Content filling system and content filling method

Abstract

To eliminate the need for providing heating facilities within the system to heat raw materials by using pre-heated, sterilized raw materials.SOLUTION: A content filling system 10 comprises: a non-heated raw material sterilization line 50; and an aseptic mixing device 71 for mixing a plurality of pre-heated, sterilized heated raw materials. Non-heated raw materials from the non-heated raw material sterilization line 50 and mixed aseptic raw materials from the aseptic mixing device 71 are blended in an aseptic blending device 55.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a content filling system and a content filling 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, the molded containers are fed into the system, where an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is sprayed onto the containers as a sterilant. The containers are then sterilized by drying the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution. The heat-sterilized contents are then aseptically filled into the containers at room temperature.

[0004] The container is filled with the blended non-heated and heated ingredients aseptically after non-heat sterilization of water-containing non-heated ingredients and blending of the heat-sterilized heated ingredients. In this case, by using a pre-heated and sterilized heated ingredient as the heated ingredient, there is no need to heat the heated ingredient within the system, which is convenient. [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 content filling method that can easily and efficiently fill a container with a content liquid without providing heat sterilization equipment for heating the heated raw material within the system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a content filling system including a non-heated raw material sterilization line that non-heat sterilizes non-heated raw materials containing water, a sterile mixing device that mixes a plurality of heated raw materials that have been previously heat-sterilized in a sterile state to produce a mixed sterile raw material, a sterile blending device that blends the non-heated raw materials from the non-heated raw material sterilization line and the mixed sterile raw material from the sterile mixing device in a sterile state, and a filling device that fills containers in a sterile state with the non-heated raw materials and the mixed sterile raw materials blended in the sterile blending device.

[0008] The present disclosure is a content filling system, in which the mixing ratio of the non-heated raw materials and the mixed sterile raw materials prepared by the aseptic preparation device is 15:1 to 30:1.

[0009] The present disclosure is a content filling system in which the plurality of pre-heated and sterilized heated raw materials are individually packed in a sterile state and then introduced into the aseptic mixing device.

[0010] The present disclosure relates to a content filling system in which the plurality of pre-heated and sterilized raw materials are individually packed in a bag-in-box in a sterile state and then introduced into the aseptic mixing device.

[0011] The present disclosure relates to a content filling system including a non-heated raw material sterilization line for non-heated sterilization of non-heated raw materials containing water, an aseptic blending device for blending the non-heated raw materials from the non-heated raw material sterilization line and heated raw materials that have been heat-sterilized in advance under aseptic conditions, and a filling device for filling the non-heated raw materials and heated raw materials blended by the aseptic blending device into containers under aseptic conditions.

[0012] The present disclosure is a content filling system, in which the mixing ratio of the non-heated raw materials to the heated raw materials prepared by the aseptic preparation device is 15:1 to 30:1.

[0013] The present disclosure is a content filling system in which the pre-heated and sterilized heated raw materials are individually packaged in a sterile state and introduced into the aseptic compounding device.

[0014] The present disclosure relates to a content filling system in which the plurality of pre-heated and sterilized heated raw materials are individually packed in a bag-in-box in a sterile state and then introduced into the aseptic compounding device.

[0015] The present disclosure provides a content filling method comprising the steps of: non-heating sterilizing water-containing non-heated raw materials in a non-heated raw material sterilization line; mixing a plurality of heated raw materials that have been previously heat-sterilized in a sterile mixing device under sterile conditions to produce a mixed sterile raw material; compounding the non-heated raw materials from the non-heated raw material sterilization line and the mixed sterile raw materials from the sterile mixing device under sterile conditions in a sterile blending device; and filling the non-heated raw materials and the mixed sterile raw materials compounded in the sterile blending device into containers under sterile conditions in a filling device.

[0016] The present disclosure is a content filling method, wherein the mixing ratio of the non-heated raw materials and the mixed sterile raw materials prepared in the aseptic preparation device is 15:1 to 30:1.

[0017] The present disclosure relates to a content filling method in which the plurality of pre-heated and sterilized heated raw materials are individually packed in a sterile state and then introduced into the aseptic mixing device.

[0018] The present disclosure relates to a content filling method in which the plurality of pre-heated and sterilized heated raw materials are individually packed in a bag-in-box in a sterile state and then introduced into the aseptic mixing device.

[0019] The present disclosure provides a content filling method comprising the steps of: non-heating sterilizing water-containing non-heated raw materials in a non-heating raw material sterilization line; compounding the non-heated raw materials from the non-heating raw material sterilization line and heated raw materials that have been heat-sterilized in advance in a sterile blending apparatus under sterile conditions; and filling the non-heated raw materials and heated raw materials compounded in the sterile blending apparatus into containers under sterile conditions using a filling apparatus.

[0020] The present disclosure is a content filling method, wherein the mixing ratio of the non-heated raw materials to the heated raw materials prepared in the aseptic preparation device is 15:1 to 30:1.

[0021] The present disclosure is a content filling method in which the pre-heated and sterilized heated raw materials are individually packed in a sterile state and introduced into the aseptic compounding device.

[0022] The present disclosure relates to a content filling method in which the plurality of pre-heated and sterilized heated raw materials are individually packed in a bag-in-box in a sterile state and then introduced into the aseptic compounding device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0023] According to the present disclosure, there is no need to heat the heating ingredients within the system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0024] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a schematic system diagram showing a contents filling system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a schematic plan view showing the contents filling system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram showing a filling device. [Figure 1D] FIG. 1D is a diagram showing the state in which heated raw materials are filled and stored in the BIB. [Figure 2A1] FIG. 2A1 is a schematic diagram showing a non-heating raw material sterilization line according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2A2] FIG. 2A2 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a non-heating raw material sterilization line. [Figure 2A3] FIG. 2A3 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a non-heating raw material sterilization line. [Figure 2A4] FIG. 2A4 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a non-heating raw material sterilization line. [Figure 2A5] FIG. 2A5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a non-heating raw material sterilization line. [Figure 2A6] FIG. 2A6 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a non-heating raw material sterilization line. [Figure 2A7] FIG. 2A7 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a non-heating raw material sterilization line. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram showing another example of a non-heating raw material sterilization line. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram showing another example of a non-heating raw material sterilization line. [Figure 2D] FIG. 2D is a schematic diagram showing another example of a non-heating raw material sterilization line. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E is a schematic diagram showing another example of a non-heating raw material sterilization line. [Figure 2F] FIG. 2F is a schematic diagram showing another example of a non-heating raw material sterilization line. [Figure 2G] FIG. 2G is a schematic diagram showing another example of a non-heating raw material sterilization line. [Figure 2H] FIG. 2H is a schematic diagram showing another example of a non-heating raw material sterilization line. [Figure 2I] FIG. 2I is a schematic diagram showing another example of a non-heating raw material sterilization line. [Figure 2J] FIG. 2J is a schematic diagram showing another example of a non-heating raw material sterilization line. [Figure 2K] FIG. 2K is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 2A1 showing another cleaning step of the sterilizer. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a first sterilizer of the non-heating raw material sterilization line according to the first 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 sterilizer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a plan view showing another example of the first sterilizer of the sterilizer according to the first 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 sterilizer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6A]FIG. 6A is a front view showing another example of the first sterilizer of the sterilizer according to the first 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 sterilizer according to the first 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 system diagram showing a contents filling system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a content filling method using the content filling system. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a flowchart showing a method for sterilizing a content filling system, which is a sterilization method for a sterilizer. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a flowchart showing another example of a method for sterilizing a content filling system, which is a sterilization method for a sterilizer. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9C is a flowchart showing yet another example of a method for sterilizing a content filling system, which is a sterilization method for a sterilizer. [Figure 9D] FIG. 9D is a flowchart showing yet another example of a method for sterilizing a content filling system, which is a sterilization method for a sterilizer. [Figure 9E] FIG. 9E is a flowchart showing yet another example of a method for sterilizing a content filling system, which is a sterilization method for a sterilizer. [Figure 10A] FIG. 10A is a schematic diagram showing a non-thermal raw material sterilization line in a modified example of the content filling system. [Figure 10B] FIG. 10B is a schematic diagram showing a non-thermal raw material sterilization line in another example of the modified content filling system. [Figure 10C] FIG. 10C is a schematic diagram showing a non-thermal raw material sterilization line in a modified example of the content filling system. [Figure 10D] FIG. 10D is a schematic plan view showing a modified example of the contents filling system. [Figure 10E] FIG. 10E is a schematic diagram showing a non-thermal raw material sterilization line in a modified example of the content filling system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0025] First Embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, in which: Figures 1 to 6 and Figures 8 to 9E show a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0026] (contents filling system) First, a content filling system (aseptic filling system) according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0027] The content filling system 10 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is a system for filling a bottle (container) 100 with a content such as a beverage. The content is produced by diluting a concentrate of the product with water. 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 material of the bottle 100 is preferably a thermoplastic resin, particularly PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or PEN (polyethylene naphthalate). Alternatively, the container may be glass, a can, paper, a pouch, a cup, or a composite container of these. In this embodiment, a synthetic resin bottle is used as the container.

[0028] As shown in Figures 1A and 1B, the content filling system 10 includes a non-heated raw material sterilization line 50 that non-heats sterilizes non-heated raw materials including water, an aseptic mixing device 71 that mixes a plurality of preheated heated raw materials in an aseptic state to produce a mixed sterile raw material, and an aseptic raw material supply line 70 that is connected to the aseptic mixing device 71 via a sterile liquid delivery device 72 and supplies the mixed sterile raw material produced by the aseptic mixing device 71.

