Content filling system and sterilization method

Abstract

To provide a content filling system and a sterilization method that are capable of reducing the carbon dioxide emission.SOLUTION: A content filling system 10 comprises: a water sterilization line 50 for subjecting water to non-heat sterilization; a stock solution sterilization line 70 for subjecting a product stock solution to heat sterilization; and a filling device 20 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70, and configured to fill a bottle 100 with water and the product stock solution.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a content filling system and a sterilization method. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an aseptic filling system in which sterilized contents are filled into a sterilized container (PET bottle) in a sterile environment and then the container is closed with a cap (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Specifically, in an aseptic filling system, a molded container is fed into the aseptic filling system, where an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is sprayed onto the container as a sterilant. The container is then sterilized by drying the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution. The contents are then aseptically filled into the container.

[0004] In recent years, there has been a demand to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted in order to reduce the environmental load. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4526820 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of these points, and aims to provide a content filling system and a sterilization method that are capable of reducing carbon dioxide emissions. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A first aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system comprising a water sterilization line for non-thermal sterilization of water, a concentrate sterilization line for heat sterilization of a product concentrate, and filling devices connected to the water sterilization line and the concentrate sterilization line, respectively, and for filling the water and the product concentrate into containers.

[0008] A second aspect of the present disclosure is the content filling system according to the first aspect, wherein the water sterilization line may sterilize the water by ultraviolet light.

[0009] A third aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to the first aspect or the second aspect described above, wherein in the water sterilization line, the water may be sterilized by ultraviolet light from at least one of a low-pressure mercury lamp and a medium-pressure mercury lamp.

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to the second aspect or the third aspect described above, wherein the content filling system may further include a control unit that controls the water sterilization line, and the control unit may discharge the water outside the water sterilization line when the amount of ultraviolet radiation or illuminance falls below a predetermined value.

[0011] A fifth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system comprising: a water sterilization line for sterilizing water; a concentrate sterilization line for heat-sterilizing a product concentrate; and filling devices connected to the water sterilization line and the concentrate sterilization line, respectively, and configured to fill the water and the product concentrate into containers; wherein when the pH of a content produced by diluting the product concentrate with water is less than 4.5, the water sterilization line sterilizes the water to an F0 value of 0.00029 or more and less than 3.1; and when the pH of the content is 4.5 or more, the water sterilization line sterilizes the water to an F0 value of 3.1 or more and 100 or less, the F0 value being an F value calculated by the following formula:

number

[0012] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system comprising: a water sterilization line that sterilizes water; a concentrate sterilization line that heat-sterilizes a product concentrate; and filling devices connected to the water sterilization line and the concentrate sterilization line, respectively, that fill the water and the product concentrate into containers, wherein the water sterilization line sterilizes the water so that the F0 value is 3.1 or more and 100 or less, and the F0 value is an F value calculated by the following formula:

number

[0013] A seventh aspect of the present disclosure is that in a content filling system according to each of the first to sixth aspects described above, the water sterilization line may sterilize the water by filtering the water through a sterile filter.

[0014] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the first to seventh aspects described above, wherein the content filling system may further include a control unit that controls the water sterilization line, the water sterilization line may have at least a water sterilizer that sterilizes the water, the water sterilizer may include at least a sterile filter, and the control unit may discharge the water outside the water sterilization line when the pressure difference between the pressure upstream and downstream of the sterile filter becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined value.

[0015] A ninth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the first to eighth aspects described above, wherein the content filling system may further include a control unit that controls the water sterilization line, and the control unit may discharge the water outside the water sterilization line when at least one of the number of bacteria and particulates in the water sampled from the water sterilization line reaches or exceeds a predetermined value.

[0016] A tenth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the first to ninth aspects described above, wherein the product concentrate may be diluted with water by 1.1 times or more and 100 times or less.

[0017] An eleventh aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the first to tenth aspects described above, wherein the filling device may have a water filling device connected to the water sterilization line and a concentrate filling device connected to the concentrate sterilization line, and the water filling device may fill the container with sterilized water, and the concentrate filling device may fill the container with sterilized product concentrate.

[0018] A twelfth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to the eleventh aspect described above, wherein the water filling device may fill the empty container with water, and the filling speed at which the water filling device fills the container with water may be faster than the filling speed at which the concentrate filling device fills the container with the product concentrate.

[0019] A thirteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the first to ninth aspects described above, wherein the filling device may have a water filling device connected to the water sterilization line and a concentrate filling device connected to the concentrate sterilization line, and the water or the concentrate product may be filled into the container using only one of the water filling device and the concentrate filling device.

[0020] A fourteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the eleventh to thirteenth aspects described above, wherein the water filling device may include a plurality of water filling nozzles for filling the water, and each of the water filling nozzles may be connected to a sniff line for discharging gas inside the container, and the water filling device may pressurize and fill the water in a state in which the gas inside the container can be discharged via the sniff line.

[0021] A fifteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to the fourteenth aspect described above, wherein a sealing member is provided at the tip of the water filling nozzle, which is in close contact with the container to prevent leakage of gas inside the container, and the water filling device may pressurize and fill the water with the sealing member in close contact with the container.

[0022] A sixteenth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to the fourteenth aspect or the fifteenth aspect described above, wherein the concentrate filling device may include a plurality of concentrate filling nozzles for filling the product concentrate, and the diameter of the water filling nozzle may be larger than the diameter of the concentrate filling nozzle.

[0023] A seventeenth aspect of the present disclosure is that, in the content filling system according to the sixteenth aspect described above, the diameter of the water filling nozzle may be 1.2 times or more and 1.5 times or less the diameter of the concentrate filling nozzle.

[0024] An 18th aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the 11th aspect to the 17th aspect described above, wherein the filling device may have a plurality of the concentrate filling devices.

[0025] A 19th aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to the 18th aspect described above, wherein the content filling system may be provided with a plurality of the concentrate sterilization lines, and a plurality of the concentrate filling devices may be connected to each of the concentrate sterilization lines.

[0026] A twentieth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to the 19th aspect described above, wherein the filling device may have a first concentrate filling device that fills the product concentrate without flavor, and a second concentrate filling device that fills the product concentrate with flavor.

[0027] A 21st aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to the 20th aspect described above, wherein the first concentrate filling device may be housed in a space partitioned by a chamber wall, a gap may be formed in the chamber wall through which the container can pass, a first wheel may be arranged outside the space and be capable of being opened and closed, and including a first gripper for transporting the container, and a second wheel may be arranged inside the space and be capable of being opened and closed, and including a second gripper for transporting the container, and when the first concentrate filling device fills the container with the product concentrate, the second gripper may receive the container from the first gripper, and when the first concentrate filling device does not fill the container with the product concentrate, the second gripper may take an open position so as not to interfere with the first gripper.

[0028] A 22nd aspect of the present disclosure is that, in the content filling system according to the 21st aspect described above, the chamber wall may be provided with a shutter for opening and closing the gap, and when the product concentrate is not filled into the container by the first concentrate filling device, the gap may be closed by the shutter, and the second gripper may be in an open position so as not to interfere with the shutter that closes the gap.

[0029] A 23rd aspect of the present disclosure is that in a content filling system according to each of the first aspect to the tenth aspect described above, a mixing tank for mixing the water and the product concentrate may be interposed between the water sterilization line and the concentrate sterilization line and the filling device.

[0030] A 24th aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the first to tenth aspects described above, wherein the filling device may include a plurality of filling nozzles for filling the water and the concentrate product, and the water sterilization line and the concentrate sterilization line may be connected to each of the filling nozzles.

[0031] A 25th aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the first to 24th aspects described above, wherein the water sterilization line may have a first water tank for storing the water, a water sterilizer for sterilizing the water stored in the first water tank, and a second water tank for storing the water sterilized by the water sterilizer, and the concentrate sterilization line may have a first concentrate tank for storing the product concentrate, a product concentrate sterilizer for heat sterilizing the product concentrate stored in the first concentrate tank, and a second concentrate tank for storing the product concentrate sterilized by the product concentrate sterilizer.

[0032] A 26th aspect of the present disclosure is the content filling system according to the 25th aspect, wherein the water sterilization line may have a plurality of the water sterilizers.

[0033] A 27th aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to the 25th aspect or the 26th aspect described above, wherein the content filling system may further include a cap sterilizer that sterilizes a cap attached to the container filled with the water and the concentrate product, and a bypass line may be provided downstream of the second water tank to connect the water sterilization line and the cap sterilizer to each other.

[0034] A 28th aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the 25th to 27th aspects described above, wherein an addition unit that adds solids to the product concentrate may be connected downstream of the second concentrate tank.

[0035] A 29th aspect of the present disclosure is that the content filling system according to each of the first aspect to the 28th aspect described above may further include a preform sterilization device that sterilizes preforms, a container molding device that molds the containers from the preforms, and a container sterilization device that sterilizes the containers, and the container molding device may mold the containers without adjusting the temperature of the containers with hot water.

[0036] A 30th aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the first to twenty-ninth aspects described above, wherein the water sterilization line may be partitioned into a non-sterile zone under a non-sterile atmosphere, a first gray zone and a second gray zone that separate the non-sterile atmosphere from the sterile atmosphere, and a sterile zone under a sterile atmosphere, and the non-sterile zone, the first gray zone, the second gray zone and the sterile zone may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the water transport direction, and bacteria in the water may be sterilized in the first gray zone, and a state in which no bacteria are present in the water may be maintained in the second gray zone.

[0037] A 31st aspect of the present disclosure is a sterilization method for sterilizing a content filling system according to each of the first to 30th aspects described above, wherein the water sterilization line comprises at least a water sterilizer, the water sterilizer having at least one sterile filter and at least one sterilizer, and the sterilization method comprises the steps of performing a first integrity test on at least one of the sterile filters, sterilizing the sterile filter, and performing a second integrity test on at least one of the sterile filters.

[0038] A thirty-second aspect of the present disclosure is a sterilization method according to the thirty-first aspect, which may further comprise the step of sterilizing the sterilizer.

[0039] A 33rd aspect of the present disclosure is a sterilization method according to the 31st aspect or the 32nd aspect, wherein the step of sterilizing the sterilizer may include a step of supplying hot water to the water sterilizer, a step of circulating the hot water in a circulation system including the sterilizer, and a step of cooling the circulation system.

[0040] A 34th aspect of the present disclosure is a sterilization method according to each of the 31st to 33rd aspects described above, wherein the step of sterilizing the sterilizer may include the steps of supplying a chemical agent to the water sterilizer, circulating the chemical agent in a circulation system including the sterilizer, and rinsing the circulation system.

[0041] A 35th aspect of the present disclosure is a sterilization method according to each of the 31st to 34th aspects described above, wherein the step of sterilizing the sterile filter may be performed while the step of sterilizing the sterilizer is being performed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0042] According to the present disclosure, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0043] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic plan view showing a contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a schematic diagram illustrating a water disinfection line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water disinfection line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water disinfection line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water disinfection line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2E1] FIG. 2E1 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water disinfection line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2E2]FIG. 2E2 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water disinfection line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2E3] FIG. 2E3 is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water disinfection line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2F] FIG. 2F is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water disinfection line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2G] FIG. 2G is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water disinfection line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2H] FIG. 2H is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water disinfection line according to an embodiment. [Figure 2I] FIG. 2I is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2J] FIG. 2J is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water disinfection line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2K] FIG. 2K is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water disinfection line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2L] FIG. 2L is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2M] FIG. 2M is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water disinfection line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2N] FIG. 2N is a schematic diagram illustrating another example of a water disinfection line according to an embodiment. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a first sterilizer of a water sterilizer according to an embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3) showing a first sterilizer of the water sterilizer according to one embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a plan view showing another example of a first sterilizer of a water sterilizer according to an embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line VB-VB in FIG. 5A) showing another example of the first sterilizer of the water sterilizer according to an embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a front view showing another example of a first sterilizer of a water sterilizer according to an embodiment. [Figure 6B]FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line VIB-VIB in FIG. 6A) showing another example of the first sterilizer of the water sterilizer according to an embodiment. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view (enlarged view of portion VIC in FIG. 6B) showing another example of the first sterilizer of the water sterilizer according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a concentrate sterilization line according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a content filling method using a content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a method for sterilizing a chamber in a content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a flowchart showing a sterilization method for a content filling system according to one embodiment, which is a sterilization method for a water sterilizer. [Figure 10B1] FIG. 10B1 is a flowchart showing a sterilization method for a content filling system according to one embodiment, which is a sterilization method for a water sterilizer. [Figure 10B2] FIG. 10B2 is a flowchart illustrating another example of a sterilization method for a water sterilizer, which is a sterilization method for a content filling system according to an embodiment. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10C is a flowchart illustrating yet another example of a sterilization method for a water sterilizer, which is a sterilization method for a content filling system according to an embodiment. [Figure 10D] FIG. 10D is a flowchart illustrating yet another example of a sterilization method for a water sterilizer, which is a sterilization method for a content filling system according to an embodiment. [Figure 10E] FIG. 10E is a flowchart illustrating yet another example of a sterilization method for a water sterilizer, which is a sterilization method for a content filling system according to an embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a schematic plan view showing a second modified example of the contents filling system according to the embodiment. [Figure 12A] FIG. 12A is a schematic plan view showing a fourth modified example of a contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 12B] FIG. 12B is a schematic plan view showing an enlarged view of the second sterile chamber and the outlet chamber of the fourth modified example of the content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 12C] FIG. 12C is a schematic plan view showing a content filling method using the fourth modified example of the content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 12D] FIG. 12D is a schematic plan view showing a content filling method using the fourth modified example of the content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 12E] FIG. 12E is a schematic plan view showing another example (first example) of the fourth modified example of the content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 12F] FIG. 12F is a schematic plan view showing another example (second example) of the fourth modified example of the content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 12G] FIG. 12G is a schematic plan view showing another example (third example) of the fourth modified example of the content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 12H] FIG. 12H is a schematic plan view showing another example (fourth example) of the fourth modified example of the content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 12I] FIG. 12I is a schematic plan view showing another example (fifth example) of the fourth modified example of the content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a schematic plan view showing a fifth modified example of the contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a schematic plan view showing another example of the fifth modified example of the content filling system according to the embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a filling nozzle of a filling device in another example of the fifth modified example of a content filling system according to an embodiment. [Figure 16A] FIG. 16A is a schematic plan view showing a sixth modified example of a contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 16B]FIG. 16B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the water filling nozzle of the water filling device in the sixth modified example of the content filling system according to the embodiment. [Figure 16C] FIG. 16C is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the concentrate filling nozzle of the concentrate filling device in the content filling system according to the sixth modified example of the embodiment. [Figure 17A] FIG. 17A is a schematic diagram showing a water sterilization line in a seventh modified example of a content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 17B] FIG. 17B is a schematic diagram showing a water sterilization line in another example of the seventh modified example of the content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 17C] FIG. 17C is a schematic diagram showing a water sterilization line in an eighth modified example of a content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 18A] FIG. 18A is a schematic diagram showing a concentrate sterilization line in a tenth modified example of a content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 18B] FIG. 18B is a schematic plan view showing a twelfth modified example of the content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 18C] FIG. 18C is a schematic perspective view showing another example of the twelfth modified example of the content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 18D1] FIG. 18D1 is a schematic plan view showing a sixteenth modified example of a contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 18D2] FIG. 18D2 is a schematic plan view showing another example of the sixteenth modified example of the content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 18E] FIG. 18E is a schematic diagram showing a water sterilization line in a seventeenth modified example of a content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 19] FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing a first modified example of the sterilization method for a content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 20] FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing another example of the first modified example of the sterilization method for a content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 21]FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing a second modified example of the sterilization method for a content filling system according to one embodiment. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0044] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings, in which: Figures 1 to 10E show one embodiment.

[0045] (contents filling system) First, a content filling system (aseptic filling system) according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

[0046] The content filling system 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for filling a bottle (container) 100 with a content such as a beverage. The content can be prepared by diluting a product concentrate with water. In this case, the product concentrate may be diluted with water by a ratio of 1.1 to 100, preferably 2 to 10. The product concentrate may also be diluted with water by a ratio of 10 to 80, 20 to 70, or 30 to 50. The bottle 100 can be produced by biaxially stretching blow molding a preform 100a produced by injection molding a synthetic resin material. The bottle 100 may also be produced by direct blow molding. The bottle 100 is preferably made of a thermoplastic resin, particularly PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or PEN (polyethylene naphthalate). Other containers may also be glass, cans, paper, pouches, cups, or composite containers of these. In this embodiment, a case where a synthetic resin bottle is used as the container will be described as an example.

[0047] 1, the content filling system 10 includes a water sterilization line 50 for sterilizing water, a concentrate sterilization line 70 for sterilizing a product concentrate, and a filling device (filler) 20 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and the concentrate sterilization line 70. The content filling system 10 also includes a control unit 90 for controlling the filling device 20. The content filling system 10 also includes a bottle forming unit 30, a sterilization device (container sterilization device) 11, an air-rinse device 14, the filling device 20, a capping device (capper, seaming, and stoppering machine) 16, and a product bottle carrying-out unit 25. The bottle forming unit 30, the sterilization device 11, the air-rinse device 14, the filling device 20, the capping device 16, and the product bottle carrying-out unit 25 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the conveyance direction of the bottles 100. Additionally, a plurality of conveying wheels 12 are provided between the air-rinse device 14, filling device 20, capping device 16, etc. to convey bottles 100 between these devices. First, the bottle forming section 30, sterilizing device 11, air-rinse device 14, filling device 20, capping device 16, and product bottle carrying-out section 25 will be described.

[0048] The bottle molding unit 30 is configured to receive preforms 100a from outside and mold the bottles 100. The bottle molding unit 30 is also configured to transport the molded bottles 100 toward the sterilization device 11. This allows the content filling system 10 to continuously perform processes from supplying the preforms 100a, through molding the bottles 100, to filling the bottles 100 with content and closing the bottles 100. In this case, small-volume preforms 100a are transported from outside to the content filling system 10, rather than large-volume bottles 100. This reduces transportation costs.

[0049] The bottle molding section 30 has a preform conveying section 31 that conveys the preform 100a, a blow molding section (container molding device) 32 that molds the preform 100a into a bottle 100 by blow molding the preform 100a, and a bottle conveying section 33 that conveys the molded bottle 100.

[0050] Of these, the preform transport section 31 includes a receiving section 34, a heating section 35, and a delivery section 36. Of these, the receiving section 34 is configured to receive the preforms 100a supplied from the preform supply device 1 via the preform supply conveyor 2. This receiving section 34 is provided with a preform sterilizer 34a for sterilizing the preforms 100a, and a preform air-rinse device 34b for air-rinsing the preforms 100a. In the example shown in the figure, the receiving section 34 is provided with one preform sterilizer 34a and one preform air-rinse device 34b. However, the number of preform sterilizers 34a and preform air-rinse devices 34b is not limited to this.

[0051] In the receiving section 34, the preform sterilizer 34a sprays gas or mist of an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution onto the preforms 100a, thereby sterilizing the preforms 100a (pre-sterilization).

[0052] The disinfectant used to sterilize the preform 100a may be any disinfectant that has the property of inactivating microorganisms, and examples thereof include hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, acetic acid, pernitric acid, nitric acid, chlorine-based chemicals, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, alcohols such as ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol, chlorine dioxide, ozone water, acidic water, and surfactants, which may be used alone or in combination of two or more of these.

[0053] In this way, by sterilizing the preforms 100a in advance (pre-sterilization) using the preform sterilization device 34a, it is possible to reduce the amount of bacteria that adhere to the bottles 100 made from the preforms 100a. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of hydrogen peroxide used in the sterilization device 11 that sterilizes the bottles 100, and shorten the sterilization time. Generally, the amount of sterilant used to sterilize the small-volume preforms 100a can be less than the amount of sterilant used to sterilize the bottles 100. Therefore, by pre-sterilizing the preforms 100a, it is possible to reduce the overall amount of sterilant used.

[0054] Furthermore, the amount of hydrogen peroxide used in the sterilizer 11 can be reduced, and the sterilization time can be shortened, thereby enabling the size of the sterilizer 11 to be reduced. Furthermore, the sterilization time required to sterilize the bottles 100 can be shortened, thereby reducing the thermal load on the bottles 100. Therefore, even in the case of lightweight bottles 100 or bottles 100 made from recycled PET, deformation of the bottles 100 due to the heat of the sterilant can be suppressed.

[0055] Furthermore, because pre-sterilizing the preforms 100a reduces the number of bacteria adhering to the bottles 100, the sterilization conditions in the sterilizer 11 may be weakened. Generally, to improve the sterilization effect in the sterilizer 11, the blow molding section 32 heat-sets the body of the bottle 100 by supplying warm water from a mold temperature regulator (not shown) to the mold. This improves the sterilization effect in the sterilizer 11 and reduces the shrinkage of the bottles 100 in the sterilizer 11. However, in this embodiment, as described above, pre-sterilizing the preforms 100a reduces the number of bacteria adhering to the bottles 100. Therefore, the blow molding section (container molding device) 32 may mold the bottles 100 without adjusting the temperature of the bottles 100 with warm water. In other words, the blow molding section 32 does not need to supply warm water to the molds, which was previously supplied to improve the sterilization effect. As a result, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Furthermore, since there is no need to supply hot water to the molds of the blow molding unit 32, it is possible to simplify the blow molding unit 32. Furthermore, since the blow molding unit 32 can be simplified, it is possible to reduce the amount of heat applied to the bottles 100. Therefore, even if hot water is not supplied to the molds as described above, it is possible to reduce the shrinkage of the bottles 100 in the sterilization apparatus 11.

[0056] Such sterilization may be performed not only in receiving section 34 but also in heating section 35 or delivery section 36. Sterilization may also be performed after the formation of bottle 100, between bottle conveying section 33 and filling device 20. Sterilization may also be performed at multiple locations. In the sterilization process, bacteria may be inactivated by ultraviolet irradiation, electron beam irradiation, or the like, without using a disinfectant.

[0057] Referring to FIG. 1, the preform air-rinse device 34b described above is provided downstream of the preform sterilizer 34a. The preforms 100a sprayed with the sterilant are dried with hot air in the preform air-rinse device 34b. At this time, it is preferable to supply hot air to the preforms 100a with the openings of the preforms 100a facing downward. This effectively removes foreign matter from inside the preforms 100a. This eliminates the need for a process of washing the preforms 100a with sterile water, thereby reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10. The receiving section 34 does not necessarily need to be provided with the preform air-rinse device 34b. Furthermore, the receiving section 34 may be provided upstream of the preform sterilizer 34a with a foreign matter removal device (not shown) for removing foreign matter adhering to the preforms 100a.

[0058] The heating section 35 is configured to receive the preform 100a from the receiving section 34 and heat the preform 100a while transporting it. The heating section 35 is provided with a heater 35a that heats the preform 100a. The heater 35a may be, for example, an infrared heater. The heater 35a heats the preform 100a to, for example, a temperature of 90°C or higher and 130°C or lower. The temperature of the mouth of the preform 100a is kept below 70°C to prevent deformation, etc.

[0059] The delivery section 36 is configured to receive the preform 100 a heated by the heating section 35 and deliver it to the blow molding section 32 .

[0060] The blow molding unit 32 includes a mold (not shown). The mold is used to blow mold the preform 100a, thereby molding the bottle 100. The molded bottle 100 is then transported downstream by the bottle transport unit 33.

[0061] Here, an adjusting and conveying section 5 is provided between the bottle forming section 30 and the sterilizing device 11 to receive the bottles 100 from the bottle conveying section 33 and transfer the bottles 100 to the sterilizing device 11. At least a portion of this conditioning and conveying unit 5 is housed inside an atmosphere blocker chamber 70c (described below) provided upstream of a sterilant spray chamber 70d (described below). In the illustrated example, the conditioning and conveying unit 5 is arranged to straddle the atmosphere blocker chamber 70c and a molding unit chamber 70b (described below) that houses the bottle molding unit 30. In this way, by having at least a portion of the conditioning and conveying unit 5 housed inside the atmosphere blocker chamber 70c, it is possible to prevent the sterilant gas or mist, or a mixture thereof, generated in the sterilant spray chamber 70d from flowing into the molding unit chamber 70b.

[0062] In the illustrated example, a single conveying wheel 12 is provided between the adjusting and conveying unit 5 and the bottle conveying unit 33 of the bottle molding unit 30. That is, between the blow molding unit 32 of the bottle molding unit 30 and the sterilization device 11, the bottle conveying unit 33 of the bottle molding unit 30, a single conveying wheel 12, and an adjusting and conveying unit 5 are provided. This allows the content filling system 10 to be more compact than when multiple conveying wheels 12 are provided between the adjusting and conveying unit 5 and the bottle conveying unit 33 of the bottle molding unit 30. Although not shown, only the adjusting and conveying unit 5 may be provided between the blow molding unit 32 of the bottle molding unit 30 and the sterilization device 11. In this case, the content filling system 10 can be made even more compact.

[0063] The sterilizer 11 is a device that sterilizes the bottles 100 by spraying a sterilant onto the bottles 100. As a result, the bottles 100 are sterilized by the sterilant before being filled with the contents. For example, an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is used as the sterilant. In the sterilizer 11, gas or mist of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is generated and sprayed onto the inner and outer surfaces of the bottles 100. Since the bottles 100 are sterilized with the gas or mist of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution in this way, the inner and outer surfaces of the bottles 100 are sterilized evenly.

[0064] The air rinse device 14 is a device that supplies sterile heated air or room temperature air to the bottle 100 to activate the hydrogen peroxide while removing foreign matter, hydrogen peroxide, and the like from inside the bottle 100. At this time, it is preferable that the sterile air is supplied to the bottle 100 with the mouth of the bottle 100 facing downward. This allows foreign matter to be effectively removed from inside the bottle 100. This makes it possible to omit the step of rinsing the bottle 100 with sterile water, thereby reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10. Note that, if necessary, sterilized room temperature air may be mixed with a condensed mist of low-concentration hydrogen peroxide to gasify the hydrogen peroxide and supply it to the bottle 100.

[0065] The filling device 20 is a device that fills water and a concentrate product into bottles 100. That is, the filling device 20 fills pre-sterilized water and a concentrate product into the bottles 100 through the mouths of the bottles 100. In this way, the contents prepared by diluting the concentrate product in the filling device 20 are filled into the empty bottles 100. In this filling device 20, the contents are filled into the bottles 100 while a plurality of bottles 100 are rotated and transported.

[0066] The filling device 20 may include a water filling device 21 connected to the water sterilization line 50, and a concentrate filling device 22 connected to the concentrate sterilization line 70. The water filling device 21 and the concentrate filling device 22 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the conveyance direction of the bottles 100. The water filling device 21 is disposed inside a first sterile chamber 70f, which will be described later. The concentrate filling device 22 is disposed inside a second sterile chamber 70h, which will be described later. The water filling device 21 and the concentrate filling device 22 may each be a so-called rotary filler.

