the tip of the filling valve), thereby maintaining a sterile state.

[0141] Here, as the content, a carbonated beverage containing acid and carbon dioxide gas is filled into the can 1. The beverage may be a RTD (Ready To Drink) beverage. As an RTD beverage, it is mainly a beverage obtained by diluting brewed liquor, distilled liquor, etc. containing alcohol (ethyl alcohol) with carbonated water. Specifically, alcohol beverages such as Chu-Hi type beverages, cocktail type beverages, wine-taste beverages, liqueurs (low-alcohol beverages or alcohol-free beverages), or beers (hereinafter, also simply referred to as beers, etc.) may be filled into the can 1. The pH of such beers, etc. is generally less than 4.6. Also, such beers, etc. contain alcohol and carbon dioxide. Therefore, bacterial spores, which are bacteria that cause harm in low-acid beverages, are not subject to sterilization in beers, etc. On the other hand, in beers, etc., mainly heat-resistant yeasts and lactic acid bacteria become bacteria that cause harm. Here, the yeasts and lactic acid bacteria that become bacteria that cause harm in beers, etc. can be sterilized (SIP) simultaneously by the above-described cleaning (CIP) (CSIP (Cleaning and Sterilization in Place)). Therefore, when filling these contents in the next filling process, it is not necessary to separately perform sterilization after the above-described cleaning (CIP) cleaning.

[0142] Note that the production (conveying) speed of the can 1 in the content filling system 10 is preferably 100 cpm or more and 2500 cpm or less. Here, cpm (can per minute) refers to the conveying speed of the can 1 per minute.

[0143] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the content filling system 10 includes a container sterilizer 20 for sterilizing the can 1, a lid sterilizer 30 for sterilizing the lid 2 for closing the can 1, a water sterilization line 40 for non-thermally sterilizing water, a stock solution sterilization line 60 for sterilizing the product stock solution, a filling device 70 connected to the water sterilization line 40 and the stock solution sterilization line 60 respectively for filling the sterilized can 1 with water and the product stock solution, and a lid mounting device 80 for closing the can 1 filled with water and the product stock solution with the sterilized lid 2. Thereby, compared with the case of diluting the product stock solution with sterile water produced using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions discharged when producing the content can be reduced. For this reason, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions discharged by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0144] Further, according to the present embodiment, the product can 1A can be manufactured using the pre-sterilized can 1, lid 2, water, and product stock solution. For this reason, after filling the can 1 with the content, a sterilization step (so-called post-sterilization) of sterilizing the product can 1A can be omitted. On the other hand, generally, when manufacturing a carbonated product (for example, a carbonated alcoholic beverage), after filling at a low temperature (about 5°C), it is sterilized for about 10 minutes using a pasteurizer so that the central temperature of the can becomes about 65°C. For this reason, the energy consumption increases, and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions discharged by the filling system increases. Further, by sterilizing so that the central temperature of the can becomes about 65°C, the internal pressure of the can rises, so there is a possibility that it becomes difficult to manufacture a so-called high-gas product. Further, in the conventional filling system, since a pasteurizer is installed, the filling system may be enlarged. Further, in the conventional filling system, since sterilization is performed using a pasteurizer, the fruit juice in the content may deteriorate due to heat. Furthermore, in the conventional filling system, since sterilization is performed using a pasteurizer, the pressure inside the can rises. For this reason, it may be difficult to reduce the weight of the can. In particular, in the case of a so-called high-gas product in which the proportion of carbon dioxide contained in the content is high, there is a high possibility that it becomes difficult to reduce the weight of the can.

[0145] In contrast, in the present embodiment, since the product can 1A can be manufactured using the pre-sterilized can 1, lid 2, water, and product stock solution, the sterilization process of sterilizing the product can 1A after filling the contents into the can 1 can be omitted. Therefore, energy can be saved and the amount of carbon dioxide discharged from the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Also, in this case, the temperature rise of the product can 1A is not up to about 65°C which is the sterilization temperature by the conventional pasteurizer, but up to about 30°C which is the heating temperature by the can warmer 12. As a result, the increase in the internal pressure of the can 1 is suppressed, so that it is also possible to manufacture so-called high-gas products. Further, in the content filling system 10 according to the present embodiment, even when manufacturing a product containing carbonic acid, since it is not necessary to install a pasteurizer, the content filling system 10 can be downsized. Furthermore, in the content filling system 10 according to the present embodiment, since the sterilization process of sterilizing the product can 1A can be omitted, deterioration of the fruit juice in the contents can be suppressed and the weights of the can 1 and the lid 2 can also be reduced.

[0146] In the above-described present embodiment, an example has been described in which the container sterilizing device 20 sterilizes the can 1 with a sterilizing agent and the lid sterilizing device 30 sterilizes the lid 2 with a sterilizing agent, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the container sterilizing device 20 may sterilize the can 1 with warm water, and the lid sterilizing device 30 may sterilize the lid 2 with warm water.

