Content filling system and method for manufacturing container with content

Abstract

To provide a content filling system and a method for manufacturing a container with a content, which are able to reduce the cost of equipment, chemicals, energy and the like in the content filling system by performing sterilization suitable for a specific type of content.SOLUTION: A content filling system 10 comprises: a container sterilization device 20 that sterilizes a can 1; a lid sterilization device 30 that sterilizes a lid 2 that closes the can 1; a filling device 70 that fills the sterilized can 1 with the content; a lid attachment device 80 that closes the can 1 filled with the content with the sterilized lid 2; and at least one of chambers 90a to 90k that accommodates the container sterilization device 20, the lid sterilization device 30, the filling device 70 and the lid attachment device 80. The content is a beverage containing acidic and carbon dioxide gas. The sterilization degree of the content filling system 10 is adjusted in advance such that the sterilization effect on spore-forming yeast or heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria, which are index bacteria, is 3 LRV or more and 12 LRV or less.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 sterilized contents are filled into a sterilized container (can) in a sterile environment and then the container is sealed with a lid (for example, see Patent Document 1).

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

[0004] In a conventional content filling system, in order to obtain a high sterilization effect, first, a large amount of bactericide is attached to the inside of the container. Next, the large amount of bactericide attached to the inside of the container is removed, for example, by blowing hot air for a long time. For this reason, the sterilization device of the content filling system becomes large, and it is difficult to reduce the costs of the content filling system such as initial cost, running cost, and maintenance cost. In addition, reducing the amount of bactericide used for sterilizing the container is also preferable from the viewpoints of reducing running costs and environmental protection.

[0005] Further, when the contents filled in the content filling system are limited to a specific type, performing sterilization corresponding to all types of contents will impose an unnecessary load on the system. In this case, the costs of facilities, chemicals, energy, etc. in the content filling system increase.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0006]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0007] The present disclosure provides a content filling system and a method for manufacturing a container containing content, which can suppress the costs required for facilities, chemicals, energy, etc. in the content filling system by performing sterilization suitable for a specific type of content.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0008] Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to the following [1] to [5].

[0009] [1] In a content filling system, a container sterilizing device for sterilizing a can, a lid sterilizing device for sterilizing a lid for closing the can, a filling device for filling the sterilized can with content, a lid attaching device for closing the can filled with the content with the sterilized lid, and at least one chamber for housing the container sterilizing device, the lid sterilizing device, the filling device, and the lid attaching device, wherein the content is a beverage containing acid and carbon dioxide gas, and the sterilization degree of the content filling system is preliminarily adjusted so that the sterilization effect on spore-forming yeast or thermotolerant lactic acid bacteria, which are indicator bacteria, is 3 LRV or more and 12 LRV or less. A content filling system.

[0010] [2] The sterilization degree of the content filling system is adjusted in advance such that after filling 1,000 or more and 100,000 or less of the cans with a medium instead of the content, culturing the cans at a predetermined temperature, and then inspecting the cans, the number of spoilage due to bacteria is less than 1. The content filling system according to [1].

[0011] [3]In a content filling system, there are a container sterilizing device for sterilizing a can, a lid sterilizing device for sterilizing a lid for closing the can, a filling device for filling the sterilized can with the content, a lid attaching device for closing the can filled with the content with the sterilized lid, and at least one chamber for housing the container sterilizing device, the lid sterilizing device, the filling device, and the lid attaching device. The content is a seasoning, and the sterilization degree of the content filling system is preliminarily adjusted so that the sterilization effect on the spore-forming yeast or thermotolerant lactic acid bacteria, which are indicator bacteria, is 3 LRV or more and 12 LRV or less. A content filling system.

[0012] [4]A method for manufacturing a container containing a content using a content filling system, comprising a step of performing a sterilization treatment on a can by a container sterilizing device, a step of performing a sterilization treatment on a lid by a lid sterilizing device, a step of filling the sterilized can with the content by a filling device, and a step of closing the can filled with the content with the sterilized lid by a lid attaching device. The content is an acidic beverage containing carbon dioxide gas, and the sterilization degree of the content filling system is preliminarily adjusted so that the sterilization effect on the spore-forming yeast or thermotolerant lactic acid bacteria, which are indicator bacteria, is 3 LRV or more and 12 LRV or less. A method for manufacturing a container containing a content.

[0013] [5]A method for manufacturing a container containing a content using a content filling system, comprising a step of performing a sterilization treatment on a can by a container sterilizing device, a step of performing a sterilization treatment on a lid by a lid sterilizing device, a step of filling the sterilized can with the content by a filling device, and a step of closing the can filled with the content with the sterilized lid by a lid attaching device. The content is a seasoning, and the sterilization degree of the content filling system is preliminarily adjusted so that the sterilization effect on the spore-forming yeast or thermotolerant lactic acid bacteria, which are indicator bacteria, is 3 LRV or more and 12 LRV or less. A method for manufacturing a container containing a content. [Advantages of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present disclosure, by performing sterilization suitable for a specific type of content, costs required for equipment, chemicals, energy, etc. in the content filling system can be reduced.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0015]

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

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. FIGS. 1 to 7 are diagrams showing an embodiment. Each of the figures shown below is a schematically shown figure. 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 figures shown below, the same parts are denoted by the same reference numerals, and some detailed descriptions may be omitted. Also, the numerical values and material names of the dimensions of each member described in this specification are examples as embodiments, and are not limited thereto, and can be appropriately selected and used. In this specification, terms specifying shapes and geometric conditions, such as terms like parallel, orthogonal, and perpendicular, are to be interpreted to include not only the strictly meant state but also substantially the same state.

[0017] (Content Filling System) First, with reference to FIG. 1, a content filling system (aseptic filling system) according to an embodiment will be described.

[0018] 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 is a carbonated beverage containing acid and carbon dioxide gas.

[0019] 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, a lid attaching device (seamer) 80, and at least one chamber 90a to 90k. As will be described later, the sterilization degree of the content filling system 10 is preliminarily adjusted so that the sterilization effect on the heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria, which is an indicator bacterium, or the heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria is 3 LRV or more and 12 LRV or less.

[0020] 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 for closing 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 attaching device 80 is a device for closing the can 1 filled with water and the product stock solution with the sterilized lid 2.

[0021] In addition, the content filling system 10 includes a product can discharging section 11 for discharging the can 1 with the lid 2 attached by the lid attaching device (seamer) 80. The above-described container sterilization device 20, filling device 70, lid attaching device 80, and product can discharging section 11 are arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveying direction of the can 1. Note that a plurality of conveying wheels (not shown) for conveying the can 1 between these devices are provided between the container sterilization device 20, filling device 70, lid attaching device 80, etc.

[0022] In the present embodiment, the container sterilization device 20 sterilizes the can 1 by injecting a sterilizing agent into the can 1. Thereby, the can 1 is sterilized by the sterilizing agent before filling the content.

[0023] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the container sterilization device 20 has a first disinfectant spraying unit 22 that sprays a disinfectant onto the can 1, and a first air rinsing unit 23 that air-rinses the can 1 onto which the disinfectant has been sprayed by the first disinfectant spraying unit 22. Further, the container sterilization device 20 may further have a first heating unit 21 that is provided upstream of the first disinfectant spraying unit 22 and heats the can 1. Furthermore, the container sterilization device 20 may further have a first sterile water rinsing unit 24 that is provided downstream of the first air rinsing unit 23. The first heating unit 21, the first disinfectant spraying unit 22, the first air rinsing unit 23, and the first sterile water rinsing unit 24 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the conveyance direction of the can 1. In FIG. 2, the can 1 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow.

[0024] 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. The 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. 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 the surface temperature is, for example, 40°C or higher and 100°C or lower, or the surface temperature may be 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.

[0025] 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 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. Also, the first disinfectant spraying unit 22 includes first spray nozzles 22a and 22b that spray the disinfectant onto the transported 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 above 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 from the first spray nozzles 22a and 22b onto the inner and outer surfaces of the can 1. 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.

[0026] In the first disinfectant spraying unit 22, when the inner surface of the can 1 is coated with at least epoxy resin, polyethylene terephthalate (PET) resin, or polyvinyl chloride, the adhesion amount of the disinfectant 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 disinfectant 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 disinfectant to the can 1 is 0.03 μL / cm 2 or more, the sterilization effect of the can 1 can be further improved. Also, when the adhesion amount of the disinfectant to the can 1 is 0.4 μL / cm 2 or less, the residue of the disinfectant 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 disinfectant may be 35% by weight.