[0029] Furthermore, non-heated raw materials from the non-heated raw material sterilization line 50 and mixed sterile raw materials from the sterile raw material supply line 70 are blended in the aseptic blending device 55, and the non-heated raw materials and mixed sterile raw materials blended by the aseptic blending device 55 become the contents, which are filled in a sterile state into the bottles 100 by the filling device 21.

[0030] Although FIG. 1B shows a single filling device 21, multiple filling fillers, preferably two or three, may be used as the filling device 21. Furthermore, the filling device 21 may use a rotary filler or a linear filler. Here, "non-thermal sterilization" refers to a method other than thermal sterilization and includes all sterilization methods that inactivate bacteria. Examples include ultraviolet light, radiation, pulsed microwaves, ultra-high voltage, ozone, high-voltage ultra-short pulse discharge, electrolyzed acid water, light pulses, and shock waves.

[0031] Furthermore, on the upstream side of the non-heating raw material sterilization line 50, a water tank 50a is installed to store water (pure water) supplied from a pure water production device 50c.

[0032] In this embodiment, the non-heated raw materials that are not heated by the non-heated raw material sterilization line 50 contain water, but may also contain raw materials other than water that are suitable for non-heat sterilization.

[0033] The heated raw materials fed into aseptic mixing device 71 refer to the raw materials other than the non-heated raw materials among the raw materials to be filled into bottle 100. It is possible to sterilize heated raw materials without heating, but because non-heated raw material sterilization line 50 has a filter as described below, the processing capacity will decrease if the filter is clogged, and in order to prevent the heated raw materials from clogging, in this embodiment, the heated raw materials are sterilized by heating in advance.

[0034] Next, we will describe the aseptic mixing apparatus 71. The aseptic mixing apparatus 71 is composed of, for example, an aseptic mixing tank 71. A plurality of heated raw materials that have been pre-heated and sterilized are stored in BIBs (bag-in-boxes) 91, and the pre-heated and sterilized heated raw materials are poured from each BIB 91 into the aseptic mixing tank 71. In this way, the plurality of heated raw materials are mixed in an aseptic state in the aseptic mixing tank 71, and a mixed aseptic raw material is obtained.

[0035] Specifically, a plurality of connection lines 71a are attached to the aseptic mixing tank 71, and the connectors of each BIB 91 are connected to the connection lines 71a of the aseptic mixing tank 71. In this way, the heated raw materials stored in the BIB 91 can be introduced into the aseptic mixing tank 71 in a sterile state, and a plurality of heated raw materials can be mixed in the aseptic mixing tank 71.

[0036] In this embodiment, an agitator can be provided in the sterile mixing tank 71, and the plurality of heated raw materials can be mixed by this agitator. Alternatively, when the plurality of heated raw materials are charged into the sterile mixing tank 71, the charged heated raw materials may be mixed together in the sterile mixing tank 71 without providing an agitator.

[0037] Furthermore, although an example has been given in which a sterile mixing tank is used as the sterile mixing device 71, this is not limiting and a mixing pipe may be used as the sterile mixing device 71, and multiple BIBs 91 may be connected to this mixing pipe. In this case, different heated raw materials are fed into the mixing pipe from the multiple BIBs 91, and the multiple heated raw materials are mixed in a sterile state inside the mixing pipe, thereby producing a mixed sterile raw material.

[0038] The mixed sterile raw material thus prepared in the sterile mixing device 71 is sent in a sterile state to the sterile raw material supply line 70 by a sterile liquid sending device 72 consisting of a rotary pump, a pressure pump or the like.

[0039] In this embodiment, a sterile mixing system 71A is configured from a sterile mixing device 71 and a sterile liquid delivery device 72.

[0040] As shown in FIG. 1A, the raw materials to be heated are filled and stored in a BIB 91 in a pre-heated and sterilized state.

[0041] In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1D, the BIB 91 is filled with heated raw materials that have been heat-sterilized in advance.

[0042] That is, as shown in Figure 1D, each BIB91 is filled with a syrupy heated raw material. In this case, first, of the raw materials to be contained, heated raw material 1, which is mainly excluding water, and heated raw material 2, which contains water, are prepared. Next, heated raw material 1 and heated raw material 2 are placed into aseptic raw material mixing device 93. This allows heated raw material 1 and heated raw material 2 to be mixed within aseptic raw material mixing device 93, and in this way a syrupy heated raw material is obtained within aseptic raw material mixing device 93. Next, the syrupy heated raw material prepared in aseptic raw material mixing device 93 is placed into BIB91 and stored in a sterile state.

[0043] In this way, a plurality of BIBs 91 containing ingredients to be heated that are different from each other can be prepared.

[0044] 1A, unheated raw materials supplied from unheated raw material sterilization line 50 and mixed sterile raw materials prepared by aseptic mixer 71 and supplied from aseptic raw material supply line 70 via aseptic liquid delivery device 72 are mixed in a sterile state in aseptic blending device 55. In this case, the mixing ratio of the unheated raw materials containing water to the mixed sterile raw materials in aseptic blending device 55, i.e., the flow rate ratio of the unheated raw materials to the mixed sterile raw materials, is 15:1 to 30:1. Therefore, in this embodiment, aseptic mixer 71 can prepare a highly concentrated mixed sterile raw material.

[0045] In this way, aseptic mixing apparatus 71 can produce a highly concentrated mixed sterile raw material, which can significantly reduce, for example, the amount of mixed sterile raw material produced in aseptic mixing apparatus 71. This can significantly reduce the number of times BIB 91 is connected to aseptic mixing apparatus 71, and can also significantly reduce the number of times syrup-like heated raw material is produced using aseptic raw material mixing apparatus 93 and stored in BIB 91.

[0046] The work of connecting the BIB91 to the aseptic mixing device 71 to prepare mixed aseptic raw materials, and the work of preparing syrup-like heated raw materials using the aseptic raw material mixing device 93 and storing them in the BIB91, require manpower and time, and are difficult tasks.

[0047] According to this embodiment, the load of these operations can be reduced, and the workability within the system can be significantly improved.

[0048] Next, the contents filling system 10 according to this embodiment will be further described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0049] As shown in FIG. 1B , the content filling system 10 includes a control unit 90 that controls the content filling system 10. The content filling system 10 includes a bottle forming unit 30, a sterilizer (container sterilizer) 11, an air-rinse device 14, the filling device 21, a capping device (capper, seaming, and stoppering machine) 16, and a product bottle conveying unit 25. The bottle forming unit 30, the sterilizer 11, the air-rinse device 14, the filling device 21, the capping device 16, and the product bottle conveying unit 25 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the conveyance direction of the bottles 100. A plurality of conveying wheels 12 are provided between the air-rinse device 14, the filling device 21, the capping device 16, etc., to convey the bottles 100 between these devices. Here, the bottle forming unit 30, the sterilizer 11, the air-rinse device 14, the filling device 21, the capping device 16, and the product bottle conveying unit 25 will be described.

[0050] 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.

[0051] Such a bottle molding section 30 is composed of 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.

[0052] 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.

[0053] 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).

[0054] 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.

[0055] 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.

[0056] 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.

[0057] 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.

[0058] 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.

[0059] 1B, 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 to wash the preforms 100a with sterile water, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10. The receiving section 34 does not necessarily have 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.

[0060] 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.

[0061] 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 .

[0062] 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.

[0063] Here, a conditioning and conveying unit 5 is provided between the bottle molding unit 30 and the sterilizer 11, which receives bottles 100 from the bottle conveying unit 33 and transfers the bottles 100 to the sterilizer 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 disposed so as to straddle the molding unit chamber 70b (described below) that houses the bottle molding unit 30 and the atmosphere blocker chamber 70c. 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 sterilant gas or mist, or a mixture thereof, generated in the sterilant spray chamber 70d from flowing into the molding unit chamber 70b.

[0064] 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.

[0065] 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.

[0066] 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.

[0067] The filling device 21 is a device that fills water and a product concentrate into bottles 100. That is, the filling device 21 fills the bottles 100 from the mouths thereof with a content liquid consisting of non-heated raw materials that have been sterilized without heating and heated raw materials that have been sterilized in advance. In this way, the filling device 21 fills empty bottles 100 with a content produced by mixing the non-heated raw materials and the heated raw materials. In this filling device 21, the content is filled into the bottles 100 while a plurality of bottles 100 are rotated and transported.

[0068] The filling device 21 is disposed inside an aseptic chamber 70f (described later). The filling device 21 may be a so-called rotary filler having a plurality of rotatable filling nozzles 21a (see FIG. 1C).

[0069] The filling device 21 fills the sterilized contents into the bottles 100. In this case, the filling device 21 fills the sterilized contents into the empty bottles 100.

[0070] The capping device 16 is a device that seals the bottles 100 by attaching caps 88 to the bottles 100. In the capping device 16, the bottles 100 filled with water, the target raw material, and other raw materials (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 aseptic chamber 70f and 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 blocker chamber 70c, a sterilant spray chamber 70d, an air rinse chamber 70e, an aseptic chamber 70f, and an exit chamber 70g. Of these, the air rinse chamber 70e is provided upstream of the aseptic chamber 70f. That is, the preform sterilization chamber 70a, the molding section chamber 70b, the atmosphere blocker chamber 70c, the sterilant spray chamber 70d, the air rinse chamber 70e, the aseptic chamber 70f, and the exit chamber 70g are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the conveyance direction of the preforms 100a and bottles 100.