[0147] In this case, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 9, the container sterilization device 20 may have a first warm water supply unit 26 that supplies warm water to the can 1. Further, the container sterilization device 20 may further have a first air rinsing unit 23 that air-rinses the can 1 to which warm water has been supplied by the first warm water supply unit 26. In other words, in this modified example, the above-described first air rinsing unit 23 may be provided on the downstream side of the first warm water supply unit 26, and the container sterilization device 20 does not necessarily have the first heating unit 21, the first disinfectant spraying unit 22, and the first sterile water rinsing unit 24. In FIG. 9, after the first warm water supply unit 26, the first air rinsing unit 23 is provided also for removing the remaining water in the can 1, but the first air rinsing unit 23 may be installed before the first warm water supply unit 26, or may be installed both before and after the first warm water supply unit 26. In FIG. 9, the can 1 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow.

[0148] The first warm water supply unit 26 is a part that sterilizes the can 1 by spraying warm water onto the can 1. The first warm water supply unit 26 is configured to spray warm water while conveying the can 1. In this case, the can 1 may be conveyed with the flange 1a to which the lid 2 is attached facing downward. As shown in FIG. 9, the first warm water supply unit 26 includes first warm water nozzles 26a and 26b that spray warm water onto the conveyed can 1. Among these, the first warm water nozzle 26a is a nozzle for spraying warm water onto the inner surface of the can 1. The first warm water nozzle 26a may or may not be inserted into the can 1. The first warm water nozzle 26b is a nozzle for spraying warm water onto the outer surface of the can 1.

[0149] The temperature of the warm water supplied by the first warm water supply unit 26 may be 70°C or higher and 90°C or lower. Since the temperature of the warm water is 70°C or higher, the sterilization effect of the can 1 can be improved. Further, since the temperature of the warm water is 90°C or lower, consumption of thermal energy can be suppressed and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced.

[0150] Also, in the first warm water supply unit 26, the adhesion amount of warm water to the can 1 is 0.1 mL / cm 2 or more and 0.3 mL / cm 2The following may be applicable. The amount of warm water adhering to can 1 is 0.1 mL / cm 2 or more. By doing so, the sterilization effect of can 1 can be improved. Also, the amount of warm water adhering to can 1 is 0.3 mL / cm 2 or less. By doing so, the amount of warm water used can be reduced, so the consumption of thermal energy for sterilizing the warm water can be suppressed, and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced.

[0151] Also, as shown in FIGS. 8 and 10, the lid sterilization device 30 may have a second warm water supply unit 36 that supplies warm water to the lid 2. Further, the lid sterilization device 30 may further have a second air rinsing unit 33 that air-rinses the lid 2 to which warm water has been supplied by the second warm water supply unit 36 with sterile air. In other words, in this modification, the above-described second air rinsing unit 33 may be provided on the downstream side of the second warm water supply unit 36, and the lid sterilization device 30 may not have the second heating unit 31, the second disinfectant spraying unit 32, and the second sterile water rinsing unit 34. In FIG. 10, the second air rinsing unit 33 is provided after the second warm water supply unit 36 to also remove the remaining water of the lid 2, but the second air rinsing unit 33 may be installed before the second warm water supply unit 36, or may be installed both before and after the second warm water supply unit 36. In FIG. 10, the lid 2 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow.

[0152] The second warm water supply unit 36 is a part that sterilizes the lid 2 by spraying warm water onto the lid 2. The second warm water supply unit 36 is configured to spray warm water while conveying the lid 2. As shown in FIG. 10, the lid 2 may be conveyed by a guide 35 such as a so-called screw chute so that a gap is formed between the lids 2. Also, by vibrating the guide 35, a gap may be provided between the lids 2. And warm water may be adhered to the lid 2 in a state where a gap is provided between the lids 2. Further, the second warm water supply unit 36 includes a second warm water nozzle 36a that sprays warm water onto the conveyed lid 2. In the second warm water nozzle 36a, the discharge pressure of the warm water may be 0.1 MPa or more. Also, a plurality of second warm water nozzles 36a may be used to adhere warm water to the lid 2.

[0153] The temperature of the warm water supplied by the second warm water supply unit 36 may be 70°C or higher and 90°C or lower. By the temperature of the warm water being 70°C or higher, the sterilization effect of the lid 2 can be improved. Further, by the temperature of the warm water being 90°C or lower, the consumption of thermal energy can be suppressed and the emission amount of carbon dioxide can be reduced.