[0027] The first air rinsing unit 23 is a part that supplies aseptic heated air or normal temperature air to the can 1 on which the bactericide has been sprayed in the first bactericide spraying unit 22. Thereby, the activation of hydrogen peroxide is carried out, and foreign matters, hydrogen peroxide, etc. are removed from the inside of the can 1. The first air rinsing unit 23 is configured to supply aseptic 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 matters can be effectively removed from the inside of the can 1. In addition, if necessary, by mixing the condensed mist of low-concentration hydrogen peroxide into the aseptic air at normal temperature, hydrogen peroxide can be gasified and supplied to the can 1. Also, the aseptic air may be air, carbon dioxide, or an inert gas.

[0028] The first air rinsing unit 23 includes first air rinsing nozzles 23a and 23b that blow aseptic air against the transported can 1. Among these, the first air rinsing nozzle 23a is a nozzle for blowing aseptic air against the inner surface of the can 1. The first air rinsing nozzle 23b is a nozzle for blowing aseptic air against 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 aseptic air may be blown only against the inner surface of the can 1.

[0029] In the first air rinsing unit 23, aseptic air at 70°C or higher and 200°C or lower may be blown against the can 1. Since the temperature of the aseptic air is 70°C or higher, the bactericide attached to the can 1 can be effectively activated. Also, since the temperature of the aseptic air is 200°C or lower, the carbon dioxide emission amount can be reduced. Note that the temperature of the aseptic air is the temperature immediately after being blown from the first air rinsing nozzles 23a and 23b, that is, the temperature at the tips of the first air rinsing nozzles 23a and 23b.

[0030] Also, after the aseptic air is blown, when the inner surface of the can 1 is coated with at least epoxy resin, PET resin, or polyvinyl chloride, the adhesion amount of the bactericide to the can 1 is 0.00001 μL / cm 2Above 0.01 μL / cm 2 It may also be below. When the adhesion amount of the bactericide to Can 1 is 0.00001 μL / cm 2 or more, the sterilization effect of Can 1 can be improved. Also, when the adhesion amount of the bactericide to Can 1 is 0.01 μL / cm 2 or less, the residue of the bactericide in Can 1 that has passed through the container sterilization device 20 can be suppressed.

[0031] The first sterile water rinsing section 24 is a section for rinsing Can 1, which has been sterilized with a bactericide (hydrogen peroxide), with sterile water. Thereby, a very small amount of hydrogen peroxide adhering to Can 1 is washed away, and foreign matters are removed. The first sterile water rinsing section 24 is configured to supply sterile water while transporting Can 1. In this case, Can 1 may be transported with the flange 1a to which the lid 2 is attached facing downward. Thereby, the bactericide and foreign matters can be effectively removed from inside Can 1. Also, the first sterile water rinsing section 24 includes first sterile water rinsing nozzles 24a and 24b for spraying sterile water onto the transported Can 1. Among these, the first sterile water rinsing nozzle 24a is a nozzle for spraying sterile water onto the inner surface of Can 1. The first sterile water rinsing nozzle 24b is a nozzle for spraying sterile water onto the outer surface of Can 1. In the first sterile water rinsing section 24, the temperature of the sterile water may be 5°C or more and 100°C or less. In addition, by inserting each of the nozzles 21a, 22a, 23a, and 24a into Can 1, the efficiency of heating, sterilization, air rinsing, and water rinsing for Can 1 may be increased.

[0032] 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.

[0033] The water sterilization line 40 shown in FIG. 1 is a sterilization line for non-heat 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. Also, 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-heat sterilization" means sterilizing water without using thermal energy such as an electric heater or steam.

[0034] 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. Also, 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.

[0035] 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 . Note that 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.

[0036] 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.

[0037] The second water tank 42 is a tank (so-called aseptic tank) that stores water sterilized by the water sterilizer 50. By storing the sterilized water, the second water tank 42 serves to smooth the flow of water. The volume of the second water tank 42 may be 5m 3 or more and 50m 3 or less. As an example, it may be 10m 3 or the like.

[0038] Also, 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. Also, the bypass line 43 may connect the water sterilization line 40 and the lid mounting device 80 to each other. Further, 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 sterilizer 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. Therefore, compared with the case of washing the can 1 or the like with aseptic water produced using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, the carbon dioxide emission amount discharged by the content filling system 10 can be further reduced.

[0039] 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 or the like 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. Also, 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.

[0040] 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 configured 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 other 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 (such as a heat exchanger or a heater (not shown)) for warming a bactericide or the like may be installed in the circulation line 44 when cleaning and / or sterilizing the circulation line 44.

[0041] 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 the 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 the water is 20 μS / cm or more, there is a risk that nitrite nitrogen (or nitrite) may be generated depending on the wavelength and integrated irradiation dose of the ultraviolet light when the water is sterilized with ultraviolet light. 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 light, it is necessary to adjust and confirm the electrical conductivity of the water, or the wavelength and integrated irradiation dose of the ultraviolet light 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.

[0042] As shown in FIGS. 3A and 3B, the water sterilizer 50 includes at least one sterile filter (first sterile filter 53 and second sterile filter 55), or at least one sterilizer (pre-stage sterilizer 56, first sterilizer 52, and 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 an aseptic quality necessary for filling the product can 1A which is the final product) while suppressing the carbon dioxide emission amount.

[0043] 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.

[0044] 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.

[0045] In addition, the water sterilizer 50 may not be equipped with a sterile filter. That is, when the sterile quality level of the content produced by diluting the product stock solution with water, the number of bacteria in 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 using the sterilized water 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.

[0046] Furthermore, the water sterilizer 50 may not be equipped with a sterilizer. That is, when the sterile quality level of the content produced by diluting the product stock solution with water, the number of bacteria in 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.

[0047] 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.

[0048] 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 upstream 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.

[0049] The foreign matter removal filter 51 is a filter for removing 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 thereto, 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 may be 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. In addition, 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. Further, the filtration 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).

[0050] The first sterilizer 52 is provided on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 51. Further, 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 emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged by the content filling system can be reduced as compared with the case where water is sterilized by heating water. In particular, 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 water, the emission amount of carbon dioxide discharged when producing the content can be significantly reduced.

[0051] As described above, in the present 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. Further, 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.

[0052] 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 that is an alloy of mercury and another metal is enclosed in the arc tube.

[0053] 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 main wavelength of 365 nm and peaks also 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 with 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. Further, 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.

[0054] 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 bactericide, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. can be lit and the first sterilizer 52 etc. can be sterilized.

[0055] In the present embodiment, the integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays to 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 to 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 to water is preferably 10 mJ / cm 2 or more and 10000 mJ / cm 2 or less at the wavelength of 254 nm, and more preferably 100 mJ / cm 2 or more and 1000 mJ / cm 2It is more preferable that the following conditions are met. The integrated irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays is 10 mJ / cm 2 or more. By doing so, it is possible to effectively sterilize aquatic bacteria (gram-negative bacteria such as the genus Pseudomonas or Methylobacterium that can grow in water with a poor nutrient environment) that may pass through the second sterile filter 55. 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 10000 mJ / cm 2 or less, the power consumption can be reduced, and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions discharged 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 for example, it may be 253.7 nm (254 nm). 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.

[0056] 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 circulating a cleaning agent containing an acid or an alkali, sterilization may be performed simultaneously while cleaning the first sterilizer 52. 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.

[0057] 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 in the filter is recognized, production may be shifted to. Also, in a series of processes such as cleaning / sterilization, rinsing, integrity test, and production (from the start of production to the end of production) of the water sterilizer 50 described above, 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.

[0058] 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) 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 filter 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 filter membrane of the first sterile filter 53 may be, for example, a reverse osmosis (RO) membrane or an ultrafiltration (UF) membrane according to the suitability of the contents.

[0059] This first sterile filter 53 is preferably capable of being sterilized (SIP). Thereby, the first sterile filter 53 can be sterilized regularly. Here, as described above, the first sterile filter 53 passes through the first sterilizer 52 and collects bacteria remaining in the water. Therefore, if water sterilization 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 matter, adhere to the first sterile filter 53 or the like, the remains of bacteria can become a substrate. In this case, 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.

[0060] Further, 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 a 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 where the filter is 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.

[0061] 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.

[0062] 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 sets of 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 of the sterilization sets, 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 any chance, the bacteria can be collected by the second sterile filter 55. 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 drawings, the number of sterilization sets may be one or three or more.

[0063] The aperture of the second sterile filter 55 may be 0.1 μm or more and 0.45 μm or less, and 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 be matched with 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 filter 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).