[0074] Each of the chambers 70a to 70g 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 70g and stabilizes the pressure within each of the chambers 70a to 70g. 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 of the chambers 70a to 70g. The partition walls may also be provided with shutters that close the aforementioned 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 70g, 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 within the atmosphere-blocking chamber 70c. A camera may be installed within the atmosphere-blocking chamber 70c. The camera may be used to inspect whether the bottles 100 are suitable for molding. A thermometer may be installed within the atmosphere-blocking 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 can maintain the temperature of the bottles 100 at an appropriate temperature during sterilization, thereby improving the sterilization efficiency of the bottles 100. Furthermore, within the atmosphere-blocking chamber 70c, the pitch between the bottles 100 on the bottle molding unit 30 side can be changed to the pitch between the bottles 100 on the filling device 21 side. Alternatively, an adjustment wheel may be provided inside the atmosphere blocking chamber 70c to align the phases of the bottle forming section 30 and the filling device 21 and synchronize the rotation speeds of the wheels.

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

[0079] The aseptic chamber 70f accommodates the filling device 21, the conveying wheel 12, and the capping device 16. Furthermore, the outlet chamber 70g accommodates the product bottle carrying section 25.

[0080] Pressure gauges (not shown) for measuring the pressure inside the preform sterilization chamber 70a, sterilant spray chamber 70d, air rinse chamber 70e, aseptic chamber 70f, and exit chamber 70g are attached inside the chambers. Note that a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure inside each chamber may also be attached to the molding section chamber 70b and / or the atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c.

[0081] As described above, the content filling system 10 includes a control unit 90 that controls the content filling system 10. The control unit 90 is electrically connected to the filling device 21 and controls the filling device 21. The control unit 90 may be electrically connected to the non-thermal raw material sterilization line 50, the aseptic raw material supply line 70, the aseptic liquid delivery device 72, the aseptic mixing device 71, the bottle molding unit 30, the sterilization device 11, the air rinse device 14, the capping device 16, the product bottle discharge unit 25, and the cap sterilization device 18, and the control unit 90 may control the non-thermal raw material sterilization line 50, etc.

[0082] The control unit 90 may clean and sterilize the inside of each chamber, or may clean and sterilize a sterilizer 60 (described later) of the non-heated raw material sterilization line 50. In this embodiment, the control unit 90 cleans the inside of the aseptic chamber 70f (hereinafter, cleaning of the inside of each chamber will also be referred to as COP). The control unit 90 also cleans the filling device 21 (hereinafter, cleaning of the inside of the filling device 21 will also be referred to as CIP (Cleaning in Place)).

[0083] When producing the product bottles 101, the pressure inside the aseptic chamber 70f is preferably 30 Pa or more and 60 Pa or less.

[0084] Furthermore, it is preferable that the pressure inside the air rinse chamber 70e be equal to or lower than the pressure inside the sterile chamber 70f, thereby preventing the air inside the air rinse chamber 70e from entering the sterile chamber 70f, thereby maintaining a good sterility inside the sterile chamber 70f.

[0085] When cleaning and sterilizing the inside of the aseptic chamber 70f, the pressure inside the air rinse chamber 70e is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. Furthermore, when cleaning and sterilizing the filling device 21, the pressure inside the air rinse chamber 70e is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. This prevents air from inside the air rinse chamber 70e from entering the aseptic chamber 70f, and further maintains the aseptic state inside the aseptic chamber 70f. Furthermore, when producing the product bottles 101, the pressure inside the air rinse chamber 70e is preferably 10 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less.

[0086] 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.

[0087] When cleaning and sterilizing the inside of the aseptic chamber 70f, the pressure inside the sterilant spray chamber 70d is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. Furthermore, when cleaning and sterilizing the filling device 21, the pressure inside the sterilant spray chamber 70d is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. This prevents air from inside the sterilant spray chamber 70d from entering the atmosphere blockage chamber 70c and the molding section chamber 70b, thereby preventing an increase in humidity inside the molding section chamber 70b. Furthermore, when producing the finished bottles 101, the pressure inside the sterilant spray chamber 70d is preferably -10 Pa or more and 10 Pa or less.

[0088] When cleaning and sterilizing the inside of the sterile chamber 70f, the pressure inside the outlet chamber 70g is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. Furthermore, when cleaning and sterilizing the filling device 21, the pressure inside the outlet chamber 70g is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. This prevents air from inside the outlet chamber 70g from entering the sterile chamber 70f, and further maintains the sterile state inside the sterile chamber 70f. Furthermore, when producing the product bottles 101, the pressure inside the outlet chamber 70g is preferably 10 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less.

[0089] 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, the air rinse chamber 70e, the sterile chamber 70f, and the outlet chamber 70g are maintained in a sterile state. Note that a chamber (not shown) may be provided downstream of the outlet chamber 70g to connect the sterile zone in a sterile state with the non-sterile zone in a non-sterile state.

[0090] Next, the non-heating raw material sterilization line 50 of the content filling system 10 will be described.

[0091] As shown in FIG. 2A1, a water tank 50a for storing and supplying water (pure water) supplied from a water purifying apparatus 50c, and a storage tank 51 for receiving the water in the water tank 50a are provided.

[0092] The water tank 50a is a tank for storing water (pure water) supplied from a water source (e.g., the above-described water purifier 50c). For example, when the contents are drinking water, the Food Sanitation Act requires that water for food production be used. The water for food production is pure water (RO water, ion-exchanged water, or distilled water) produced by the water purifier 50c, 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 will be described later, in this embodiment, the 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., which will be described later, can be suppressed. This prevents a decrease in ultraviolet transmittance. The water supplied from the pure water production system 50c is not limited to pure water, but may be ultrapure water, purified water used for pharmaceuticals, or water for injection.

[0093] The water tank 50a serves to store water and ensure a smooth flow of water. The volume of the water tank 50a is 30 m 3 More than 100m 3 It may be less than 50m, for example. 3 It may be.

[0094] Furthermore, the bacterial count in the water tank 50a is preferably between 0.01 CFU / mL and 10 CFU / mL. If the bacterial count in the water tank 50a exceeds 10 CFU / mL, it is preferable to sterilize the water tank 50a with chlorine, hot water, steam, or the like. The bacterial count in the water tank 50a may be constantly monitored and controlled to remain within the above range. This allows water to be produced while maintaining sterility without the need for additional equipment. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the sterilizer 60 of the non-heated raw material sterilization line 50, described below, can be reduced without requiring expensive specifications. A pre-stage sterilizer 62A having the same configuration as the first sterilizer 62 may be provided upstream or downstream of the water tank 50a.

[0095] A pump P1 for transporting water and a flow meter F for measuring the flow rate of water may also be provided downstream of the storage tank 51. The pump P1 and flow meter F may be provided in this order from upstream to downstream along the direction of water transport. Further, a non-heated raw material sterilization line 50 consisting of the above-mentioned sterilizer 60 is provided downstream of the flow meter F.

[0096] The non-heating raw material sterilization line 50, which is made up of a sterilizer 60, is a sterilizer that sterilizes, without heating, water supplied from a storage tank 51. The sterilizer 60 will be described in detail later.

[0097] A tank 52 is provided downstream of the sterilizer 60. This tank 52 is a tank (a so-called aseptic tank) that stores the non-heated raw materials that have been sterilized by the sterilizer 60. By storing the sterilized non-heated raw materials, this tank 52 plays a role in smoothing the flow of the non-heated raw materials. The volume of the tank 52 is 5 m 3 More than 50m 3 It may be less than 10m, for example. 3 It may be.

[0098] In addition, an aseptic compounding device 55 is provided downstream of the tank 52, and this aseptic compounding device 55 compounds the unheated raw materials containing water sent from the unheated raw material sterilization line 50 and the mixed aseptic raw materials sent from the aseptic raw material supply line 70.

[0099] 2A1, a circulation line 59 may be connected upstream of the tank 52. This circulation line 59 may be connected to the storage tank 51. As a result, the foreign matter removal filter 61 of the sterilizer 60, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterilizing filter 63, the second sterilizer 64, the second sterilizing filter 65, the circulation line 59, and the storage tank 51 may form a circulation system 59A that circulates water.

[0100] (Non-heating raw material sterilization line and sterilizer) Next, the sterilizer 60 of the non-heated raw material sterilization line 50 will be described. This sterilizer 60 is a sterilizer that sterilizes the non-heated raw materials used in the content filling system 10. In this embodiment, the sterilizer 60 sterilizes the non-heated raw materials without heating. As described above, the sterilizer 60 sterilizes the non-heated raw materials stored in the storage tank 51. For this reason, the sterilizer 60 sterilizes the non-heated raw materials having an electrical conductivity of 0.1 μS / cm or more and 20 μS / cm or less.

[0101] As shown in Figures 2A1 and 2A2, the sterilizer 60 is equipped with at least one sterilization filter (first sterilization filter 63 and second sterilization filter 65). The sterilizer 60 also has at least one sterilizer (first sterilizer 62 and second sterilizer 64). Because the sterilizer 60 is equipped with at least one sterilization filter and at least one sterilizer, even if one of the sterilization filter and the sterilizer stops, the sterility of the water can be guaranteed by the other of the sterilization filter and the sterilizer. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2A2, the sterilizer 60 has a circulation system 95A, which will be described later.