[0067] The water filling device 21 fills the bottles 100 with sterilized water. In this case, the water filling device 21 fills the empty bottles 100 with sterilized water. Meanwhile, the concentrate filling device 22 fills the bottles filled with water with sterilized concentrate product. In this way, since the filling device 20 has the water filling device 21 and the concentrate filling device 22, the size of the filling device that comes into contact with the concentrate product or the contents (i.e., concentrate filling device 22) can be made smaller than when a single filling device is used to fill the contents. Therefore, as will be described later, the area for cleaning and sterilizing the filling device 20 can be made smaller.

[0068] The speed at which the water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with water may be faster than the speed at which the concentrate filling device 22 fills the bottle 100 with the concentrate product. That is, the water filling speed can be increased by the water filling device 21 filling an empty bottle 100 with water. Here, if the contents are filled into the bottle 100 with force, for example, foaming inside the bottle 100 may cause some of the contents to splash out from the mouth of the bottle 100. The splashed contents may then cause soiling around the bottle 100. In contrast, when filling an empty bottle 100 with water, even if water splashes out from the mouth of the bottle 100, soiling does not adhere to the periphery of the bottle 100. This allows for a faster water filling speed. As a result, the number of water filling nozzles (see, for example, FIG. 16B described below) of the water filling device 21 can be reduced. This allows for a smaller size of the water filling device 21.

[0069] In the water filling device 21, the water filling speed may be 100 mL / sec or more and 500 mL / sec or less, and preferably 200 mL / sec or more and 400 mL / sec or less. A water filling speed of 100 mL / sec or more allows the number of water filling nozzles in the water filling device 21 to be reduced. This allows the size of the water filling device 21 to be reduced. Furthermore, a water filling speed of 500 mL / sec or less prevents water from splashing out of the mouth of the bottle 100 when filling the bottle 100 with water. This prevents variations in the volume of the contents and the dilution ratio of the concentrate product between the product bottles 101. In the concentrate filling device 22, the product concentrate filling speed may be 30 mL / sec or more and 200 mL / sec or less.

[0070] The capping device 16 is a device that closes the bottles 100 by attaching caps 88 to the bottles 100. In the capping device 16, the bottles 100 filled with water and undiluted product liquid (contents) are closed with the caps 88, sealing the bottles 100 to prevent outside air and microorganisms from entering. In the capping device 16, the caps 88 are attached to the mouths of multiple bottles 100 filled with the contents while they are rotated (revolved). In this way, the caps 88 are attached to the bottles 100, and product bottles 101 are obtained.

[0071] The caps 88 are sterilized in advance by the cap sterilizer 18. The cap sterilizer 18 is disposed, for example, outside the second aseptic chamber 70h (described below) or the like, near the cap fitting device 16. In the cap sterilizer 18, a large number of caps 88 brought in from outside the content filling system 10 are collected in advance and transported in a line toward the cap fitting device 16. On the way to the cap fitting device 16, hydrogen peroxide gas or mist is sprayed onto the inner and outer surfaces of the caps 88, and then the caps are dried and sterilized with hot air.

[0072] The product bottle carrying section 25 continuously carries out the product bottles 101 to which the caps 88 have been attached by the capping device 16 toward the outside of the content filling system 10.

[0073] The content filling system 10 includes a preform sterilization chamber 70a, a molding section chamber 70b, an atmosphere blockage chamber 70c, a sterilant spray chamber 70d, an air rinse chamber (fourth sterile chamber) 70e, a first sterile chamber 70f, an intermediate area chamber (third sterile chamber) 70g, a second sterile chamber 70h, and an outlet chamber 70i. Between the first sterile chamber 70f and the second sterile chamber 70h, an intermediate area chamber (third sterile chamber) 70g is provided to connect the first sterile chamber 70f and the second sterile chamber 70h. An air rinse chamber (fourth sterile chamber) 70e is provided upstream of the first sterile chamber 70f. That is, the preform sterilization chamber 70a, molding section chamber 70b, atmosphere isolation chamber 70c, sterilant spray chamber 70d, air rinse chamber 70e, first sterile chamber 70f, intermediate area chamber 70g, second sterile chamber 70h, and outlet chamber 70i are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the conveying direction of the preforms 100a and bottles 100.

[0074] Each chamber 70a to 70i is separated by a partition wall. The partition wall prevents the sterilant or the like from flowing in an unintended direction between the chambers 70a to 70i and stabilizes the pressure within each chamber 70a to 70i. The partition walls have gaps large enough to allow the preforms 100a or bottles 100 to pass through. These gaps are formed to a minimum size, for example, the size of one preform 100a or bottle 100, so as to prevent changes in the pressure within each chamber 70a to 70i. The partition walls may also be provided with shutters that close the above-mentioned gaps. These shutters may be configured to open and close automatically, for example, in response to a signal from the control unit 90.

[0075] Among the chambers 70a to 70i, the preform sterilization chamber 70a houses the preform sterilization device 34a and the like.

[0076] The blow molding section 32 of the bottle molding section 30 and the like are housed inside the molding section chamber 70b.

[0077] At least a portion of the adjustment and conveyance unit 5 is housed inside the atmosphere blocker chamber 70c. A camera may also be provided inside the atmosphere blocker chamber 70c. The camera may be used to inspect whether the bottles 100 are suitable for molding. A thermometer may also be provided inside the atmosphere blocker chamber 70c. The thermometer may be used to measure the temperature of the bottles 100 before sterilization. The temperature of the bottles 100 is one of the important factors that determine the sterilization efficiency of the bottles 100. In other words, maintaining the temperature of the bottles 100 at an appropriate temperature can improve the sterilization efficiency of the bottles 100. Therefore, measuring the temperature of the bottles 100 before sterilization with a thermometer allows the temperature of the bottles 100 to be maintained at an appropriate temperature during sterilization, thereby improving the sterilization efficiency of the bottles 100.

[0078] Sterilizer spray chamber 70d houses sterilizer 11. Air rinse chamber 70e houses air rinse device 14.

[0079] The first sterile chamber 70f houses the water filling device 21 of the filling apparatus 20. The second sterile chamber 70h houses the concentrate filling device 22 and capping device 16 of the filling apparatus 20. The outlet chamber 70i houses the product bottle discharge unit 25. The intermediate area chamber 70g may house only the conveyor wheel 12.

[0080] Pressure gauges (not shown) for measuring the pressure inside each chamber are attached inside the above-mentioned preform sterilization chamber 70a, sterilant spray chamber 70d, air rinse chamber 70e, first sterile chamber 70f, intermediate area chamber 70g, second sterile chamber 70h, and exit chamber 70i. A pressure gauge for measuring the pressure inside each chamber may also be attached to the molding section chamber 70b and / or atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c.

[0081] As described above, the content filling system 10 includes a control unit 90 that controls the filling device 20. This control unit 90 is electrically connected to the filling device 20, and controls the water filling device 21 and concentrate filling device 22 of the filling device 20. The control unit 90 may also be electrically connected to the water sterilization line 50, concentrate sterilization line 70, bottle forming unit 30, sterilization device 11, air rinse device 14, cap attachment device 16, product bottle conveying unit 25, and cap sterilization device 18, and the control unit 90 may control the water sterilization line 50, etc.

[0082] The control unit 90 may clean and sterilize the inside of each chamber, or may clean and sterilize the water sterilizer 60 (described later) and the like of the water sterilization line 50. In this embodiment, the control unit 90 cleans the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h while maintaining the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state (hereinafter, cleaning of the inside of each chamber will also be referred to as COP). The control unit 90 also cleans the concentrate filling device 22 while maintaining the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state (hereinafter, cleaning of the inside of the filling device 20, such as the concentrate filling device 22, will also be referred to as CIP (Cleaning in Place)). In other words, when cleaning the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h and the concentrate filling device 22, the control unit 90 maintains the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state without cleaning (COP) the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f. Furthermore, when cleaning the second sterile chamber 70h and the concentrate filling device 22, the control unit 90 maintains the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state without cleaning the water filling device 21 (CIP).

[0083] As described above, the first sterile chamber 70f accommodates the water filling device 21, which fills the water with sterilized water. The surroundings of the water filling device 21 and the water flow path within the water filling device 21 are not soiled by the contents. Therefore, even if cleaning (COP) or sterilization (hereinafter, sterilization within each chamber will also be referred to as SOP) within the first sterile chamber 70f is not performed when switching the type of contents, the hygiene within the first sterile chamber 70f can be maintained. Furthermore, even if cleaning (CIP) or sterilization (SIP (Sterilization in Place)) of the water filling device 21 accommodated within the first sterile chamber 70f is not performed at this time, the hygiene of the water filling device 21 can be maintained, and mixing of the previous contents with the next contents can be prevented. In this way, if the first sterile chamber 70f is not cleaned when the second sterile chamber 70h is cleaned, the number of times the first sterile chamber 70f is cleaned can be reduced and the area to be cleaned in the content filling system 10 can be narrowed. This reduces the amount of water, steam, electricity, and cleaning agent used. Furthermore, the cleaning area can be narrowed, shortening the cleaning time. This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10.

[0084] The control unit 90 also sterilizes the second sterile chamber 70h (SOP) while maintaining the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state. The control unit 90 also sterilizes the concentrate filling device 22 (SIP) while maintaining the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state. That is, when sterilizing the second sterile chamber 70h and the concentrate filling device 22, the control unit 90 maintains the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state without sterilizing the first sterile chamber 70f (SOP). Furthermore, when sterilizing the second sterile chamber 70h and the concentrate filling device 22, the control unit 90 maintains the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f in a sterile state without sterilizing the water filling device 21 (SIP). This allows the sterilization area to be narrowed. This reduces the amount of steam used. This also reduces the sterilization time. This also reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10.

[0085] The pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f is preferably higher than the pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h. This prevents air from entering the first sterile chamber 70f, thereby maintaining a good sterility inside the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0086] When cleaning and sterilizing the second sterile chamber 70h, the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f is preferably 40 Pa or more and 100 Pa or less, and the pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. When cleaning and sterilizing the concentrate filling device 22, the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f is preferably 40 Pa or more and 100 Pa or less, and the pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. This effectively prevents air from entering the first sterile chamber 70f, further maintaining the sterility of the first sterile chamber 70f. When producing the product bottles 101, the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f is preferably 30 Pa or more and 60 Pa or less, and the pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less.

[0087] Furthermore, it is preferable that the pressure within the intermediate area chamber (third sterile chamber) 70g be lower than the pressure within the first sterile chamber 70f and equal to or higher than the pressure within the second sterile chamber 70h. By making the pressure within the intermediate area chamber 70g lower than the pressure within the first sterile chamber 70f, air within the intermediate area chamber 70g is prevented from entering the first sterile chamber 70f. By making the pressure within the intermediate area chamber 70g equal to or higher than the pressure within the second sterile chamber 70h, air within the second sterile chamber 70h is prevented from entering the intermediate area chamber 70g. This prevents air within the second sterile chamber 70h from entering the first sterile chamber 70f via the intermediate area chamber 70g. As a result, the sterility within the first sterile chamber 70f can be maintained satisfactorily.

[0088] When cleaning and sterilizing the second sterile chamber 70h, the pressure in the intermediate area chamber 70g is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. When cleaning and sterilizing the concentrate filling device 22, the pressure in the intermediate area chamber 70g is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. This prevents air from entering the second sterile chamber 70h into the intermediate area chamber 70g, further maintaining the sterility inside the first sterile chamber 70f. When producing product bottles 101, the pressure in the intermediate area chamber 70g is preferably 20 Pa or more and 50 Pa or less.

[0089] Furthermore, it is preferable that the pressure in the air rinse chamber (fourth sterile chamber) 70e be equal to or lower than the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f. This prevents air in the air rinse chamber 70e from entering the first sterile chamber 70f. This helps maintain a good sterility inside the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0090] When cleaning and sterilizing the second sterile chamber 70h, the pressure in the air rinse chamber 70e is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. When cleaning and sterilizing the concentrate filling device 22, the pressure in the air rinse chamber 70e is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. This prevents air from entering the first sterile chamber 70f, further maintaining the sterility inside the first sterile chamber 70f. When producing the product bottles 101, the pressure in the air rinse chamber 70e is preferably 10 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less.

[0091] Furthermore, the pressure within the sterilant spray chamber 70d is preferably equal to or lower than the pressure within the atmosphere blocker chamber 70c. This prevents the air within the sterilant spray chamber 70d from entering the atmosphere blocker chamber 70c and the molding section chamber 70b. Since the air within the sterilant spray chamber 70d is prevented from entering the molding section chamber 70b, an increase in humidity within the molding section chamber 70b is prevented. As described above, the blow molding section 32 of the bottle molding section 30 is housed within the molding section chamber 70b. Therefore, by preventing an increase in humidity within the molding section chamber 70b, corrosion of the machinery that constitutes the blow molding section 32 can be prevented.

[0092] When cleaning and sterilizing the second aseptic chamber 70h, the pressure in the sterilant spray chamber 70d is preferably between 0 Pa and 20 Pa. When cleaning and sterilizing the concentrate filling device 22, the pressure in the sterilant spray chamber 70d is preferably between 0 Pa and 20 Pa. This prevents air from entering the atmosphere blockage chamber 70c and the molding chamber 70b, thereby preventing an increase in humidity in the molding chamber 70b. When producing the finished bottles 101, the pressure in the sterilant spray chamber 70d is preferably between -10 Pa and 10 Pa.

[0093] When cleaning and sterilizing the second aseptic chamber 70h, the pressure in the outlet chamber 70i is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. Also, when cleaning and sterilizing the concentrate filling device 22, the pressure in the outlet chamber 70i is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. This prevents air from entering the first sterile chamber 70f through the second sterile chamber 70h, etc., and further improves the sterility of the first sterile chamber 70f. When producing the product bottles 101, the pressure in the outlet chamber 70i is preferably 10 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less.

[0094] In summary, the pressures in sterilant spray chamber 70d through exit chamber 70i may be as shown in Table 1 below.

[0095] [Table 1]

[0096] At this time, the pressures in the preform sterilization chamber 70a to the atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c may be set as shown in Table 2 below.

[0097] [Table 2]

[0098] Such a content filling system 10 may be, for example, a sterile filling system. In this case, the interiors of the sterilant spray chamber 70d, air rinse chamber 70e, first sterile chamber 70f, intermediate area chamber 70g, second sterile chamber 70h, and outlet chamber 70i are maintained in a sterile state. Note that a chamber (not shown) may be provided downstream of the outlet chamber 70i to connect the sterile zone in a sterile state with the non-sterile zone in a non-sterile state.

[0099] Next, we will explain the water sterilization line 50 and the concentrate sterilization line 70 of the content filling system 10. First, we will explain the water sterilization line 50.

[0100] Water Sterilization Line The water sterilization line 50 is a sterilization line that sterilizes water without heating. This water sterilization line 50 may sterilize water with ultraviolet light. In this case, the water in the water sterilization line 50 may be sterilized with ultraviolet light from at least one of a low-pressure mercury lamp and a medium-pressure mercury lamp. The water sterilization line 50 may also sterilize water by filtering it with a sterilizing filter (such as the first sterilizing filter 63 described below). In this specification, "non-thermal sterilization" refers to sterilizing water without using thermal energy such as an electric heater or steam.

[0101] As shown in Fig. 2A, the water sterilization line 50 has at least a water sterilizer 60 that sterilizes water. In the example shown in Fig. 2A, the water sterilization line 50 has a first water tank 51, the water sterilizer 60, and a second water tank 52. The water sterilization line 50 may further have a water purifier 50a that produces water (pure water) and a pure water tank 50c that stores the water (pure water) supplied from the water purifier 50a, both of which are provided upstream of the first water tank 51. The water purifier 50a, the pure water tank 50c, the first water tank 51, the water sterilizer 60, and the second water tank 52 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the water transport direction.

[0102] The pure water tank 50c stores water (pure water) supplied from the water supply source, the pure water production system 50a. The Food Sanitation Act requires that raw water for soft drinks be water for food production, as defined by the Food Sanitation Act. The water for food production is pure water (RO water, ion-exchanged water, distilled water, etc.) produced by the pure water production system 50a, which includes activated carbon, a reverse osmosis membrane, or an ion exchange resin (including EDI). Pure water is water from which impurities such as calcium, magnesium, chlorine, iron, and minerals have been removed. In this case, the evaporation residue of the pure water is 20 mg / L or less. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity of the pure water is 0.1 μS / cm or more and 20 μS / cm or less. As described below, in this embodiment, water is sterilized by ultraviolet light. Therefore, by ensuring that the electrical conductivity of the water to be sterilized is 20 μS / cm or less, adhesion of inorganic substances (oxides such as calcium) to the surfaces of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., as described below, can be suppressed. This prevents a decrease in ultraviolet transmittance. Furthermore, the water supplied from the pure water production system 50a is not limited to pure water, but may be ultrapure water.

[0103] The pure water tank 50c serves to store water and ensure a smooth flow of water. The volume of the pure water tank 50c is 50 m 3 More than 100m 3 It may be less than 50m, for example. 3 It may be.

[0104] Furthermore, the bacterial count in the pure water tank 50c is preferably between 0.001 CFU / mL and 20 CFU / mL. The pure water supplied to the pure water tank 50c is produced by removing chlorine from tap water using activated carbon or other means. This makes the pure water supplied to the pure water tank 50c prone to bacterial growth. Therefore, a UV lamp may be installed in the pure water tank 50c to suppress bacterial growth. If the bacterial count in the pure water tank 50c exceeds 20 CFU / mL, the pure water tank 50c is preferably sterilized with chlorine, hot water, steam, or other means. The bacterial count in the pure water tank 50c may be constantly monitored and controlled to remain within the above range. This allows for the production of sterile water without the need for additional equipment. This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the water sterilizer 60 without requiring expensive specifications for the water sterilizer 60.

[0105] A pre-sterilizer 62A and a first water tank 51 are provided downstream of the pure water tank 50c.

[0106] Here, if the bacterial concentration of the water supplied from the pure water production system 50a is high (e.g., 1 CFU / ml or more) and the foreign matter removal filter 61 (described later) has a sterilization filter pore size (0.1 μm to 10 μm), the foreign matter removal filter 61 may become contaminated with bacteria in a short period of time. If a large number of bacteria are trapped in the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the bacteria multiply, the quality of the water may be affected. For this reason, as shown in FIG. 2A, a pre-stage sterilizer 62A is preferably installed upstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61. This makes it possible to produce high-quality sterile water for a long period of time. In the example shown in FIG. 2A, two pre-stage sterilizers 62A are installed upstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61. Specifically, one pre-stage sterilizer 62A is installed upstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61, one upstream and one downstream of the first water tank 51. The number of the pre-stage sterilizer 62A may be one, and it may be provided on only one of the upstream and downstream sides of the first water tank 51. In this case, the cost of sterilizing water can be reduced. The configuration of the pre-stage sterilizer 62A may be substantially the same as the configuration of the first sterilizer 62 shown in Figures 3 to 6B, which will be described later.

[0107] The first water tank 51 is a so-called balance tank, and by storing water, it plays a role in smoothing the flow of water. The capacity of the first water tank 51 is 30 m 3 More than 100m 3 It may be less than 50m, for example. 3 It may be.

[0108] A pump P1 for transporting water and a flow meter F for measuring the flow rate of water may be provided downstream of the first water tank 51. The pump P1 and the flow meter F may be provided in this order from upstream to downstream along the water transport direction. The location of the flow meter F may be changed as appropriate, as long as it is downstream of the pump P1 and upstream of a valve V1, which will be described later. The water sterilizer 60 described above is provided downstream of the flow meter F.

[0109] The water sterilizer 60 is a sterilizer that sterilizes the water stored in the first water tank 51. Details of the water sterilizer 60 will be described later.

[0110] The second water tank 52 is a tank (so-called aseptic tank) that stores water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60. The second water tank 52 serves to smooth the flow of water by storing sterilized water. The volume of the second water tank 52 is 5 m 3 More than 50m 3 It may be less than 10m, for example. 3 It may be.

[0111] Furthermore, an auxiliary filter 53 that filters the sterilized water and a third water tank 54 that stores the water that has passed through the auxiliary filter 53 may be provided downstream of the second water tank 52. In this case, the third water tank 54 may be a so-called filler tank, and may be installed vertically above the water filling device 21 in order to improve the filling accuracy of the water filling device 21. The third water tank 54 may also function as a so-called cushion tank that ensures a smooth flow of water even if the amount of water used downstream of the third water tank 54 changes. The volume of the third water tank 54 is 0.1 m 3 More than 1m 3 It may be less than 0.3 m, for example. 3 It may be.

[0112] Furthermore, a first bypass line (bypass line) 55 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A, etc.) connecting the water sterilization line 50 and the cap sterilizer 18 to each other may be provided downstream of the second water tank 52. This allows water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 to be used to wash the caps 88. Here, the caps 88 can be washed with sterile water after being sterilized with a disinfectant. This cools the caps 88 and removes foreign matter adhering to the caps 88. Furthermore, by washing the caps 88 with sterile water, the sterile water adhering to the caps 88 can reduce friction between the caps 88 and a conveying chute (not shown) that conveys the caps 88. This prevents the caps 88 from being scraped by the conveying chute during conveyance.

[0113] As described above, the first bypass line 55 is provided downstream of the second water tank 52, so that the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 can be used to wash the cap 88. Therefore, compared to washing the caps 88 with sterile water prepared using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be further reduced. Note that by appropriately setting the sterilization conditions, conveying speed, and / or material of the caps 88, the caps 88 can be conveyed without being scraped. In this way, if the caps 88 are not scraped, the caps 88 do not need to be washed with sterile water.

[0114] Furthermore, a second bypass line 56 connecting the water sterilization line 50 and the second sterile chamber 70h to each other may be provided downstream of the second water tank 52. When cleaning the second sterile chamber 70h, the control unit 90 may supply water sterilized in the water sterilization line 50 to the second sterile chamber 70h via the second bypass line 56. When cleaning the concentrate filling device 22, the control unit 90 may supply water sterilized in the water sterilization line 50 to the second sterile chamber 70h via the second bypass line 56. This further reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 compared to cleaning the second sterile chamber 70h with sterile water prepared using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water.

[0115] Additionally, in the second aseptic chamber 70h, the concentrate filling device 22 fills the bottle 100 with the concentrate product (contents). Here, after the concentrate product (contents) is filled into the bottle 100, the mouth of the bottle 100 can be washed. When washing the mouth of the bottle 100 in this manner, water supplied to the second aseptic chamber 70h via the second bypass line 56 may be used. This further reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 compared to washing the mouth of the bottle 100 with sterile water prepared using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water. Note that if the concentrate product (contents) does not adhere to the mouth of the bottle 100, the mouth of the bottle 100 does not need to be washed. Furthermore, even if the concentrate product adheres to the mouth of the bottle 100, the mouth of the bottle 100 does not need to be washed if there is no possibility of bacteria growing.

[0116] The second bypass line 56 may connect the water sterilization line 50 to each of the chambers 70a to 70i. When cleaning the inside of each of the chambers 70a to 70i, water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 may be supplied to each of the chambers 70a to 70i via the second bypass line 56. When cleaning a machine placed in each of the chambers 70a to 70i, water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 may be supplied to each of the chambers 70a to 70i via the second bypass line 56.

[0117] 2A, a circulation line (first circulation line) 59 may be connected to the water sterilization line 50 upstream of the second water tank 52. One end of this circulation line 59 may be connected to the water sterilization line 50 via a valve V1 provided in the water sterilization line 50. The other end of the circulation line 59 may be connected to the first water tank 51 of the water sterilization line 50. As a result, a circulation system (first circulation system) 59A for circulating water may be configured by a foreign matter removal filter 61, a first sterilizer 62, a first sterile filter 63, a second sterilizer 64, a second sterile filter 65, the circulation line 59, and the first water tank 51, which will be described later. A thermometer T may be provided in the circulation line 59. A concentration meter 59c may be provided in the circulation line 59 to measure the concentration of a disinfectant or a cleaning agent when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60. Furthermore, the circulation line 59 may be provided with a heating device (such as a heat exchanger or heater) for heating a disinfectant or the like when cleaning and / or sterilizing the circulation line 59. The heating device may be used to adjust the water supplied to the first sterile filter 63 and the like to a constant temperature (e.g., 25°C) during the integrity test described below. In this case, the water adjusted to a constant temperature can be used to wet the membranes of the first sterile filter 63 and the like described below. This allows data to be obtained from the integrity test throughout the year that is not affected by water temperature. The heating device may be provided anywhere between the first water tank 51 and the valve V1, in addition to the circulation line 59. The number of heating devices provided may be one or more. The valve V1 may be electrically connected to the control unit 90 and may be controlled by the control unit 90.

[0118] 2B, a circulation line (second circulation line) 95 may be connected between the first water tank 51 and the water sterilizer 60 of the water sterilization line 50. One end of this circulation line 95 may be connected to a sampling line SL connected to a sampling point SP5 (described later). The other end of the circulation line 95 may be connected, for example, between a pump P1 provided downstream of the first water tank 51 and the pre-stage sterilizer 62A. The other end of the circulation line 95 may be connected, for example, upstream of the pump P1 (e.g., between the first water tank 51 and the pump P1). As a result, a circulation system (second circulation system) 95A for circulating water and the like may be configured by the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, a third bypass line 95a (described later), the first sterilizer 62, a fourth bypass line 95b (described later), the second sterilizer 64, and the circulation line 95. The circulation line 95 may be provided with a sterilant supply unit 96 including a tank, a pump, a heater, a concentration meter, and the like (not shown). The circulation line 95 may also be provided with a heat exchanger 97. Furthermore, the circulation line 95 may also be provided with a pump (not shown). The circulation system 95A including this circulation line 95 may be used to circulate a disinfectant or a cleaning agent when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60, as will be described later.

[0119] 2C, one end of the circulation line 95 may be connected, for example, between the second sterilizer 64 and the first sterile filter 63. As a result, a circulation system (second circulation system) 95A may be composed of the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, a third bypass line 95a (described later), the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, and the circulation line 95.

[0120] <Water sterilizer> Next, the water sterilizer 60 will be described. This water sterilizer 60 is a sterilizer that sterilizes the water used in the content filling system 10. In this embodiment, the water sterilizer 60 sterilizes water without heating. As described above, the water sterilizer 60 sterilizes the water (pure water) stored in the first water tank 51. For this reason, the water sterilizer 60 sterilizes water with an electrical conductivity of 0.1 μS / cm or more and 20 μS / cm or less.

[0121] 2A and 2B, the water sterilizer 60 includes at least one sterile filter (first sterile filter 63 and second sterile filter 65). The water sterilizer 60 also includes at least one sterilizer (first sterilizer 62 and second sterilizer 64). Because the water sterilizer 60 includes at least one sterile filter and at least one sterilizer, even if one of the sterile filter and the sterilizer stops, the sterility of the water can be guaranteed by the other sterile filter or the sterilizer.