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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 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 integrity testing are each about 30 minutes or more and about 1 hour or less. For this reason, the volume of the second water tank 42 may be set to be equal to or greater than the amount of water used in the content filling system 10 when producing the product can 1A for one hour.

[0066] 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.

[0067] 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.

[0068] The stock solution tank 61 is a tank that stores the product stock solution supplied from a supply source (not shown). This stock solution tank 61 serves to smooth the flow of the product stock solution by storing the product stock solution. The volume of the stock solution tank 61 may be 0.3 m 3 or more and 3 m 3 or less. As an example, it may be 1 m 3 or the like.

[0069] 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 described above is provided on the downstream side of the pump P.

[0070] 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 is 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.

[0071] 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.

[0072] 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, the optimization of the cleaning process for cleaning the UHT 62 can be achieved. For this reason, the cleaning time can be shortened, and the usage amounts of water, steam, and cleaning agent used for cleaning can be reduced. As a result, the emission amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0073] 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.

[0074] Note that in the above-described example, the example where the raw material sterilization line 60 sterilizes the product raw material by heating has been described, but it is not limited thereto. The raw material sterilization line 60 may sterilize the product raw material by at least one of heating, storage, and filtration. For example, the raw material sterilization line 60 may sterilize the product raw material by storing the product raw material in the raw material tank 61. In this case, the product raw material may contain alcohol. Thereby, the sterilization treatment of the product raw material can be performed by the sterilization effect of alcohol. Also, when sterilizing the product raw material, the product raw material may be stored in the raw material tank 61 for a certain period of time. The storage time of the product raw material 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 material 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 material can be shortened.

[0075] 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. Further, the product stock solution may be sterilized using another tank (not shown) different from the stock solution tank 61. Furthermore, when sterilizing the product stock solution, the sterilization treatment may be performed by batch processing using a plurality of tanks. Alternatively, when sterilizing the product stock solution, the sterilization treatment 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.

[0076] 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.

[0077] 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.

[0078] 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. Note that a thermometer (not shown) may be provided in the circulation line 69. Also, in the circulation line 69, a concentration meter (not shown) for measuring the concentration of a bactericide or a cleaning agent may be provided when sterilizing the product stock solution sterilizer 62. Further, in the circulation line 69, a temperature raising device (a heat exchanger or a heater etc. (not shown)) for warming the bactericide etc. may be installed when cleaning and / or sterilizing the circulation line 69.

[0079] 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. Also, 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 maintained at a 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 maintained at a positive pressure. A stirrer is installed in the storage tank 16a (not shown).

[0080] 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.

[0081] 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 or more and 30 m 3It may also be, for example, 0.3 m 3 This may also be the case. Although not shown in the drawings, the pipes 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 pipes of the stock solution sterilization line 60 being connected to the pipes of the water sterilization line 40 (tank blending).

[0082] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, a cooling device 17 for cooling the contents may be provided downstream of the storage tank 16a. Further, a carbon dioxide addition device 18 for adding carbon dioxide to the cooled contents may be connected downstream of the cooling device 17. The carbon dioxide addition device 18 may be a so-called aseptic carbonator.

[0083] Furthermore, a carbon dioxide tank 16b for storing the contents to which carbon dioxide has been added may be provided downstream 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 contents even when the amount of the contents used downstream of the filling machine tank 16c changes.

[0084] Such a filling machine tank 16c may be provided with a densitometer for measuring the concentration of the prepared contents. The volume of the filling machine tank 16c may be 0.1 m 3 or more and 1 m 3 or less, and may be, for example, 0.3 m 3 for example.

[0085] 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.

[0086] In the present embodiment, the content filled by the filling device 70 is a carbonated beverage containing acid and carbon dioxide gas as described above. The beverage may contain acid, alcohol, and carbon dioxide gas. In this specification, "acidic" means a pH of less than 4.6, preferably less than 4.0. In this specification, "carbonated beverage" means a beverage having a carbon dioxide pressure of 98 kPa or more at 20°C. Such a beverage may be a RTD (Ready To Drink) beverage. Examples of RTD beverages include, for example, Chu-Hi type beverages, cocktail type beverages, wine-taste beverages, alcoholic beverages such as liqueurs (low-alcohol beverages), or beers, beer-taste beverages.

[0087] Here, an RTD beverage is a beverage in the form of an RTD that can be opened and consumed directly. Also, a "Chu-Hi-like beverage" refers to a beverage that has a taste and aroma similar to Chu-Hi, and gives the drinker a feeling of consuming Chu-Hi when drinking. A Chu-Hi-like beverage may contain, for example, fruit juice, oolong tea, etc. A "cocktail-like beverage" refers to a beverage that exhibits a taste, aroma, and color similar to a cocktail, and gives the drinker a feeling of consuming a cocktail when drinking. A "wine-like beverage" refers to a beverage that exhibits a taste, aroma, and color similar to wine, and gives the drinker a feeling of consuming wine when drinking. "Beer" refers to what is defined in the Japanese Liquor Tax Law, that is, "something fermented using malt, hops, and water as raw materials. And something fermented using malt, hops, water, and rice or other articles specified by government ordinance as raw materials (provided that the total weight of the articles specified by government ordinance in the raw materials does not exceed five-tenths of the weight of the malt).". A "beer-like beverage" means a beverage having a beer-like flavor. As a beer-like beverage, for example, sparkling sake defined in the Japanese Liquor Tax Law, other brewed liquors, or those classified as liqueurs may be used. The proportion (volume concentration) of alcohol contained in the beverage may be 1% or more, or may be 5% or more. The proportion (volume concentration) of alcohol contained in the beverage may be 20% or less, or may be 10% or less.

[0088] Alternatively, the beverage may be a non-alcoholic beverage that is acidic and contains carbon dioxide gas. A non-alcoholic beverage refers to a beverage in which the proportion (volume concentration) of alcohol contained in the beverage is less than 1%, but exhibits a flavor similar to that of liquor (an alcohol-taste beverage).

[0089] The can 1 filled with the contents is sealed by a lid mounting device 80.

[0090] The lid mounting device 80 is a device (seamer) that closes the can 1 by mounting the lid 2 on the can 1. In the lid mounting device 80, the can 1 filled with water and the product stock solution (contents) is closed by the lid 2 and sealed so that external air and microorganisms do not enter the can 1. In the lid mounting device 80, the lid 2 is mounted (rolled and tightened) on the flange 1a. In this way, by mounting the lid 2 on the can 1, the product can 1A (container with contents) is obtained. Note that the lid mounting 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, a servo capper capable of torque management may be adopted as the lid mounting device 80. Alternatively, depending on the type of the lid 2, a capping machine or the like may be adopted as the lid mounting device 80.

[0091] The lid 2 is sterilized in advance by the lid sterilizing device 30. In the present embodiment, the lid sterilizing device 30 sterilizes the lid 2 by spraying a sterilizing agent on the lid 2. Thereby, the lid 2 is sterilized by the sterilizing agent before being mounted on the can 1. The lid sterilizing device 30 is disposed, for example, in the vicinity of the lid mounting device 80. In the lid sterilizing 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 mounting device 80. While the lid 2 is on the way to the lid mounting 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.

[0092] As shown in FIGS. 1 and 5, the lid sterilization device 30 has a second disinfectant spraying unit 32 that sprays a disinfectant onto the lid 2, and a second air rinsing unit 33 that air-rinses the lid 2 onto which the disinfectant has been sprayed by the second disinfectant spraying unit 32. Further, the lid sterilization device 30 may further have a second heating unit 31 that is provided upstream of the second disinfectant spraying unit 32 and heats the lid 2. Furthermore, the lid sterilization device 30 may further have a second sterile water rinsing unit 34 that is provided downstream of the second air rinsing unit 33. The second heating unit 31, the second disinfectant spraying unit 32, the second air rinsing unit 33, and the second sterile water rinsing unit 34 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the conveyance direction of the lid 2. In FIG. 5, the lid 2 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow.

[0093] 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 the surface temperature is, for example, 40°C or higher and 100°C or lower, or the surface temperature may be heated to 50°C or higher and 80°C or lower. When the surface temperature of the lid 2 is 40°C or higher, the sterilization effect of the lid 2 can be improved. Also, when the surface temperature of the lid 2 is 100°C or lower, the consumption of thermal energy can be suppressed, and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced.