[0102] In the example shown in FIGS. 2A1 and 2A2, the sterilizer 60 includes a foreign matter removal filter 61, a first sterilizer 62, a first sterilizing filter 63, a second sterilizer 64, and a second sterilizing filter 65. The foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterilizing filter 63, the second sterilizer 64, and the second sterilizing filter 65 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the direction of conveyance of the contents. In this way, by arranging the sterilizer (in this case, the second sterilizer 64) downstream of the sterilizing filter (in this case, the first sterilizing filter 63), even if bacteria pass through the sterilizing filter, the sterilizer can sterilize the bacteria. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2A3, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, the first sterilizing filter 63, and the second sterilizing filter 65 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the direction of conveyance of the contents. As shown in Figures 2A1 to 2A3, the sterilizer 60 is provided with multiple sterilizing filters (first sterilizing filter 63 and second sterilizing filter 65), so that even if one sterilizing filter stops working, the sterility of the water can be ensured by the other sterilizing filter. Also, because the sterilizer 60 is provided with multiple sterilizers (first sterilizer 62 and second sterilizer 64), even if one sterilizer stops working, the sterility of the contents can be ensured by the other sterilizer. The foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterilizing filter 63 are provided with drain lines 95c.

[0103] 2A4, the sterilizer 60 may include a foreign matter removal filter 61, a first sterilizer 62, a first sterilizing filter 63, and a second sterilizing filter 65. The foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterilizing filter 63, and the second sterilizing filter 65 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the direction of conveyance of the contents. In this case, the sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterilizer 64 provided between the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65.

[0104] 2A5, the sterilizer 60 may include a first sterilizer 62, a first sterilizing filter 63, and a second sterilizing filter 65. The first sterilizer 62, the first sterilizing filter 63, and the second sterilizing filter 65 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the water transport direction. In this case, the sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterilizer 64 provided between the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65. As shown in FIG. 2A6, the first sterilizing filter 63, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizing filter 65, and the second sterilizer 64 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the content transport direction. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2A7, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterilizing filter 63, the second sterilizing filter 65, and the second sterilizer 64 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the content transport direction.

[0105] 2B, the sterilizer 60 may include a first sterilizer 62 and a first sterilizing filter 63. The first sterilizer 62 and the first sterilizing filter 63 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the conveyance direction of the contents. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2C, the first sterilizing filter 63 and the first sterilizer 62 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the conveyance direction of the contents. In these cases, the sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterilizer 64 provided between the first sterilizing filter 63 and a valve V1 described below.

[0106] 2D, the sterilizer 60 may include a first sterilizer 62, a second sterilizer 64, and a first sterilizing filter 63. The first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, and the first sterilizing filter 63 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the conveyance direction of the contents. In this case, the sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterilizing filter 65 provided downstream of the first sterilizing filter 63. Furthermore, a pre-stage sterilizer 62A is provided upstream of the first sterilizer 62.

[0107] 2E, the sterilizer 60 may include a first sterilizing filter 63, a second sterilizing filter 65, and a first sterilizer 62. The first sterilizing filter 63, the second sterilizing filter 65, and the first sterilizer 62 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the conveyance direction of the contents. In this case, the sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterilizer 64 provided downstream of the first sterilizer 62.

[0108] Furthermore, the sterilizer 60 does not necessarily have to be equipped with a sterilizing filter. 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 sterilizer 60 may not necessarily have to be equipped with a sterilizing filter. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 2F, the sterilizer 60 may only have a first sterilizer 62. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2G, the sterilizer 60 may have a first sterilizer 62 and a second sterilizer 64. In this way, if the sterilizer 60 does not have a sterilizing filter, the manufacturing cost of the sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

[0109] Furthermore, the sterilizer 60 does not necessarily have to be equipped with 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 sterilizer 60 may not necessarily have to be equipped with a sterilizer. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 2H, the sterilizer 60 may be equipped with only a first sterilizing filter 63. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2I, the sterilizer 60 may be equipped with a first sterilizing filter 63 and a second sterilizing filter 65. In this way, even when the sterilizer 60 does not have a sterilizer, the manufacturing cost of the sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

[0110] Next, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterilizing filter 63, the second sterilizer 64, and the second sterilizing filter 65 will be described. Note that in the following description, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterilizing filter 63, the second sterilizer 64, and the second sterilizing filter 65 will be described mainly using the sterilizer 60 shown in Fig. 2A1 as an example. Here, the foreign matter removal filter 61 will be described first.

[0111] The foreign matter removal filter 61 is a filter that removes foreign matter from water. In the illustrated example, the sterilizer 60 is equipped with a single foreign matter removal filter 61. However, this is not limited thereto, and the 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 1.0 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 1.0 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.

[0112] The first sterilizer 62 is located downstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61. The first sterilizer 62 is located upstream of the first sterilizing filter 63. The first sterilizer 62 sterilizes unheated raw materials using ultraviolet light. This sterilizes bacteria (bacteria other than mold and yeast) that have passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61. Furthermore, by using ultraviolet light to sterilize unheated raw materials using the first sterilizer 62, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system can be reduced compared to sterilizing unheated raw materials by heating them. In particular, as described above, when producing the content, the product ingredients can be diluted with water by a ratio of 1.1 to 100, preferably 2 to 10. When the product ingredients are diluted with water by a ratio of 2 to 10, 50% to 90% of the content is water. Therefore, by sterilizing unheated raw materials containing water without heating them, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted when producing the content can be significantly reduced.

[0113] However, if the bacterial concentration of the water supplied from the pure water production system 50c is high (for example, 1 CFU / ml or more) and the foreign matter removal filter 61 has a sterilization filter pore size (0.1 to 1 μm), the foreign matter removal filter 61 will become contaminated with bacteria in a short period of time. If a large amount of bacteria is captured by the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the bacteria multiply, this may affect the quality of the water. Therefore, it is recommended to install a first sterilizer 62 upstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61 (see 62A in FIG. 2B). This makes it possible to produce high-quality sterile water for a long period of time.

[0114] 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.

[0115] 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 non-heated raw materials into the main body 66 may be formed at the bottom of the main body 66, and an outlet 69 for discharging sterilized non-heated raw materials 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 tangentially to the inner surface of the main body 66 in a plan view. In this case, the tangential direction of 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 inlet 68, at the portion where the introduced non-heated raw materials collide with the inner surface of the main body 66.

[0116] The non-heated raw material introduced into the main body 66 through the introduction section 68 is guided along the inner surface of the main body 66, causing it to swirl in the circumferential direction. The non-heated raw material then moves upward while swirling, and is discharged from the discharge section 69. This makes it possible to prevent the flow of the non-heated raw material introduced into the main body 66 from becoming uneven. This makes it possible to prevent a portion of the non-heated raw material introduced into the main body 66 from being discharged from the discharge section 69 in a short time (so-called short pass).

[0117] As shown in FIG. 4 , a baffle 66a that regulates the flow of the unheated raw material may be provided within the main body 66. The baffle 66a may protrude radially from the inner surface of the main body 66 so as to spirally circumferentially. By providing such a baffle 66a within the main body 66, the unheated raw material introduced into the main body 66 through the introduction section 68 can be prevented from moving upward without circumferentially circulating. This more reliably prevents so-called short-pass flow. Although not shown, the baffle 66a does not have to spirally circumferentially within 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 within the main body 66, and water may pass through a central opening.

[0118] 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 the 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 so that the unheated raw material passes through the through-hole.

[0119] The main body 66 may be provided with an illuminance meter that measures the illuminance of ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67. An output meter that measures the output of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b (described later) of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 may also be provided. The flow meter F described above may be used to constantly monitor the time (residence time) that the unheated raw material takes to pass through the inside of the main body 66. Furthermore, the temperature, turbidity, and / or chromaticity of the unheated raw material passing through the main body 66 may be constantly or appropriately measured to confirm that there are no abnormalities in the ultraviolet irradiation amount and / or transmittance.

[0120] Sterilization of unheated raw materials is guaranteed by constantly monitoring the readings of the illuminance meter. If the illuminance rises or falls from the set value, the ultraviolet light output can be automatically adjusted to bring it closer to the set value. Alternatively, the frequency of pump P1 can be varied to change the liquid delivery flow rate, bringing the illuminance closer to the set value. It is also possible to set only a lower limit for illuminance, without setting an upper limit. Furthermore, if the illuminance during delivery falls below the lower limit, the flow of unheated raw materials is immediately switched to circulation line 59 to maintain sterility from tank (aseptic tank) 52 onwards. After that, the sterilizer 60 can be cleaned and sterilized, or sterilized only, before production can be resumed.

[0121] 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.

[0122] 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.

[0123] The first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may each be a low-pressure mercury lamp, a medium-pressure mercury lamp, or a UV-LED. 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. 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 a low-pressure mercury lamp, the sterilization effect in the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 can be improved. The low-pressure mercury lamp may also be an amalgam lamp (low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) in which amalgam, an alloy of mercury and other metals, is enclosed in the arc tube.

[0124] A medium-pressure mercury lamp is a mercury lamp whose mercury vapor pressure during lighting is 40 kPa or more. Generally, medium-pressure mercury lamps are higher-output mercury lamps than low-pressure mercury lamps. 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 medium-pressure mercury lamps are high-output mercury lamps, 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.

[0125] 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 (sec). Therefore, in order to enhance the sterilization effect of ultraviolet light on bacteria, it is necessary to shorten the distance between the light source (first ultraviolet lamp 67a and second ultraviolet lamp 67b) and the unheated raw material 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, the sterilization effect of ultraviolet light on bacteria can be enhanced by having water pass near the light source.