[0122] In the example shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the water sterilizer 60 includes a foreign matter removal filter 61, a first sterilizer 62, a first sterile filter 63, a second sterilizer 64, and a second sterile filter 65. The foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterile filter 63, the second sterilizer 64, and the second sterile filter 65 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the water transport direction. In this way, by arranging the sterilizer (in this case, the second sterilizer 64) downstream of the sterile filter (in this case, the first sterile filter 63), even if bacteria pass through the sterile filter, the sterilizer can sterilize the bacteria. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2C, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 may also be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the water transport direction. 2A to 2C, the water sterilizer 60 is provided with a plurality of sterile filters (first sterile filter 63 and second sterile filter 65), so that even if one sterile filter stops working, the sterility of the water can be ensured by the other sterile filter. Also, the water sterilizer 60 is provided with a plurality of sterilizers (first sterilizer 62 and second sterilizer 64), so that even if one sterilizer stops working, the sterility of the water can be ensured by the other sterilizer.

[0123] 2D, the water sterilizer 60 may comprise a foreign matter removal filter 61, a first sterilizer 62, a first sterile filter 63 and a second sterile filter 65. The foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the water transport direction. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may further comprise a second sterilizer 64 provided between the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65.

[0124] As shown in FIG. 2E1, the water sterilizer 60 may comprise a first sterilizer 62, a first sterile filter 63, and a second sterile filter 65. The first sterilizer 62, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the water transport direction. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may further comprise a second sterilizer 64 provided between the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. As shown in FIG. 2E2, the first sterile filter 63, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterile filter 65, and the second sterilizer 64 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the water transport direction. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2E3, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterile filter 63, the second sterile filter 65, and the second sterilizer 64 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the water transport direction.

[0125] As shown in Figure 2F, the water sterilizer 60 may also include a first sterilizer 62 and a first sterile filter 63. The first sterilizer 62 and the first sterile filter 63 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the direction of water transport. As shown in Figure 2G, the first sterile filter 63 and the first sterilizer 62 may also be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the direction of water transport. In these cases, the water sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterilizer 64 provided between the first sterile filter 63 and a valve V1, which will be described later.

[0126] 2H, the water sterilizer 60 may comprise a first sterilizer 62, a second sterilizer 64, and a first sterile filter 63. The first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, and the first sterile filter 63 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the water transport direction. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may further comprise a second sterile filter 65 provided downstream of the first sterile filter 63.

[0127] 2I, the water sterilizer 60 may comprise a first sterile filter 63, a second sterile filter 65, and a first sterilizer 62. The first sterile filter 63, the second sterile filter 65, and the first sterilizer 62 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the water transport direction. In this case, the water sterilizer 60 may further comprise a second sterilizer 64 provided downstream of the first sterilizer 62.

[0128] The water sterilizer 60 may not necessarily include a sterile filter. That is, depending on the sterility quality level of the contents produced by diluting the undiluted product with water and / or the bacterial growth characteristics of the contents, the water sterilizer 60 may not necessarily include a sterile filter. Furthermore, when sterilized water is used for cleaning (COP) and / or sterilization (SOP) within each chamber, the water does not come into direct contact with the contents. Even in such cases, the water sterilizer 60 may not necessarily include a sterile filter. In these cases, for example, as shown in FIG. 2J, the water sterilizer 60 may include only the first sterilizer 62. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2K, the water sterilizer 60 may include both the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64. In this way, when the water sterilizer 60 does not include a sterile filter, the manufacturing cost of the water sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

[0129] Furthermore, the water sterilizer 60 does not necessarily have to include a sterilizer. That is, depending on the sterilization quality level of the contents produced by diluting the undiluted product with water and / or the growth characteristics of bacteria in the contents, the water sterilizer 60 may not necessarily have to include a sterilizer. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 2L, the water sterilizer 60 may include only a first sterilizer filter 63. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2M, the water sterilizer 60 may include a first sterilizer filter 63 and a second sterilizer filter 65. In this way, even when the water sterilizer 60 does not include a sterilizer, the manufacturing cost of the water sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

[0130] Next, we will explain the foreign matter removal filter 61, first sterilizer 62, first sterile filter 63, second sterilizer 64 and second sterile filter 65. In the following explanation, we will mainly use the water sterilizer 60 shown in Figure 2A as an example to explain the foreign matter removal filter 61, first sterilizer 62, first sterile filter 63, second sterilizer 64 and second sterile filter 65. Here, we will first explain the foreign matter removal filter 61.

[0131] The foreign matter removal filter 61 is a filter that removes foreign matter from water. In the illustrated example, the water sterilizer 60 is equipped with a single foreign matter removal filter 61. However, this is not limited thereto, and the water sterilizer 60 may be equipped with multiple foreign matter removal filters 61. The mesh size (filtration accuracy) of the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be, for example, 0.20 μm to 10 μm, or 0.45 μm to 10 μm. Furthermore, the mesh size of the foreign matter removal filter 61 is preferably large enough to remove fungi (mold, yeast, etc.). As will be described later, the first sterilizer 62 and the like provided downstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61 irradiates the water with ultraviolet light. For this reason, the mesh size of the foreign matter removal filter 61 is preferably large enough to remove ultraviolet-resistant molds, and is preferably 0.45 μm to 1.2 μm. To enhance the sterility of the water that has passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61, the mesh size of the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be 0.2 μm or more and 1.2 μm or less. This makes it possible to capture almost all bacteria remaining in the water. Furthermore, to enhance the sterility of the water that has passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61, a sterile-grade filter with a mesh size of 0.1 μm or more and 0.22 μm or less may be used as the foreign matter removal filter 61.

[0132] The first sterilizer 62 is located downstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61. The first sterilizer 62 is located upstream of the first sterilization filter 63. The first sterilizer 62 sterilizes water using ultraviolet light. This sterilizes bacteria (bacteria other than mold and yeast) that have passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61. Furthermore, since the first sterilizer 62 sterilizes water using ultraviolet light, the carbon dioxide emissions from the content filling system can be reduced compared to sterilizing water by heating. In particular, as described above, when preparing the contents, the product concentrate can be diluted with water by 1.1 to 100 times, preferably by 2 to 10 times. When the product concentrate is diluted with water by 2 to 10 times, 50% to 90% of the contents are water. Therefore, by sterilizing water without heating, the carbon dioxide emissions emitted when preparing the contents can be significantly reduced.

[0133] As described above, in this embodiment, the first sterilizer 62 sterilizes water by ultraviolet rays. In this case, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first sterilizer 62 may have a main body 66 and an ultraviolet irradiator 67 provided within the main body 66.

[0134] Of these, the main body 66 is hollow. The shape of the main body 66 is a truncated cone. Specifically, the main body 66 has a truncated cone-shaped inner surface, with the smaller-diameter end positioned higher than the larger-diameter end. An inlet 68 for introducing water into the main body 66 may be formed at the bottom of the main body 66, and an outlet 69 for discharging sterilized water from the main body 66 may be formed at the top of the main body 66. An inlet pipe 68a may be connected to the inlet 68 formed in the main body 66, and the inlet pipe 68a may be arranged to extend in a tangent direction to the inner surface of the main body 66 in a plan view. In this case, the tangent direction to the inner surface refers to the tangent direction of the circle formed by the inner surface of the main body 66 in a horizontal cross section including the inlet 68, at the portion where the introduced water collides with the inner surface of the main body 66.

[0135] The water introduced into the main body 66 through the introduction portion 68 swirls in the circumferential direction as it is guided along the inner surface of the main body 66. The water then moves upward while swirling and is discharged from the discharge portion 69. This makes it possible to suppress unevenness in the flow of water introduced into the main body 66. This makes it possible to prevent a portion of the water introduced into the main body 66 from being discharged from the discharge portion 69 in a short time (so-called short pass).

[0136] As shown in FIG. 4 , a baffle 66a that regulates the flow of water may be provided inside the main body 66. This baffle 66a may protrude radially from the inner surface of the main body 66 so as to spiral around. By providing such a baffle 66a inside the main body 66, water introduced into the main body 66 through the introduction portion 68 can be prevented from moving upward without swirling in the circumferential direction. This more reliably prevents so-called short-pass flow. Although not shown, the baffle 66a does not have to spiral around inside the main body 66. In this case, for example, a plurality of baffles 66a, each having a circular shape in a plan view, may be provided inside the main body 66, and water may pass through a central opening.

[0137] Furthermore, a fixing member 66b for fixing a first ultraviolet lamp 67a and a second ultraviolet lamp 67b (described later) of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 may be provided within the main body 66. The fixing member 66b may have, for example, a cross shape in a plan view. This prevents the fixing member 66b from interfering with the upward movement of water. Alternatively, the fixing member 66b may have, for example, a disk shape or a circle in a plan view. In this case, the fixing member 66b may have a through-hole (not shown) formed therein, and may be configured to allow water to pass through the through-hole.

[0138] Furthermore, the main body 66 may be provided with an illuminance meter (intensity meter) 66c that measures the illuminance of ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67. It is desirable to install at least one illuminance meter 66c near the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67. Note that an output meter that measures the output of a first ultraviolet lamp 67a and a second ultraviolet lamp 67b (described later) of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 may also be provided. The flow meter F described above may also be used to constantly monitor the time (residence time) that water takes to pass through the inside of the main body 66. Furthermore, the temperature, transmittance (turbidity), and / or chromaticity of the water passing through the main body 66 may be constantly or appropriately measured to constantly confirm that there is no abnormality in the amount of ultraviolet light irradiation.

[0139] Next, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 will be described. The ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 may include a first ultraviolet lamp 67a provided at the radial center of the main body 66 and a plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b provided around the first ultraviolet lamp 67a. In the illustrated example, four second ultraviolet lamps 67b are provided around one first ultraviolet lamp 67a.

[0140] Each of the second ultraviolet lamps 67b is arranged along the inner surface of the main body 66. That is, each of the second ultraviolet lamps 67b is provided so as to be inclined radially inward as it goes upward. In this case, it is preferable that the second ultraviolet lamps 67b are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. This allows the integrated irradiation amount of ultraviolet light (mJ / cm 2 The first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may each be an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 200 nm or more and 450 nm or less.

[0141] The first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may be a low-pressure mercury lamp, a medium-pressure mercury lamp, or a UV-LED, respectively. In this case, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are preferably a low-pressure mercury lamp or a medium-pressure mercury lamp, respectively.

[0142] The first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may emit ultraviolet light with different wavelengths and / or different outputs. That is, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may be different ultraviolet lamps. For example, if the first ultraviolet lamp 67a is a low-pressure mercury lamp, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may be a medium-pressure mercury lamp (or a UV-LED). The second ultraviolet lamps 67b may emit ultraviolet light with different wavelengths and / or different outputs. That is, the second ultraviolet lamps 67b may be different ultraviolet lamps. For example, if one second ultraviolet lamp 67b is a low-pressure mercury lamp, the other second ultraviolet lamps 67b may be medium-pressure mercury lamps (or UV-LEDs). As described below, low-pressure mercury lamps can efficiently emit ultraviolet light with a wavelength (253.7 nm) that has a high sterilizing effect. As described below, medium-pressure mercury lamps have higher output than low-pressure mercury lamps. Therefore, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are different ultraviolet lamps, the sterilization effect of the first sterilizer 62 can be improved and the first sterilizer 62 can sterilize a large amount of water. Also, as described above, even when the multiple second ultraviolet lamps 67b are different ultraviolet lamps, the sterilization effect of the first sterilizer 62 can be improved and the first sterilizer 62 can sterilize a large amount of water.

[0143] A low-pressure mercury lamp is a mercury lamp whose mercury vapor pressure during lighting is less than 10 Pa. This low-pressure mercury lamp can efficiently irradiate ultraviolet light with a wavelength (253.7 nm) that has a high sterilizing effect. Therefore, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are each low-pressure mercury lamps, the sterilizing effect in the first sterilizer 62 (and second sterilizer 64) can be improved. The low-pressure mercury lamp may be an amalgam lamp (low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) in which amalgam, an alloy of mercury and other metals, is sealed in the light-emitting tube.

[0144] A medium-pressure mercury lamp is a mercury lamp whose mercury vapor pressure during operation is 40 kPa or higher. The wavelength of the ultraviolet light emitted by a medium-pressure mercury lamp is mainly 365 nm, with peaks at 254 nm, 302 nm, 313 nm, 405 nm, 436 nm, etc. Generally, a medium-pressure mercury lamp has a higher output than a low-pressure mercury lamp. Therefore, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are medium-pressure mercury lamps, the first sterilizer 62 (and the second sterilizer 64) can sterilize a large amount of water. Furthermore, because a 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, the first sterilizer 62 (and the second sterilizer 64) can be made smaller.

[0145] Furthermore, the ultraviolet irradiator 67 of the first sterilizer 62 may be composed solely of a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp), and the ultraviolet irradiator 67 of the second sterilizer 64 may be composed solely of a medium-pressure mercury lamp. Thus, when the water sterilization line 50 has multiple sterilizers (e.g., the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64), it is preferable to use a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) and a medium-pressure mercury lamp in combination. The low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) and the medium-pressure mercury lamp have different sterilization wavelengths. Therefore, a high sterilization effect can be achieved by using a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) and a medium-pressure mercury lamp in combination.

[0146] Furthermore, because medium-pressure mercury lamps have higher heat resistance than low-pressure mercury lamps, they can be operated at high temperatures. Therefore, as described below, when sterilizing the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 by circulating hot water or a sterilant through the circulation system 95A (see FIGS. 2B and 2C), the first sterilizer 62 can be sterilized with the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the like turned on. When a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) and an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates ultraviolet light of a different wavelength from the low-pressure mercury lamp are installed in series, the low-pressure mercury lamp may be used in the pre-stage sterilizer 62A between the pure water tank 50c and the first water tank 51, where sterilization is not performed.

[0147] Here, the sterilization effect of ultraviolet light is calculated by the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet light (mJ / cm 2 ) changes depending on the irradiance (mW / cm). In other words, the greater the cumulative dose of ultraviolet light, the greater the sterilizing effect of ultraviolet light. This cumulative dose is determined by the irradiance (mW / cm 2 ) and the irradiation time (s). Therefore, in order to enhance the germ sterilization effect of ultraviolet light, it is necessary to shorten the distance between the light source (first ultraviolet lamp 67a and second ultraviolet lamp 67b) and the water, and to extend the ultraviolet irradiation time. In particular, the illuminance is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the light source that irradiates the ultraviolet light. For example, if the distance from the light source is doubled, the illuminance will be 1 / 4, and if the distance from the light source is tripled, the illuminance will be 1 / 9. Therefore, by having the water pass close to the light source, the germ sterilization effect of ultraviolet light can be enhanced.

[0148] As described above, in this embodiment, the inlet 68 for introducing water into the main body 66 is formed at the bottom of the main body 66, and the outlet 69 for discharging sterilized water from the main body 66 is formed at the top of the main body 66. This prevents short-path water flow and increases the time that water remains inside the main body 66. This increases the time that water is irradiated with ultraviolet light, thereby increasing the cumulative amount of ultraviolet light irradiation. Furthermore, by introducing water from the bottom of the main body 66, even when the water is introduced into the main body 66 at the beginning of operation of the first sterilizer 62, i.e., when the main body 66 is empty, it is possible to ensure that the water remains inside the main body 66 for a sufficient period of time. This increases the time that water is irradiated with ultraviolet light.

[0149] The main body 66 has a truncated cone shape, which shortens the distance between the water and the first and second ultraviolet lamps 67a and 67b at the top of the main body 66. This enhances the sterilizing effect of ultraviolet light on bacteria. The ultraviolet light irradiation unit 67 includes a first ultraviolet lamp 67a located at the center of the main body 66 in the radial direction, and multiple second ultraviolet lamps 67b located around the first ultraviolet lamp 67a. This allows ultraviolet light to be irradiated evenly onto the water that moves upward while swirling in the circumferential direction. This reduces variations in the cumulative amount of ultraviolet light irradiation.

[0150] Here, the cumulative dose of ultraviolet light on water is 10 mJ / cm 2 More than 10000mJ / cm 2 Preferably, it is 100 mJ / cm or less. 2 More than 1000mJ / cm 2 More preferably, the cumulative dose of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the water when it passes through the main body 66 is 10 mJ / cm 2 or less. 2 More than 10000mJ / cm 2 Preferably, it is 100 mJ / cm or less. 2 More than 1000mJ / cm 2 In this case, the cumulative dose of ultraviolet light on water is 10 mJ / cm at a wavelength of 254 nm. 2More than 10000mJ / cm 2 Preferably, it is 100 mJ / cm or less. 2 More than 1000mJ / cm 2 It is more preferable that the cumulative dose of ultraviolet light is 10 mJ / cm or less. 2 As a result, aquatic bacteria (bacteria that can grow in water in a nutrient-poor environment) that may pass through the second sterile filter 65 are eliminated. Pseudomonas Genus or Methylobacterium It can effectively kill gram-negative bacteria such as gram-negative bacteria. In addition, the cumulative dose of ultraviolet light is 100 mJ / cm 2 By using a UV light source with a cumulative dose of 10,000 mJ / cm2 or more, bacterial spores can also be sterilized. 2 By setting the wavelength of the ultraviolet light to 250 nm or less, it is possible to reduce electricity consumption and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10. Here, the wavelength of the ultraviolet light may be 250 nm or more and 260 nm or less, and may be 253.7 nm (254 nm) as an example. By setting the wavelength of the ultraviolet light to 250 nm or more and 260 nm or less, and particularly 253.7 nm, it is possible to enhance the sterilization effect of the ultraviolet light on bacteria. Here, in this specification, "aquatic bacteria" means bacteria that can pass through a sterilization filter with a mesh size of 0.2 μm.

[0151] Such a first sterilizer 62 is preferably capable of being sterilized (SIP). This allows the first sterilizer 62 to be sterilized periodically. When sterilizing the first sterilizer 62, the above-mentioned control unit 90 may sterilize the first sterilizer 62 with steam or hot water. Alternatively, if the first sterilizer 62 is heat-sensitive, the control unit 90 may sterilize the first sterilizer 62 by circulating a sterilizing agent containing, for example, peracetic acid in the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60. In this case, the control unit 90 may circulate the disinfectant in the circulation system 59A for at least 10 seconds to 60 minutes.

[0152] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the main body 66 of the first sterilizer 62 may be cylindrical. In this case, a discharge pipe 69a may be connected to the discharge portion 69 formed on the main body 66, and the discharge pipe 69a may be arranged to extend in a tangential direction to the inner surface of the main body 66 in a plan view. In this case, the tangential direction to the inner surface refers to the tangential direction of the circle formed by the inner surface of the main body 66 in a horizontal cross section including the discharge portion 69, at the portion where water that has circulated while contacting the inner surface leaves the inner surface of the main body 66. When the main body 66 is cylindrical, the time that water remains inside the main body 66 can be extended. This allows for a longer UV irradiation time for the water, thereby increasing the cumulative UV irradiation dose. In this case, although not shown, the second ultraviolet lamps 67b may be arranged to be inclined radially inward as they extend upward.

[0153] 6A and 6B, the main body 66 may have a generally elongated cylindrical shape. In this case, an inlet 68 for introducing water into the main body 66 may be formed at one end of the main body 66. Furthermore, an outlet 69 for discharging sterilized water from the main body 66 may be formed at the other end of the main body 66. In this case, the main body 66 may be arranged so that its longitudinal direction (the direction of water flow) is parallel to the horizontal direction, or so that its longitudinal direction (the direction of water flow) is parallel to the vertical direction. In the illustrated example, the main body 66 has a so-called reducer shape, in which the diameter decreases toward one end and then decreases toward the other end. However, the shape is not limited to this, and the main body 66 may have a generally cylindrical shape with a uniform diameter from the inlet 68 to the outlet 69.

[0154] In this modification, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 may include multiple third ultraviolet lamps 67c arranged along the direction of water flow. This allows ultraviolet light to be irradiated evenly onto the water. This prevents variations in the cumulative amount of ultraviolet light irradiation. In the illustrated example, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 includes eight third ultraviolet lamps 67c.

[0155] Furthermore, adjacent third ultraviolet lamps 67c in the water flow direction may extend in different directions when viewed from the water flow direction. This more effectively reduces variations in the cumulative ultraviolet irradiation amount. In the illustrated example, the third ultraviolet lamps 67c are regularly arranged. That is, when viewed from the upstream side of the water flow direction (the left side of FIG. 6B), each third ultraviolet lamp 67c rotates clockwise by 45° around the central axis X of the main body 66 as it moves downstream in the water flow direction (the right side of FIG. 6B). The rotation angle of each third ultraviolet lamp 67c may be changed as appropriate. For example, when viewed from the upstream side of the water flow direction, each third ultraviolet lamp 67c may rotate clockwise by 90° around the central axis X as it moves downstream in the water flow direction. Furthermore, when the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 includes three or more third ultraviolet lamps 67c, each of the third ultraviolet lamps 67c may be rotated clockwise by 60° around the central axis X as it moves downstream in the direction of water flow, as viewed from the upstream side in the direction of water flow. Note that the third ultraviolet lamps 67c may also be arranged irregularly.

[0156] The third ultraviolet lamp 67c may be an ultraviolet lamp similar to the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b. That is, the third ultraviolet lamp 67c may be an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 200 nm or more and 450 nm or less. The third ultraviolet lamp 67c may also be a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp), a medium-pressure mercury lamp, or a UV-LED. The multiple third ultraviolet lamps 67c may irradiate ultraviolet light with different wavelengths and / or outputs. That is, the multiple third ultraviolet lamps 67c may be different ultraviolet lamps. For example, if one third ultraviolet lamp 67c is a low-pressure mercury lamp, the other third ultraviolet lamps 67c may be medium-pressure mercury lamps (or UV-LEDs). In this case, the sterilization effect of the first sterilizer 62 can be improved, and the first sterilizer 62 can sterilize a large amount of water. Although not shown, a baffle plate 66a for regulating the flow of water may be provided inside the main body 66.

[0157] Furthermore, in the first sterilizer 62 shown in FIGS. 3 to 6B, ultraviolet light may be reflected within the main body 66 to improve the sterilization efficiency of the first sterilizer 62. For example, taking the first sterilizer 62 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B as an example, the main body 66 may include an outer member 660 and an inner member 661 provided inside the outer member 660, as shown in FIG. 6C. The outer member 660 may be made of a stainless steel tube that has been mirror-finished by electrolytic polishing or the like. The inner member 661 may be made of a glass tube. An air layer 662 may be interposed between the outer member 660 and the inner member 661. In this case, if glass with high ultraviolet transmittance (e.g., quartz glass or fluoride glass) is used as the glass tube of the inner member 661, ultraviolet light UV can be reflected at the interface between the inner member 661 and the air layer 662, as shown in FIG. 6C. The material of the inner member 661 may be selected from materials with high UV transmittance according to the wavelength of the UV light emitted by the third ultraviolet lamp 67c and the like. Materials other than glass may also be used for the inner member 661, such as plastics with similar properties to glass. Furthermore, the inner surface of the outer member 660 and / or the outer surface of the inner member 661 may be coated with a highly reflective material. In particular, when the main body 66 is elongated, as in the first sterilizer 62 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B , coating the inner surface of the outer member 660 with a highly reflective material allows the UV light to be repeatedly reflected while suppressing attenuation of the UV light. This allows for efficient sterilization of water. It is preferable that the UV light be reflected at least once within the main body 66. In this case, it is more preferable to shorten the distance between the outer member 660 and the third ultraviolet lamp 67c and the like to allow the UV light to be reflected at least twice. Here, the ultraviolet light emitted from the medium-pressure mercury lamp can maintain its illuminance for a longer distance than the ultraviolet light emitted from the low-pressure mercury lamp. Therefore, when the third ultraviolet lamp 67c etc. is a medium-pressure mercury lamp, even if the ultraviolet light UV is reflected multiple times inside the main body 66, the sterilization effect of the ultraviolet light UV can be effectively prevented from decreasing.

[0158] The time it takes for water to pass through the first sterilizer 62 may be 0.1 seconds or more and less than 10 seconds, and is preferably 0.5 seconds or more and less than 5 seconds. The time it takes for water to be introduced into the main body 66 from the introduction section 68 until it is discharged from the discharge section 69. A time it takes for water to pass through the first sterilizer 62 is 0.1 seconds or more, which can prevent variations in the sterilizing effect of the water. Therefore, a sufficient sterilizing effect can be obtained. A time it takes for water to pass through the first sterilizer 62 is less than 10 seconds, which can reduce the size of the first sterilizer 62. The time it takes for water to pass through the first sterilizer 62 may be changed as appropriate based on the flow rate of water to be treated (sterilized) by the first sterilizer 62.

[0159] Referring again to Figure 2A, the first sterile filter 63 is provided downstream of the first sterilizer 62. This first sterile filter 63 is a micro-filtration filter (MF) that sterilizes water by capturing bacteria remaining in the water. The mesh size of the first sterile filter 63 may be between 0.1 μm and 0.45 μm, and preferably between 0.1 μm and 0.22 μm. By having the mesh size of the first sterile filter 63 be 0.1 μm or more, a decrease in the sterilization efficiency of the water can be suppressed. Furthermore, by having the mesh size of the first sterile filter 63 be 0.45 μm or less, bacteria remaining in the water can be easily collected by the first sterile filter 63. Therefore, they can be effectively captured. A filter with a mesh size of 0.02 μm or more and 0.1 μm or less, which is also capable of removing some viruses, may be used as the first sterile filter 63. The material of the filtration membrane of the first sterile filter 63 may be polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethersulfone (PES), mixed cellulose acetate (SCWP), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyamide, or the like. The filtration membrane of the first sterile filter 63 may be, for example, a reverse osmosis membrane (RO membrane) or an ultrafiltration membrane (UF membrane), depending on the suitability of the contents.

[0160] The first sterile filter 63 is preferably capable of being sterilized (SIP). This allows the first sterile filter 63 to be sterilized periodically. As described above, the first sterile filter 63 captures bacteria remaining in water that passes through the first sterilizer 62. For this reason, if water is continuously sterilized in the water sterilizer 60 for a long period of time, the captured bacteria may grow within the first sterile filter 63. Furthermore, if organic bacterial carcasses adhere to the first sterile filter 63, the bacterial carcasses may become a substrate. In this case, the bacteria may further grow within the first sterile filter 63. If bacteria grow within the first sterile filter 63, they may enter the water passing through the first sterile filter 63. In contrast, since the first sterile filter 63 is sterilizable, bacteria adhering to the first sterile filter 63 can be prevented from entering the water passing through the first sterile filter 63. As a result, a decrease in the filtering performance of the first sterile filter 63 can be prevented. When sterilizing the first sterile filter 63, sterilizing steam or the like may be supplied to the first sterile filter 63 from a sterile air supply port 60a, which will be described later.