[0094] 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 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. Further, by vibrating the guide 35, a gap may be provided between the lids 2. And with a gap provided between the lids 2, the disinfectant may be attached to the lid 2. Also, the second disinfectant spraying unit 32 includes a second spray nozzle 32a that sprays the disinfectant onto the transported lid 2. In the second spray nozzle 32a, the discharge pressure of the disinfectant may be 0.4 MPa or more. Also, a plurality of second spray nozzles 32a may be used to attach 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 spray 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.

[0095] In the second disinfectant spraying unit 32, when the inner surface of the lid 2 is coated with at least epoxy resin, PET resin, or polyvinyl chloride, the adhesion amount of the disinfectant to the lid 2 is 0.01 μL / cm 2 or more and 0.4 μL / cm 2 or less, and may 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 sterilization 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 sterilization 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 2By being as follows, the residue of the bactericide in the lid 2 that has passed through the lid sterilization device 30 can be suppressed. In this case, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide as the bactericide may be 35% by weight.

[0096] The second air rinsing part 33 is a part that supplies sterile heated air or normal temperature air to the lid 2 on which the bactericide has been sprayed in the second bactericide spraying part 32. Thereby, the activation of hydrogen peroxide is carried out, and foreign matters, hydrogen peroxide, etc. are removed from inside the lid 2. The second air rinsing part 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 matters can be effectively removed from inside the lid 2. If necessary, by mixing a condensed mist of low-concentration hydrogen peroxide into the sterile air at normal temperature, hydrogen peroxide can be gasified and supplied to the lid 2. Also, the sterile air may be air, or may be carbon dioxide or an inert gas.

[0097] The second air rinsing part 33 includes a second air rinsing nozzle 33a that blows sterile air against the transported lid 2. The second air rinsing 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.

[0098] In the second air rinsing part 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 emission amount of carbon dioxide can be reduced. Note that the temperature of the sterile air is the temperature immediately after being blown from the second air rinsing nozzle 33a, that is, the temperature at the tip of the second air rinsing nozzle 33a.

[0099] Also, after the sterile air is blown, the amount of the bactericide adhering 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 2 is coated with at least an epoxy resin, a PET resin, or a polyvinyl chloride. When the amount of the bactericide adhering to the lid 2 is 0.00001 μL / cm 2 or more, the sterilization effect of the lid 2 can be improved. Also, when the amount of the bactericide adhering 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 sterilizing device 30 can be suppressed.

[0100] 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 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, 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 more and 100°C or less.

[0101] 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).

[0102] 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 packaging materials such as cardboard get wet due to dew condensation.

[0103] Note that the content filling system 10 includes a first heating chamber 90a, a first disinfectant 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 disinfectant 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 conveyance direction of the can 1.

[0104] Also, 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 attaching 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.

[0105] Each of the chambers 90a to 90k is separated by a partition wall. The partition wall prevents the disinfectant and the like from flowing in an unintended direction between the chambers 90a to 90k and serves to stabilize the pressure inside 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 each 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 inside 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, according to 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).

[0106] As shown in Fig. 2, among the chambers 90a to 90k, a first heating unit 21 (first hot air nozzles 21a, 21b) is accommodated inside the first heating chamber 90a. Also, a first disinfectant spraying unit 22 (first spraying nozzles 22a, 22b) is accommodated inside the first disinfectant spraying chamber 90b. Further, a first air rinsing unit 23 (first air rinsing nozzles 23a, 23b) is accommodated inside the first air rinsing chamber 90c. Moreover, a first sterile water rinsing unit 24 (first sterile water rinsing nozzles 24a, 24b) is accommodated inside the first sterile water rinsing chamber 90d. 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 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 the first exhaust line 92 may be connected to the first disinfectant spraying chamber 90b as long as the pressure relationships described later inside the chambers 90a to 90e can be maintained.

[0107] Referring to Fig. 1 again, a filling device 70 is accommodated inside the filling chamber 90e. Also, a lid attaching device 80 is accommodated inside the lid attaching chamber 90f. Further, a conveyor (not shown) of the product can carrying unit 11 is accommodated inside the outlet chamber 90g.

[0108] 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. In addition, 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.

[0109] 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. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the air in the first sterile water rinsing chamber 90d from entering the filling chamber 90e. For this reason, the aseptic state inside the filling chamber 90e can be maintained well.

[0110] 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. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the air in 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 in the lid mounting chamber 90f becomes equal to or higher than the pressure PK in the second sterile water rinsing chamber 90k. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the air in the second sterile water rinsing chamber 90k from entering the lid mounting chamber 90f. For this reason, the aseptic state inside the lid mounting chamber 90f can be maintained well.

[0111] As shown in FIG. 1, sterile air supply devices 95 may be provided in the chambers 90c to 90g, 90j, 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 becomes sterile air and is blown into the chambers 90c to 90g, 90j, 90k. As the sterilizing filter, a HEPA filter (High Efficiency Particulate Air Filter) may be used.

[0112] (Method for Adjusting Sterilization Degree of Contents Filling System) In the present embodiment, the contents filling system 10 is preliminarily adjusted so that its sterilization degree is suitable for beverages containing acidic and carbon dioxide gas. The sterilization degree of the contents filling system 10 may be adjusted, for example, by setting various conditions such as the water sterilization line 40, the stock solution sterilization line 60, the container sterilization device 20, the lid sterilization device 30, and / or the chambers 90a to 90k. The sterilization degree of the contents filling system 10 refers to the degree to which the product can 1A can be sterilized by the contents filling system 10.

[0113] The contents filling system 10 according to the present embodiment has its sterilization degree adjusted so that the sterilization effect does not become excessive while ensuring the sterility of the product can 1A. This adjustment of the sterilization degree may be performed, for example, at an initial stage immediately after the contents filling system 10 is completed, that is, before actually starting the production of the product can 1A by filling the can 1 using the contents filling system 10. Alternatively, the adjustment of the sterilization degree may be performed when there is a risk of affecting sterility. Specifically, it may be performed when some change occurs in the process or device in the contents filling system 10, or when the contents filling system 10 has not been used for a certain period. Alternatively, the adjustment of the sterilization degree may be performed periodically for each predetermined filling cycle regardless of whether there is a risk of affecting sterility.

[0114] When the content filled by the content filling system 10 is a beverage that is acidic and contains carbon dioxide gas, bacteria are less likely to multiply in the beverage. Therefore, the types of bacteria that are likely to grow in an acidic beverage containing carbon dioxide gas are limited. Therefore, the growth of bacteria in the product can 1A can be suppressed without excessively increasing the sterilization degree of the content filling system 10. In this case, sporogenous yeast is used as an indicator bacterium for determining the presence or absence of bacterial growth in the product can 1A. Sporogenous yeast is likely to grow in an acidic beverage containing carbon dioxide gas, but can be sterilized even with a relatively weak sterilization degree. Examples of sporogenous yeast include Saccharomyces cerevisiae, Zygosaccharomyces bailii, Zygosaccharomyces rouxii, Kluyveromyces marxianus, Schizosaccharomyces pombe, etc. As the sporogenous yeast, it is particularly preferable to use Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Further, in the case of a content where an acidic beverage containing carbon dioxide gas is not easily spoiled, as the indicator bacterium, instead of sporogenous yeast, heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria (Lactobacillus fructivorans) may be used.

[0115] The sterilization degree of the content filling system 10 is adjusted so that the sterilization effect on sporogenous yeast is 3 LRV (Log Reduction Value) or more and 12 LRV or less. If the sterilization effect on sporogenous yeast is 3 LRV or more, it can be determined that it is sufficient as the sterilization degree when filling an acidic beverage containing carbon dioxide gas. When the sterilization effect on sporogenous yeast is 12 LRV or less, the sterilization degree of the content filling system 10 is not excessively increased. Therefore, the costs required for facilities, chemicals, energy, etc. in the content filling system 10 can be suppressed. As the standard for the sterilization effect, FSO (Food Safety Objective, ISO 13409-1996) may be used. The sterilization effect of the content filling system 10 on sporogenous yeast may be 5 LRV or more, may be 6 LRV or more, or may be 7 LRV or more. The sterilization effect of the content filling system 10 on sporogenous yeast may be 11 LRV or less, or may be 10 LRV or less.

[0116] The sterilization degree of the content filling system 10 can be appropriately adjusted by, for example, adjusting at least one sterilization condition of the water sterilization line 40, the stock solution sterilization line 60, the container sterilization device 20, the lid sterilization device 30, and the chambers 90a to 90k. For example, as the sterilization conditions in the water sterilization line 40, there are the aperture of the foreign matter removal filter 51 and the sterilization intensity of the first sterilizer 52. As the sterilization conditions in the stock solution sterilization line 60, there are the sterilization temperature and sterilization time of the product stock solution sterilizer 62. As the sterilization conditions in the container sterilization device 20, there are the number of nozzles and the injection amount of the sterilizing agent. As the sterilization conditions in the lid sterilization device 30, there are the number of nozzles and the injection amount of the sterilizing agent. As the sterilization conditions in the chambers 90a to 90k, there are the aperture of the sterilization filter of the aseptic air supply device 95 and various conditions when performing the COP process and the SOP process.