[0126] As described above, in this embodiment, the lower part of the main body 66 is provided with an inlet 68 for introducing the non-heated raw materials into the main body 66, and the upper part of the main body 66 is provided with an outlet 69 for discharging the sterilized non-heated raw materials from the main body 66. This prevents short-path flow and increases the time the non-heated raw materials remain inside the main body 66. This increases the time the non-heated raw materials are irradiated with ultraviolet light, thereby increasing the cumulative amount of ultraviolet light irradiation. Furthermore, by introducing the non-heated raw materials from the lower part of the main body 66, even when the non-heated raw materials are introduced into the water at the beginning of operation of the first sterilizer 62, i.e., the main body 66 is empty, this ensures that the non-heated raw materials remain inside the main body 66 for a sufficient period of time. This increases the time the water is irradiated with ultraviolet light.

[0127] The main body 66 is shaped like a truncated cone. This shortens the distance between the first and second ultraviolet lamps 67a and 67b and the unheated raw material at the top of the main body 66. This enhances the sterilization 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 unheated raw material that moves upward while rotating in the circumferential direction. This reduces variations in the cumulative amount of ultraviolet light irradiation.

[0128] 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 contents when passing through the main body 66 is 10 mJ / cm at a wavelength of 254 nm. 2 More than 10000mJ / cm 2 Preferably, it is 100 mJ / cm or less. 2 More than 1000mJ / cm 2 More preferably, it is 130 mJ / cm or less.2 More than 500mJ / cm 2 The cumulative dose of ultraviolet light is 10 mJ / cm 2 This makes it possible to effectively sterilize aquatic bacteria (gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas or Methylobacterium that can grow in water in a nutrient-poor environment) that may pass through the second sterilization filter 65. In addition, the cumulative irradiation amount 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, electricity consumption can be reduced, and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. The wavelength of the ultraviolet light may be 250 nm or more and 260 nm or less, for example, 253.7 nm (254 nm). By setting the wavelength of the ultraviolet light to 250 nm or more and 260 nm or less, particularly 253.7 nm, the sterilization effect of the ultraviolet light on bacteria can be enhanced. In this specification, "aquatic bacteria" refers to bacteria that can pass through a sterilization filter with a mesh size of 0.2 μm, and may also be referred to as "sterilization filter-passing bacteria." The dose of ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet light irradiation unit 67 may be set based on the RED (Reduction Equivalent UV Dose) determined by an actual chemical dosimeter or biological dosimeter. For more information, please refer to "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."

[0129] 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 sterilizer 60. In this case, the control unit 90 may circulate the sterilizing agent in the circulation system 59A for at least 10 seconds to 60 minutes.

[0130] 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 section 69 formed in the main body 66, and the discharge pipe 69a may be arranged to extend tangentially to the inner surface of the main body 66 in a plan view. In this case, the tangential direction of 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 section 69, in which the unheated raw materials that have circulated while contacting the inner surface move away from the inner surface of the main body 66. When the main body 66 is cylindrical, the unheated raw materials can be retained within the main body 66 for a longer period of time. This allows for longer irradiation time of ultraviolet light on the unheated raw materials, thereby increasing the cumulative amount of ultraviolet light irradiation. In this case, although not shown, the second ultraviolet lamps 67b may be arranged to be inclined radially inward as they extend upward.

[0131] 6A and 6B, the main body 66 may be cylindrical, with an inlet 68 formed at one end of the main body 66 for introducing non-heated ingredients into the main body 66. The other end of the main body 66 may be formed with a discharge 69 for discharging the sterilized non-heated ingredients from the main body 66. In this case, the main body 66 may be positioned so that the longitudinal direction of the main body 66 (the direction in which the water flows) is horizontal, or so that the longitudinal direction of the main body 66 (the direction in which the water flows) is vertical.

[0132] In this modification, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 may include multiple third ultraviolet lamps 67c arranged along the direction of travel of the unheated raw material. This allows ultraviolet light to be irradiated evenly onto the water. This prevents variations in the cumulative amount of ultraviolet light irradiation.

[0133] Furthermore, adjacent third ultraviolet lamps 67c in the direction of travel of the non-heated raw material may extend in different directions when viewed from the direction of travel of the non-heated raw material. This more effectively reduces variations in the cumulative dose of ultraviolet light. In the illustrated example, each third ultraviolet lamp 67c is arranged regularly. That is, when viewed from the upstream side of the direction of travel of the non-heated raw material (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 of the direction of travel of the non-heated raw material (the right side of FIG. 6B). Note that each third ultraviolet lamp 67c may also be arranged irregularly.

[0134] 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) or a medium-pressure mercury lamp. Although not shown, a baffle plate 66a that regulates the flow of water may be provided within the main body 66.

[0135] 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, for example, a polished stainless steel tube. 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.

[0136] 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.

[0137] Referring again to FIG. 2A1, the first sterilizing filter 63 is provided downstream of the first sterilizer 62. This first sterilizing filter 63 is a microfiltration filter (MF) that sterilizes the unheated raw materials by capturing bacteria remaining in the unheated raw materials. The mesh size of the first sterilizing filter 63 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. By having the mesh size of the first sterilizing filter 63 be 0.1 μm or more, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the sterilization efficiency of the unheated raw materials. Furthermore, by having the mesh size of the first sterilizing filter 63 be 0.45 μm or less, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the sterilization efficiency of the unheated raw materials. Bacteria remaining in the raw materials can be effectively captured by the first sterilization filter 63. A filter with a mesh size of 0.02 μm or more and 0.1 μm or less, which can also remove some viruses, may be used as the sterilization filter 63. The material of the filtration membrane of the first sterilization filter 63 is preferably polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethersulfone (PES), mixed cellulose acetate (SCWP), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyamide, or the like. Depending on the suitability of the contents, it may be, for example, a reverse osmosis membrane (RO membrane) or an ultrafiltration membrane (UF membrane).

[0138] The first sterilization filter 63 is preferably capable of sterilization (SIP). This allows the first sterilization filter 63 to be sterilized periodically. Here, as described above, the first sterilization filter 63 captures bacteria remaining in the unheated raw materials as they pass through the first sterilizer 62. Therefore, if water is continuously sterilized in the sterilizer 60 for a long period of time, the captured bacteria may grow within the first sterilization filter 63. Furthermore, if organic bacterial carcasses adhere to the first sterilization filter 63, the bacterial carcasses may become a substrate. In this case, the bacteria may further grow within the first sterilization filter 63. If bacteria grow within the first sterilization filter 63, they may enter the unheated raw materials passing through the first sterilization filter 63. In contrast, since the first sterilization filter 63 is sterilizable, it is possible to prevent bacteria adhering to the first sterilization filter 63 from entering the unheated raw materials passing through the first sterilization filter 63. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the filtering performance of the first sterilization filter 63. When sterilizing the first sterilizing filter 63, sterilizing steam or the like may be supplied to the first sterilizing filter 63 from a sterile air supply port 60a, which will be described later.

[0139] Here, the degree of sterilization of the first sterilizing filter 63 may be managed by the F-value. In other words, when sterilizing the sterilizer 60 having the first sterilizing filter 63, the degree of sterilization of the 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 sterilizing filter 63 and calculate the F-value based on the measured temperature. Then, when the F-value becomes equal to or greater than a target value, the control unit 90 may terminate sterilization of the first sterilizing 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 sterilizing filter 63. Then, the control unit 90 may terminate heating of the flow path with heated steam or the like when the time it takes for the temperatures from each temperature sensor to reach a predetermined temperature becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined time. This makes it possible to sterilize the first sterilizing filter 63 without applying more heat than necessary to the first sterilizing 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 by the following formula.

number

[0140] The second sterilizer 64 is provided downstream of the first sterilizing 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.

[0141] The second sterilization filter 65 is provided downstream of the second sterilizer 64. This second sterilization filter 65 sterilizes the unheated raw materials by capturing bacteria remaining in the unheated raw materials that have passed through the second sterilizer 64. The mesh size of the second sterilization filter 65 is preferably smaller than that of the first sterilization filter 63. This allows the second sterilization filter 65 to capture bacteria even if bacteria in the unheated raw materials pass through the first sterilization filter 63. This ensures sufficient sterility of the unheated raw materials. Furthermore, if the mesh size of the second sterilization filter 65 is the same as that of the first sterilization filter 63, two sterilization sets, each consisting of a sterilizer and a sterilization filter, can be arranged along the conveying direction of the unheated raw materials. That is, a first sterilization set consisting of a first sterilizer 62 and a first sterilizing filter 63, and a second sterilization set consisting of a second sterilizer 64 and a second sterilizing filter 65 can be arranged in series along the conveyance direction of the non-heated raw materials. Therefore, even if an abnormality occurs in one of the sterilization sets, the sterility of the non-heated raw materials can be guaranteed. Note that multiple sterilization sets may be provided according to the Sterility Assurance Level (SAL) of the non-heated raw materials or the final product (contents) (see FIGS. 2A1, 2A2, 2A4 to A7). Also, as shown in FIG. 2B etc., the number of sterilization sets may be one, or, although not shown, the number of sterilization sets may be three or more.

[0142] The mesh size of the second sterilization 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 sterilization filter 65 is 0.1 μm or more, a decrease in the sterilization efficiency of the unheated raw materials can be suppressed. Furthermore, when the mesh size of the second sterilization filter 65 is 0.45 μm or less, bacteria remaining in the unheated raw materials can be more effectively captured by the second sterilization filter 65. The filtration membrane of the second sterilization filter 65 may be, for example, a reverse osmosis membrane (RO membrane) or an ultrafiltration membrane (UF membrane).