[0161] Here, the degree of sterilization of the first sterile filter 63 may be managed by the F-value. In other words, when sterilizing a water sterilizer 60 having a first sterile filter 63, the degree of sterilization of the water sterilizer 60 may be managed by the F-value. In this case, for example, the control unit 90 may measure the temperature of the heated steam (fluid) or hot water (fluid) flowing through the flow path of the first sterile filter 63 and calculate the F-value based on the measured temperature. Then, when the F-value reaches or exceeds a target value, the control unit 90 may terminate sterilization of the first sterile filter 63. When measuring the temperature of the heated steam or hot water, the control unit 90 may measure the temperature using temperature sensors arranged at various locations in the flow path where the temperature is less likely to rise, while flowing the heated steam or hot water through the flow path of the first sterile filter 63. Then, the control unit 90 may terminate heating of the flow path with heated steam, etc., when the time it takes for the temperatures from each temperature sensor to reach a predetermined temperature reaches or exceeds a predetermined time. This makes it possible to sterilize the first sterile filter 63 without applying more heat than necessary to the first sterile filter 63. Here, the F value is the heating time required to kill all bacteria when bacteria are heated for a certain period of time, and is expressed as the lethal time of bacteria at 121.1°C, and is calculated using the following formula:

[0162]

number

[0163] It is also preferable that the first sterile filter 63 be capable of undergoing an integrity test for the mesh size of the first sterile filter 63. Here, the integrity test may be performed by, for example, a bubble point test. The bubble point test can be performed as follows. For example, first, water is supplied to a housing (not shown) within the first sterile filter 63 to cover the filter (not shown) of the first sterile filter 63 with water. Next, the supply of water is stopped and the water within the first sterile filter 63 is drained. Then, sterile air is injected into the first sterile filter 63, for example, from the sterile air supply port 60a, with the filter now covered with water. Next, the pressure of the sterile air is increased until the sterile air escapes from the first sterile filter 63. Then, the size of the mesh size of the first sterile filter 63 is determined based on the pressure of the sterile air when the sterile air escapes from the first sterile filter 63 (the bubble point). In this way, it is possible to perform an integrity test on the mesh size of the first sterile filter 63, and therefore it is easy to determine the degree of deterioration of the first sterile filter 63. A pressure gauge P2 may be provided near the sterile air supply port 60a to measure the pressure inside the first sterile filter 63. In addition to the bubble point test described above, the integrity test may also be performed by a diffusion flow test, a pressure hold test, or the like.

[0164] The second sterilizer 64 is provided downstream of the first sterile filter 63. The configuration of this second sterilizer 64 may be substantially the same as the configuration of the first sterilizer 62 shown in Figures 3 to 6B. That is, the second sterilizer 64 may be a sterilizer that sterilizes water using ultraviolet rays.

[0165] The second sterile filter 65 is provided downstream of the second sterilizer 64. This second sterile filter 65 sterilizes water by capturing bacteria remaining in the water that has passed through the second sterilizer 64. The mesh size of the second sterile filter 65 is preferably smaller than that of the first sterile filter 63. This allows bacteria in the water to be captured by the second sterile filter 65 even if they pass through the first sterile filter 63. This ensures sufficient sterility of the water. Furthermore, if the mesh size of the second sterile filter 65 is the same as that of the first sterile filter 63, two sterilization sets each consisting of a sterilizer and a sterile filter can be arranged in series along the water conveyance direction. That is, a first sterilization set consisting of the first sterilizer 62 and the first sterile filter 63 and a second sterilization set consisting of the second sterilizer 64 and the second sterile filter 65 can be arranged in series along the water conveyance direction. Therefore, even if some abnormality occurs in one of the sterilization sets, the sterility of the water can be guaranteed. Note that multiple sterilization sets may be provided according to the Sterility Assurance Level (SAL) of the water or the final product (contents) (see Figures 2A, 2B, 2D to 2E3). Also, as shown in Figure 2F etc., the number of sterilization sets may be one, or although not shown, the number of sterilization sets may be three or more.

[0166] The mesh size of the second sterile filter 65 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 mesh size of the second sterile filter 65 is 0.1 μm or more, a decrease in the sterilization efficiency of the water can be suppressed. Furthermore, when the mesh size of the second sterile filter 65 is 0.45 μm or less, bacteria remaining in the water can be more effectively captured by the second sterile filter 65. The filtration membrane of the second sterile filter 65 may be, for example, a reverse osmosis membrane (RO membrane) or an ultrafiltration membrane (UF membrane).

[0167] Other configurations of the second sterile filter 65 may be substantially the same as those of the first sterile filter 63. That is, the second sterile filter 65 may be capable of being sterilized (SIP). Furthermore, the second sterile filter 65 may be capable of undergoing an integrity test on the mesh size of the second sterile filter 65.

[0168] Here, in water sterilizer 60, the sterilization strength of the water may be adjusted based on the target value of the bacteria count level (FSO (Food Safety Objective / ISO13409-1996) (=logN)).

[0169] In this case, for example, the initial bacterial count level in the water before it enters a filter (for example, the first sterile filter 63) is taken as H0 (=logN0). In this case, the initial bacterial count level H0 of the filter is reduced by the sterilization effect of the filter (for example, the first sterile filter 63) (the level of bacterial reduction in the water: ΣR1 (=log(N0 / NR1)>0). Note that "N0" refers to the initial bacterial count in the water, and "NR1" refers to the number of bacteria in the water after it has been sterilized by the filter (for example, the first sterile filter 63).

[0170] On the other hand, it is also possible that the bacteria in the water increase at a certain rate while passing through the filter (bacteria increase level in the water: ΣI(=log(N I )≧0)). Note that "N I " means the increase in the number of bacteria while passing through the filter.

[0171] In addition, the bacteria in the water are reduced by the sterilization effect of the sterilizer (for example, the second sterilizer 64) (the level of reduction in the number of bacteria in the water: ΣR2(=log(N I / NR2)>0)). If the bacterial count level in the water after passing through the water sterilizer 60 is equal to or lower than the target value (FSO (Food Safety Objective / ISO13409-1996) (=logN)), it can be considered that there is no problem with the sterility of the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50. Note that "NR2" refers to the bacterial count in the water after sterilization by a sterilizer (e.g., the second sterilizer 64), and "N" refers to the target value for the bacterial count in the water after sterilization by a sterilizer (e.g., the second sterilizer 64).

[0172] The above-mentioned relationship between H0, ΣR1, ΣI, ΣR2 and FSO can be expressed as the following equation: H0-ΣR1+ΣI-ΣR2≦FSO (Formula 1) Therefore, by setting the sterilization capacity of the sterilizer (e.g., the second sterilizer 64) so ​​that the value of ΣR2 is equal to or greater than (H0-ΣR1+ΣI)-FSO, it is possible to keep the sterility of the water below the target value (FSO).

[0173] As shown in FIGS. 2A to 2M, sampling points SP1 to SP6 (SP) for aseptically sampling water may be provided at the inlet of the water sterilizer 60, the outlet of the water sterilizer 60, and between the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterilizer 62. A sampling line SL may be connected to at least some of the sampling points SP1 to SP6 via a valve (not shown). By aseptically sampling water from the sampling points SP1 to SP6 or the sampling line SL, the number of bacteria or particles in the water can be easily measured, and changes in the water condition, such as bacterial growth, can be easily confirmed. When measuring the number of bacteria in water and / or confirming changes in the condition, such as bacterial growth, the number of bacteria may be counted using, for example, a plate culture medium. Furthermore, the number of bacteria and / or changes in the condition of bacteria in water may be measured and / or confirmed using, for example, a microorganism counter or a particle counter (liquid-borne particle counter). Here, a microorganism measuring instrument counts microorganisms by detecting the fluorescence emitted when a laser beam is irradiated onto particles and distinguishing between non-living and microbial particles based on MIE scattering theory. Examples of such microorganism measuring instruments include the Biological Particle Counter manufactured by Rion Co., Ltd., the Microorganism Detection Analyzer 7000RMS manufactured by Mettler-Toledo K.K., and the Real-Time Microorganism Detector IMD-W (registered trademark) manufactured by Azbil Corporation. When sampling water from the sampling line SL in a sterile manner, it is preferable that the sampling line SL be sterilized in advance. In this case, the sampling line SL may be sterilized with a disinfectant such as peracetic acid or hot water. Furthermore, the sampling line SL sterilized with a disinfectant may be rinsed with pure water that has been sterilized by the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65.

[0174] A thermometer T may be provided in the sampling line SL, and the temperature of the steam may be monitored by the thermometer T when the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 are sterilized with steam.

[0175] 2B and 2C, a third bypass line 95a may be provided between the front-stage sterilizer 62A and the first sterilizer 62. This prevents the sterilizing agent or cleaning agent from passing through the foreign matter removal filter 61 when the water sterilization line 50 is sterilized with the sterilizing agent or cleaning agent. A first drain pipe 95c may be connected upstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61, and rinsing water, etc., described below, may be discharged from the first drain pipe 95c. The first drain pipe 95c may be connected to the third bypass line 95a.

[0176] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2B, a fourth bypass line 95b may be provided between the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64. This prevents the sterilant or detergent from passing through the first sterilizing filter 63 when the water sterilization line 50 is sterilized with the sterilant or detergent. Also, as shown in Figures 2B and 2C, a second drain pipe 95d may be connected upstream of the first sterilizing filter 63, and rinsing water, etc., described below, may be discharged from the second drain pipe 95d. The second drain pipe 95d may be connected to the fourth bypass line 95b.

[0177] The processing capacity of such a water sterilizer 60 is preferably 105% or more of the maximum processing capacity required for producing the product bottles 101, and more preferably 110% or more of the maximum processing capacity required for producing the product bottles 101. For example, the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 60 is 5 m 3 / h or more 50m 3 / h or less, for example, 24m 3 / h. Furthermore, if the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 60 is 105% or more of the maximum processing capacity required for producing the product bottles 101, a predetermined amount of water can be stored in the second water tank 52 during production of the product bottles 101. In this case, by appropriately designing the volume of the second water tank 52, it is possible to produce the product bottles 101 and perform the sterilization (SIP) or integrity test of the first sterile filter 63, etc. without running out of water, even during the sterilization (SIP) or integrity test of the first sterile filter 63, etc. Note that the time required for the sterilization (SIP) of the first sterile filter 63, etc. and the integrity test are each approximately 30 minutes or more and approximately 1 hour or less. For this reason, the volume of the second water tank 52 may be equal to or greater than the amount of water used in the content filling system 10 during one hour of production of the product bottles 101.

[0178] The processing capacity of the water sterilizer 60 may also be controlled by the control unit 90. For example, the control unit 90 may determine the amount of water to be used to clean and sterilize the content filling system 10, and may also determine the amount of water to be sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 of the water sterilization line 50 during the production of the product bottles 101, based on the determined amount of water. Here, the amount of sterile water required to clean and / or sterilize the interior of each chamber after the production of the product bottles 101 can be determined for each chamber. Therefore, the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 60 may be controlled by the control unit 90 so that the sterile water to be used after the production of the product bottles 101 can be stored during the production of one lot of product bottles 101. This allows the interior of each chamber to be cleaned and / or sterilized immediately after the production of the product bottles 101. This reduces downtime.

[0179] Furthermore, the control unit 90 may discharge the water outside the water sterilization line 50 when the amount of ultraviolet irradiation or illuminance falls below a predetermined value. Here, the predetermined value is a reference value (threshold value) for determining whether or not the water should be discharged outside the water sterilization line 50. Such a predetermined value can be set arbitrarily depending on the volume of the main body 66 or the flow rate of the water. For example, the predetermined value may be an irradiation amount or illuminance that does not fall below the sterility assurance level of the water or the final product (contents). The predetermined value may be, for example, 10 mJ / cm, although it depends on the volume of the main body 66, etc. 2 More than 10000mJ / cm 2 It may be less than 100 mJ / cm 2 The dose of ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet light irradiation unit 67 may be set based on RED (Reduction Equivalent UV Dose) determined by an actual chemical dosimeter or biological dosimeter. For details, see "ULTRAVIOLET DISINFECTION GUIDANCE MANUAL FOR THE FINAL LONG TERM 2 ENHANCED SURFACE WATER TREATMENT RULE, United States Environmental Protection Agency, EPA 815-R-06-007, November 2006."

[0180] When the control unit 90 discharges water outside the water sterilization line 50, the control unit 90 may discharge the water outside the water sterilization line 50 via the circulation line 59. In this case, the control unit 90 may switch the valve V1 when the value of the illuminometer 66c falls below a predetermined value while the water sterilizer 60 is sterilizing water with ultraviolet light. The control unit 90 may then switch the valve V1 to supply water to the circulation line 59. This maintains sterility downstream of the valve V1. Note that the water supplied to the circulation line 59 may be discharged from the circulation line 59 without being supplied to the first water tank 51. Alternatively, the water supplied to the circulation line 59 may be supplied to the first water tank 51. In this case, the water may be circulated within the circulation system 59A until the value of the illuminometer 66c reaches a sufficient value. Then, after the value of the illuminance meter 66c reaches a sufficient value, the control unit 90 may switch the valve V1 to supply the water in the circulation system 59A to the second water tank 52.

[0181] Furthermore, the control unit 90 may discharge water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50 when the pressure difference (differential pressure) between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the sterilization filter (first sterilization filter 63 or second sterilization filter 65) reaches or exceeds a predetermined value. That is, the control unit 90 may also discharge water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50 when an abnormality is detected in the pressure difference (differential pressure) between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the first sterilization filter 63 (or second sterilization filter 65). Even in this case, sterility can be maintained downstream of, for example, valve V1.

[0182] Furthermore, when at least one of the number of bacteria and the number of particles in the water sampled from the water sterilization line 50 reaches or exceeds a predetermined value, the control unit 90 may discharge the water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50. That is, the control unit 90 may also discharge the water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50 when there is an abnormality in the number of bacteria and / or the number of particles in the water sampled from the sampling line SL. Even in this case, sterility can be maintained downstream of the valve V1, for example.

[0183] In these cases, after the malfunction of the water sterilizer 60 is resolved, the water sterilizer 60 is sterilized with a sterilizing agent such as peracetic acid, or with hot water or steam, as described below. Thereafter, the sterilization of water by the water sterilizer 60 is resumed.

[0184] The water sterilizer 60 of the water sterilization line 50 preferably continues to sterilize water without stopping the sterilization while the product bottles 101 are being produced by filling the bottles 100 with contents in the content filling system 10. This makes it possible to suppress the growth of bacteria in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. In other words, if the flow of water in the water sterilizer 60 stops, bacteria may grow in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. In contrast, by continuing to sterilize water without stopping the pump P1 while the product bottles 101 are being produced in the content filling system 10, it is possible to suppress the growth of bacteria in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. Note that if the second water tank 52 becomes full while the product bottles 101 are being produced in the content filling system 10, the sterilized water may be circulated through the circulation system 59A (see FIG. 2A, etc.). This prevents the flow of water from stopping in the water sterilizer 60 even when the second water tank 52 is full. This prevents bacteria from growing in the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65. If the circulation time of the sterilized water is long, the temperature of the sterilized water may rise due to the irradiation energy of the ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67. In this case, the water flowing through the circulation line 59 may be discharged from the circulation line 59 without being supplied to the first water tank 51. The rise in the temperature of the circulating water may be suppressed by supplying new pure water from the pure water production system 50a to the first water tank 51. For example, when sterilized water is circulated through the circulation system 59A, approximately 3% to 30% of the water remaining in the circulation line 59 may be discharged once every hour, and new pure water may be supplied from the pure water production system 50a to the first water tank 51. This allows water at a constant temperature to be constantly supplied to the second water tank 52. The rate of water to be discharged may be changed as appropriate depending on the irradiation dose or the number of the first ultraviolet lamps 67a and the like.

[0185] 2N, the water sterilization line 50 is divided into a non-sterile zone Z1, a first gray zone Z2, a second gray zone Z3, and a sterile zone Z4. The non-sterile zone Z1, the first gray zone Z2, the second gray zone Z3, and the sterile zone Z4 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the water transport direction.

[0186] Of these, the non-sterile zone Z1 is a zone under a non-sterile atmosphere and is a zone where bacteria may exist. In the illustrated example, the non-sterile zone Z1 is an area upstream of the pre-stage sterilizer 62A. In the non-sterile zone Z1, the first water tank 51 and the flow path downstream of the first water tank 51 are sterilized before the production of the product bottles 101. On the other hand, in the non-sterile zone Z1, after the start of production of the product bottles 101, bacteria may be brought in from the upstream side of the first water tank 51, and the first water tank 51 and the like may become contaminated with bacteria.

[0187] The first gray zone Z2 and the second gray zone Z3 are zones for separating a non-sterile atmosphere from a sterile atmosphere, respectively. The first gray zone Z2 is a zone for sterilizing bacteria in water. The second gray zone Z3 is a zone for maintaining a bacteria-free state in water during the production of the product bottle 101. In the illustrated example, the first gray zone Z2 is the region from the pre-sterilizer 62A to the outlet of the second sterilizer 64. The second gray zone Z3 is the region from the outlet of the second sterilizer 64 to the inlet of the first sterile filter 63. The pure water production system 50a that supplies water to the water sterilization line 50 is sterilized (SIP) before sterilizing the water in the water sterilization line 50. Sterilization is performed under conditions that can at least sterilize aquatic bacteria. The temperature and sterilization time of the steam or hot water used for sterilization may be at least 60°C or higher and 5 minutes or longer, preferably 85°C or higher and 30 minutes or longer. The temperature and sterilization time of the steam or hot water used for sterilization may be 90°C and 3 minutes, which are conditions equivalent to a sterilization value of 5°C. Alternatively, the sterilization conditions may be high-temperature and short-time conditions of 95°C and 0.3 minutes, respectively. However, the sterilization value under these sterilization conditions generally cannot sterilize bacterial spores. Therefore, bacterial spores may be present in the area just before the first sterile filter 63. For this reason, the area from the pre-stage sterilizer 62A to just before the first sterile filter 63 is referred to as the gray zone. After sterilization of the pure water production apparatus 50a, the second gray zone Z3 is maintained under positive pressure by continuously supplying water to the second gray zone Z3. This maintains the absence of aquatic bacteria in the second gray zone Z3. The positive pressure in the second gray zone Z3 is monitored using a pressure gauge (not shown). The sterilization (SIP) of the pure water production system 50a may be performed using a chemical that inactivates aquatic bacteria instead of using steam or hot water.

[0188] The sterile zone Z4 is a zone under a sterile atmosphere. That is, the sterile zone Z4 is a zone maintained in a sterile state. In the illustrated example, the sterile zone Z4 is an area downstream of the first sterile filter 63. Sterile air or sterile water is supplied to the sterile zone Z4 after all bacteria, including bacterial spores, have been sterilized by sterilizing each device with steam or hot water (SIP (F0 value of 3 or more, Z value = 10°C)). This maintains the sterile zone Z4 in a positive pressure state, maintaining the sterile zone Z4 in a sterile state. When sterilizing the sterile zone Z4 (SIP), it is preferable to sterilize at least the boundary with the second gray zone Z3. When sterilizing the sterile zone Z4, the piping within the second gray zone Z3 may also be sterilized together with the sterile zone Z4.

[0189] Among these non-sterile zone Z1, first gray zone Z2, second gray zone Z3, and sterile zone Z4, ultraviolet light can be irradiated onto water in the first gray zone Z2. In the first gray zone Z2, the cumulative irradiation dose of ultraviolet light onto water by the pre-stage sterilizer 62A is at least 10 mJ / cm at a wavelength of 254 nm. 2 or more, preferably 100 mJ / cm 2 In this case, the pre-stage sterilizer 62A may include a low-pressure mercury lamp. In addition, in the first gray zone Z2, the total cumulative dose of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the water by the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 is 100 mJ / cm at a wavelength of 254 nm. 2 In this way, the total cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet light to the water by the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 is 100 mJ / cm 2 or more. 2 As a result, aquatic bacteria can be sterilized in the first gray zone Z2, thereby ensuring the sterility of water in the second gray zone Z3. In this case, the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 may each include a medium-pressure mercury lamp.

[0190] In the first gray zone Z2, the total cumulative irradiation of ultraviolet light on water by the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 is 100 mJ / cm at a wavelength of 254 nm. 2If the water content is less than 100%, the water before being supplied to the first sterile filter 63 may be circulated through the circulation line 95. This prevents water in which water-borne bacteria may be present from being supplied to the first sterile filter 63. This ensures the sterility of the water in the sterile zone Z4. In this case, the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, foreign matter removal filter 61, first sterilizer 62 and second sterilizer 64 may be sterilized (SIP) before the water is supplied to the sterile zone Z4 (first sterile filter 63).

[0191] Furthermore, it is preferable that at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 pass the integrity tests (first integrity test and second integrity test) before and after production, which will be described later. This allows at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 to filter-sterilize bacteria other than aquatic bacteria. This ensures the sterility of water in the sterile zone Z4. If the integrity tests before and after production for the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 fail, a sterile-grade filter with a mesh size of 0.1 μm or more and 0.22 μm or less may be used as the foreign matter removal filter 61. In this case, it is preferable that the integrity tests before and after production for the foreign matter removal filter 61 pass. This allows the foreign matter removal filter 61 to filter-sterilize bacteria other than aquatic bacteria, ensuring the sterility of water in the sterile zone Z4.

[0192] In this way, in water sterilizer 60 of water sterilization line 50 according to this embodiment, the sterility of the water is guaranteed by ensuring that the amount of ultraviolet radiation is equal to or greater than a predetermined value or within a predetermined range during production, and by passing the integrity test results before and after the start of production.

[0193] Next, a description will be given of the stock solution sterilization line 70. The stock solution sterilization line 70 is a sterilization line that heat-sterilizes the stock product solution.

[0194] 7, the concentrate sterilization line 70 has a first concentrate tank 71, a product concentrate sterilizer 80, and a second concentrate tank 72. The first concentrate tank 71, the product concentrate sterilizer 80, and the second concentrate tank 72 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the conveyance direction of the product concentrate. Note that a circulation line (third circulation line) 89 may be connected to the concentrate sterilization line 70 between a third-stage cooling section 86 (described later) and the second concentrate tank 72. The product concentrate that has passed through the third-stage cooling section 86 may be configured to be returned to the first concentrate tank 71 via a circulation line 89.

[0195] The first concentrate tank 71 is a tank that stores the concentrate product supplied from a supply source (not shown). By storing the concentrate product, the first concentrate tank 71 plays a role in smoothing the flow of the concentrate product. The volume of the first concentrate tank 71 is 0.3 m 3 More than 3m 3 It may be less than 1m, for example. 3 It may be.

[0196] A pump P3 for transporting the product stock may be provided downstream of the first stock solution tank 71. Furthermore, the above-mentioned product stock solution sterilizer 80 is provided downstream of the pump P3.

[0197] The product stock sterilizer 80 is a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes the product stock stored in the first stock tank 71. In this embodiment, the product stock sterilizer 80 may be an ultra-high-temperature (UHT) sterilizer that sterilizes the product stock using an ultra-high-temperature heat treatment method. The UHT 80 has a first-stage heating section 81, a second-stage heating section 82, a holding tube 83, a first-stage cooling section 84, a second-stage cooling section 85, and a third-stage cooling section 86. The product stock supplied to the UHT 80 is gradually heated by the first-stage heating section 81 and the second-stage heating section 82 and heated to a target temperature within the holding tube 83. In this case, for example, the product stock may be heated to a temperature of 60°C to 80°C within the first-stage heating section 81 and then to a temperature of 80°C to 150°C within the second-stage heating section 82. The temperature of the product stock is maintained within the holding tube 83 for a certain period of time. The raw product liquid that has passed through the holding tube 83 is gradually cooled by a first-stage cooling section 84, a second-stage cooling section 85, and a third-stage cooling section 86. The number of heating sections and cooling sections can be increased or decreased as necessary. In addition, the pressure loss of the raw product liquid may be high between the first-stage heating section 81 and the second-stage heating section 82. For this reason, an additional pump (not shown) may be provided between the first-stage heating section 81 and the second-stage heating section 82. In addition, a homogenizer for homogenizing the raw product liquid may be provided between the first-stage heating section 81 and the second-stage heating section 82, or between the first-stage cooling section 84 and the second-stage cooling section 85, etc.

[0198] The processing capacity of such a UHT80 is 3m 3 / h or more 30m 3 / h or less, for example, 6m 3 / h is also acceptable.

[0199] Furthermore, scale (deposits of calcium and the like) adhering to the UHT 80 may be monitored by monitoring the temperature of the hottest location of the UHT 80 (for example, the second-stage heating section 82). Then, when cleaning the UHT 80 (CIP), the state of scale removal may be monitored. This makes it possible to optimize the cleaning process for cleaning the UHT 80. This reduces the cleaning time and the amounts of water, steam, and cleaning agent used in cleaning. As a result, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0200] The UHT80 may be of either an injection type or an infusion type. The heat exchanger used for heat exchange in the content filling system 10, such as the heat exchanger for the UHT80, may be a plate type, a shell-and-tube type, or a scraped surface type heat exchanger.

[0201] The second concentrate tank 72 is a tank (so-called aseptic tank) that stores the concentrate product sterilized by the concentrate product sterilizer 80. The second concentrate tank 72 serves to smooth the flow of the concentrate product by storing the sterilized concentrate product. The volume of the second concentrate tank 72 is 1 m 3 More than 20m 3 It may be less than 2m, for example. 3 It may be.

[0202] Further, an auxiliary filter 73 for filtering the sterilized product concentrate and a third concentrate tank 74 for storing the product concentrate that has passed through the auxiliary filter 73 may be provided downstream of the second concentrate tank 72. In this case, the third concentrate tank 74 may be a so-called filler tank, and may be installed vertically above the concentrate filling device 22 to improve the filling accuracy of the concentrate filling device 22. The third concentrate tank 74 may also serve as a so-called cushion tank that ensures a smooth flow of the product concentrate even when the amount of product concentrate used downstream of the third concentrate tank 74 changes. The volume of the third concentrate tank 74 is 0.1 m 3 More than 1m 3It may be less than 0.3 m, for example. 3 The auxiliary filter 73 may be provided inside or at the tip of all concentrate filling nozzles of the concentrate filling device 22 (see, for example, FIG. 16C described later).

[0203] Furthermore, an addition unit 75 that adds solids to the concentrate product may be connected downstream of the second concentrate tank 72. This allows the content filling system 10 to fill the bottles 100 with content containing solids. In this case, the solids that the addition unit 75 adds to the concentrate product may be, for example, canola, nata de coco, tapioca, aloe, etc. Furthermore, the solids may be sterile solids that have been sterilized in advance.

[0204] (Content filling method) Next, a content filling method using the content filling system 10 (FIG. 1) described above will be described with reference to FIG.

[0205] First, the preform supply device 1 sequentially supplies a plurality of preforms 100a to the receiving section 34 of the preform transport section 31 via the preform supply conveyor 2 (preform supply step, reference numeral S1 in FIG. 8). At this time, the preforms 100a are sterilized in the preform sterilizer 34a by spraying hydrogen peroxide gas or mist onto the preforms 100a, and then dried with hot air.

[0206] Next, the preform 100a is sent to the heating section 35, where it is heated by the heater 35a to, for example, a temperature of about 90° C. to 130° C. Next, the preform 100a heated by the heating section 35 is sent to the delivery section 36. Then, the preform 100a is sent from the delivery section 36 to the blow molding section 32.

[0207] Next, the preform 100a sent to the blow molding unit 32 is blow-molded using a mold (not shown) to form a bottle 100 (bottle molding step, reference numeral S2 in FIG. 8). The blow-molded bottle 100 is then sent to the bottle conveying unit 33.