[0117] (Method for verifying the sterility of the content filling system) After adjusting the content filling system 10 in this way, a sterility verification method for verifying the sterility of the content filling system 10 may be performed. The sterility verification method is to individually perform tests on whether sterility is ensured for each individual element of the content filling system 10. For example, tests (container sterilization test, lid sterilization test) on whether the cans 1 and the lids 2 are correctly sterilized may be performed.

[0118] (Container sterilization test) The container sterilization test is a test for confirming whether the cans 1 are correctly sterilized.

[0119] The container sterilization test is to attach indicator bacteria to the cans 1 in advance, then sterilize the cans 1 using the container sterilization device 20, and confirm the sterilization effect from the number of bacteria remaining in the cans 1. Specifically, for example, 10 3 、10 4 、10 5 or 10 6Attach indicator bacteria [cfu / g] to a plurality (e.g., 15 - 20) of cans 1 respectively. Then, perform sterilization treatment on the plurality of cans 1 using the container sterilization device 20. Next, aseptically dispense the culture medium into each can 1 after the sterilization treatment, and seal it using the sterilized lid 2. Subsequently, evaluate the presence or absence of bactericidal property based on the culture status of bacteria in each can 1. Then, obtain the logarithmic values of the number of attached bacteria and the number of surviving bacteria before the sterilization treatment by the following formula to evaluate the sterilization effect. Sterilization effect = Log (number of attached bacteria / number of surviving bacteria) In this case, the number of surviving bacteria in each can 1 may be estimated by a statistical method using the MPN (Most Probable Number) method.

[0120] In a general container sterilization test, Bacillus atrophaeus spores are used as the indicator bacteria attached to the can 1. In this case, if the sterilization effect (Log (number of attached bacteria / number of surviving bacteria)) against the indicator bacteria Bacillus atrophaeus spores is 6 LRV (Log Reduction Value) or more, it is considered qualified. On the other hand, in this embodiment, the indicator bacteria used in the container sterilization test are set according to the nature of the contents. In this embodiment, the contents are an acidic beverage containing carbon dioxide gas. In this case, in the container sterilization test, spore - forming yeast is used as the indicator bacteria attached to the can 1, and if the sterilization effect is 3 LRV or more and 12 LRV or less, it is considered qualified. Thereby, the growth of bacteria in the product can 1A can be suppressed without excessively increasing the sterilization degree of the content filling system 10.

[0121] (Lid sterilization test) The lid sterilization test is a test to confirm whether the lid 2 is properly sterilized.

[0122] The lid sterilization test is to attach indicator bacteria to the lid 2 in advance, then sterilize the lid 2 using the lid sterilization device 30, and confirm the sterilization effect from the number of bacteria remaining in the lid 2. Specifically, for example, 10 3 、10 4 、10 5 or 10 6Attach a plurality (for example, 15 to 20) of indicator bacteria [cfu / g] to each of the plurality of lids 2. Then, perform a sterilization treatment on the plurality of lids 2 using a lid sterilization device 30. Next, aseptically dispense a culture medium into the sterilized can 1 (or sterilized container), and seal it using each of the sterilized lids 2 after the sterilization treatment (or put the entire lid 2 into the sterilized container). Subsequently, tilt (or invert) the sealed can 1 manually or automatically to ensure that the culture medium comes into contact with the inner surface of the lid 2. Subsequently, evaluate the presence or absence of bactericidal properties based on the culture status of the indicator bacteria on each lid 2. Then, obtain the logarithmic values of the number of attached bacteria and the number of surviving bacteria before the sterilization treatment by the following formula to evaluate the sterilization effect. Sterilization effect = Log (number of attached bacteria / number of surviving bacteria) In this case, the number of surviving bacteria in each can 1 may be estimated by a statistical method using the MPN (Most Probable Number) method.

[0123] Generally, in a lid sterilization test, Bacillus atrophaeus spores are used as the indicator bacteria attached to the lid 2. In this case, the sterilization effect on the Bacillus atrophaeus spores, which are the indicator bacteria (Log (number of attached bacteria / number of surviving bacteria)) is considered qualified if it is 6 LRV (Log Reduction Value) or more. On the other hand, in the present embodiment, the indicator bacteria used in the lid sterilization test are set according to the properties of the contents. In the present embodiment, the contents are an acidic beverage containing carbon dioxide gas. In this case, in the lid sterilization test, spore-forming yeast is used as the indicator bacteria attached to the lid 2, and it is considered qualified if the sterilization effect is 3 LRV or more and 12 LRV or less. Thereby, the growth of bacteria in the product can 1A can be suppressed without excessively increasing the sterilization degree of the content filling system 10.

[0124] In addition to the above, tests such as a test (SIP temperature increase confirmation test) on whether the supply line of the contents is correctly heated and a test (chamber sterilization test) on whether the chambers 90a to 90k are correctly sterilized may be performed.

[0125] (SIP temperature increase confirmation test) The SIP temperature increase confirmation test is a test to confirm whether the supply line of the contents is correctly heated during the SIP (Sterilizing in Place) process.

[0126] The SIP process is a process of sterilizing the flow path through which the beverage passes in advance before entering the beverage filling operation. The SIP process is performed, for example, by flowing heated steam or hot water through the flow path that has been previously cleaned by the CIP (Cleaning in Place) process. The SIP process is performed by flowing, for example, heated steam or hot water through the flow path from the pipeline in the raw material supply path to the filling nozzle of the filling device 70. Thereby, the flow path through which the beverage passes is sterilized and brought into a sterile state.

[0127] The SIP temperature increase confirmation test is a test to confirm that the temperature of 80 °C or higher can be maintained for a predetermined time or longer in the flow path through which the beverage passes. Generally, in the SIP temperature increase confirmation test, it is considered a pass if the temperature in the flow path through which the contents pass can be maintained at 121 °C or higher, preferably 130 °C or higher, for 30 minutes or longer. In contrast, in the present embodiment, the reference values of the time and temperature used in the SIP temperature increase confirmation test are set according to the properties of the contents. Specifically, when the contents are an acidic beverage containing carbon dioxide gas, the SIP temperature increase confirmation test is considered a pass if the temperature in the flow path through which the contents pass can be maintained at 80 °C or higher for 10 minutes or longer. Also, using a Z value of 5 °C to 10 °C, the temperature can be set to 80 °C or higher, and the sterilization time can be shortened to less than 10 minutes.

[0128] (Chamber sterilization test) The chamber sterilization test is a test to confirm whether the chambers 90a to 90k are correctly sterilized.

[0129] The chamber sterilization test is performed as follows. First, Biological Indicators (BIs) are attached in advance to multiple locations (for example, 50 or more and 200 or less) within chambers 90a to 90k. Next, Cleaning out of Place (COP) treatment with a cleaning agent or the like and Sterilizing out of Place (SOP) treatment with a sterilizing agent are performed on chambers 90a to 90k. In the COP treatment and the SOP treatment, a chemical solution such as caustic soda or hydrogen peroxide solution, and a predetermined working fluid such as sterile water are sprayed in a spray or shower form in sequence within chambers 90a to 90k. Next, the presence or absence of sterilization property is evaluated based on the culture status of bacteria within chambers 90a to 90k that have undergone the COP treatment and the SOP treatment. Specifically, the Biological Indicator is collected in a liquid medium and cultured under predetermined conditions. Thereafter, the presence or absence of viable bacteria in the liquid medium is visually confirmed, and if all the Biological Indicators are negative, it is considered qualified.

[0130] (Other aseptic verification tests) In addition, as aseptic verification tests, (i) a sterilizing filter leak test, (ii) an air suction test inside the chamber, a sterile water spraying test inside the chamber, (iii) a residual sterilizing agent concentration measurement test, etc. may be performed.

[0131] (i) The sterilizing filter leak test is a test for confirming that fine particles do not pass through the sterilizing filter of the sterile air supply device 95. The size of the fine particles may be, for example, particles of 0.3 μm or more.

[0132] (ii) The air suction test inside the chamber is a test for confirming that no microorganisms are detected in the air suctioned inside chambers 90a to 90k. The sterile water spraying test inside the chamber is a test for aseptically collecting the sterile water sprayed inside chambers 90a to 90k and confirming that no microorganisms are detected.