[0154] Further, in the second warm water supply unit 36, the adhesion amount of the warm water to the lid 2 may be 0.1 mL / cm 2 or more and 0.3 mL / cm 2 or less. By the adhesion amount of the warm water to the lid 2 being 0.1 mL / cm 2 or more, the sterilization effect of the lid 2 can be improved. Further, by the adhesion amount of the warm water to the lid 2 being 0.3 mL / cm 2 or less, the usage amount of the warm water can be reduced, and thus the consumption of thermal energy for sterilizing the warm water can be suppressed and the emission amount of carbon dioxide can be reduced.

[0155] In this modified example, the content filling system 10 includes a first warm water supply chamber 90m, a first air rinsing chamber 90c, a filling chamber 90e, a lid mounting chamber 90f, and an outlet chamber 90g. The first warm water supply chamber 90m, the first air rinsing chamber 90c, the filling chamber 90e, the lid mounting chamber 90f, and the outlet chamber 90g are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance direction of the can 1.

[0156] Further, the content filling system 10 includes a second warm water supply chamber 90n and a second air rinsing chamber 90j. The second warm water supply chamber 90n, the second air rinsing chamber 90j, the lid mounting chamber 90f, and the outlet chamber 90g are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance direction of the lid 2. Sterile air supply devices 95 may be provided in the chambers 90e, 90f, and 90g where sterile air is not supplied, respectively. Further, instead of air, nitrogen gas or carbon dioxide gas may be supplied to the primary side of the sterilization filter in the chamber 90f. Thereby, it is possible to further reduce the oxygen concentration in the headspace of the can 1.

[0157] Among these, inside the first hot water supply chamber 90m, a first hot water supply unit 26 (first hot water nozzles 26a and 26b) is accommodated. Also, inside the second hot water supply chamber 90n, a second hot water supply unit 36 (second hot water nozzle 36a) is accommodated.

[0158] In this modified example, the pressure PM inside the first hot water supply chamber 90m, the pressure PC inside the first air ring chamber 90c, and the pressure PE inside the filling chamber 90e may satisfy the following relationship. 0 (Pa) ≦ PM ≦ PC < PE Even in this case, the pressure PE inside the filling chamber 90e becomes higher than the pressure PC inside the first air ring chamber 90c. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the air inside the first air ring chamber 90c from entering the filling chamber 90e. For this reason, during production, the aseptic state inside the filling chamber 90e can be maintained well.

[0159] Also, the pressure PE inside the filling chamber 90e, the pressure PF inside the lid mounting chamber 90f, the pressure PN inside the second hot water supply chamber 90n, and the pressure PJ inside the second air ring chamber 90j may satisfy the following relationship. 0 (Pa) ≦ PN ≦ PJ ≦ PF < PE Even in this case, the pressure PE inside the filling chamber 90e becomes higher than the pressure PF inside the lid mounting chamber 90f. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the air inside the lid mounting chamber 90f from entering the filling chamber 90e. For this reason, the aseptic state inside the filling chamber 90e can be maintained well. Also, in this case, the pressure PF inside the lid mounting chamber 90f becomes equal to or higher than the pressure PJ inside the second air ring chamber 90j. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the air inside the second air ring chamber 90j from entering the lid mounting chamber 90f. For this reason, the aseptic state inside the lid mounting chamber 90f can be maintained well.

[0160] According to this modification example, the container sterilization device 20 has a first warm water supply unit 26 that supplies warm water to the can 1. Further, the temperature of the warm water supplied by the first warm water supply unit 26 is 70°C or higher and 90°C or lower. Furthermore, in the first warm water supply unit 26, the adhesion amount of the warm water to the can 1 is 0.1 mL / cm 2 or more and 0.3 mL / cm 2 or less. Also, according to this modification example, the lid sterilization device 30 has a second warm water supply unit 36 that supplies warm water to the lid 2. Further, the temperature of the warm water supplied by the second warm water supply unit 36 is 70°C or higher and 90°C or lower. Furthermore, in the second warm water supply unit 36, the adhesion amount of the warm water to the lid 2 is 0.1 mL / cm 2 or more and 0.3 mL / cm 2 or less. Thereby, the can 1 and the lid 2 can be sterilized with warm water without using a bactericide. For this reason, the sterilization cost of the can 1 and the lid 2 can be reduced. Here, as described above, when the content is beer or the like, bacterial spores, which are bacteria that cause harm in low-acid beverages, are not subject to sterilization. For this reason, even when warm water is used without using a bactericide, a sufficient sterilization effect can be obtained.

[0161] Also, in the case of this modification example, as shown in FIG. 11, heat recovery of the warm water may be performed. Thereby, the emission amount of carbon dioxide due to the warm water can be reduced.