[0208] Next, in the sterilization device 11, the bottle 100 is sterilized using a hydrogen peroxide solution as a sterilant (container sterilization step, reference symbol S3 in FIG. 8). In this case, the sterilant may be a gas or mist obtained by vaporizing a hydrogen peroxide solution at a temperature above its boiling point. The hydrogen peroxide solution gas or mist adheres to the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100, sterilizing the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100.

[0209] Next, the bottle 100 is sent to the air rinse device 14. In the air rinse device 14, sterile heated air or room temperature air is supplied to the bottle 100 to activate the hydrogen peroxide and remove foreign matter, hydrogen peroxide, and the like from the bottle 100 (air rinse process, reference numeral S4 in FIG. 8). In the air rinse process, if necessary, a condensed mist of low-concentration hydrogen peroxide may be mixed with the sterile heated air or sterilized room temperature air. In this case, the hydrogen peroxide is gasified by the sterile air. Then, in the air rinse process, the gasified hydrogen peroxide may be supplied to the bottle 100.

[0210] Next, bottle 100 is transported to filling device 20. At this time, first, water is filled into bottle 100 in water filling device 21 of filling device 20 (water filling step, reference numeral S5 in FIG. 8). In water filling device 21, water is filled into bottle 100 from its opening while bottle 100 is rotated (revolved). Before water is filled into bottle 100 by water filling device 21, the water is sterilized in water sterilization line 50.

[0211] In the water filling device 21, sterilized bottles 100 are filled with sterilized water at room temperature. The temperature of the water during filling is, for example, about 3°C ​​or higher and 40°C or lower. The filling speed at which the water filling device 21 fills the bottles 100 with water may be faster than the filling speed at which the concentrate filling device 22 fills the bottles 100 with the concentrate product. In the water filling device 21, the filling speed of the water may be 100 mL / sec or higher and 500 mL / sec or lower.

[0212] Next, in the concentrate filling device 22 of the filling apparatus 20, the concentrate product is filled into the bottles 100 filled with water (concentrate product filling step, reference numeral S6 in FIG. 8 ). In this concentrate filling device 22, the concentrate product is filled into the bottles 100 through their openings while the bottles 100 are rotated (revolved). Before being filled into the bottles 100 by the concentrate filling device 22, the concentrate product is preliminarily heat-sterilized in the concentrate sterilization line 70. Generally, when the acidity of the contents is less than pH 4.5, the temperature at which the concentrate product is heated may be approximately 60°C to 120°C, and the heating time may be approximately 30 seconds to 120 seconds. When the acidity of the contents is pH 4.5 or higher, the temperature at which the concentrate product is heated may be approximately 115°C to 150°C, and the heating time may be approximately 30 seconds to 120 seconds. This sterilizes all microorganisms in the undiluted product solution before filling that may grow inside the product bottle 101. The undiluted product solution that has been heat sterilized is cooled to a temperature of about 3°C ​​or higher and 40°C or lower.

[0213] In concentrate filling device 22, the bottles 100 filled with water are filled with the product concentrate that has been sterilized and cooled to room temperature. The temperature of the product concentrate during filling is, for example, about 3° C. or higher and 40° C. or lower. In concentrate filling device 22, the filling speed of the product concentrate may be 30 mL / sec or higher and 200 mL / sec or lower.

[0214] The bottles 100 filled with the contents are then transported by the transport wheel 12 to the capping device 16 .

[0215] Meanwhile, the caps 88 are sterilized in advance by the cap sterilizer 18 (cap sterilization step, reference numeral S7 in FIG. 8). During this process, the caps 88 are first carried into the cap sterilizer 18 from outside the content filling system 10. Next, in the cap sterilizer 18, hydrogen peroxide gas or mist is sprayed onto the caps 88 to sterilize their inner and outer surfaces, after which they are dried with hot air and sent to the cap fitting device 16.

[0216] Next, in the capping device 16, a sterilized cap 88 is attached to the mouth of the bottle 100 transported from the filling device 20, thereby closing the bottle 100 and obtaining a product bottle 101 (capping process, symbol S8 in Figure 8).

[0217] Thereafter, the product bottle 101 is transported from the capping device 16 to the product bottle discharge unit 25 and transported to the outside of the content filling system 10 (bottle discharge process, reference numeral S9 in FIG. 8). Then, the product bottle 101 is transported to a packaging line (not shown) and packaged.

[0218] The container sterilization process, air rinse process, water filling process, product concentrate filling process, capping process, and bottle discharging process are all performed in a sterile atmosphere, i.e., a sterile environment, surrounded by sterilant spray chamber 70d, air rinse chamber 70e, first sterile chamber 70f, intermediate area chamber 70g, second sterile chamber 70h, and outlet chamber 70i. The cap sterilization process is performed by cap sterilizer 18. In this case, sterilant spray chamber 70d, air rinse chamber 70e, first sterile chamber 70f, intermediate area chamber 70g, second sterile chamber 70h, outlet chamber 70i, and cap sterilizer 18 have been sterilized in advance by spraying hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid, emitting hot water, or the like.

[0219] After sterilization of each chamber, sterile air at positive pressure is supplied to sterilant spray chamber 70d, air rinse chamber 70e, first sterile chamber 70f, intermediate area chamber 70g, second sterile chamber 70h, and exit chamber 70i so that sterile air is constantly blown out of sterilant spray chamber 70d, air rinse chamber 70e, first sterile chamber 70f, intermediate area chamber 70g, second sterile chamber 70h, and exit chamber 70i. In addition, sterile air at positive pressure is constantly supplied to cap sterilizer 18 so that sterile air is constantly blown out of cap sterilizer 18.

[0220] When positively pressurized sterile air is supplied to each of the chambers 70d-70i, the sterile air and the sterilant used in bottle sterilization are exhausted from the atmosphere blockage chamber 70c, the sterilant spray chamber 70d, and the exit chamber 70i. The pressure in each chamber may be adjusted so that the pressure in the sterilant spray chamber 70d, the air rinse chamber 70e, the first sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, the second sterile chamber 70h, and the exit chamber 70i is positive. In this case, as described above, the pressure in the sterilant spray chamber 70d may be between -10 Pa and 10 Pa. The pressure in the air rinse chamber 70e may be between 10 Pa and 30 Pa. The pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f may be between 30 Pa and 60 Pa. The pressure in the intermediate area chamber 70g may be between 20 Pa and 50 Pa. The pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h may be between 10 Pa and 40 Pa. The pressure in the outlet chamber 70i may be 10 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less.

[0221] The production (transport) speed of the bottles 100 in the content filling system 10 is preferably 100 bpm or more and 1500 bpm or less. Here, bpm (bottle per minute) refers to the transport speed of the bottles 100 per minute.

[0222] (Sterilization method for content filling system) Next, a sterilization method for the above-mentioned content filling system 10 (FIG. 1) will be described. First, the sterilization method for the first sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, and the second sterile chamber 70h (hereinafter simply referred to as the chamber sterilization method) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0223] Chamber sterilization method First, after the filling of beverage in the content filling system 10 is completed, for example, an operation button on the control unit 90 is operated. As a result, a CIP cup (not shown) is placed over the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21. By placing the CIP cup (not shown) over the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21 in this manner, a sterile state is maintained within the water filling device 21. In other words, the water filling device 21 is physically protected to prevent bacteria from entering the water filling device 21 from the tip of the water filling nozzle. Furthermore, by operating the operation button on the control unit 90, gaps formed in the partition walls separating the sterilant spray chamber 70d, the air rinse chamber 70e, the first sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, and the second sterile chamber 70h are closed by shutters (not shown).

[0224] Next, the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f is increased. At this time, sterile air is supplied into the first sterile chamber 70f from a sterile air supply device (not shown), thereby increasing the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f. At this time, the amount of air supplied and / or exhausted from each chamber is adjusted so that the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f reaches a predetermined pressure. At this time, the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f, which was, for example, 30 Pa, is increased to, for example, 40 Pa. This prevents the air in the sterilant spray chamber 70d and the air in the intermediate area chamber 70g from flowing into the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0225] In this case, as described above, the pressure in the sterilant spray chamber 70d may be between 0 Pa and 20 Pa. The pressure in the air rinse chamber 70e may be between 10 Pa and 40 Pa. The pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f may be between 40 Pa and 100 Pa. The pressure in the intermediate area chamber 70g may be between 10 Pa and 40 Pa. The pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h may be between 0 Pa and 20 Pa. The pressure in the outlet chamber 70i may be between 0 Pa and 20 Pa.

[0226] Next, sterile water is supplied into the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h (rinsing step, reference numeral S11 in FIG. 9). As a result, contents adhering to the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h are washed away with the sterile water. In this case, the sterile water may be water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60. Note that the contents may have flowed from the second sterile chamber 70h into the first sterile chamber 70f via the intermediate area chamber 70g. Therefore, the contents adhering to the first sterile chamber 70f may be washed away by supplying sterile water into the first sterile chamber 70f. In addition, any caps 88 or bottles 100 that have fallen into the second sterile chamber 70h are collected. The conveying wheel 12 provided downstream of the capping device 16 may be changed to match the shape of the next bottle 100 to be used. Furthermore, the capper head chuck (not shown) may be replaced in the capping device 16 to match the size of the next cap 88 to be used.

[0227] Next, while the interior of the first sterile chamber 70f is maintained in a sterile state, the interior of the second sterile chamber 70h is cleaned. First, the interior of the intermediate area chamber 70g and the interior of the second sterile chamber 70h are cleaned (COP) (COP process, reference numeral S12 in FIG. 9). At this time, a cleaning agent such as an alkaline chemical, and water are sprayed into the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h from spray nozzles (not shown) disposed in the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h. This purifies the inner wall surfaces of the intermediate area chamber 70g and the surfaces of equipment such as the filling device 20. The water used here may be sterile water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60.

[0228] Here, when cleaning (COP) the interior of the second sterile chamber 70h, it is preferable that at least the second bypass line 56 of the first bypass line 55 and the second bypass line 56 has been cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). When cleaning (CIP) or sterilizing (SIP) the second bypass line 56, for example, a cleaning agent or a disinfectant may be supplied to the second bypass line 56 from a connection point CP1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A, etc.) that connects the second bypass line 56 to the water disinfection line 50. The cleaning agent and the disinfectant may be, for example, peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, an alkaline agent, an acid agent, sodium hypochlorite, etc. Thereafter, the second bypass line 56 may be rinsed with sterile water by supplying sterile water to the second bypass line 56 from a second water tank 52 in which sterile water has been stored in advance. In addition, when cleaning (CIP) or sterilizing (SIP) the first bypass line 55, a cleaning agent or sterilizing agent may be supplied to the first bypass line 55, for example, from a connection point CP2 (see Figures 1 and 2A, etc.) that connects the first bypass line 55 to the water sterilization line 50.

[0229] Next, while the interior of the first sterile chamber 70f is maintained in a sterile state, the concentrate filling device 22 is cleaned (CIP) (CIP step, reference numeral S13 in FIG. 9). At this time, first, a CIP cup (not shown) is placed over the concentrate filling nozzle of the concentrate filling device 22. Next, the flow path for the contents in the concentrate filling device 22 is rinsed with water, and a cleaning agent, for example, water to which an alkaline agent such as caustic soda or an acidic agent such as nitric acid has been added, is supplied to the flow path. This removes residues from the previous beverage that are attached to the flow path for the contents in the concentrate filling device 22. At this time, the water may be sterile water that has been sterilized by the water sterilizer 60.

[0230] Next, while the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f is maintained in a sterile state, the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h is sterilized. At this time, first, the concentrate filling device 22 is sterilized (SIP) (SIP step, reference numeral S14 in FIG. 9). At this time, heated steam or hot water is supplied to the flow path of the contents in the concentrate filling device 22. This sterilizes the flow path of the contents in the concentrate filling device 22. At this time, the water may be sterile water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60.

[0231] Next, the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h are sterilized (SOP) (SOP step, reference numeral S15 in FIG. 9). At this time, a sterilant such as peracetic acid or hydrogen peroxide solution is sprayed into the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h from spray nozzles (not shown) disposed in the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h. Then, sterile water is sprayed into the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h from the spray nozzles (not shown). This sterilizes the inner wall surfaces of the intermediate area chamber 70g and the like and the surfaces of equipment such as the filling device 20. At this time, the sterile water may be sterile water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60. This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10. Furthermore, before, after, or at the same time as sterilizing the interior of the second sterile chamber 70h with a germicide, the interior of at least the first sterile chamber 70f, the air rinse chamber 70e, and the germicide spray chamber 70d may also be cleaned with a peracetic acid cleaning agent and rinsed with germ-free water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60. This makes it possible to maintain stable sterility for a long period of time and increase the sterility level.

[0232] Additionally, while the second sterile chamber 70h is being sterilized, the first sterile chamber 70f may be re-sterilized in all its corners by, for example, injecting a sterilant such as hydrogen peroxide into the first sterile chamber 70f and then drying the first sterile chamber 70f with hot air.

[0233] In this manner, the content filling system 10 is sterilized.

[0234] Next, the CIP cup (not shown) covering the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21 is removed. Then, the water kept sterile in the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21 is discharged into the first sterile chamber 70f. This prevents the sterilant from being filled into the bottle 100 in the unlikely event that a sterilant or the like gets into the water filling nozzle from outside the CIP cup. Furthermore, as described above, when the first sterile chamber 70f is re-sterilized, even if the sterilant is not completely removed from the CIP cup covering the water filling nozzle and remains on the CIP cup, the sterilant or the like can be prevented from being filled into the bottle 100. The amount of water discharged into the first sterile chamber 70f is preferably equal to or greater than the amount of water needed to fill one bottle 100 to be used in the next production run. After that, the gap that had been closed by the shutter is opened, and the filling of the next contents begins.

[0235] Next, the sterilization method of the water sterilizer 60 will be described with reference to FIGS. 10A to 10E.

[0236] Sterilization method of water sterilizer First, after the filling of beverage in the content filling system 10 is completed, for example, an operation button on the control unit 90 is operated. This starts sterilization (SIP) by the water sterilizer 60. Sterilization by the water sterilizer 60 may be performed while the product bottles 101 are being produced. In this case, even if the sterilization of water by the water sterilizer 60 is stopped, the product bottles 101 can be produced by using the sterile water stored in the second water tank 52.

[0237] When sterilizing the water sterilizer 60, first, filling (production) of the contents by the contents filling system 10 is completed ("Production completed" in FIG. 10A).

[0238] Thereafter, a post-production integrity test (first integrity test) is performed on at least one of the sterile filters (first sterile filter 63 and second sterile filter 65) of the water sterilizer 60 (reference symbol S20A in FIG. 10A). That is, a post-production integrity test is performed on at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and second sterile filter 65 of the water sterilizer 60. If the foreign matter removal filter 61 is also a sterile filter, an integrity test is performed on at least one of the three filters. The sterility of the water is guaranteed if the integrity test results before and after the start of production are passing (no leaks are observed) and if the amount of ultraviolet light irradiation during production is above a predetermined value or within a predetermined range.

[0239] Next, the sterilizers (the first sterilizer 62 and / or the second sterilizer 64 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the first sterilizer 62, etc.)) are cleaned and / or sterilized (sterilizer cleaning and sterilization step, reference numeral S20 in FIG. 10A ). At this time, the first sterilizer 62, etc. are first cleaned (CIP treatment). The CIP treatment is performed by flowing an acidic cleaning solution, which is made by adding a nitric acid-based or phosphoric acid-based acidic agent to water, into the flow path after or before flowing an alkaline cleaning solution into the flow path. The alkaline cleaning solution is a cleaning solution made by adding an alkaline agent, which is a mixture of caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate, sodium phosphate, sodium hypochlorite, a surfactant, a chelating agent, etc., to water. The alkaline cleaning step using the alkaline cleaning solution and the acid cleaning step using the acid cleaning solution may be freely combined. This removes residues and the like adhering to the flow path through which the water passes. CIP treatment using only warm or hot water without adding a detergent may also be used. Note that the contents do not adhere to the water sterilization line 50. Furthermore, the first sterilizer 62 and other components of the water sterilization line 50 irradiate ultraviolet light from the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and other components during production of the product bottles 101. This reduces the possibility of the water sterilization line 50 becoming contaminated with bacteria. Therefore, CIP treatment of the water sterilization line 50 may be omitted.

[0240] Next, the first sterilizer 62 and the like are sterilized (SIP treatment). In the SIP step, first, steam or hot water is supplied to the water sterilizer 60 (hot water supply step, reference symbol S201a in FIG. 10B1). In this case, for example, steam or hot water is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60. As a result, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b, and the third ultraviolet lamp 67c (hereinafter simply referred to as the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc.) of the first sterilizer 62 and the like are each heat-sterilized with steam or hot water. In addition, every corner of the inside of the piping of the first sterilizer 62 and the inside of the piping of the second sterilizer 64 is each heat-sterilized with steam or hot water. Note that when the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 are sterilized, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 may be sterilized simultaneously. Furthermore, by adjusting the temperature, concentration, and / or time of the cleaning agent used in the CIP process, bacteria can be inactivated simultaneously (SIP process), eliminating the need for subsequent SIP (CSIP process). After the CIP and SIP processes or CSIP processes are completed, the cleaning agent is discharged from the circulation system 59A. The process then moves to the rinsing process to completely remove the cleaning agent. Rinsing is performed using pure water supplied from the pure water tank 50a. During the rinsing process, it is recommended to turn on the first ultraviolet lamp 67a or the like to confirm that the ultraviolet irradiation dose or illuminance is above a predetermined value.

[0241] Furthermore, if the first sterilizer 62 and the like are heat-sensitive, they may be sterilized with a sterilant (chemical) or a cleaning agent (chemical). In this case, the sterilant is first supplied to the water sterilizer 60 (sterilant supply step, reference numeral S201b in FIG. 10B2). In this case, for example, the sterilant is supplied to a circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60. The sterilant or cleaning agent may be supplied from a sterilant supply unit 96 (see FIGS. 2B and 2C) to the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, and the like provided in the water sterilization line 50. In this case, it is preferable that the sterilant or cleaning agent does not pass through the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterilization filter 63. That is, it is preferable that the sterilant or cleaning agent is circulated within the circulation system 95A. Specifically, for example, as shown by the bold lines in Figures 2B and 2C, the disinfectant or cleaner preferably passes through a third bypass line 95a provided between the pre-stage sterilizer 62A and the first sterilizer 62. Furthermore, as shown by the bold line in Figure 2B, the disinfectant or cleaner preferably passes through a fourth bypass line 95b provided between the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64. This prevents the disinfectant or detergent from passing through the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterilization filter 63 when the water disinfection line 50 is disinfected with the disinfectant or detergent. The disinfectant or detergent may be supplied from sampling points SP2 to SP4.

[0242] The disinfectant may contain peracetic acid. When the disinfectant contains peracetic acid, the concentration of the disinfectant may be 1000 ppm or more and 3000 ppm or less. A disinfectant concentration of 1000 ppm or more can enhance the disinfecting effect of the disinfectant on the first sterilizer 62 and the like. A disinfectant concentration of 3000 ppm or less can reduce the amount of peracetic acid used, thereby reducing the cost of sterilizing the water sterilizer 60.

[0243] The temperature of the hot water, disinfectant, or cleaner supplied to the circulation system 59A may be 50°C or higher and 150°C or lower. By setting the temperature of the hot water, disinfectant, or cleaner to 50°C or higher, the disinfecting effect and cleaning effect of the disinfectant in the first sterilizer 62, etc. can be improved. Furthermore, by setting the temperature of the hot water, disinfectant, or cleaner to 150°C or lower, the first sterilizer 62, etc. can be manufactured at low cost without using special heat-resistant materials.

[0244] Next, hot water, a disinfectant, or a cleaning agent is circulated in a circulation system 95A including the sterilizers (first sterilizer 62 and / or second sterilizer 64) (hot water circulation step, reference symbol S202a in FIG. 10B1; disinfectant circulation step, reference symbol S202b in FIG. 10B2). For example, hot water, a disinfectant, or a cleaning agent is circulated in a circulation system 95A including the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 provided in the water sterilization line 50. In this case, the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 may be sterilized by circulating the disinfectant, etc., in the circulation system 95A including the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 for at least 10 seconds to 60 minutes. By setting the circulation time to 10 seconds or more, the disinfection effect of the disinfectant, etc., on the first sterilizer 62, etc. can be enhanced. Furthermore, since the circulation time is 60 minutes or less, the sterilization time of the first sterilizer 62, etc. can be shortened, thereby reducing downtime. Note that in the sterilant circulation step, hot water, sterilant, or detergent may be circulated in the circulation system 59A instead of the circulation system 95A.

[0245] Furthermore, the circulation of hot water, disinfectant, or cleaner may be performed with the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., turned on. If the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., is not heat resistant, it is preferable to cool the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., to a temperature at which the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. can be turned on while circulating the hot water, disinfectant, or cleaner. At this time, it is preferable that heat exchange be performed between the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., and the disinfectant or cleaner by a heat exchanger 97 provided in the circulation system 95A.

[0246] The disinfectant, etc. is then discharged from one of sampling points SP2 to SP5 (hot water discharge step, S203a in FIG. 10B1; disinfectant discharge step, S203b in FIG. 10B2), and then the circulation system 95A is cooled or rinsed (cooling step, S204a in FIG. 10B1; rinsing step, S204b in FIG. 10B2). That is, when hot water is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60 (the hot water supply step described above, S201a in FIG. 10B1), the circulation system 59A is cooled (cooling step, S204a in FIG. 10B1). On the other hand, when the disinfectant, etc. is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60 (the disinfectant supply step described above, S201b in FIG. 10B2), the circulation system 95A is rinsed (rinsing step, S204b in FIG. 10B2). When discharging the disinfectant, etc., the disinfectant may be discharged in a short time while supplying sterile air into the piping to prevent bacterial contamination inside the sterilized piping. Note that the process may proceed to the rinsing process without performing the disinfectant discharge process.

[0247] In the rinsing step, first, the pre-sterilizer 62A is rinsed thoroughly with rinse water to prevent the sterilizing agent from adhering to the foreign matter removal filter 61. At this time, the rinse water may be discharged from a first drain pipe 95c provided upstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61. At this time, it is preferable to discharge the water from the first drain pipe 95c while maintaining a positive pressure in the pipe supplying water to the foreign matter removal filter 61. In this case, it is preferable to confirm that a positive pressure is maintained in the pipe while the water is being discharged from the first drain pipe 95c. Thereafter, the rinse water is passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61.

[0248] Next, the sterilant remaining in the first sterilizer 62 is thoroughly rinsed with rinsing water. At this time, the rinsing water may be discharged from the second drain pipe 95d provided upstream of the first sterile filter 63. Similarly, in this case, it is preferable to discharge water from the second drain pipe 95d while maintaining a positive pressure in the pipe supplying water to the first sterile filter 63. In this case, it is advisable to confirm that a positive pressure is maintained in the second drain pipe 95d while discharging water from the second drain pipe 95d. Thereafter, the rinsing water is passed through the first sterile filter 63. Thereafter, the same operation is performed sequentially toward the downstream side. Before discharging water from the first drain pipe 95c or the second drain pipe 95d, the first drain pipe 95c, etc. may be sterilized in advance with steam or hot water.

[0249] Next, the sterile filters (first sterile filter 63 and second sterile filter 65 (hereinafter also simply referred to as first sterile filter 63 etc.)) are sterilized (filter washing and sterilization step, reference numeral S21 in FIG. 10A). At this time, heated steam (fluid) or hot water (fluid) is first supplied to the flow paths of the first sterile filter 63 etc. (fluid supply step, reference numeral S211 in FIG. 10A). At this time, sterilizing steam is supplied to the first sterile filter 63 etc. from, for example, the sterile air supply port 60a.

[0250] Next, the temperature of the heated steam or hot water supplied to the flow path of the first sterile filter 63 etc. is measured, and the F value is calculated based on the measured temperature (F value calculation step, reference numeral S212 in FIG. 10A).

[0251] Thereafter, when the F value reaches or exceeds a target value, sterilization of the first sterile filter 63 etc. is terminated. In this way, the first sterile filter 63 etc. is sterilized. By performing heat sterilization of the first sterile filter 63 etc. using the F value in this way, the first sterile filter 63 etc. can be sterilized without applying more heat than necessary to the first sterile filter 63 etc. This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10. Furthermore, since the first sterile filter 63 etc. can be sterilized without applying more heat than necessary to the first sterile filter 63 etc., damage to the membrane of the first sterile filter 63 etc. can be suppressed. This extends the life of the first sterile filter 63 etc., allowing the first sterile filter 63 etc. to be used for a long period of time without replacement. The first sterile filter 63 etc. may also be sterilized without calculating the F value, for example, at 121°C or higher for 20 minutes (timer method).

[0252] When sterilizing the first sterile filter 63 etc., the area to be sterilized by steam may be partitioned by opening and closing valves (not shown) provided at sampling points SP1 to SP6. For example, the steam used to sterilize the first sterile filter 63 may be supplied to the area between sampling points SP3 and SP4 to sterilize this area. Similarly, the steam used to sterilize the second sterile filter 65 may be supplied to the area between sampling points SP5 and SP6 to sterilize this area. The foreign matter removal filter 61 may also be sterilized together with the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65.

[0253] In this way, the SIP process is performed on the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. Thereafter, the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 are cooled (reference numeral S213 in FIG. 10A).

[0254] Next, an integrity test (second integrity test) is performed on at least one of the sterile filters (first sterile filter 63 and second sterile filter 65) of the water sterilizer 60 (reference numeral S22 in FIG. 10A). That is, a pre-production integrity test is performed on at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 of the water sterilizer 60 (reference numeral S22 in FIG. 10A). In the integrity test, first, water is supplied to a housing (not shown) in the first sterile filter 63 etc. (wetting step (not shown)). The wetting step is performed with the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. turned on. This causes the water irradiated with ultraviolet light to pass through the first sterile filter. Next, valves (not shown) near the first sterile filter 63 etc. are closed, the water in the first sterile filter 63 etc. is drained, and sterile air is supplied to the first sterile filter 63 etc. At this time, sterile air is injected into the first sterile filter 63 etc. filled with water, for example, from the sterile air supply port 60a. The sterile air supplied to the first sterile filter 63 etc. is then gradually pressurized and the bubble point value of the first sterile filter 63 etc. is measured. Thereafter, based on the results of the bubble point values ​​measured multiple times (for example, three times), it is confirmed whether the first sterile filter 63 etc. is intact (whether sterile air is leaking at a predetermined pressure).

[0255] Here, for example, while an integrity test is being performed on the first sterile filter 63, water cannot be supplied to the first sterile filter 63. Meanwhile, if water is allowed to remain in the main body 66 (see FIGS. 3 to 6B) of the first sterilizer 62, etc., the heat from the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. will cause the temperature of the water in the main body 66 to rise. In particular, if the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. is a medium-pressure mercury lamp, the operating temperature of the medium-pressure mercury lamp is high (approximately 600°C or higher and 900°C or lower), and the temperature of the water in the main body 66 can easily rise. For this reason, while an integrity test is being performed on the first sterile filter 63, for example, it is preferable to circulate water irradiated with ultraviolet light by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., through the circulation system 95A, as shown by the bold line in FIG. 2C. This prevents the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. from overheating and thus prevents damage to the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc.