[0133] (iii) The residual disinfectant concentration measurement test is a test to confirm that the residual concentration of disinfectants such as hydrogen peroxide remaining in chambers 90a to 90k is below the reference value. The reference value for the residual concentration may be less than 0.5 ppm.

[0134] (Medium filling test) After conducting such a test, the sterility of can 1 is comprehensively evaluated. Specifically, a large number of cans 1 are passed through the content filling system 10, and the cans 1 are sterilized by the container sterilization device 20. Next, each can 1 is filled with a predetermined medium instead of the actual content to be filled, and sealed with lid 2. Then, after a certain period of time, it is confirmed that the medium filled in each can 1 does not spoil.

[0135] During this period, first, verification cans 1 are received from the outside. The number of cans 1 is predetermined and can be, for example, a predetermined number of 1,000 or more and 100,000 or less, preferably 10,000 or more and 60,000 or less.

[0136] Next, can 1 is sent to the container sterilization device 20. In the container sterilization device 20, a sterilization process is performed on can 1. Then, in the filling device 70, a predetermined amount of medium is filled into can 1 from the mouth of can 1.

[0137] Before being filled into the can 1 by the filling device 70, the culture medium is prepared in advance and subjected to heat sterilization treatment. The characteristics of this culture medium are adjusted according to the characteristics of the contents to be filled by the content filling system 10, which are characteristics that affect the growth of bacteria. For example, when the contents to be filled are an acidic and carbon dioxide-containing beverage, an acidic and carbon dioxide-containing culture medium is used. For example, when the pH of the beverage is less than pH 4.5, it is preferable that the pH of the culture medium is adjusted to the upper limit of pH 4.5. Regarding the filling amount of the culture medium, when filling the culture medium into a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle or an HDPE bottle, since aerobic bacteria are the target, it is common to fill the bottle to half its capacity. On the other hand, in the case of the can 1 filled with an acidic and carbon dioxide-containing carbonated beverage, since not only aerobic but also anaerobic bacteria are the target, it is better to adjust the filling amount of the culture medium to the amount filled in the actual product can 1A.

[0138] Subsequently, the can 1 filled with the culture medium is sent to the lid mounting device 80. Here, the lid 2 is sterilized in advance by the lid sterilization device 30. The lid 2 is carried into the lid sterilization device 30 from the outside of the content filling system 10, and hydrogen peroxide mist or gas is sprayed onto it, and its inner and outer surfaces are sterilized. Next, the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the lid 2 is removed while activating it with hot air. Then, the lid 2 is washed with sterile water and sent to the lid mounting device 80.

[0139] Subsequently, in this lid mounting device 80, the sterilized lid 2 sterilized by the lid sterilization device 30 is mounted on the can 1. In this way, by filling the inside of the can 1 with the culture medium and sealing the mouth with the lid 2, a verification can is obtained.

[0140] Next, the verification can filled with the culture medium is carried out from the product can unloading section 11 to the outside and boxed in the packaging process. The boxed case is tilted (or inverted) manually or automatically on the conveyor to ensure that the culture medium comes into contact with the inner surface of the can 1. Then, a plurality of verification cans are transported to a thermostatic chamber maintained at a predetermined temperature of 20°C or higher and 40°C or lower, preferably 30°C, and left standing and cultured in the thermostatic chamber.

[0141] After the passage of a predetermined period (preferably 7 days or more, more preferably 21 days or more), all the verification cans are taken out of the thermostat, and it is inspected whether bacteria remain alive or propagate in the medium in the verification cans. In the inspection, it is preferable to perform a destructive inspection by opening the verification cans. Specifically, it is confirmed whether turbidity, precipitation, mold, etc. of the medium are not observed, or whether there is no change in the pH of the medium. As a result of this inspection, if the number of verification cans in which bacteria remain alive or propagate is equal to or less than a predetermined number (for example, less than 1 (zero)), it is determined that the sterility of the content filling system 10 is ensured. Thus, the sterilization degree of the content filling system 10 is adjusted in advance so that, when the medium is filled into 1,000 or more and 100,000 or less cans 1 instead of the content, the cans 1 are cultured at a predetermined temperature, and then the cans 1 are inspected, and the spoilage by bacteria is less than 1. On the other hand, as a result of the inspection, if there are a predetermined number or more (for example, 1 or more) of verification cans in which bacteria remain alive or propagate, it is determined that the sterility of the content filling system 10 is insufficient, and countermeasures are taken. For example, sterilization of the conveyance and loading path of the can 1 may be performed, or the sterilization conditions in the content filling system 10 may be adjusted (strengthened).

[0142] (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. Hereinafter, a method for manufacturing a product can 1A by filling a can 1 with an acidic beverage containing carbon dioxide gas will be described.

[0143] First, the sterilization degree of the content filling system 10 is adjusted so that the sterilization effect on the spore-forming yeast, which is an indicator bacterium, is 3 LRV or more and 12 LRV or less. The method for adjusting the sterilization degree of the content filling system 10 is as described above.

[0144] Subsequently, the product can 1A is actually manufactured by the content filling system 10 with adjusted sterilization degree. During this period, first, the empty can 1 is sterilized using an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution as a sterilizing agent by the container sterilizer 20 (can sterilization step, symbol S1 in FIG. 6). At this time, first, the can 1 is heated (preheating step, 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.

[0145] Next, in the first sterilizing agent spraying unit 22, the sterilizing agent is sprayed onto the can 1 (sterilizing agent spraying step, 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 and sterilizes the inner and outer surfaces of the can 1.

[0146] 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 and hydrogen peroxide, etc. are removed from the can 1 (air rinsing step, symbol S13 in FIG. 7). In the air rinsing step, if necessary, a condensed mist of low-concentration hydrogen peroxide may be mixed into the sterile heated air or sterile normal temperature 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.

[0147] 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, symbol S14 in FIG. 7). Thereby, the hydrogen peroxide adhering to the can 1 is washed away, and foreign substances are removed.

[0148] Thereafter, the can 1 is conveyed to the filling device 70.

[0149] Also, the lid sterilization device 30 performs a sterilization process 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, similar to 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. Then, the heated lid 2 is conveyed to the second sterilizing agent spraying unit 32.

[0150] Next, similar to 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.

[0151] Next, similar to 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, hydrogen peroxide, etc. are removed from the lid 2 (air rinsing step, symbol S13 in Fig. 7). In addition, in the air rinsing step, gasified hydrogen peroxide may be supplied to the lid 2.

[0152] Subsequently, the lid 2 is sent to the second sterile water rinsing unit 34. Then, similar to 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.

[0153] After that, the lid 2 is conveyed to the lid mounting device 80.

[0154] Also, the water sterilization line 40 non-heat sterilizes water (water sterilization step, symbol S3 in Fig. 6). The water may be sterilized by ultraviolet rays in the water sterilization line 40.

[0155] Furthermore, the stock solution sterilization line 60 heat sterilizes the product stock solution (product stock solution sterilization step, symbol S4 in Fig. 6).

[0156] 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 stock solution sterilization line 60.

[0157] Next, the filling device 70 fills the sterilized can 1 with water and the product stock solution (filling step, reference sign S5 in FIG. 6). In this filling device 70, the contents prepared from water and the product stock solution are filled into the can 1.

[0158] Subsequently, the can 1 filled with the contents is conveyed to the lid attaching device 80.

[0159] 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 step, 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.

[0160] Thereafter, the product can 1A is conveyed from the lid attaching device 80 to the product can unloading section 11 and unloaded to the outside of the content filling system 10 (can discharging step, reference sign S7 in FIG. 6). Then, the product can 1A is heated by the can warmer 12 and then conveyed to a packaging line (not shown) for packaging.

[0161] Incidentally, 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 sterilant spray 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. Also, the lid sterilization process is carried out in a sterile atmosphere surrounded by the second heating chamber 90h, the second sterilant spray 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), etc. 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.

[0162] Also, the water sterilization line 40 and the stock solution sterilization line 60 have been cleaned (CIP) using a cleaning agent (0.1% or more and 5% or less) with an alkaline agent such as caustic soda or an acidic agent such as nitric acid added thereto at approximately 60°C or higher and 100°C or lower in advance. 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. Also, sterile air is supplied to the secondary side 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 (tip of the filling valve), thereby maintaining a sterile state.