[0143] Other configurations of the second sterilization filter 65 may be substantially the same as those of the first sterilization filter 63. That is, the second sterilization filter 65 may be sterilizable (SIP). Furthermore, the second sterilization filter 65 may be capable of undergoing an integrity test on the mesh size of the second sterilization filter 65.

[0144] Here, in the 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)).

[0145] In this case, the initial bacterial count level in the unheated raw material before it enters a filter (e.g., the first sterilization filter 63) is defined as H0 (=logN0). In this case, the initial bacterial count level H0 of the filter is reduced by the sterilization effect of the filter (e.g., the first sterilization 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 unheated raw material after it has been sterilized by the filter (e.g., the first sterilization filter 63).

[0146] On the other hand, it is possible that the bacteria in the unheated raw material may increase at a certain rate while passing through the filter (bacterial increase level in the unheated raw material: ΣI(=log(N I )≧0)). Note that "N I " means the increase in the number of bacteria while passing through the filter.

[0147] In addition, the bacteria in the unheated raw materials 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 unheated raw materials: ΣR2(=log(N I / NR2)>0)). If the bacterial count level in the unheated raw materials after passing through the sterilizer 60 is below the target value (FSO (Food Safety Objective / ISO13409-1996) (=logN)), it can be considered that there is no problem with the sterility of the unheated raw materials sterilized by the unheated raw material sterilization line 50. Note that "NR2" refers to the bacterial count in the unheated raw materials after sterilization by a sterilizer (e.g., the second sterilizer 64), and "N" refers to the target value for the bacterial count in the unheated raw materials after sterilization by a sterilizer (e.g., the second sterilizer 64).

[0148] The above-mentioned relationship between H0, ΣR1, ΣI, ΣR2 and FSO can be expressed as the following equation:

[0149] 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 unheated raw materials below the target value (FSO).

[0150] Sampling points SP1 to SP6 (SP) for aseptically sampling the unheated raw material may be provided at the inlet of the sterilizer 60, the outlet of the 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). This allows the number of bacteria in the water to be easily measured by aseptically sampling water from the sampling points SP1 to SP6 or the sampling line SL. A thermometer T may be provided in the sampling line SL, and the temperature of the steam may be monitored using the thermometer T when the first sterilization filter 63 and the second sterilization filter 65 are sterilized with steam. When measuring the number of bacteria in the unheated raw material and / or checking for changes in condition such as bacterial growth, for example, the liquid may be sampled and the number of bacteria may be counted using a plate culture medium. Furthermore, for example, the number of bacteria and / or changes in the state of bacteria in unheated raw materials may be measured and / or confirmed using a microorganism measuring device (e.g., Azbil Corporation's Real-Time Microorganism Detector, IMD-W (registered trademark)) or a particle measuring device (liquid particle counter).

[0151] The processing capacity of such a sterilizer 60 is preferably 105% or more of the maximum processing capacity required for the production of the product bottles 101, and more preferably 110% or more of the maximum processing capacity required for the production of the product bottles 101. For example, the processing capacity of the 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 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 tank 52 during production of the product bottles 101. In this case, by appropriately designing the volume of the tank 52, it is possible to produce the product bottles 101 and perform the sterilization (SIP) or integrity test of the first sterilization filter 63, etc. without running out of unheated raw materials, even during the sterilization (SIP) or integrity test of the first sterilization filter 63, etc. described above. Note that the time required for the sterilization (SIP) of the first sterilization filter 63, etc. and the time required for the integrity test are approximately 30 minutes or more and approximately 1 hour or less, respectively. For this reason, the volume of the tank 52 may be equal to or greater than the amount of unheated raw materials used in the content filling system 10 during one hour of production of the product bottles 101.

[0152] The processing capacity of the 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 unheated raw materials to be sterilized by the sterilizer 60 of the unheated raw material sterilization line 50 during the production of the product bottles 101, based on the determined amount of unheated raw materials. 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 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 is 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.

[0153] It is preferable that such a sterilizer 60 continues to sterilize the unheated raw materials without stopping the sterilization of the unheated raw materials 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 sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65. In other words, if the flow of unheated raw materials in the sterilizer 60 stops, bacteria may grow in the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65. In contrast, by continuing to sterilize the unheated raw materials 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 sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65. Note that if the tank 52 becomes full while the product bottles 101 are being produced in the content filling system 10, the sterilized unheated raw materials may be circulated through a circulation system 59A (see FIG. 2A, etc.). This prevents the flow of non-heated raw materials from stopping in the sterilizer 60, even when the tank 52 is full of water. This prevents bacteria from multiplying in the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65. If the circulation time of the sterilized non-heated raw materials is long, the temperature of the sterilized non-heated raw materials may rise due to the irradiation energy of the ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67. In this case, the non-heated raw materials flowing through the circulation line 59 may be discharged from the circulation line 59 without being returned to the storage tank 51. The rise in temperature of the circulating non-heated raw materials may be prevented by supplying new pure water from the pure water production system 50c to the storage tank 51 via the water tank 50a.

[0154] 2J, the non-heating raw material 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 conveying direction of the contents.

[0155] 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 storage tank 51 and the flow path downstream of the storage tank 51 are sterilized before the production of the product bottles 101. However, after the start of production of the product bottles 101, bacteria may be brought in from upstream of the storage tank 51, and the storage tank 51 and the like may be contaminated with bacteria.

[0156] 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 that pass through the sterilization filter. The second gray zone Z3 is a zone for maintaining a state in which bacteria that pass through the sterilization filter are not present during the production of the product bottle 101. In the illustrated example, the first gray zone Z2 is the region from the pre-stage 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 sterilization filter 63. The pure water production apparatus 50c that supplies water to the non-heated raw material sterilization line 50 is sterilized (SIP) before sterilizing the water to the non-heated raw material sterilization line 50. Sterilization is performed under conditions that can at least sterilize bacteria that pass through the sterilization filter. 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, and 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 Z=5°C. Alternatively, the sterilization conditions may be high-temperature and short-time conditions, such as a temperature of 95°C and a sterilization time of 0.3 minutes. However, the sterilization value under these sterilization conditions generally does not 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 50c, the second gray zone Z3 is maintained under positive pressure by continuously supplying water to the second gray zone Z3. This maintains a state in which bacteria that pass through the sterilization filter are absent in the second gray zone Z3. The positive pressure state of the second gray zone Z3 is managed using a pressure gauge (not shown). The method for sterilizing bacteria that pass through the sterilization filter is not limited to steam or hot water. It may also be a drug that inactivates bacteria that pass through the sterilization filter.

[0157] 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 the 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≧3 or more, Z=10°C). The SIP of the sterile zone Z4 is performed at least up to the interface with the second gray zone Z3. When sterilizing the sterile zone Z4, the piping of the second gray zone Z3 may also be SIP-ed along with the sterile zone Z4. This maintains the sterile zone Z4 in a positive pressure state, maintaining the sterile zone Z4 in a sterile state.

[0158] Among these non-sterile zone Z1, first gray zone Z2, second gray zone Z3, and sterile zone Z4, ultraviolet rays can be irradiated onto the contents in the first gray zone Z2. In the first gray zone Z2, the cumulative irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays onto the water by the pre-stage sterilizer 62A is at least 10 mJ / cm. 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 irradiation amount of ultraviolet light on the water by the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 is 100 mJ / cm 2 or more. 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, bacteria that pass through the sterilization filter 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.

[0159] In the first gray zone Z2, when the total cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet light on the contents by the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 is less than 100 mJ / cm2, the contents may be circulated through the circulation line 95 before being supplied to the first removal filter 63. This prevents contents that may contain bacteria that pass through the sterilization filter from being supplied to the first sterilization filter 63. This ensures the sterility of the contents in the sterile zone Z4. In this case, the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 may be sterilized (SIP) before the contents are supplied to the sterile zone Z4 (first sterilization filter 63).

[0160] Furthermore, it is preferable that at least one of the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing 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 sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65 to filter-sterilize bacteria other than those that pass the sterilizing filters. This ensures the sterility of the contents in the sterile zone Z4. Note that if the integrity tests before and after production for the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing 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 those that pass the sterilizing filters, ensuring the sterility of the contents in the sterile zone Z4.

[0161] In this way, in the sterilizer 60 of the non-heated raw material 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.

[0162] As shown in Figure 1B, an auxiliary filter 53 for filtering out foreign matter and a filling machine tank 57 for storing the final product liquid that has passed through the auxiliary filter 53 may be provided downstream of the aseptic compounding device 55. The auxiliary filter 53 may be provided at the tip of the filling device 21 (not shown). The filling machine tank 57 serves as a so-called cushion tank that prevents liquid shortages even when the capacity of the filling device 21 changes, ensuring the filling amount and filling accuracy. The volume of the filling machine tank 57 is 0.1 m 3 More than 1m 3 It may be less than 0.3 m, for example. 3 It may be.

[0163] An addition unit 75 that adds solids to the non-heated raw materials and the mixed sterile raw materials may also be connected. This allows the content filling system 10 to fill the bottle 100 with content containing solids. In this case, the solids added from the addition unit 75 to the non-heated raw materials and the mixed sterile raw materials may be, for example, sansho, nata de coco, tapioca, or aloe. The solids may also be sterile solids that have been sterilized in advance. Furthermore, in addition to solids, sterile or non-sterile flavorings, acidulants, and coloring agents may be quantitatively added from the addition unit 75 to the other raw materials.