[0256] Thereafter, filling (production) of the contents is resumed again by the contents filling system 10. The water used in the integrity test is preferably water sterilized by the first sterilizer 62. The air used in the integrity test is preferably sterile air.

[0257] As shown in FIG. 10C, the order of the sterilizer cleaning and sterilizing step (S20 in FIG. 10A) and the filter cleaning and sterilizing step (S21 in FIG. 10A) may be reversed. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 10D, the cleaning and sterilizing steps of the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 may be performed in parallel during SIP of the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 (e.g., while the first sterile filter 63, etc., is cooling). In this case, the piping or valves located upstream or downstream of the first sterile filter 63, etc., come into contact with the sterilizing agent. This shortens the cooling time. Specifically, the sterilizing agent may be supplied to the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 once the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 have each been cooled to below 110°C. This makes it possible to finish the sterilizer cleaning and sterilizing process while the foreign matter removing filter 61, the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65 are being cooled.

[0258] Furthermore, in the first sterilizer 62, etc., ultraviolet light is irradiated by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. when the product bottles 101 are produced. This reduces the possibility that the first sterilizer 62, etc. will be contaminated with bacteria. Therefore, when the water sterilizer 60 is sterilized, the first sterilizer 62, etc. does not need to be sterilized.

[0259] In another embodiment, as shown in Figure 10E, the step of sterilizing the sterile filters (first sterile filter 63 and second sterile filter 65) of the water sterilizer 60 may be carried out while the step of cleaning the sterilizers (first sterilizer 62 and second sterilizer 64) or the step of sterilizing the sterilizers (first sterilizer 62 and second sterilizer 64) is being carried out. In other words, the first sterile filter 63 and second sterile filter 65 of the water sterilizer 60 and the first sterilizer 62 and second sterilizer 64 may be washed and sterilized simultaneously.

[0260] In this case, as shown in Figure 10E, filling (production) is first completed, after which a post-production integrity test (first integrity test) is performed on at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 (reference numeral S30 in Figure 10E).

[0261] Next, a cleaning (CIP) process is performed on the first sterilizing filter 63, the second sterilizing filter 65, the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 (reference numeral S31 in FIG. 10E). At this time, a cleaning agent and a disinfectant are supplied from before (upstream of) the foreign matter removal filter 61, and the cleaning agent and the disinfectant are circulated for a predetermined time within the circulation system 59A using the circulation line 59.

[0262] After the CIP treatment, the first sterilizing filter 63, the second sterilizing filter 65, the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 may be subjected to a sterilization (SIP) treatment (reference numeral S32 in FIG. 10E). Alternatively, instead of the CIP treatment and SIP treatment, the first sterile filter 63, the second sterile filter 65, the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 may be cleaned and sterilized simultaneously (CSIP treatment) (symbol S33 in Figure 10E).

[0263] The cleaning agents and disinfectants used in the CIP treatment, SIP treatment, or CSIP treatment may be acidic agents such as peracetic acid, acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, pernitric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, etc., alkaline agents such as sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, etc., chlorine-based agents such as sodium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, etc., alcohols such as ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, etc., or ozone water, acidic water, or surfactants, which may be used alone or in combination of two or more thereof. The temperature of the cleaning agent and disinfectant may be increased by a heater (not shown). The CIP treatment, SIP treatment, or CSIP treatment may be performed under predetermined conditions (temperature, concentration, time) based on the readings of the thermometer T and the concentration meter 59c installed in the water sterilizer 60 and the circulation line 59.

[0264] The cleaning agent and disinfectant may be discharged from the circulation system 59A by supplying purified water from the purified water tank 50c to the circulation system 59A and transporting the purified water using the pump P1 to replace the disinfectant. Alternatively, water may be supplied to the circulation system 59A from another device (not shown) to discharge the disinfectant. Discharge of the disinfectant may be performed while monitoring the value of a concentration meter 59c installed downstream of the circulation line 59. In this case, it is preferable to rinse the circulation system 59A with rinse water until the value of the concentration meter 59c becomes the same as the value of a concentration meter (not shown) installed in the pure water production system 50a. The rinsing time during the rinsing process may be managed by a timer. The rinsing process may be set to complete after a predetermined time has elapsed. The first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the like may or may not be lit during the CIP process, SIP process, or CSIP process. The first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the like may be lit only during the rinsing process. After the CIP and SIP or CSIP processes are completed, a pre-production integrity test (second integrity test) is performed on at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 (reference numeral S34 in FIG. 10E). That is, a pre-production integrity test is performed on one or both of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65.

[0265] Next, if the result of the pre-production integrity test is a pass (no leaks are found), the process moves to the production preparation process (reference numeral S35 in FIG. 10E). In the production preparation process, while circulating pure water in the circulation system 59A, it is confirmed that the illuminance of the ultraviolet light emitted from the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. is equal to or greater than a predetermined value. In this case, in each sterilizer (first sterilizer 62 or second sterilizer 64), the total irradiation amount of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. is, for example, 10 mJ / cm. 2 It may be more than 100 mJ / cm 2 It is preferable that this is equal to or greater than this.

[0266] Then production will begin.

[0267] The contents do not adhere to the water sterilizer 60. Furthermore, the first sterilizer 62 and the like are irradiated with ultraviolet light by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the like when producing the product bottles 101. This reduces the possibility that the first sterilizer 62 and the like will be contaminated with bacteria. Therefore, when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60, the first sterilizer 62 and the like do not need to be sterilized.

[0268] As described above, according to this embodiment, the content filling system 10 includes a water sterilization line 50 that sterilizes water without heating, a concentrate sterilization line 70 that sterilizes a product concentrate with heat, and a filling device 20 that is connected to the water sterilization line 50 and the concentrate sterilization line 70, respectively, and fills water and the product concentrate into bottles 100. This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted when preparing the content compared to when the product concentrate is diluted with sterile water prepared using a sterilizer that sterilizes water by heating. This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10.

[0269] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the content filling system 10 further includes a control unit 90 that controls the water sterilization line 50. When the amount of ultraviolet irradiation or illuminance falls below a predetermined value, the control unit 90 discharges water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50. This allows the sterility of the second water tank 52, etc. to be maintained.

[0270] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the filling device 20 has a water filling device 21 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and a concentrate filling device 22 connected to the concentrate sterilization line 70. The water filling device 21 fills the bottles 100 with sterilized water, and the concentrate filling device 22 fills the bottles 100 with sterilized concentrate product. This narrows the area that can become soiled by the contents. This also narrows the area to be cleaned and sterilized. As a result, the amount of steam and other materials used can be reduced. Furthermore, the cleaning and sterilization times can be shortened. This also reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10.

[0271] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the water filling device 21 fills empty bottles 100 with water. The filling speed at which the water filling device 21 fills the bottles 100 with water is faster than the filling speed at which the concentrate filling device 22 fills the bottles 100 with the concentrate product. This allows the number of water filling nozzles in the water filling device 21 to be reduced without causing dirt to adhere to the periphery of the bottles 100. This allows the size of the water filling device 21 to be reduced without causing dirt to adhere to the periphery of the bottles 100.

[0272] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the water sterilization line 50 has a first water tank 51 that stores water, a water sterilizer 60 that non-thermal sterilizes the water stored in the first water tank 51, and a second water tank 52 that stores the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60. Furthermore, the concentrate sterilization line 70 has a first concentrate tank 71 that stores the concentrate product, a concentrate product sterilizer 80 that heat sterilizes the concentrate product stored in the first concentrate tank 71, and a second concentrate tank 72 that stores the concentrate product sterilized by the concentrate product sterilizer 80. This allows for smooth flow of water and concentrate product.

[0273] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a first bypass line 55 is provided downstream of the second water tank 52, connecting the water sterilization line 50 and the cap sterilizer 18 to each other. This allows the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 to be used to wash the caps 88. This further reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10.

[0274] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, an addition unit 75 that adds solids to the concentrate product is connected downstream of the second concentrate tank 72. This allows the content filling system 10 to fill the bottle 100 with content containing solids.

[0275] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the content filling system 10 further includes a preform sterilizer 34a that sterilizes the preforms 100a, a blow molding section (container molding device) 32 that molds the preforms 100a into bottles 100, and a sterilizer (container sterilizer) 11 that sterilizes the bottles 100. The blow molding section (container molding device) 32 molds the bottles 100 without adjusting the temperature of the bottles 100 with hot water from a mold temperature regulator. This reduces the number of bacteria that adhere to the bottles 100 and reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10. Furthermore, because there is no need to supply hot water to the molds of the blow molding section 32, the blow molding section 32 can be simplified.

[0276] (Modification of content filling system) Next, a modified example of the content filling system will be described.

[0277] (First Modification) In the above-described embodiment, the water sterilization line 50 (water sterilizer 60) sterilizes water without heating. However, this is not limiting. For example, the water sterilization line 50 (water sterilizer 60) may sterilize water by heating it to a predetermined temperature. The bacterial count of pure water produced by the pure water production system 50a is generally lower than that of the undiluted product solution, provided that the pure water production system 50a is properly managed. Therefore, if the pH of the contents after filling or after the cap 88 is attached to the bottle 100 is less than 4.5, the water sterilization line 50 (first sterilizer 62 and second sterilizer 64) may sterilize the water so that the F0 value is 0.00029 or more and less than 3.1. Furthermore, if the pH of the contents is 4.5 or more, the water sterilization line 50 (first sterilizer 62 and second sterilizer 64) may sterilize the water so that the F0 value is 3.1 or more and less than 100. When filling contents with different pH values, the water sterilization line 50 (first sterilizer 62 and second sterilizer 64) may sterilize water so that the F0 value is uniformly set to 3.1 or more and 100 or less in order to reduce the number of times the water sterilization line 50 is cleaned and / or sterilized when switching between different contents with different pH values. Here, the F0 value is calculated by the following formula as described above.

number

[0278] According to this modification, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted when sterilizing water can be reduced compared to when a sterilizer is used that sterilizes water at the same sterilization strength as the product concentrate by heating it to a high temperature at the same time as the product concentrate (usually with an F0 value of approximately 30 or more and 80 or less). This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10. Furthermore, when the water sterilization line 50 (first sterilizer 62 and second sterilizer 64) changes the sterilization conditions based on the pH of the contents, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted when sterilizing water can be further reduced, and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be further reduced.

[0279] (Second Modification) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the water filling device 21 fills the bottles 100 with sterilized water, and the concentrate filling device 22 fills the bottles 100 filled with water with sterilized concentrate product, but this is not limiting. For example, the concentrate filling device 22 may fill the bottles 100 with sterilized concentrate product, and the water filling device 21 may fill the bottles 100 filled with concentrate product with sterilized water.

[0280] 11, the concentrate filling device 22 may be disposed upstream of the water filling device 21 in the conveying direction of the bottles 100. Alternatively, the concentrate filling device 22 may be housed inside the first sterile chamber 70f, and the water filling device 21 may be housed inside the second sterile chamber 70h.

[0281] (Third Modification) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the product concentrate is diluted with water has been described, but this is not limiting. For example, water or product concentrate may be filled into the bottles 100 using only one of the water filling device 21 and the concentrate filling device 22. Specifically, only water may be filled into the bottles 100 using only the water filling device 21. That is, mineral water may be produced by using only the water filling device 21 in the content filling system 10. Alternatively, only the concentrate filling device 22 may be used to fill the bottles 100 with product concentrate. That is, a so-called concentrated product may be produced by using only the concentrate filling device 22 in the content filling system 10. Note that when only product concentrate, which does not require sterilization, is filled into the bottles 100, the bottles 100 may be supplied to the conveying wheel 12 housed inside the intermediate area chamber 70g.

[0282] According to this modification, water or concentrate product is filled into the bottles 100 using only one of the water filling device 21 and concentrate filling device 22. This allows mineral water and so-called concentrated products to be produced in the contents filling system 10. This allows an increase in the variety of product bottles 101 produced in the contents filling system 10.

[0283] (Fourth Modification) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the filling device 20 includes a water filling device 21 connected to a water sterilization line 50 and a concentrate filling device 22 connected to a concentrate sterilization line 70. In this case, the filling device 20 may include a plurality of concentrate filling devices 22. Also, for example, as shown in FIG. 12A , the content filling system 10 may include a plurality (e.g., two) concentrate sterilization lines 70. The filling device 20 may then include a plurality (e.g., two) concentrate filling devices 22 connected to each of the concentrate sterilization lines 70.

[0284] In this case, the filling device 20 may include a first concentrate filling device 22a that fills a product concentrate containing no flavor, and a second concentrate filling device 22b that fills a product concentrate containing a flavor. In other words, of the two concentrate filling devices 22, one concentrate filling device 22 may be a filling device (first concentrate filling device 22a) that fills a product concentrate containing no flavor, such as a tea-based beverage. The other concentrate filling device 22 may be a filling device (second concentrate filling device 22b) that fills a product concentrate containing a flavor, such as a fruit-based beverage, a milk-based beverage, or a sports drink. Note that the second concentrate filling device 22b may be a filling device that fills solids.

[0285] In this way, by having the first concentrate filling device 22a and the second concentrate filling device 22b, when a flavorless content such as a tea-based beverage is filled into the bottle 100, the aroma of the previous content can be prevented from adhering to the content. Furthermore, if one concentrate filling device 22 is a filling device (first concentrate filling device 22a) that fills a flavorless product concentrate, the flavor will not adhere to the product concentrate flow path, etc., within the first concentrate filling device 22a. For example, the flavor will not adhere to sealing elements such as packings provided at the connection points of each pipe or device. Therefore, when switching the type of content, the area to be cleaned (CIP) can be narrowed. This shortens the cleaning time. This also reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10.

[0286] In the illustrated example, the first concentrate filling device 22a, the second concentrate filling device 22b, and the cap fitting device 16 are housed inside a second sterile chamber 70h. Also, as shown in FIG. 12B, a chamber wall 710 is provided inside the second sterile chamber 70h. This chamber wall 710 separates a first space (space) 701 in which the first concentrate filling device 22a is housed, a second space 702 in which the second concentrate filling device 22b is housed, and a third space 703 in which the cap fitting device 16 is housed. In other words, the first concentrate filling device 22a is housed in the first space 701 defined by the chamber wall 710. Also, the second concentrate filling device 22b is housed in the second space 702 defined by the chamber wall 710, and the cap fitting device 16 is housed in the third space 703 defined by the chamber wall 710.

[0287] The chamber wall 710 prevents the sterilant or the like in each space from circulating to an unintended space and stabilizes the pressure within each space. The chamber wall 710 has gaps G1 to G6 (see FIG. 12C, which will be described later) formed therein, through which the bottles 100 can pass. The gaps G1 to G6 are formed to a minimum size, for example, the size of one bottle 100, so that the pressure within each space does not change. The chamber wall 710 may also be provided with shutters sh1 to sh6 (see FIG. 12C, which will be described later) that open and close the gaps G1 to G6. The shutters sh1 to sh6 may be configured to open and close automatically in response to a signal from the control unit 90, for example.

[0288] Furthermore, by providing the chamber wall 710 inside the second sterile chamber 70h, for example, the second space 702 can be cleaned (COP) and sterilized (SOP) while the first concentrate filling device 22a is in operation, and the second concentrate filling device 22b can be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). This significantly reduces downtime and improves productivity of the product bottles 101. Here, for example, when the second concentrate filling device 22b is cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP) while the first concentrate filling device 22a is in operation, a shutter sh1 or the like provided on the chamber wall 710 may be closed. This may prevent a disinfectant or the like from entering the space (non-sterile space) housing the second concentrate filling device 22b into the space (sterile space) housing the first concentrate filling device 22a.

[0289] Of the transport wheels 12 housed in the second sterile chamber 70h, the first transport wheel (first wheel) 12a that delivers the bottles 100 to the first concentrate filling device 22a and the second transport wheel 12b that receives the bottles 100 from the first concentrate filling device 22a are each located outside the first space 701. Of the transport wheels 12 housed in the second sterile chamber 70h, the third transport wheel 12c that delivers the bottles 100 to the second concentrate filling device 22b and the fourth transport wheel 12d that receives the bottles 100 from the second concentrate filling device 22b are each located outside the second space 702.

[0290] 12C, the first transport wheel 12a includes a gripper (first gripper) 121 that transports the bottle 100. This gripper 121 is provided so as to be able to open and close freely.

[0291] Similarly, the second to fourth transport wheels 12b to 12d each include grippers 122, 123, and 124 that transport the bottle 100. The grippers 122, 123, and 124 are each provided so as to be able to open and close freely.

[0292] The first concentrate filling device 22a also includes a wheel 221 (second wheel), which is disposed inside the first space 701. The wheel 221 includes a gripper (second gripper) 222 that transports the bottle 100. The gripper 222 is provided so as to be able to open and close freely.

[0293] Similarly, the second concentrate filling device 22b includes a wheel 223, which is disposed inside the second space 702. The wheel 223 includes a gripper 224 that transports the bottle 100. The gripper 224 is provided so as to be able to open and close freely.

[0294] Next, a case where the second space 702 (and / or the second concentrate filling device 22b) is cleaned and sterilized during operation of the first concentrate filling device 22a housed in the first space 701 will be described with reference to Fig. 12C. That is, a case where the second space 702 and / or the second concentrate filling device 22b (hereinafter simply referred to as the second space 702, etc.) is cleaned and sterilized while the first concentrate filling device 22a is filling the bottle 100 with the product concentrate.

[0295] First, after the second concentrate filling device 22b has finished filling the concentrate product, for example, an operation button on the control unit 90 is operated. As a result, for example, among the gaps G1 to G6 formed in the chamber wall 710, the gaps G1 and G4 are closed by the shutters sh1 and sh4, respectively.

[0296] Next, the bottle 100 is transported from the first transport wheel 12a to the first concentrate filling device 22a. At this time, the gripper 123 of the third transport wheel 12c takes the open position so as not to interfere with the gripper 121 of the first transport wheel 12a. In this embodiment, the gripper 123 takes the open position by rotating each of the pair of claws of the gripper 123 horizontally by 90 degrees from the closed position. The rotation angle of each claw may be between 60 degrees and 130 degrees.

[0297] In this open position, the gripper 123 does not interfere with the shutter sh1 that closes the gap G1. This allows the bottle 100 to be transported to the first concentrate filling device 22a while maintaining the inside of the first space 701 in a sterile state when cleaning and sterilizing the second space 702, etc.

[0298] When the first concentrate filling device 22a fills the bottles 100 with the concentrate product, the gripper (second gripper) 222 of the wheel 221 of the first concentrate filling device 22a receives the bottle 100 from the gripper (first gripper) 121 of the first transport wheel 12a. That is, the bottle 100 is handed over from the first transport wheel (first wheel) 12a, which is arranged outside the first space 701, to the wheel 221 (second wheel), which is arranged inside the first space 701.

[0299] Next, in the first concentrate filling device 22a, the concentrate product is filled into the bottles 100. At this time, the concentrate product is filled into the bottles 100 being transported by the gripper 222.

[0300] Next, the bottles 100 filled with the contents are transported by the second transport wheel 12b to the capping device 16. At this time, the gripper 124 of the fourth transport wheel 12d takes the open position so as not to interfere with the gripper 122 of the second transport wheel 12b. In this embodiment, the gripper 124 takes the open position by rotating each of the pair of claws of the gripper 124 horizontally by 90 degrees from the closed position. The rotation angle of each claw may be between 60 degrees and 130 degrees.

[0301] In this open position, the gripper 124 does not interfere with the shutter sh4 that closes the gap G4. This allows the bottle 100 to be transported to the capping device 16 while maintaining the insides of the first space 701 and the third space 703 in a sterile state when cleaning and sterilizing the second space 702, etc.

[0302] In this way, the first concentrate filling device 22a obtains the product bottle 101 filled with the concentrate. During this process, the second space 702 and the like are cleaned and sterilized.

[0303] In this way, when the second space 702 is cleaned during operation of the first concentrate filling device 22a housed in the first space 701, the pressure in the first space 701 is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less, the pressure in the second space 702 is preferably -10 Pa or more and 10 Pa or less, and the pressure in the third space 703 is preferably 5 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less. This effectively prevents the air in the second space 702 and the air in the third space 703 from entering the first space 701, and the sterility in the first space 701 can be maintained even better.

[0304] When the second space 702 is sterilized during operation of the first concentrate filling device 22a housed in the first space 701, the pressure in the second space 702 may be higher than the pressure in the second space 702 when the second space 702 is cleaned during operation of the first concentrate filling device 22a housed in the first space 701. When sterilizing the second space 702, the pressure in the first space 701 is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less, the pressure in the second space 702 is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less, and the pressure in the third space 703 is preferably 5 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less. This effectively prevents air in the second space 702 and the air in the third space 703 from entering the first space 701, and the sterility in the first space 701 can be well maintained.

[0305] Next, a case will be described in which the bottle 100 is not filled with the concentrate product by the first concentrate filling device 22a. Here, a case in which the first space 701 and / or the first concentrate filling device 22a (hereinafter also simply referred to as the first space 701, etc.) is cleaned and sterilized while the second concentrate filling device 22b housed in the second space 702 is in operation will be described with reference to Fig. 12D. That is, a case in which the first space 701, etc. is cleaned and sterilized while the bottle 100 is filled with the concentrate product by the second concentrate filling device 22b will be described.

[0306] First, after the filling of the product concentrate in the first concentrate filling device 22a is completed, for example, an operation button of the control unit 90 is operated. As a result, for example, among the gaps G1 to G6 formed in the chamber wall 710, gaps G5 and G6 are closed by shutters sh5 and sh6, respectively.

[0307] Next, the bottle 100 is transported from the first transport wheel 12a to the second concentrate filling device 22b. At this time, the gripper (second gripper) 222 of the wheel 221 (second wheel) of the first concentrate filling device 22a takes the open position so as not to interfere with the gripper (first gripper) 121 of the first transport wheel 12a. In this embodiment, the gripper 222 takes the open position by rotating each of the pair of claws of the gripper 222 horizontally by 90 degrees from the closed position. The rotation angle of each claw may be between 60 degrees and 130 degrees.

[0308] In this open position, the gripper 222 does not interfere with the shutter sh6 that closes the gap G6. This allows the bottle 100 to be transported to the second concentrate filling device 22b while maintaining the inside of the second space 702 in a sterile state when cleaning and sterilizing the first space 701, etc.

[0309] When the second concentrate filling device 22b fills the bottles 100 with the concentrate product, the gripper 123 of the third transport wheel 12c receives the bottles 100 from the gripper 121 of the first transport wheel 12a.

[0310] Furthermore, when the second concentrate filling device 22b fills the bottles 100 with the concentrate product, the gripper 224 of the wheel 223 of the second concentrate filling device 22b receives the bottles 100 from the gripper 123 of the third transport wheel 12c. That is, the bottles 100 are handed over from the third transport wheel 12c, which is disposed outside the second space 702, to the wheel 223, which is disposed inside the second space 702.

[0311] Next, in the second concentrate filling device 22b, the concentrate product is filled into the bottles 100. At this time, the concentrate product is filled into the bottles 100 being transported by the gripper 224.

[0312] Subsequently, the bottle 100 filled with the contents is transported to the second transport wheel 12b by the fourth transport wheel 12d.

[0313] The bottle 100 is then transported to the capping device 16 by the second transport wheel 12b. At this time, the gripper 222 of the wheel 221 of the first concentrate filling device 22a is in the open position so as not to interfere with the gripper 122 of the second transport wheel 12b. In addition, in this open position, the gripper 222 does not interfere with the shutter sh5 that closes the gap G5. As a result, when cleaning and sterilizing the first space 701, etc., the bottle 100 can be transported to the capping device 16 while maintaining the insides of the second space 702 and the third space 703 in a sterile state.

[0314] In this way, the second concentrate filling device 22b provides the product bottle 101 filled with the concentrate. During this process, the first space 701 and the like are cleaned and sterilized.

[0315] When the first space 701 is cleaned during operation of the second concentrate filling device 22b housed in the second space 702, the pressure in the first space 701 is preferably between -10 Pa and 10 Pa, the pressure in the second space 702 is preferably between 10 Pa and 40 Pa, and the pressure in the third space 703 is preferably between 5 Pa and 30 Pa. This effectively prevents the air in the first space 701 and the air in the third space 703 from entering the second space 702, and further improves the maintenance of a sterile state in the second space 702.

[0316] When the first space 701 is sterilized during operation of the second concentrate filling device 22b housed in the second space 702, the pressure in the first space 701 may be higher than the pressure in the first space 701 when the first space 701 is cleaned during operation of the second concentrate filling device 22b housed in the second space 702. When sterilizing the first space 701, the pressure in the first space 701 is preferably 0 Pa or higher and 20 Pa or lower, the pressure in the second space 702 is preferably 10 Pa or higher and 40 Pa or lower, and the pressure in the third space 703 is preferably 5 Pa or higher and 30 Pa or lower. This effectively prevents the air in the first space 701 and the air in the third space 703 from entering the second space 702, and the sterility of the second space 702 can be well maintained.

[0317] To summarize the above, the pressure in each space may be as shown in Tables 3 and 4 below.

[0318] [Table 3]

[0319] [Table 4]

[0320] According to this modification, the filling device 20 has a plurality of concentrate filling devices 22. This allows, for example, the second concentrate filling device 22b to be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP) while the first concentrate filling device 22a is in operation. This significantly reduces downtime and improves productivity of the product bottles 101.

[0321] Furthermore, according to this modification, the content filling system 10 is provided with a plurality of concentrate sterilization lines 70. A plurality of concentrate filling devices 22 are connected to each of the concentrate sterilization lines 70. This allows the variety of product bottles 101 produced in the content filling system 10 to be increased.

[0322] Furthermore, according to this modification, the filling device 20 includes a first concentrate filling device 22a that fills a product concentrate containing no flavor and a second concentrate filling device 22b that fills a product concentrate containing a flavor. This prevents the scent of the previous contents from adhering to the bottle 100 when the contents containing no flavor are filled. Furthermore, because the first concentrate filling device 22a fills a product concentrate containing no flavor, the flavor does not adhere to the flow path of the product concentrate in the first concentrate filling device 22a. This allows the area to be cleaned (CIP) when switching the type of contents to be narrowed. This shortens the cleaning time. This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10. Furthermore, since the first concentrate filling device 22a and the second concentrate filling device 22b are connected to different concentrate sterilization lines 70, for example, cleaning (so-called deodorizing CIP) to remove flavors is not required for the concentrate sterilization line 70 to which the first concentrate filling device 22a is connected. Since deodorizing CIP requires more time and energy than regular CIP, not performing deodorizing CIP can reduce downtime and save energy compared to performing deodorizing CIP.