[0163] Here, as the contents, a carbonated beverage containing an acid and carbon dioxide gas is filled into the can 1. The beverage may be a RTD (Ready To Drink) beverage. The RTD beverage is mainly a beverage obtained by diluting brewed liquor, distilled liquor, etc., which contain alcohol (ethyl alcohol), with carbonated water. Specifically, it includes 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.). The pH of such RTD beverages is generally less than 4.6. Also, such RTD beverages contain alcohol and carbon dioxide. Therefore, bacterial spores, which are bacteria that cause harm in low-acid beverages, are not subject to sterilization in RTD beverages. On the other hand, in RTD beverages, yeasts and lactic acid bacteria, which mainly have heat resistance, become bacteria that cause harm. Here, the yeasts and lactic acid bacteria that become bacteria causing harm in RTD beverages 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.

[0164] Note that the production (conveying) speed of the can 1 in the contents 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.

[0165] As described above, according to the present embodiment, the content filled by the content filling system 10 is a beverage containing acid and carbon dioxide gas. Further, the sterilization degree of the content filling system 10 is preliminarily adjusted so that the sterilization effect on the spore-forming yeast, which is an indicator bacterium, is 3 LRV or more and 12 LRV or less. Spore-forming yeast tends to grow in beverages containing acid and carbon dioxide gas, but can be sterilized even with a relatively low sterilization degree compared to Bacillus atrophaeus spores. Therefore, it is not necessary to set the sterilization degree of the content filling system 10 too high. For example, the sterilization conditions of the water sterilization line 40, the stock solution sterilization line 60, the container sterilizer 20, the lid sterilizer 30, and / or the chambers 90a to 90k can be reduced compared to general sterilization conditions. As a result, the costs required for the equipment, chemicals, energy, etc. of the content filling system 10 can be reduced. For example, the amount of the sterilizing agent used in the water sterilization line 40, the stock solution sterilization line 60, the container sterilizer 20, the lid sterilizer 30, and / or the chambers 90a to 90k can be reduced. Also, the amount of hot air used in the container sterilizer 20 and / or the lid sterilizer 30 and the time for blowing the hot air can be reduced. As a result, the running cost of the content filling system 10 and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced, contributing to the reduction of the environmental load.

[0166] Further, according to the present embodiment, the content filling system 10 includes a container sterilizer 20 that sterilizes the can 1, a lid sterilizer 30 that sterilizes the lid 2 for closing the can 1, a water sterilization line 40 that non-thermally sterilizes water, a stock solution sterilization line 60 that sterilizes the product stock solution, a filling device 70 that is connected to the water sterilization line 40 and the stock solution sterilization line 60 respectively and fills the sterilized can 1 with water and the product stock solution, and a lid mounting device 80 that closes 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. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions discharged by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0167] Also, according to this embodiment, the product can 1A be manufactured using the pre-sterilized can 1, lid 2, water, and product stock solution. Therefore, the sterilization step (so-called post-sterilization) of sterilizing the product can 1A after filling the contents into the can 1 can be omitted. On the other hand, when generally 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 discharged from the filling system also increases. In addition, by sterilizing so that the central temperature of the can becomes about 65°C, the internal pressure of the can increases, so it may become difficult to manufacture a so-called high-gas product. Also, in the conventional filling system, since a pasteurizer is installed, the filling system may become larger. Also, in the conventional filling system, since sterilization is performed using a pasteurizer, the juice in the contents may deteriorate due to heat. Furthermore, in the conventional filling system, since sterilization is performed using a pasteurizer, the pressure inside the can increases. For this reason, it may be difficult to reduce the weight of the can. Especially, in the case of a so-called high-gas product in which the proportion of carbonic acid contained in the contents is high, it is highly likely that it will be difficult to reduce the weight of the can.

[0168] 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 step of sterilizing the product can 1A after filling the can 1 with the contents can be omitted. Therefore, energy can be saved and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by 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 possible to manufacture so-called high-gas products. Further, in the content filling system 10 according to the present embodiment, even when manufacturing a carbonated product, 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 step of sterilizing the product can 1A can be omitted, deterioration of the fruit juice in the content can be suppressed, and the weight reduction of the can 1 and the lid 2 can also be achieved.

[0169] In the above-described present embodiment, an example has been described in which the container sterilizer 20 sterilizes the can 1 with a sterilizing agent and the lid sterilizer 30 sterilizes the lid 2 with a sterilizing agent, but the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the container sterilizer 20 may sterilize the can 1 with warm water, and the lid sterilizer 30 may sterilize the lid 2 with warm water.

[0170] 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 modification, 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.

[0171] 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.

[0172] 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. By the temperature of the warm water being 70°C or higher, the sterilization effect of the can 1 can be improved. Also, by the temperature of the warm water being 90°C or lower, the consumption of thermal energy can be suppressed, and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced.

[0173] Also, 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 2The following may also be applicable. The amount of warm water adhering to the can 1 is 0.1 mL / cm 2 or more. By doing so, the sterilization effect of the can 1 can be improved. Also, the amount of warm water adhering to the can 1 is 0.3 mL / cm 2 or less. By doing so, the amount of warm water used can be reduced, thus suppressing the consumption of thermal energy for sterilizing the warm water and reducing the carbon dioxide emissions.

[0174] 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 sterilizing agent 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 and also serves to remove the remaining water from 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. Note that in FIG. 10, the lid 2 is conveyed in the direction of the arrow.

[0175] 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 made to adhere 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 make warm water adhere to the lid 2.

[0176] 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. When the temperature of the warm water is 70°C or higher, the sterilization effect of the lid 2 can be improved. Also, when the temperature of the warm water is 90°C or lower, the consumption of thermal energy can be suppressed and the amount of carbon dioxide emissions can be reduced.

[0177] Also, in the second warm water supply unit 36, the amount of warm water adhering to the lid 2 may be 0.1 mL / cm 2 or more and 0.3 mL / cm 2 or less. When the amount of warm water adhering to the lid 2 is 0.1 mL / cm 2 or more, the sterilization effect of the lid 2 can be improved. Also, when the amount of warm water adhering to the lid 2 is 0.3 mL / cm 2 or less, 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.

[0178] 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.

[0179] Also, 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. Also, 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.

[0180] 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.

[0181] In this modified example, the pressure PM inside the first hot water supply chamber 90m, the pressure PC inside the first air lance chamber 90c, and the pressure PE inside the filling chamber 90e may satisfy the following relationship. 0 (Pa) ≦ PM ≦ PC < PE Also in this case, the pressure PE inside the filling chamber 90e becomes higher than the pressure PC inside the first air lance chamber 90c. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the air inside the first air lance 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.

[0182] 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 lance chamber 90j may satisfy the following relationship. 0 (Pa) ≦ PN ≦ PJ ≦ PF < PE Also 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 lance chamber 90j. Thereby, it is possible to suppress the air inside the second air lance 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.

[0183] According to this modification example, the container sterilizing device 20 has a first hot water supply unit 26 that supplies hot water to the can 1. Further, the temperature of the hot water supplied by the first hot water supply unit 26 is 70°C or higher and 90°C or lower. Furthermore, in the first hot water supply unit 26, the adhesion amount of the hot 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 sterilizing device 30 has a second hot water supply unit 36 that supplies hot water to the lid 2. Further, the temperature of the hot water supplied by the second hot water supply unit 36 is 70°C or higher and 90°C or lower. Furthermore, in the second hot water supply unit 36, the adhesion amount of the hot 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 hot 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 hot water is used without using a bactericide, a sufficient sterilization effect can be obtained.

[0184] Also, in the case of this modification example, as shown in FIG. 11, heat recovery of the hot water may be performed. Thereby, the amount of carbon dioxide emissions due to the hot water can be reduced.

[0185] When recovering the heat of the warm water, specifically, first, as shown by the solid line in Fig. 11, the sterile water non-thermally sterilized by the water sterilization line 40 is heated in the heat exchanger H to a temperature of 70°C or higher and 90°C or lower. At this time, the sterile 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 sterile water exchanges heat with the warm water recovered in the tank T as described later, and is heated to 70°C or higher and 80°C or lower (for example, 75°C). Note that the warm water that has exchanged heat with the sterile water cools down 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 sterile water exchanges heat with the steam supplied to the heat exchanger H and is heated to 75°C or higher and 85°C or lower (for example, 80°C). Note that the steam that has exchanged heat with the sterile water cools down to 70°C or higher and 80°C or lower (for example, 75°C).

[0186] After that, the heated warm water is supplied to the first warm water supply unit 26 and the second warm water supply unit 36 and is used for sterilizing the can 1 and / or the lid 2.