[0164] <Content filling method> Next, a content filling method using the above-described content filling system 10 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0165] 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.

[0166] 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.

[0167] 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.

[0168] 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.

[0169] 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.

[0170] The bottle 100 is then transported to the filling device 21.

[0171] During this time, the non-heated raw materials from the non-heated raw material sterilization line 50 and the mixed sterile raw materials from the sterile raw material supply line 70 are blended by the aseptic blending device 55. The blending of the non-heated raw materials and the mixed sterile raw materials will be described below. First, a plurality of BIBs 91 are connected to a plurality of connection lines 71a attached to the aseptic blending device 71.

[0172] In this case, a syrup-like raw material to be heated that has been heat-sterilized in advance is stored in each BIB 91. The syrup-like raw material to be heated in each BIB 91 is then supplied to the aseptic mixer 71 through the connection line 71a.

[0173] The syrup-like heated raw material is obtained by mixing the heated raw material 1 and the heated raw material 2 in the aseptic raw material mixing device 93, and the syrup-like heated raw material thus obtained is poured into the BIB 91.

[0174] The work of pouring and storing the syrup-like heated raw material into the BIB 91 may be performed within the content filling system 10, or may be performed outside the content filling system 10 and then transported into the content filling system 10.

[0175] In this way, the syrupy heated raw materials are fed into the aseptic mixing device 71 from the multiple BIBs 91, and the multiple syrupy heated raw materials are mixed in the aseptic mixing device 71 to produce a mixed aseptic raw material.

[0176] In this case, an agitator may be provided in the sterile mixing device 71, and the plurality of syrup-like heated raw materials may be mixed by the agitator. Alternatively, the plurality of syrup-like heated raw materials may be sequentially charged into the sterile mixing device 71 without providing an agitator, thereby sequentially mixing the plurality of syrup-like heated raw materials.

[0177] The mixed sterile raw material thus prepared in the sterile mixing device 71 is sent in a sterile state to the sterile raw material supply line 70 by a sterile liquid sending device 72 consisting of a rotary pump, a pressure pump or the like.

[0178] Next, the non-heated raw material containing water that has been non-heat-sterilized by the non-heated raw material sterilization line 50 and the mixed sterile raw material supplied from the sterile raw material supply line 70 are sent into the aseptic blending device 55.

[0179] Then, the non-heated raw materials from the non-heated raw material sterilization line 50 and the mixed sterile raw materials from the sterile raw material supply line 70 are mixed in a sterile state in the sterile mixing device 55 to produce the contents (reference numeral S5 in FIG. 8).

[0180] In this embodiment, the mixing ratio of the non-heated raw materials containing water to the mixed sterile raw materials prepared in the sterile preparation device 55 is 15:1 to 30:1.

[0181] In this case, if the mixing ratio of the two ingredients contains more water-containing unheated ingredients than the above-mentioned range, the mixed sterile ingredients fed into aseptic blending apparatus 55 will be too concentrated, making it difficult to reliably blend the unheated ingredients and mixed sterile ingredients within aseptic blending apparatus 55.

[0182] On the other hand, if the mixing ratio of the two ingredients is less than the above range and the amount of unheated ingredients containing water is less, it becomes difficult to increase the concentration of the mixed sterile ingredients produced in the sterile mixing device 71 and reduce the amount.

[0183] In this case, it becomes necessary to prepare a large amount of mixed sterile raw materials in the aseptic mixing apparatus 71. In this case, it becomes necessary to increase the number of times that a predetermined BIB 91 is set in the aseptic mixing apparatus 71, which increases the BIB setting work and also requires the work of preparing the BIB 91 containing the syrup-like heated raw materials, thereby reducing the work efficiency in the content filling system 10.

[0184] For these reasons, the mixing ratio of the unheated raw materials containing water to the mixed sterile raw materials mixed in the sterile preparation device 55 is set to 15:1 to 30:1.

[0185] The aseptic blending apparatus 55 first receives the non-heated raw materials that have been non-heat-sterilized in the non-heated raw material sterilization line 50, and then receives the mixed sterile raw materials supplied from the sterile raw material supply line 70. The order in which the liquids are received into the aseptic blending apparatus 55 may be such that the mixed sterile raw materials from the sterile raw material supply line 70 are received first. Alternatively, the readings of the flow meters on the non-heated raw material sterilization line 50 and the sterile raw material supply line 70 may be used to simultaneously receive the respective liquids at a fixed ratio (appropriate flow rate ratio) into the aseptic blending apparatus 55. When receiving the liquids, it is recommended that they be agitated using an agitator (not shown) inside the aseptic blending apparatus 55. It is also recommended that the readings of the saccharometer, hydrometer, etc. inside the aseptic blending apparatus 55 be monitored to determine whether the mixture ratio is within a predetermined range, and that this is reflected in the liquid delivery flow rate and tank capacity of each liquid. By installing multiple aseptic compounding devices 55, the yield of the product liquid can be improved because the heat-sterilized and non-heat-sterilized liquids can be sent to the aseptic compounding devices 55 one after another without having to wait in circulation line 59. Furthermore, even when multiple filling machines are installed downstream of the aseptic compounding devices 55 or when the capacity of the filling machines is variable, the multiple aseptic compounding devices 55 act as buffers to prevent a decrease in the operating rate.

[0186] Next, in filling device 21, bottle 100 is rotated (revolved) while the contents produced in aseptic compounding device 55 are filled into bottle 100 from its opening (contents filling step, reference numeral S6 in FIG. 8).

[0187] In filling device 21, bottles 100 are filled at room temperature with the contents prepared in aseptic preparation device 55. The temperature of the contents during filling is, for example, about 3° C. or higher and 40° C. or lower. In filling device 21, the filling speed of the contents may be 30 mL / sec or higher and 400 mL / sec or lower.

[0188] The bottles 100 filled with the contents are then transported by the transport wheel 12 to the capping device 16 .

[0189] 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.

[0190] 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).

[0191] 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.

[0192] The container sterilization process, air rinse process, content filling process, capping process, and bottle discharging process are all performed in a sterile atmosphere surrounded by sterilant spray chamber 70d, air rinse chamber 70e, aseptic chamber 70f, and outlet chamber 70g, i.e., in a sterile environment. The cap sterilization process is performed by cap sterilizer 18. In this case, sterilant spray chamber 70d, air rinse chamber 70e, aseptic chamber 70f, outlet chamber 70g, and cap sterilizer 18 have been sterilized in advance by spraying hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid, or by spraying warm water, etc.

[0193] After the sterilization process of each chamber, sterile air at positive pressure is supplied to sterilant spray chamber 70d, air rinse chamber 70e, sterile chamber 70f, and exit chamber 70g so that the sterile air is constantly blown out of sterilant spray chamber 70d, air rinse chamber 70e, sterile chamber 70f, and exit chamber 70g. In addition, sterile air at positive pressure is constantly supplied to cap sterilizer 18 so that the sterile air is constantly blown out of cap sterilizer 18.

[0194] When positively pressurized sterile air is supplied to each of chambers 70d through 70g, the sterile air and the sterilant used in bottle sterilization are exhausted from atmospheric isolation chamber 70c, sterilant spray chamber 70d, and outlet chamber 70g. The pressures in sterilant spray chamber 70d, air rinse chamber 70e, sterile chamber 70f, and outlet chamber 70g may be adjusted so that the pressures in these chambers are positive. In this case, as described above, the pressure in sterilant spray chamber 70d may be between -10 Pa and 10 Pa. The pressure in air rinse chamber 70e may be between 10 Pa and 30 Pa. The pressure in sterile chamber 70f may be between 30 Pa and 60 Pa. The pressure in outlet chamber 70g may be between 10 Pa and 20 Pa.

[0195] 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.

[0196] Next, a cleaning method (also called a sterilization method) for the sterilizer 60 will be described with reference to FIG. 9A.

[0197] (Sterilization method of sterilizer) First, after the filling of the beverage in the content filling system 10 is completed, for example, an operation button of the control unit 90 is operated. This starts sterilization (SIP) in the sterilizer 60. Note that sterilization in the sterilizer 60 may be performed while the product bottles 101 are being produced.

[0198] Specifically, first, the filling (production) of the contents by the content filling system is completed ("End of Production" in FIG. 9A). Then, as shown in FIG. 2A1, a post-production integrity test is performed on the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65 of the sterilizer 60 (reference symbol S20A in FIG. 9A). If the foreign body removal filter 61 is also a sterile filter, an integrity test is performed on at least two of the three filters. This post-production integrity test ensures that the integrity test results before and after the start of production are pass (no leaks are detected) and that the ultraviolet radiation dose during production is above or within a specified value, thereby ensuring the sterility of the unheated raw materials. Next, the first sterilizer 62 and / or the second sterilizer 64 (hereinafter simply referred to as the first sterilizer 62, etc.) undergo a CIP process (sterilizer cleaning and sterilization step, reference symbol S20 in FIG. 9A). CIP treatment is performed by flowing an alkaline cleaning solution (water containing alkaline chemicals such as caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate, sodium phosphate, sodium hypochlorite, surfactants, and chelating agents) into the flow path after the alkaline cleaning solution is added, or before the alkaline cleaning solution is added, an acidic cleaning solution (water containing acidic chemicals such as nitric acid or phosphoric acid) is added into the flow path. The alkaline cleaning process using the alkaline cleaning solution and the acidic cleaning process using the acidic cleaning solution may be freely combined. This removes residues from the previous unheated raw material that adhere to the flow path through which drinking water passes. Furthermore, if the amount of unheated raw material is small or if the unheated raw material contains highly detergency components, CIP treatment using only warm or hot water without the addition of detergents is acceptable. Alternatively, CIP treatment may be omitted.