[0162] When performing heat recovery of the warm water, specifically, first, as shown by the solid line in FIG. 11, the aseptic water non-heat sterilized by the water sterilization line 40 is heated to 70°C or higher and 90°C or lower in the heat exchanger H. At this time, the aseptic water is supplied to the heat exchanger H at, for example, 15°C or higher and 25°C or lower (for example, 20°C). Then, the aseptic water is heated to 70°C or higher and 80°C or lower (for example, 75°C) by exchanging heat with the warm water recovered in the tank T as described later. Note that the warm water that has exchanged heat with the aseptic water is cooled from 70°C or higher and 80°C or lower (for example, 75°C) to 25°C or higher and 35°C or lower (for example, 30°C). Next, the aseptic water is heated to 75°C or higher and 85°C or lower (for example, 80°C) by exchanging heat with the steam supplied to the heat exchanger H.

[0163] The heated water is then supplied to the first hot water supply unit 26 and the second hot water supply unit 36 ​​and used to sterilize the cans 1 and / or the lids 2.

[0164] Next, the hot water used to sterilize the cans 1 and / or the lids 2 is recovered in tank T. The hot water recovered in tank T is then returned to the medium side of heat exchanger H. In this manner, heat recovery of the hot water is performed. This allows a significant reduction in thermal energy (carbon dioxide). The hot water after heat exchange may also be reused by returning it to first water tank 41. In this case, foreign matter may be mixed into the hot water from the cans 1, each chamber, piping, etc. In this manner, even if foreign matter is mixed into the hot water to be reused, the foreign matter in the hot water is removed by foreign matter removal filter 51 of water sterilization line 40.

[0165] It is also possible to combine the multiple components disclosed in the above embodiment and modified examples as necessary. Alternatively, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the above embodiment and modified examples. [Explanation of symbols]

[0166] 1 can 2 lid 10 Contents filling system 20 Container sterilizer 21 1st heating section 22 First disinfectant spray section 23 First Air Rinse Section 24 First sterile water rinse section 26 1st hot water supply section 30 Lid sterilizer 31 2nd heating section 32 Second disinfectant spray section 33 2nd Air Rinse Section 34 Second sterile water rinse section 36 Second hot water supply section 40 Water sterilization line 60 Stock solution sterilization line 70 Filling equipment 80 Lid attachment device

Claims

1. a container sterilization device for sterilizing cans; A water sterilization line that sterilizes water without heating; A sterilization line for sterilizing the product concentrate; a filling device connected to the water sterilization line and the concentrate sterilization line, respectively, for filling the water and the concentrate product into the sterilized cans; and a lid attachment device that caps the can filled with the water and the product concentrate with a sterilized lid.

2. 10. The content filling system of claim 1, wherein the water sterilization line sterilizes the water by at least one of ultraviolet light and filtration.

3. 2. The content filling system according to claim 1, wherein the concentrate sterilization line sterilizes the product concentrate by at least one of heating, pooling, and filtration.

4. The container sterilization device is A first sterilant spray unit that sprays a sterilant onto the can; 2. The contents filling system according to claim 1, further comprising a first air-rinse section that air-rinses the can sprayed with the sterilant by the first sterilant spray section.

5. The sterilizing agent is a gas or mist of an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, In the first disinfectant spraying section, the amount of the disinfectant attached to the can is 0.01 μL / cm ２ 0.4 μL / cm or more ２ 5. The content filling system according to claim 4, wherein:

6. The sterilizing agent is a gas or mist of an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, In the first air rinse section, sterile air having a temperature of 70° C. or higher and 200° C. or lower is blown onto the can, After the sterile air was sprayed, the amount of the sterilant attached to the can was 0.00001 μL / cm ２ 0.01μL / cm or more ２ 6. The content filling system according to claim 5, wherein:

7. 5. The content filling system according to claim 4, wherein the container sterilization device further comprises a first heating section provided upstream of the first sterilizing agent spraying section and configured to heat the can.

8. 5. The content filling system according to claim 4, wherein the container sterilization device further comprises a first sterile water rinsing section provided downstream of the first air rinsing section.

9. The container sterilization device is a first hot water supply unit for supplying hot water to the can; The temperature of the hot water supplied by the first hot water supply unit is 70° C. or higher and 90° C. or lower, In the first hot water supply unit, the amount of hot water adhering to the can is 0.1 mL / cm ２ 0.3mL / cm or more ２ 2. The content filling system of claim 1, wherein:

10. The container sterilization device is The contents filling system according to claim 9, further comprising a first air-rinse unit that air-rinses the can to which the hot water is supplied by the first hot water supply unit.

11. A method for manufacturing a container containing a content, comprising the steps of: a can sterilization process in which the cans are sterilized by a container sterilization device; A water sterilization process in which water is sterilized without heating using a water sterilization line; A product concentrate sterilization process in which the product concentrate is sterilized using a concentrate sterilization line; a filling step of filling the sterilized can with the water and the product concentrate by a filling device; and a lid attachment step of capping the can filled with the water and the concentrate with a sterilized lid using a lid attachment device.

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