[0323] Furthermore, according to this modification, when the first concentrate filling device 22a fills the bottle 100 with the concentrate product, the gripper (second gripper) 222 of the wheel 221 of the first concentrate filling device 22a receives the bottle 100 from the gripper (first gripper) 121 of the first transport wheel 12a. When the first concentrate filling device 22a does not fill the bottle 100 with the concentrate product, the gripper (second gripper) 222 of the wheel 221 (second wheel) of the first concentrate filling device 22a takes the open position so as not to interfere with the gripper (first gripper) 121 of the first transport wheel 12a. This allows the bottle 100 to be transported to the first concentrate filling device 22a when the second space 702, etc. are cleaned and sterilized.

[0324] Furthermore, according to this modification, when the first concentrate filling device 22a does not fill the bottle 100 with the concentrate product, the gaps G5 and G6 are closed by the shutters sh5 and sh6. The gripper (second gripper) 222 of the wheel 221 of the first concentrate filling device 22a is in the open position so as not to interfere with the shutters sh5 and sh6 that close the gaps G5 and G6. This allows the bottle 100 to be transported to the first concentrate filling device 22a while maintaining the insides of the second space 702 and the third space 703 in a sterile state when cleaning and sterilizing the second space 702, etc.

[0325] Although the example has been described in which the pair of claws of the gripper 222 or the like rotates horizontally from the closed position to place the gripper 222 or the like in the open position, the present invention is not limited to this. The gripper 222 or the like may be placed in the open position by any configuration. For example, the gripper 222 or the like may be placed in the open position by bending the pair of claws upward or downward. Furthermore, the pair of claws may be configured to be extendable and retractable, so that the gripper 222 or the like can be opened and closed freely.

[0326] (Another example of the fourth modified example) Next, another example of the fourth modified example will be described.

[0327] <First example> In a first example shown in Figure 12E, the content filling system further includes a fifth sterile chamber 70j, a sixth sterile chamber 70k, and a seventh sterile chamber 70m. The fifth sterile chamber 70j is located upstream of the first sterile chamber 70f. The sixth sterile chamber 70k is located downstream of the second sterile chamber 70h. The seventh sterile chamber 70m is located downstream of the sixth sterile chamber 70k. That is, in the example shown, the fifth sterile chamber 70j, the first sterile chamber 70f, the second sterile chamber 70h, the sixth sterile chamber 70k, the seventh sterile chamber 70m, and the outlet chamber 70i are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the transport direction of the bottle 100 (see Figure 12A, etc.). In addition, the fifth sterile chamber 70j, the first sterile chamber 70f, the second sterile chamber 70h, the sixth sterile chamber 70k and the seventh sterile chamber 70m are arranged in a line on the outer periphery of a circular conveying body 110 that rotates and conveys the bottles 100.

[0328] Of these, the fifth sterile chamber 70j may house a transport wheel 12 that transports air-rinsed bottles 100. The sixth sterile chamber 70k houses a second concentrate filling device 22b. The seventh sterile chamber 70m houses a capping device 16. That is, in the example shown in FIG. 12E, the second concentrate filling device 22b and the capping device 16 are housed in a sterile chamber (the sixth sterile chamber 70k or the seventh sterile chamber 70m) different from the second sterile chamber 70h housing the first concentrate filling device 22a.

[0329] 12E, bottles 100 that have been sterilized upstream are transported to the first sterile chamber 70f via the conveying wheel 12 and circular conveying body 110 located in the fifth sterile chamber 70j. The bottles 100 are then transported to the water filling device 21 via the conveying wheel 12 located in the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0330] Next, in the water filling device 21, the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 is filled into the empty bottles 100. In this water filling device 21, the water is filled into the inside of the bottles 100 while the plurality of bottles 100 are rotated and transported.

[0331] The bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f is then transported to the first concentrate filling device 22a via the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the first sterile chamber 70f, the circular conveying body 110, and the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the second sterile chamber 70h.

[0332] Next, in the first concentrate filling device 22a, the concentrate product sterilized by the concentrate sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottles 100 that have been filled with water in advance by the water filling device 21. In this first concentrate filling device 22a, the concentrate product is filled into the bottles 100 while the multiple bottles 100 are rotated and transported.

[0333] The bottle 100 in the second sterile chamber 70h is then transported to the second concentrate filling device 22b via the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the second sterile chamber 70h, the circular conveying body 110, and the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the sixth sterile chamber 70k.

[0334] Next, in the second concentrate filling device 22b, another product concentrate sterilized by the concentrate sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottles 100 that have been filled in advance with water and the product concentrate. In this second concentrate filling device 22b, the bottles 100 are filled with another product concentrate while the bottles 100 are being rotated and transported.

[0335] The bottle 100 in the sixth sterile chamber 70k is then transported to the capping device 16 via the conveying wheel 12, the circular conveying body 110, and the conveying wheel 12 in the seventh sterile chamber 70m, which are arranged in the sixth sterile chamber 70k.

[0336] Next, in the capping device 16, the bottles 100 filled with water and undiluted product are closed with caps 88 (see FIG. 12A, etc.). In this way, the bottles 100 are sealed to prevent outside air and / or microorganisms from entering the bottles 100. In this capping device 16, the caps 88 are attached to the mouths of the bottles 100 while the bottles 100 filled with water and undiluted product are rotated and transported. In this way, product bottles 101 (see FIG. 12A, etc.) are obtained.

[0337] <Second example> Next, a second example will be described with reference to Figure 12F. In the second example shown in Figure 12F, the content filling system further includes a sixth sterile chamber 70k, a seventh sterile chamber 70m, and an eighth sterile chamber 70n. The sixth sterile chamber 70k is located downstream of the first sterile chamber 70f. The seventh sterile chamber 70m is located downstream of the second sterile chamber 70h and the sixth sterile chamber 70k. The eighth sterile chamber 70n is located between the second sterile chamber 70h and the sixth sterile chamber 70k. Here, in Figure 12F, the second sterile chamber 70h and the sixth sterile chamber 70k are arranged in parallel downstream of the first sterile chamber 70f along the transport direction of the bottles 100 (see Figure 12A, etc.). That is, in the illustrated example, the first sterile chamber 70f, the second sterile chamber 70h or the sixth sterile chamber 70k, the seventh sterile chamber 70m and the outlet chamber 70i are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the conveying direction of the bottle 100 (see Figure 12A, etc.).

[0338] Of these, the sixth sterile chamber 70k houses the second concentrate filling device 22b. The seventh sterile chamber 70m houses the capping device 16. Furthermore, the eighth sterile chamber 70n may house a transport wheel 12 for transporting bottles 100 filled with water by the water filling device 21.

[0339] In FIG. 12F, bottles 100, which have been previously sterilized upstream, are transported to the water filling device 21 via a transport wheel 12 located in the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0340] Next, in the water filling device 21, the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 is filled into the empty bottles 100. In this water filling device 21, the water is filled into the inside of the bottles 100 while the plurality of bottles 100 are rotated and transported.

[0341] The bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f is then transported to the first concentrate filling device 22a, for example, via a conveying wheel 12 arranged in the first sterile chamber 70f, a conveying wheel 12 arranged in the eighth sterile chamber 70n, and a conveying wheel 12 arranged in the second sterile chamber 70h.

[0342] Next, in the first concentrate filling device 22a, the concentrate product sterilized by the concentrate sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottles 100 that have been filled with water in advance by the water filling device 21. In this first concentrate filling device 22a, the concentrate product is filled into the bottles 100 while the multiple bottles 100 are rotated and transported.

[0343] The bottle 100 in the second sterile chamber 70h is then transported to the capping device 16 via the conveying wheel 12 located in the second sterile chamber 70h, the conveying wheel 12 located in the eighth sterile chamber 70n, and the conveying wheel 12 located in the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

[0344] Next, the bottle 100 filled with water and the undiluted product liquid is closed with the cap 88 (see FIG. 12A, etc.) in the capping device 16. In this way, the product bottle 101 (see FIG. 12A, etc.) is obtained.

[0345] Here, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f may be transported to the second concentrate filling device 22b without being transported to the first concentrate filling device 22a. For example, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f may be transported to the second concentrate filling device 22b via the transport wheel 12 arranged in the first sterile chamber 70f, the transport wheel 12 arranged in the eighth sterile chamber 70n, and the transport wheel 12 arranged in the sixth sterile chamber 70k. In this case, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f is not transported to the first concentrate filling device 22a arranged in the second sterile chamber 70h.

[0346] When the bottles 100 are transported to the second concentrate filling device 22b, another concentrate product that has been sterilized by the concentrate sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottles 100 that have been filled with water in advance. In this second concentrate filling device 22b, the bottles 100 are filled with another concentrate product while the multiple bottles 100 are being rotated and transported.

[0347] The bottles 100 in the sixth aseptic chamber 70k are then transported to the capping device 16 via the transport wheels 12 arranged in the sixth aseptic chamber 70k and the transport wheels 12 arranged in the seventh aseptic chamber 70m.

[0348] Thus, in the second example shown in Figure 12F, when the concentrate product is filled into the bottle 100 by the second concentrate filling device 22b, the bottle 100 passes through each sterile chamber in the order of the first sterile chamber 70f, the eighth sterile chamber 70n, the sixth sterile chamber 70k, and the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

[0349] In the example shown in FIG. 12F, when mineral water is produced in the content filling system 10, bottles 100 filled with water by the water filling device 21 in the first aseptic chamber 70f may be directly transported to the capping device 16 located in the seventh aseptic chamber 70m. That is, the bottles 100 filled with water may be directly transported to the capping device 16 via only the conveyor wheel 12 located in the eighth aseptic chamber 70n without being transported to the first concentrate filling device 22a or the second concentrate filling device 22b. In this case, a cap 88 is attached to the mouth of the bottle 100 filled with only water, thereby obtaining a finished bottle 101. In this case, as described with reference to FIGS. 12C and 12D, it is preferable that the grippers of the conveyor wheel 12 adjacent to the first concentrate filling device 22a or the second concentrate filling device 22b be in the open position. This prevents interference between the grippers.

[0350] <Third example> Next, a third example will be described with reference to Figure 12G. In the third example shown in Figure 12G, unlike the second example shown in Figure 12F, when the second concentrate filling device 22b fills the bottle 100 with the concentrate product, the bottle 100 passes through each sterile chamber in the order of the first sterile chamber 70f, the sixth sterile chamber 70k, the eighth sterile chamber 70n, and the seventh sterile chamber 70m. The other configuration of the content filling system 10 according to the third example is the same as that of the second example shown in Figure 12F, and therefore a detailed description thereof will be omitted here.

[0351] <Fourth example> Next, a fourth example will be described with reference to Figure 12H. In the fourth example shown in Figure 12H, the content filling system further includes a sixth sterile chamber 70k, a seventh sterile chamber 70m, and a ninth sterile chamber 70p. The sixth sterile chamber 70k is located downstream of the first sterile chamber 70f and the second sterile chamber 70h. The seventh sterile chamber 70m is located downstream of the sixth sterile chamber 70k. The ninth sterile chamber 70p is located between the first sterile chamber 70f, the second sterile chamber 70h, and the sixth sterile chamber 70k and the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

[0352] The sixth sterile chamber 70k accommodates a second concentrate filling device 22b, and the seventh sterile chamber 70m accommodates a cap fitting device 16. Additionally, the transfer wheel 12 may be housed inside the ninth sterile chamber 70p.

[0353] In Figure 12H, bottles 100 that have been previously sterilized upstream are transported to the water filling device 21 via a transport wheel 12 arranged in the ninth sterile chamber 70p and a transport wheel 12 arranged in the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0354] Next, in the water filling device 21, the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 is filled into the empty bottles 100. In this water filling device 21, the water is filled into the inside of the bottles 100 while the plurality of bottles 100 are rotated and transported.

[0355] The bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f is then transported to the first concentrate filling device 22a via the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the first sterile chamber 70f, the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the ninth sterile chamber 70p, and the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the second sterile chamber 70h.

[0356] Next, in the first concentrate filling device 22a, the concentrate product sterilized by the concentrate sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottles 100 that have been filled with water in advance by the water filling device 21. In this first concentrate filling device 22a, the concentrate product is filled into the bottles 100 while the multiple bottles 100 are rotated and transported.

[0357] The bottle 100 in the second sterile chamber 70h is then transported to the second concentrate filling device 22b via the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the second sterile chamber 70h, the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the ninth sterile chamber 70p, and the conveying wheel 12 arranged in the sixth sterile chamber 70k.

[0358] Next, in the second concentrate filling device 22b, another concentrate product that has been sterilized by the concentrate sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottles 100 that have been filled with water in advance. In this second concentrate filling device 22b, the bottles 100 are filled with another concentrate product while the bottles 100 are being rotated and transported.

[0359] The bottle 100 in the sixth sterile chamber 70k is then transported to the capping device 16 via a conveying wheel 12 arranged in the sixth sterile chamber 70k, a conveying wheel 12 arranged in the ninth sterile chamber 70p, and a conveying wheel 12 arranged in the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

[0360] Thus, in the fourth example shown in Figure 12H, when the concentrate product is filled into the bottle 100 by the first concentrate filling device 22a and the second concentrate filling device 22b, the bottle 100 passes through each sterile chamber in the order of the first sterile chamber 70f, the ninth sterile chamber 70p, the second sterile chamber 70h, the ninth sterile chamber 70p, the sixth sterile chamber 70k, the ninth sterile chamber 70p, and the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

[0361] <Fifth Example> Next, a fifth example will be described with reference to Figure 12I. In the fifth example shown in Figure 12I, the content filling system further includes a sixth sterile chamber 70k, a seventh sterile chamber 70m, and a tenth sterile chamber 70q. The sixth sterile chamber 70k is located downstream of the first sterile chamber 70f and the second sterile chamber 70h. The seventh sterile chamber 70m is located downstream of the sixth sterile chamber 70k. The tenth sterile chamber 70q is located between the second sterile chamber 70h and the sixth sterile chamber 70k.

[0362] The sixth sterile chamber 70k accommodates a second concentrate filling device 22b, and the seventh sterile chamber 70m accommodates a cap fitting device 16. Additionally, the transfer wheel 12 may be housed inside the ninth sterile chamber 70p.

[0363] 12I, the first concentrate filling device 22a and the second concentrate filling device 22b are filling devices used when the amount of concentrate product to be filled is small. In this case, the first concentrate filling device 22a and the second concentrate filling device 22b each include a fixed-volume filling nozzle 22e and a filling nozzle 22f that are fixed onto the mouth of the bottle 100. Note that the first concentrate filling device 22a and the second concentrate filling device 22b may each include a plurality of filling nozzles 22e and 22f.

[0364] When the bottles 100 reach the filling nozzles 22e, 22f, the bottles 100 are detected by near-infrared light. As a result, the concentrate product is intermittently filled from the filling nozzles 22e, 22f into each bottle 100 only while the mouths of the bottles 100 are passing below the filling nozzles 22e, 22f. Note that the filling nozzles 22e, 22f do not have to be the type that fills the concentrate product intermittently, and may be the type that fills the concentrate product continuously.

[0365] In FIG. 12I, bottles 100, which have been previously sterilized upstream, are transported to the water filling device 21 via a transport wheel 12 located in the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0366] Next, in the water filling device 21, the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 is filled into the empty bottles 100. In this water filling device 21, the water is filled into the inside of the bottles 100 while the plurality of bottles 100 are rotated and transported.

[0367] Next, the bottles 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f are transported to the first concentrate filling device 22a via the transport wheel 12 arranged in the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0368] Next, in the first concentrate filling device 22a, the concentrate product sterilized by the concentrate sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottles 100 that have been filled in advance with water by the water filling device 21. In this first concentrate filling device 22a, the concentrate product is intermittently filled into the bottles 100.

[0369] Thereafter, the bottle 100 in the second sterile chamber 70h is transported to the second concentrate filling device 22b via the transport wheel 12 arranged in the tenth sterile chamber 70q.

[0370] Next, in the second concentrate filling device 22b, the other concentrate product sterilized by the concentrate sterilization line 70 is filled into the bottles 100 that have been filled with water in advance. In this second concentrate filling device 22b, the other concentrate product is intermittently filled into the bottles 100.

[0371] Thereafter, the bottles 100 in the sixth aseptic chamber 70k are transported to the capping device 16 via the transport wheel 12 located in the seventh aseptic chamber 70m.

[0372] (Fifth Modification) In the above-described embodiment, the filling device 20 includes the water filling device 21 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and the concentrate filling device 22 connected to the concentrate sterilization line 70, but this is not limiting. For example, as shown in Fig. 13, the content filling system 10 may include a single filling device 20.

[0373] In this case, the content filling system 10 may include a preform sterilization chamber 70a, a molding section chamber 70b, an atmospheric blockage chamber 70c, a sterilant spray chamber 70d, an air rinse chamber 70e, a first aseptic chamber 70f, and an exit chamber 70i. That is, the content filling system 10 does not need to include the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second aseptic chamber 70h. Also, the filling device 20 and the capping device 16 may be housed inside the first aseptic chamber 70f.

[0374] In this modification, a mixing tank 57 for mixing water and the product concentrate may be interposed between the water sterilization line 50, the concentrate sterilization line 70, and the filling device 20. This allows the product concentrate to be diluted with water before filling to prepare the contents. In this case, the mixing tank 57 may be a so-called filling machine tank, and may be installed vertically above the filling device 20 to improve the filling accuracy of the filling device 20. Furthermore, the mixing tank 57 may serve as a so-called cushion tank that ensures a smooth flow of the contents even if the amount of contents used downstream of the mixing tank 57 changes.

[0375] Such a mixing tank 57 may be provided with a concentration meter for measuring the concentration of the blended contents. In addition, in order to ensure the concentration of the contents blended in the mixing tank 57, at least one tank such as a filling machine tank may be provided downstream of the mixing tank 57 provided with the concentration meter. The volume of the mixing tank 57 is 0.1 m 3 More than 30m 3 It may be less than 0.3 m, for example. 3 In this modification, the above-described addition unit 75 may be connected to the downstream side of the mixing tank 57.

[0376] In this modification, when cleaning (COP) and sterilizing (SOP) the first sterile chamber 70f, for example, the upstream side of the water sterilization line 50, which connects the water sterilization line 50 and the concentrate sterilization line 70, may be maintained in a sterile state, while the downstream side of the connection point CP3 may be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). Similarly, when cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the filling device 20 housed inside the first sterile chamber 70f, for example, the downstream side of the connection point CP3 may be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP) while the upstream side of the connection point CP3 is maintained in a sterile state. In this case, too, the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed. This reduces the amount of steam and other materials used. Furthermore, because the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed, the cleaning and sterilization times can be shortened. This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10.

[0377] Furthermore, in this modified example, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted when preparing the contents can be reduced compared to when the undiluted product solution is diluted with sterile water prepared using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, and therefore the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0378] 14, a mixing tank 57 for mixing water and undiluted product liquid does not have to be interposed between the water sterilization line 50 and the concentrate sterilization line 70 and the filling device 20. In this case, the filling device 20 may include multiple filling nozzles 20a (see FIG. 15) for filling water and undiluted product liquid, and each filling nozzle 20a may be connected to the water sterilization line 50 and the concentrate sterilization line 70. Then, water and undiluted product liquid may be filled using a single filling nozzle 20a.

[0379] Specifically, as shown in FIG. 15 , the filling nozzle 20a may include a nozzle main body 20b. A water sterilization line 50 and a concentrate sterilization line 70 may be connected to the nozzle main body 20b. The water sterilization line 50 and the concentrate sterilization line 70 may each be provided with a flow meter F for measuring the flow rate of the water or concentrate product, and a valve V2. The actual weight of the filled water or concentrate product may be measured using a load cell to measure the amount of water or concentrate product. In this case, the order in which the water and concentrate product are filled into the bottle 100 may be changed as appropriate, taking into account factors such as foaming within the bottle 100 or the ease of mixing of the water and concentrate product. For example, the concentrate product may be filled after the water, or the concentrate product may be filled after the water. Filling the concentrate product followed by the water reduces the risk of the contents contaminating the tip of the filling nozzle 20a. Alternatively, the container may be filled with water, then with the concentrate product, and then with water, or may be filled with water and the concentrate product at the same time.

[0380] In the example shown in FIG. 14 , when cleaning (COP) and sterilizing (SOP) the first sterile chamber 70f, for example, the water sterilization line 50 may be maintained in a sterile state up to the third water tank 54, while cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the downstream side of the third water tank 54. Similarly, when cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the filling device 20 housed inside the first sterile chamber 70f, for example, the water sterilization line 50 may be maintained in a sterile state up to the third water tank 54, while cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the downstream side of the third water tank 54. In this case, too, the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed. This reduces the amount of steam and other materials used. Furthermore, since the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed, the cleaning time and sterilization time can be shortened. This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10.

[0381] In this modified example, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted when preparing the contents can be reduced compared to when the concentrate is diluted with sterile water prepared using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, and therefore the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0382] (Sixth Modification) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the third water tank 54 is provided downstream of the second water tank 52. In this case, as shown in Fig. 16A, a carbonation device 58 that adds carbon dioxide to water may be connected upstream of the third water tank 54.

[0383] Here, the water filling device 21 includes multiple water filling nozzles 21a (see FIG. 16B) for filling with water. In this modified example, the water filling nozzles 21a of the water filling device 21 fill carbonated water. As shown in FIG. 16B, a water sterilization line 50 and a counter gas line 58a are connected to each water filling nozzle 21a. Specifically, the water filling nozzle 21a includes a nozzle main body 21b. The water sterilization line 50 and the counter gas line 58a are each connected to the nozzle main body 21b. One end of the water sterilization line 50 is connected to a third water tank 54 filled with sterile carbonated water, and the other end is connected to the interior of the bottle 100. The sterile carbonated water supplied from the third water tank 54 passes through the water sterilization line 50 and is injected into the interior of the bottle 100.

[0384] The counter gas line 58a is a line that supplies the sterile carbon dioxide gas filled in the third water tank 54 toward the water filling nozzle 21a. One end of the counter gas line 58a is connected to the third water tank 54, and the other end is connected to the inside of the bottle 100. The counter pressure gas, which is sterile carbon dioxide gas supplied from the third water tank 54, passes through the counter gas line 58a and fills the inside of the bottle 100.

[0385] Each water filling nozzle 21a is connected to a snift line 58b for discharging gas from inside the bottle 100. One end of the snift line 58b is connected to the counter gas line 58a. The gas from inside the bottle 100 is discharged via the snift line 58b from the other end of the snift line 58b into the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0386] Furthermore, the tip of each water filling nozzle 21a is provided with a packing P (sealing member) that tightly contacts the bottle 100 to prevent leakage of gas inside the bottle 100. When filling the bottle 100 with carbonated drink, the water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with carbonated drink with the packing P tightly contacting the mouth of the bottle 100 (tight filling). This prevents the sterile carbon dioxide gas used as counter pressure from leaking from inside bottle 100. Therefore, the internal pressure of bottle 100 can be increased above atmospheric pressure so that the internal pressure of bottle 100 becomes the same as the internal pressure of third water tank 54. Although not shown, water sterilization line 50 etc. may be provided with a flow meter, a valve etc. for measuring the flow rate of water etc.

[0387] According to this modification, a carbonator 58 that carbonates water is connected upstream of the third water tank 54. This allows carbonated beverages to be filled into bottles 100 in the content filling system 10. Furthermore, by connecting the carbonator 58 to the water sterilization line 50 in this manner, when carbonated water is filled as the content, it is possible to prevent the flavor of the previous content from adhering to the carbonated water. Note that, only when filling carbonated beverages into bottles 100, water from the second water tank 52 may be supplied to the carbonator 58, cooled, and then aseptically carbonated in a sterile carbonator, after which the carbonated water may be supplied to the third water tank 54. Furthermore, when producing carbonated water as the content, the concentrate filling device 22 may or may not be used.

[0388] Note that even if the water filling device 21 includes a water filling nozzle 21a capable of filling carbonated water, the water filling device 21 may fill water without adding carbon dioxide gas. In this case, mineral water may be produced by using only the water filling device 21 in the content filling system 10. Even in this case, the water filling device 21 may fill water with the gasket P tightly attached to the mouth of the bottle 100. This minimizes water spillage from the bottle 100. In this case, the water filling device 21 may fill the water under pressure. This allows the bottle 100 to be filled with water in a short time. Here, if the bottle 100 has low pressure resistance, the water filling device 21 preferably fills the water under pressure while allowing gas inside the bottle 100 to be released via the snifter line 58b. For example, the water filling device 21 preferably fills the water under pressure with the gasket P tightly attached to the mouth of the bottle 100 and then with the snifter line 58b open. This makes it possible to prevent deformation and / or damage to the bottle 100 due to pressure even when the bottle is filled with water under pressure. This allows the bottle 100 to be filled with water in a short time, and also prevents deformation and / or damage to the bottle 100.

[0389] When the concentrate filling device 22 is used in conjunction with the water filling device 21, the liquid level of the water filled by the water filling device 21 is lower than when only the water filling device 21 is used. Therefore, there is less risk of the filled water boiling over. Therefore, the water filling speed may be 100 mL / sec or more, preferably 200 mL / sec or more. This allows the number of water filling nozzles 21a to be further reduced. In this case, water can be filled into the bottle 100 with the internal pressure of the third water tank 54 set higher than the internal pressure of the third concentrate tank 74. During tight filling, the internal pressure of the third concentrate tank 74 may be 0.02 MPa or more and 0.1 MPa or less, and the internal pressure of the third water tank 54 may be 0.03 MPa or more and 0.9 MPa or less.

[0390] Furthermore, the water filling device 21 may fill the bottle 100 with water without tightly fitting the packing P to the mouth of the bottle 100, with a gap formed between the water filling nozzle 21a (packing P) and the bottle 100 (top-of-mouth filling). Even in this case, the water may be filled into the bottle 100 with the internal pressure of the third water tank 54 set higher than the internal pressure of the third concentrate tank 74. Specifically, during top-of-mouth filling, the internal pressure of the third concentrate tank 74 may be 0.02 MPa or higher and 0.1 MPa or lower, and the internal pressure of the third water tank 54 may be 0.03 MPa or higher and 0.07 MPa or lower.

[0391] Furthermore, when the concentrate filling device 22 is used together with the water filling device 21, as described above, the water filling device 21 may fill empty bottles 100 with water. In this case, foaming within the bottles 100 can be suppressed, reducing the risk of some of the filled liquid splashing out of the openings of the bottles 100. Here, the concentrate filling device 22 includes multiple concentrate filling nozzles 22c (see FIG. 16C ) that fill the concentrate product. As shown in FIG. 16C , a concentrate sterilization line 70 is connected to each concentrate filling nozzle 22c. Specifically, the concentrate filling nozzle 22c includes a nozzle main body 22d. The concentrate sterilization line 70 is connected to the nozzle main body 22d. Although not shown, the concentrate sterilization line 70 may be provided with a flow meter, a valve, or the like for measuring the flow rate of the concentrate product.