[0187] Next, the warm water used for sterilizing the can 1 and / or the lid 2 is recovered in the tank T. Then, the warm water recovered in the tank T is returned to the medium side of the heat exchanger H. In this way, the heat recovery of the warm water is performed. As a result, a significant reduction in thermal energy (carbon dioxide) can be achieved. Also, by returning the warm water after heat exchange to the first water tank 41, the warm water after heat exchange may be reused. Note that in this case, there is a possibility that foreign matter may mix into the warm water from the can 1, each chamber, piping, etc. Thus, even when foreign matter mixes into the warm water to be reused, the foreign matter in the warm water is removed by the foreign matter removal filter 51 of the water sterilization line 40.

[0188] (Other Modification Examples) In the above embodiment, the case where the content filled in the content filling system 10 is an acidic beverage containing carbon dioxide gas has been described as an example. However, it is not limited to this, and the content filled in the content filling system 10 may be a seasoning.

[0189] Examples of seasonings include liquid seasonings such as soy sauce, mirin, rice vinegar, dashi stock, dipping sauces, noodle soups such as mentsuyu, cooking sake, dressings, sauces such as pasta sauce and Worcestershire sauce, spicy seasonings such as sesame oil, ketchup, mayonnaise, and liquid miso.

[0190] In this modified example, the content filling system 10 is pre-adjusted so that its sterilization degree conforms to the seasoning. The sterilization degree of the content filling system 10 may be adjusted, for example, by setting various conditions such as the water sterilization line 40, the stock solution sterilization line 60, the container sterilization device 20, the lid sterilization device 30, and / or the chambers 90a to 90k.

[0191] The content filling system 10 according to this modification example has its sterilization degree adjusted so that the sterility of the product can 1A be ensured while the sterilization effect does not become excessive. When the content filled by the content filling system 10 is a seasoning, the types of bacteria that easily grow in the seasoning are limited due to the influence of the salt concentration and alcohol concentration. Therefore, even if the sterilization degree of the content filling system 10 is not excessively increased, the growth of bacteria in the product can 1A be suppressed. In this case, thermotolerant lactic acid bacteria are used as the indicator bacteria for judging the presence or absence of bacterial growth in the product can 1A. Thermotolerant lactic acid bacteria easily grow in seasonings, but can be sterilized even with a relatively weak sterilization degree. The content filling system 10 has its sterilization degree adjusted so that the sterilization effect on thermotolerant lactic acid bacteria is 3 LRV (Log Reduction Value) or more and 12 LRV or less. If the sterilization effect on thermotolerant lactic acid bacteria is 3 LRV or more, it can be judged that it is sufficient as the sterilization degree when filling seasonings. When the sterilization effect on thermotolerant lactic acid bacteria is 12 LRV or less, the sterilization degree of the content filling system 10 is not excessively increased. For this reason, the costs required for equipment, chemicals, energy, etc. in the content filling system 10 can be suppressed. As the standard for the sterilization effect, FSO (Food Safety Objective, ISO 13409-1996) may be used. Examples of thermotolerant lactic acid bacteria include Lactobacillus fructivorans. The sterilization effect of the content filling system 10 on thermotolerant lactic acid bacteria may be 5 LRV or more, may be 6 LRV or more, or may be 7 LRV or more. The sterilization effect of the content filling system 10 on thermotolerant lactic acid bacteria may be 11 LRV or less, or may be 10 LRV or less. Further, in the case of a content with a low salt concentration (low osmotic pressure) and easy to spoil, as the indicator bacteria, instead of thermotolerant lactic acid bacteria, it may be changed to spore-forming yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae).

[0192] The sterilization degree of the content filling system 10 can be appropriately adjusted by adjusting at least one sterilization condition of, for example, the water sterilization line 40, the stock solution sterilization line 60, the container sterilization device 20, the lid sterilization device 30, and the chambers 90a to 90k. Specifically, as the sterilization conditions in the water sterilization line 40, there are the aperture of the foreign matter removal filter 51 and the sterilization intensity of the first sterilizer 52. As the sterilization conditions in the stock solution sterilization line 60, there are the sterilization temperature and sterilization time of the product stock solution sterilizer 62. As the sterilization conditions in the container sterilization device 20, there are the number of nozzles and the injection amount of the sterilizing agent. As the sterilization conditions in the lid sterilization device 30, there are the number of nozzles and the injection amount of the sterilizing agent. As the sterilization conditions in the chambers 90a to 90k, there are the aperture of the sterilization filter of the aseptic air supply device 95 and various conditions when performing the COP process and the SOP process.

[0193] When the content is a seasoning, in the aseptic verification method for verifying the asepsis of the content filling system 10, thermophilic lactic acid bacteria are used as the indicator bacteria. For example, in the bottle sterilization test, thermophilic lactic acid bacteria are used as the indicator bacteria to be attached to the can 1. If the sterilization effect at this time is 3 LRV or more and 12 LRV or less, it can be considered qualified. Also, in the cap sterilization test, thermophilic lactic acid bacteria are used as the indicator bacteria to be attached to the lid 2. If the sterilization effect (Log (number of attached bacteria / number of surviving bacteria)) at this time is 3 LRV (Log Reduction Value) or more and 12 LRV or less, it can be considered qualified.

[0194] In the above, the container for filling the content was described taking the can 1 and the lid 2 as examples. However, it is not limited to this, and resin containers (polyethylene terephthalate bottles, polyethylene bottles), glass bottles, paper containers, barrels, etc. may be used instead of the can 1. Also, a resin cap or the like may be used instead of the lid 2. Also, the sterilization of the can 1, the lid 2, etc. was described taking the case of using a sterilizing agent composed of hydrogen peroxide as an example. However, it is not limited to this, and sterilization may be performed using a sterilizing agent such as peracetic acid or an electron beam.

[0195] It is also possible to appropriately combine a plurality of components disclosed in the above embodiments and modification examples as necessary. Alternatively, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the above embodiments and modification examples.

Explanation of Signs

[0196] 1 Can 2 Lid 10 Contents filling system 20 Container sterilization device 21 First heating section 22 First disinfectant spraying section 23 First air rinsing section 24 First sterile water rinsing section 26 First warm water supply section 30 Lid sterilization device 31 Second heating section 32 Second disinfectant spraying section 33 Second air rinsing section 34 Second sterile water rinsing section 36 Second warm water supply section 40 Water sterilization line 60 Stock solution sterilization line 70 Filling device 80 Lid attaching device

Claims

1. In the content filling system, a container sterilization device for sterilizing cans; a filling device for filling the sterilized cans with contents; a lid fitting device for capping the can filled with the contents with a sterilized lid; At least one chamber that accommodates the container sterilization device, the filling device, and the lid attachment device; The content is an acidic beverage containing carbon dioxide, The sterilization degree of the content filling system is pre-adjusted so that the sterilization effect against the indicator bacteria, spore-forming yeast or heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria, is 3 LRV or more and 12 LRV or less.

2. The sterilization degree of the content filling system is pre-adjusted by filling 1,000 to 100,000 cans with culture medium instead of the contents, culturing the cans at a predetermined temperature, and then inspecting the cans so that the number of cans spoiled by bacteria is less than one.

3. In the content filling system, a container sterilization device for sterilizing cans; a filling device for filling the sterilized cans with contents; a lid fitting device for capping the can filled with the contents with a sterilized lid; At least one chamber that accommodates the container sterilization device, the filling device, and the lid attachment device; The content is a seasoning, The sterilization degree of the content filling system is pre-adjusted so that the sterilization effect against the indicator bacteria, spore-forming yeast or heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria, is 3 LRV or more and 12 LRV or less.

4. A method for manufacturing a container containing a content using a content filling system, comprising: a step of sterilizing the cans using a container sterilization device; filling the sterilized cans with contents by a filling device; and closing the can filled with the contents with a sterilized lid by a lid fitting device. The content is an acidic beverage containing carbon dioxide, A method for manufacturing a container containing contents, wherein the sterilization degree of the content filling system is pre-adjusted so that the sterilization effect against indicator bacteria, spore-forming yeast or heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria, is 3 LRV or more and 12 LRV or less.

5. A method for manufacturing a container containing a content using a content filling system, comprising: a step of sterilizing the cans using a container sterilization device; filling the sterilized cans with contents by a filling device; and closing the can filled with the contents with a sterilized lid by a lid fitting device. The content is a seasoning, A method for manufacturing a container containing contents, wherein the sterilization degree of the content filling system is pre-adjusted so that the sterilization effect against indicator bacteria, spore-forming yeast or heat-resistant lactic acid bacteria, is 3 LRV or more and 12 LRV or less.

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