[0392] As described above, when the water filling device 21 fills an empty bottle 100 with water, foaming within the bottle 100 can be suppressed, thereby reducing the risk of some of the filled liquid splashing out from the opening of the bottle 100. Therefore, the diameter of the water filling nozzle 21a of the water filling device 21 may be larger than the diameter of the concentrate filling nozzle 22c of the concentrate filling device 22. This reduces the time required to fill the bottle with water. For example, the diameter of the water filling nozzle 21a of the water filling device 21 may be 1.2 to 1.5 times the diameter of the concentrate filling nozzle 22c of the concentrate filling device 22. By making the diameter of the water filling nozzle 21a 1.2 times or more the diameter of the concentrate filling nozzle 22c, the time required to fill the bottle with water can be further reduced. Furthermore, by making the diameter of the water filling nozzle 21a 1.5 times or less the diameter of the concentrate filling nozzle 22c, the risk of some of the filled liquid splashing out from the opening of the bottle 100 can be further reduced. In addition, in order to reduce the number of water filling nozzles 21a of the water filling device 21 and make the water filling device 21 compact, the filling method (close filling, top filling), filling pressure and / or diameter of the water filling nozzle 21a may be changed as appropriate.

[0393] (Seventh Modification) In the above-described embodiment, an example (see FIG. 2C and the like) has been described in which the circulation system (second circulation system) 95A is configured with the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the third bypass line 95a, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, and the circulation line 95. In this case, bacteria trapped on the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be periodically sterilized by circulating water through the circulation system 95A while the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the like are turned on. Sterilization of bacteria trapped on the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be performed, for example, while production of the product bottles 101 is stopped. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 17A, one end of the circulation line 95 may be connected between the second sterilizer 64 and the first sterilizing filter 63, and the other end of the circulation line 95 may be connected to the first water tank 51. Furthermore, the pressure difference between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be changed by changing the frequency of the pump P1. The bacteria trapped on the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be actively pushed downstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61 by changing the pressure difference (differential pressure) between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61. Specifically, when bacteria are killed by circulating water in the circulation system 95A, the pressure on the upstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be set to be 0.05 MPa or more higher, preferably 0.1 MPa or more higher, than the pressure used during the manufacture of the product bottle 101. Furthermore, if there is no problem with the structure of the foreign matter removal filter 61, the bacteria trapped on the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be circulated in the circulation system 95A by causing water to flow backward, as shown in FIG. 17B. In these cases, the pressure difference between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61 should not exceed the maximum allowable pressure for both the positive pressure and the reverse pressure of the foreign matter removal filter 61. In this way, by periodically sterilizing the bacteria captured by the foreign matter removal filter 61, the sterility of the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 can be guaranteed even if the water is sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 continuously for a long period of time.

[0394] (Eighth Modification) In the above-described embodiment, the water sterilization line 50 includes a first water tank 51, a water sterilizer 60, and a second water tank 52. In this case, as shown in FIG. 17C , the water sterilization line 50 may include multiple (e.g., two) water sterilizers 60. This ensures the sterility of water even if one water sterilizer 60 stops or if the UV irradiation intensity of one water sterilizer 60 decreases. Furthermore, while one water sterilizer 60 is being cleaned (CIP) or sterilized (SIP), the other water sterilizer 60 can be used to sterilize water. This allows for continuous production of product bottles 101. Furthermore, for example, when one water sterilizer 60 is being cleaned (CIP) or sterilized (SIP) while the other water sterilizer 60 is being used to clean the interior of a second sterile chamber 70h, etc., a shortage of water supplied to the second sterile chamber 70h, etc., can be prevented. Furthermore, for example, when one water sterilizer 60 is sterilized (SIP) or integrity tested for the first sterile filter 63, etc., while the other water sterilizer 60 is used to clean the second sterile chamber 70h, etc., a shortage of water supplied to the second sterile chamber 70h, etc., can be prevented. In the example shown in FIG. 17C, the configuration of the water sterilizer 60 is the same as the configuration of the water sterilizer 60 shown in FIG. 2A, but this is not limited to this. Although not shown, for example, the water sterilizer 60 may be the water sterilizer 60 shown in FIGS. 2B to 2M. Furthermore, when the water sterilization line 50 has multiple water sterilizers 60, the water sterilizers 60 included in the water sterilization line 50 may be different from each other. For example, the water sterilizer line 50 may have the water sterilizer 60 shown in FIG. 2A and the water sterilizer 60 shown in FIG. 2C.

[0395] (Ninth Modification) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the water sterilizer 60 includes the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterilizer 63, the second sterilizer 64, and the second sterilizer 65. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, if the pure water produced by the pure water production apparatus 50a is highly hygienic and no mold is detected in the first water tank 51, the water sterilizer 60 does not need to include the foreign matter removal filter 61. If the first water tank 51 contains a large number of bacteria, the water sterilizer 60 may further include a third sterilizer (not shown) located upstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61. In this case, the configuration of the third sterilizer may be substantially the same as the configuration of the first sterilizer 62 shown in FIGS. 3 to 6B. That is, the third sterilizer may be a sterilizer that sterilizes water using ultraviolet light.

[0396] (Tenth Modification) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the UHT 80 includes a first-stage heating section 81, a second-stage heating section 82, a holding tube 83, a first-stage cooling section 84, a second-stage cooling section 85, and a third-stage cooling section 86. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18A , the UHT 80 may include multiple (e.g., two) second-stage heating sections 82, multiple (e.g., two) holding tubes 83, and multiple (e.g., two) first-stage cooling sections 84. This allows the undiluted product liquid to be sterilized using the other holding tube 83, even if scorch or the like adheres to one of the second-stage heating sections 82, holding tube 83, or first-stage cooling section 84. In other words, when one holding tube 83, etc. is being cleaned in place (CIP), sterilized in place (SIP), or cleaned and sterilized in place (CSIP), the other holding tube 83, etc. can be used to sterilize the undiluted product liquid. This allows the product bottles 101 to be produced continuously.

[0397] (Eleventh Modification) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the product concentrate sterilizer 80 is a UHT has been described, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the product concentrate sterilizer 80 may be an ohmic (Joule-type) heating sterilizer that directly applies electricity to the product concentrate to cause it to self-heat. Furthermore, the product concentrate sterilizer 80 may be a sterilizer that sterilizes the product concentrate using microwaves (915 MHz, 2450 MHz). In this case, the microwaves may be irradiated from outside the piping through which the product concentrate or solid matter passes. This can increase the temperature of the product concentrate or solid matter, thereby sterilizing the product concentrate or solid matter. In these cases, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can also be reduced.

[0398] (Twelfth Modification) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the filling device 20 (water filling device 21 and concentrate filling device 22) is described as a so-called rotary filler, but this is not limited thereto. For example, the filling device 20 may be a so-called linear aseptic filling machine that fills water or the like into containers (cups, paper containers, etc.) transported by a conveyer. In this case, for example, the sterile water may be filled first, and then the product concentrate. Furthermore, a concentrate filling device 22 that fills a product concentrate containing a flavor or a solid may be provided downstream of the concentrate filling device 22 that fills the product concentrate. Note that the order in which the sterile water and the product concentrate are filled is not limited thereto. For example, the product concentrate may be filled first, and then the sterile water may be filled. Furthermore, as described with reference to FIG. 15 , the sterile water and the product concentrate may be filled using a single filling nozzle 20a.

[0399] Here, when the filling device 20 is a so-called linear aseptic filling machine, as shown in FIG. 18B, the content filling system 10 may include a container forming unit 150 that forms a container 140 (paper container, carton) from a packaging material 130 (sleeve). This container forming unit 150 may be disposed within the eleventh aseptic chamber 70r. A conveyor 125 for transporting the container 140 may be provided within the eleventh aseptic chamber 70r. The content filling system 10 may also include a sterilant spraying nozzle 11A, an air rinse nozzle 160, a folding unit 170, a heating unit 180, and a sealing unit 190. Of these, the sterilant spraying nozzle 11A is a nozzle that sprays a sterilant onto the inner and outer surfaces of the container 140. The air rinse nozzle 160 is a nozzle that sprays sterile air onto the inner surface of the container 140. The folding unit 170 is a unit for folding the container 140. The heating unit 180 is a unit for heating the container 140. The sealing unit 190 is a unit for sealing the container 140. The sterilant spray nozzle 11A, the air rinse nozzle 160, the water filling device 21, the concentrate filling device 22, the folding unit 170, the heating unit 180, and the sealing unit 190 may be arranged in this order from the upstream side to the downstream side along the conveyance direction of the container 140. In such a content filling system 10, water and concentrate product may be simultaneously filled into one container 140 from the water filling nozzle 21a and concentrate filling nozzle 22c. The order in which water and concentrate product are filled into the bottle 100 may be changed as appropriate, taking into consideration foaming within the bottle 100, ease of mixing of the water and concentrate product, production capacity, etc. Also, as described using Figure 15, sterile water and concentrate product may be filled using one filling nozzle 20a.

[0400] Furthermore, the content filling system 10 may not be an aseptic filling system that forms a container 140 from a packaging material 130 (sleeve), but may be a so-called roll-supply type aseptic filling system. A roll-supply type aseptic filling system is, for example, a filling system that forms a container (paper container or pouch) from packaging material supplied in roll form and fills the formed container with content. In this case, as shown in FIG. 18C , packaging material 200 supplied in roll form is first sterilized by immersion in a sterilizing solution (e.g., hydrogen peroxide) in a sterilization tank 201. Alternatively, both sides of the packaging material may be sterilized by spraying sterilant gas or mist onto both sides of the packaging material, followed by drying and removing the sterilant with hot air. Alternatively, both sides of the packaging material may be sterilized by irradiating both sides with electron beams. Next, in a forming unit 202, the packaging material is subjected to a predetermined process to form a container (paper container or pouch) 203. In the illustrated example, a paper container 203 is formed in the forming unit 202 by applying heat sealing or other processing to the packaging material. At this time, water and the concentrate product may be filled simultaneously from the water filling nozzle 21a and the concentrate filling nozzle 22c. Although not shown, as explained with reference to FIG. 15, sterile water and the concentrate product may be filled using a single filling nozzle 20a. Thereafter, the paper container 203 is cut into a predetermined shape in the forming unit 202 to obtain a product filled with the contents.

[0401] (13th Modification) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the case where a sterilization device that performs hydrogen peroxide sterilization is used as the preform sterilization device and the container sterilization device has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the sterilization device that performs hydrogen peroxide sterilization may be either a preform sterilization device or a container sterilization device. Furthermore, the preform sterilization device and container sterilization device may be sterilization devices that perform a peracetic acid sterilization method, in which the inner and outer surfaces of a bottle are sterilized with a peracetic acid solution (or gas, mist, or a mixture thereof) and then the inner and outer surfaces are rinsed with sterile water. Alternatively, the preform sterilization device and container sterilization device may be sterilization devices that use, as a sterilant, peracetic acid, acetic acid, pernitric acid, nitric acid, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine, caustic soda, or the like, in addition to hydrogen peroxide or ethanol, or a sterilization device that uses a combination of two or more of these sterilants. Furthermore, the sterilization device may be used not only to sterilize bottles, but also to sterilize cups, pouches, paper containers, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the preform sterilization device may sterilize preforms using a chemical spray, a chemical rinse, steam, sterile water, sterile air, electron beams, X-rays, or ultraviolet rays. Similarly, the container sterilizer may sterilize the container with chemical spray, chemical rinse, steam, sterile water, sterile air, electron beam, X-ray, or ultraviolet light.

[0402] (14th Modification) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the content filling system 10 is described as including the bottle forming unit 30, but this is not limiting. For example, the content filling system may be configured to sequentially receive molded, empty bottles 100 from the outside by air conveyance or the like, and transport the received bottles 100 toward the sterilization device 11. In this case as well, the above-described effects can be obtained.

[0403] (15th Modification) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the content filling system 10 has been described as a system for filling bottles 100 with content, but this is not limiting. The content filling system 10 according to the present embodiment can also be applied to a filling system for filling containers such as cups with so-called chilled beverages, such as milk beverages. Even in this case, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted when preparing the content can be reduced compared to when diluting a concentrate product with sterile water prepared using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Furthermore, when the content is a milk beverage or the like, the number of bacteria in the concentrate product can be increased. As such, even if the number of bacteria in the concentrate product is increased, the concentrate product is sterilized by heating. Therefore, the sterility of the content can be sufficiently ensured, even when the content is a milk beverage or the like. Furthermore, the content filling system 10 according to the present embodiment may fill containers with any liquid requiring sterilization (e.g., seasonings, alcoholic beverages, milk beverages, etc.).

[0404] (16th Modification) In the above-described embodiment, the content filling system 10 is described as a system for filling the bottle 100 with the content, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the content filling system 10 may be a filling system (so-called Blow-Fill-Seal (BFS)) that molds the bottle 100 from the preform 100a by filling the preform 100a with water (or a product concentrate or content).

[0405] 18D1, a part of the filling device 20 (in the illustrated example, the water filling device 21) may be incorporated into the bottle molding section 30. Although not illustrated, for example, when a bottle 100 is molded from a preform 100a by filling the preform 100a with a product concentrate, a concentrate filling device 22 may be incorporated into the bottle molding section 30.

[0406] 18D1, in the preform conveying section 31 of the bottle molding section 30, the preform sterilizer 34a may be provided downstream of the heating section 35. The preform sterilizer 34a may be configured to sterilize the preforms 100a heated by the heating section 35. The preform sterilizer 34a may be disposed in the twelfth aseptic chamber 70s.

[0407] In this modification, pressurized water can be filled into the sterilized preform 100a in the water filling device 21. This allows the molding of the bottle 100 and the filling of the bottle 100 with water to be carried out simultaneously.

[0408] In this modified example, the filling apparatus 20 includes the water filling apparatus 21 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and the concentrate filling apparatus 22 connected to the concentrate sterilization line 70. However, this is not limiting. For example, as shown in FIG. 18D2, the content filling system 10 may include a single filling apparatus 20. In this case, as described with reference to FIG. 13, a mixing tank 57 for mixing water and concentrate product may be interposed between the water sterilization line 50 and concentrate sterilization line 70 and the filling apparatus 20. Although not shown, as described with reference to FIGS. 14 and 15, a mixing tank 57 for mixing water and concentrate product may not be interposed between the water sterilization line 50 and concentrate sterilization line 70 and the filling apparatus 20. In these cases, the filling apparatus 20 may fill the sterilized preform 100a with pressurized content (or water or concentrate product). This allows the molding of the bottle 100 and the filling of the bottle 100 with the content, etc., to be performed simultaneously.

[0409] (17th Modification) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the water sterilizer 60 has been described as sterilizing water with an electrical conductivity of 0.1 μS / cm or more and 20 μS / cm or less, but this is not limiting. For example, the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 may be water with an electrical conductivity of more than 20 μS / cm. In this case, the water may be tap water or well water. That is, the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 may be used not only as raw water for soft drinks, but also as mineral water, purified water used as pharmaceutical water, or water for injection. When sterilizing pharmaceutical water, etc., it is necessary to inactivate or reduce endotoxins in addition to bacteria. In this case, the cumulative dose of ultraviolet light irradiated on the water is 500 mJ / cm. 2 This makes it possible to inactivate or reduce endotoxin.

[0410] In this modification, as shown in FIG. 18E, the water sterilization line 50 may include a front-stage water tank 50d that is located upstream of the first water tank 51 and stores water (tap water, well water, etc.). When the water sterilizer 60 sterilizes tap water, etc., inorganic matter (oxides such as calcium) may adhere to the surface of the quartz sleeve (e.g., a surface made of quartz glass) that protects the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. If inorganic matter adheres to the surface of the quartz sleeve of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., the intensity (irradiation dose) of ultraviolet light from the water sterilizer 60 may decrease. Therefore, if the intensity (irradiation dose) of ultraviolet light from the water sterilizer 60 decreases, it is preferable to remove the inorganic matter adhered to the surface of the quartz sleeve by cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the water sterilizer 60.

[0411] In this case, as described with reference to FIG. 17C , the water sterilization line 50 may have multiple (e.g., two) water sterilizers 60. This allows one water sterilizer 60 to be used for cleaning (CIP) or sterilization (SIP) while the other water sterilizer 60 is being used for sterilization. This allows for continuous production of product bottles 101. Note that when cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the water sterilizer 60, the sterilant or detergent may not pass through the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterilization filter 63. That is, as described with reference to FIGS. 2B and 2C , the sterilant or detergent may pass through the third bypass line 95a and the fourth bypass line 95b to clean and sterilize only the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64.

[0412] (Modification of the sterilization method for the content filling system) Next, a modified example of the sterilization method for the content filling system will be described.

[0413] (First Modification) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the chamber sterilization method sequentially performs the COP process (reference numeral S12 in FIG. 9 ), the CIP process (reference numeral S13 in FIG. 9 ), the SIP process (reference numeral S14 in FIG. 9 ), and the SOP process (reference numeral S15 in FIG. 9 ). However, this is not limiting. For example, as shown in FIG. 19 , in the chamber sterilization method, the COP process (reference numeral S320 in FIG. 19 ) and the CIP process (reference numeral S330 in FIG. 19 ) may be simultaneously performed after the rinsing process (reference numeral S310 in FIG. 19 ). Furthermore, the SIP process (reference numeral S340 in FIG. 19 ) and the SOP process (reference numeral S350 in FIG. 19 ) may be simultaneously performed after the COP process and the CIP process. This significantly reduces downtime and improves productivity of the product bottles 101.

[0414] As shown in FIG. 20 , the chamber sterilization method may include a rinsing process (reference numeral S41 in FIG. 20 ) followed by a CSOP process (reference numeral S42 in FIG. 20 ), which simultaneously performs the COP process and the SOP process, and a CSIP process (reference numeral S43 in FIG. 20 ), which simultaneously performs the CIP process and the SIP process. In this case, for example, during the CSOP process, a cleaning agent at a temperature of 70°C or higher is preferably sprayed into the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second aseptic chamber 70h for at least one minute, more preferably for five minutes or more. This cleans and sterilizes the inner wall surfaces of the intermediate area chamber 70g and the surfaces of equipment such as the filling device 20. For example, during the CSIP process, the product concentrate flow path in the concentrate filling device 22 is rinsed with sterile water, and a cleaning agent at a temperature of 70°C or higher is supplied to a circulation path (not shown) including the flow path. The cleaning agent is then circulated in the circulation path for at least five minutes, more preferably for ten minutes or more. This sterilizes the flow path of the concentrate product in the concentrate filling device 22. In this case as well, downtime can be significantly reduced, and productivity of the product bottles 101 can be improved.

[0415] Furthermore, in this modified example, the number of times the first sterile chamber 70f is cleaned and sterilized can be reduced, and the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed in the content filling system 10. Furthermore, the number of times the filling device 20 housed inside the first sterile chamber 70f is cleaned and sterilized can be reduced, and the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed in the content filling system 10. This allows for a reduction in the amount of steam used. Furthermore, because the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed, the cleaning time and sterilization time can be shortened. This allows for a reduction in the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10.

[0416] When a CSIP process, which simultaneously performs the CIP and SIP processes, is performed, the used cleaning agent must be rinsed after the CSIP process while maintaining the interior of the concentrate filling device 22 and other components in a sterile state. Using water sterilized in the water sterilization line 50 for rinsing reduces carbon dioxide emissions from the content filling system 10. Furthermore, since the water sterilized in the water sterilization line 50 can be stored in the second water tank 52, the cleaning agent can be rinsed immediately after the CSIP process. This reduces downtime. The flow path from the second water tank 52 to the sterile area where the CSIP and CSOP processes are performed is preferably cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP) before rinsing the cleaning agent after the CSIP process. In this case, for example, a cleaning agent or a disinfectant may be supplied to the second bypass line 56 from a connection point CP1 (see FIGS. 1 and 2A, etc.) connecting the second bypass line 56 to the water sterilization line 50, or the flow path may be sterilized with steam, hot water, or the like.

[0417] (Second Modification) In the above-described embodiment, the first sterilizer 62 and the like of the water sterilizer 60 are sterilized using steam, hot water, or a sterilizing agent. However, this is not limiting. For example, if the first sterilizer 62 and the like are heat-sensitive or have low chemical resistance, the first sterilizer 62 and the like may be sterilized using sterilized water. In this case, the sterilized water may be water sterilized by ultraviolet light inside the first sterilizer 62 and the like. The control unit 90 may then circulate the sterilized water in a circulation system 59A (see FIG. 2A, etc.) including the water sterilizer 60, thereby gradually reducing the number of bacteria in the circulating water and sterilizing the first sterilizer 62 and the like. In this case, the control unit 90 may circulate the sterilized water in the circulation system 59A at least three times, preferably ten times or more.

[0418] In this modification, first, the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 are sterilized (SIP) (SIP step, reference numeral S231 in FIG. 21). In this case, it is preferable that the foreign matter removal filter 61 has also been sterilized (SIP) with steam in advance.

[0419] Next, water is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60 (water supply step, reference numeral S232 in FIG. 21). At this time, first, pure water is transported by the pump P1. At this time, the pure water adjusted to a predetermined temperature (e.g., 25°C) by a heat exchanger or the like (not shown) is supplied to the first sterile filter 63 etc. This wets the membrane of the first sterile filter 63 etc. Then, the pump P1 is stopped.

[0420] Next, an integrity test is performed on at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 (integrity test step, reference numeral S233 in Figure 21). During the integrity test, valves (not shown) near the first sterile filter 63 etc. are closed, and sterile air is supplied to the first sterile filter 63 etc. Then, the sterile air supplied to the first sterile filter 63 etc. is gradually pressurized, and the bubble point value of the first sterile filter 63 etc. is measured. Thereafter, based on the results of the bubble point values ​​measured multiple times (for example, three times), it is confirmed whether the first sterile filter 63 etc. is intact (whether sterile air is leaking at a predetermined pressure). Note that if the integrity test determines that the first sterile filter 63 etc. is not intact, the first sterile filter 63 etc. is replaced.

[0421] Next, the water is sterilized inside the first sterilizer 62 etc. (water sterilization step, reference numeral S234 in FIG. 21). At this time, first, pure water is transported by the pump P1. Then, after the inside of the first sterilizer 62 etc. is filled with water, the water is irradiated with ultraviolet rays by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. In this case, the irradiation time for irradiating ultraviolet rays (sterilization time) is preferably 10 seconds or more and 30 minutes or less. At this time, the irradiance of the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. may be checked. Then, if the irradiance of the ultraviolet rays irradiated from the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. is abnormal, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. may be replaced.

[0422] Here, the operating temperature of a medium-pressure mercury lamp is approximately 600°C or higher and 900°C or lower. Therefore, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. are medium-pressure mercury lamps, it is preferable to irradiate the water with ultraviolet rays while transporting the water using the pump P1. This makes it possible to prevent the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. from overheating. In this case, the water irradiated with ultraviolet rays may be stored in, for example, the second water tank 52. Alternatively, the water irradiated with ultraviolet rays may be circulated within the circulation system 59A. When the water irradiated with ultraviolet rays is circulated within the circulation system 59A, the sterility level of the water can be increased.

[0423] On the other hand, the operating temperature of a low-pressure mercury lamp is between approximately 40° C. and 100° C. Therefore, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc. is a low-pressure mercury lamp, ultraviolet light may be irradiated onto the water with the pump P1 stopped.

[0424] Next, the sterilized water is circulated in circulation system 59A including water sterilizer 60 (water circulation step, reference numeral S235 in FIG. 21). At this time, the water irradiated with ultraviolet light passes through second sterilization filter 65. Then, the pure water that has passed through second sterilization filter 65 is supplied to first water tank 51 via circulation line 59. In this way, the sterilized pure water circulates within circulation system 59A.

[0425] Thereafter, the sterilized water may be circulated at least once or more times in the circulation system 59A, and preferably three or more times. By circulating the pure water three or more times in the circulation system 59A in this way, the sterilization effect of the first sterilizer 62 by the water can be enhanced. At this time, the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet light on the circulating sterilized water is at least 100 mJ / cm. 2 More than 3000mJ / cm 2 Preferably, it is 1000 mJ / cm or less. 2 More than 3000mJ / cm 2 It is more preferable that the cumulative dose of ultraviolet light on the circulating water is 100 mJ / cm or less. 2By setting the ultraviolet ray dose to 3000 mJ / cm or more, the sterilization effect of the ultraviolet ray can be enhanced. 2 By satisfying the following, it is possible to reduce the amount of electricity consumed and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10.

[0426] In this way, the first sterilizer 62 and the like are sterilized.

[0427] Furthermore, the first sterilizer 62 and the like may be sterilized, for example, with a detergent. In this case, the first sterilizer 62 and the like may be sterilized by supplying the detergent only to the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64. The detergent may be, for example, a detergent containing peracetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, an alkaline agent, an acid agent, sodium hypochlorite, or the like. Thereafter, the first sterilizer 62 and the like may be rinsed with sterile water by supplying sterile water to the circulation system 59A from the second water tank 52 in which sterile water has been stored in advance.

[0428] According to this modification, the control unit 90 sterilizes the first sterilizer 62 by circulating sterilized water in a circulation system 59A that includes the water sterilizer 60. By sterilizing the first sterilizer 62 in this way without using steam, hot water, or a heated sterilizing agent, it is possible to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 and also reduce the cost of sterilizing the water sterilizer 60.

[0429] Furthermore, according to this modification, the water is sterilized by ultraviolet light inside the first sterilizer 62. This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system compared to when water is sterilized by heating it.

[0430] It is also possible to combine the multiple components disclosed in the above-described embodiments and modifications as needed, or to delete some of the components disclosed in the above-described embodiments and modifications. [Explanation of symbols]

[0431] 10 Content filling system 11 Sterilizer 18 Cap sterilizer 20 Filling equipment 20a filling nozzle 21 Water filling device 21a Water filling nozzle 22 Stock solution filling device 22a 1st stock solution filling device 22b 2nd stock solution filling device 22c Concentrate filling nozzle 32 Blow molding section 34a Preform sterilizer 50 Water Sterilization Line 51 First Water Tank 52 Second Water Tank 55 First Bypass Line 57 Mixing Tank 58b Sniftline 60 water sterilizer 70 Undiluted Solution Sterilization Line 71 First concentrate tank 72 Second concentrate tank 75 Addition Unit 80 Product stock solution sterilizer 88 Cap 90 Control Unit 100 bottles 100a preform P packing

Claims

1. a water sterilizer having a sterilizer that sterilizes water without heating; A control unit for controlling the water sterilizer, The control unit sterilizes the sterilizer with a sterilizing agent and then rinses the sterilizer with water.

2. 10. The content filling system of claim 1, wherein the disinfectant comprises peracetic acid.

3. 2. The content filling system of claim 1, wherein the disinfectant comprises at least one of acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, pernitric acid, nitric acid, phosphoric acid, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine dioxide, ethyl alcohol, isopropyl alcohol, ozone water, acidic water, and a surfactant.

4. The water sterilizer further includes a water tank for storing the water sterilized by the water sterilizer. The content filling system according to claim 1, wherein the control unit rinses the sterilizer by supplying the sterilized water from the water tank storing the sterilized water to a circulation system including the water sterilizer.

5. 10. The content filling system according to claim 1, wherein the water sterilizer further comprises a sterile filter.

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