[0199] Next, the SIP process is performed. In the SIP process, for example, steam or hot water is supplied to the circulation system 59A, including the sterilizer 60 (sterilizer cleaning and sterilization process, S20 in FIG. 9A). This heats and sterilizes 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, etc., and the piping of the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64, respectively. The first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 and the foreign matter removal filter 61, the sterilization filter 63, and the sterilization filter 65 may be sterilized simultaneously. Alternatively, bacteria may be inactivated simultaneously (SIP process) by adjusting the temperature, concentration, and time of the cleaning agent used in the CIP process, without performing the subsequent SIP process (CSIP process). After the CIP process, SIP process, or CSIP process is completed, the cleaning agent is discharged. The process then proceeds to the rinsing process to completely remove the cleaning agent. Rinsing is performed by supplying pure water from a 50a pure water tank.

[0200] Furthermore, if the first sterilizer 62 or the like is heat-sensitive, the first sterilizer 62 or the like may be sterilized with a sterilant or cleaning agent (see FIG. 2K). In this case, a sterilant is first supplied to the sterilizer 60 (sterilant supply step, reference numeral S201 in FIG. 9B). The sterilant or cleaning agent is delivered from a sterilant supply unit 96 including a tank, pump, heater, concentration meter, etc. (not shown) and delivered to the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, etc., provided in the sterilizer 60. It may also be supplied from sampling point SP2 or sampling point SP4. This sterilant may contain peracetic acid. Furthermore, if the sterilant contains peracetic acid, the concentration of the sterilant may be 1000 ppm or more and 3000 ppm or less. By setting the concentration of the sterilant to 1000 ppm or more, the sterilization effect of the sterilant on the first sterilizer 62 or the like can be enhanced. Furthermore, since the concentration of the sterilizing agent is 3000 ppm or less, the amount of peracetic acid used can be reduced, and the cost of sterilizing the sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

[0201] The temperature of the sterilant or cleaner supplied to the circulation system 59A may be 50°C or higher and 150°C or lower. When the temperature of the sterilant or cleaner is 50°C or higher, the sterilizing and cleaning effects of the sterilant on the first sterilizer 62, etc. can be improved. When the temperature of the sterilant or cleaner is 150°C or lower, the first sterilizer 62, etc. can be manufactured at low cost without using special materials.

[0202] Next, as shown by the bold line in FIG. 2K, a disinfectant or cleaning agent is circulated in a circulation system 95A (alternatively, a circulation system 59A including a storage tank 51 and a pump P1) provided in the sterilizer 60, which includes the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, and the circulation line 95 (a disinfectant circulation step, reference numeral S202 in FIG. 9B). In this case, the disinfectant may be circulated 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 to sterilize the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 provided in the sterilizer 60. By setting the circulation time to 10 seconds or more, the disinfection effect of the disinfectant on the first sterilizer 62 and the like can be enhanced. Furthermore, by setting the circulation time to 60 minutes or less, the sterilization time of the first sterilizer 62 and the like can be shortened. This reduces downtime.

[0203] Furthermore, if the next non-heated raw material produced has a pH below 4.5, hot water of 70°C or higher, preferably 85°C or higher but lower than 100°C, is circulated through the circulation system 95A for at least 3 minutes but less than 60 minutes, and SIP is performed in this manner in the non-heated raw material sterilization line 50. If the first sterilizer 62 or the like has an ultraviolet lamp, the ultraviolet lamp may be left on during SIP. If the ultraviolet lamp is not heat-resistant, it is recommended that after SIP, the material be cooled to a temperature at which the ultraviolet lamp can be turned on while circulating. It is also recommended that a heat exchanger 97 and a pump (not shown) be installed in the circulation line 95 of the circulation system 95A.

[0204] The disinfectant is then discharged from sampling point SP3 or sampling point SP5 (reference numeral S203 in FIG. 9B), followed by a rinsing step (reference numeral S204 in FIG. 9B). During discharge, sterile air (not shown) may be supplied to prevent bacterial contamination within the sterilized piping, allowing for quick discharge. The rinsing step may be skipped over the discharge step from sampling point SP3 or SP5. In the rinsing step, the pre-stage sterilizer 62A is first thoroughly rinsed with rinsing liquid to prevent the disinfectant from adhering to the foreign matter removal filter 61, and the rinsing liquid is then passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61. Next, any disinfectant remaining in the first sterilizer 62 is thoroughly rinsed with rinsing liquid, and the rinsing liquid is then passed through the first sterilization filter 63. Similar operations are then performed sequentially downstream.

[0205] Next, the first sterilizing filter 63 and / or the second sterilizing filter 65 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the first sterilizing filter 63, etc.) are sterilized (filter sterilization step, reference symbol S21 in FIG. 9A). At this time, heated steam (fluid) or hot water (fluid) is first supplied to the flow path of the first sterilizing filter 63, etc. (fluid supply step, reference symbol S211 in FIG. 9A). At this time, sterilizing steam is supplied to the first sterilizing filter 63, etc. from the sterile air supply port 60a, for example.

[0206] Next, the temperature of the heated steam or hot water supplied to the flow path of the first sterilization filter 63 or the like is measured, and the F value is calculated based on the measured temperature (F value calculation step, reference numeral S212 in FIG. 9A).

[0207] Thereafter, when the F value becomes equal to or greater than a target value, sterilization of the first sterilization filter 63, etc. is terminated. In this way, the first sterilization filter 63, etc. is sterilized. By performing heat sterilization of the first sterilization filter 63, etc. using the F value in this way, the first sterilization filter 63, etc. can be sterilized without applying more heat than necessary to the first sterilization filter 63, etc. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10. Furthermore, since the first sterilization filter 63, etc. can be sterilized without applying more heat than necessary to the first sterilization filter 63, etc., damage to the membrane of the first sterilization filter 63, etc. can be suppressed. This makes it possible to extend the life of the first sterilization filter 63, etc., and the first sterilization filter 63, etc. can be used for a long period of time without replacement.

[0208] When sterilizing the first sterilizing 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 for sterilizing the first sterilizing filter 63 may be supplied to the area between sampling points SP3 and SP4 to sterilize this area. Furthermore, the steam for sterilizing the second sterilizing filter 65 may be supplied to the area between sampling points SP5 and SP6 to sterilize this area. The foreign matter removal filter 61 (or a sterilizing filter) may be sterilized together with the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65.

[0209] In this way, the SIP treatment is performed on the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65, after which the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65 are cooled (reference numeral S213 in FIG. 9A), and an integrity test is performed on the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65 in the sterilizer 60 (reference numeral 22 in FIG. 9A). Thereafter, filling (production) of the contents by the contents filling system is started again.

[0210] The order of the sterilizer cleaning and sterilizing step (S20 in FIG. 9A) and the filter cleaning and sterilizing step (S21 in FIG. 9A) may be reversed (see FIG. 9D). Furthermore, it is preferable to perform the cleaning and sterilizing steps of the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 in parallel during the SIP cooling step of the filters 61, 63, and 65 (see FIG. 9E). In this case, the piping and valves in contact with the front and rear of the filters 61, 63, and 65 come into contact with the sterilant, thereby shortening the cooling time. Specifically, it is preferable to start supplying the sterilant once the filters 61, 63, and 65 have cooled to below 110°C. This allows the sterilizer cleaning and sterilizing step to be completed during the cooling step of the filters 61, 63, and 65.

[0211] 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 sterilizer 60 is sterilized, the first sterilizer 62, etc. does not need to be sterilized.

[0212] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9C, the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65 of the sterilizer 60 and the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 may be cleaned and sterilized simultaneously. As shown in FIG. 9C, first, filling (production) is completed. Then, a post-production integrity test is performed on the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65 (reference numeral S30 in FIG. 9C). Next, a cleaning (CIP) process is performed for a predetermined time while supplying a cleaning agent and a sterilizing agent before the foreign matter removal filter 61 and circulating them using the circulation line 59 (reference numeral S31 in FIG. 9C). After the CIP process, a sterilization (SIP) process may be performed (reference numeral S32 in FIG. 9C). Alternatively, instead of the CIP process and the SIP process, cleaning and sterilization may be performed simultaneously (CSIP process) (reference numeral S33 in FIG. 9C).

[0213] The cleaning agents and disinfectants used in CIP, SIP, or CSIP treatments may be acidic agents such as peracetic acid, acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, pernitric acid, nitric acid, or phosphoric acid; alkaline agents such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide; chlorine-based agents such as sodium hypochlorite or chlorine dioxide; alcohols such as ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol; or ozone water, acidic water, or surfactants, which may be used alone or in combination. The temperature of the cleaning agent and disinfectant is raised by a heater (not shown), and cleaning or disinfection or cleaning-sterilization is performed under predetermined conditions (temperature, concentration, time) based on the values ​​of thermometers 59b and concentration meters 59c installed at various locations in sterilizer 60 and circulation line 59.

[0214] The cleaning agent and sterilizing agent may be discharged by supplying pure water from the water tank 50a and replacing the sterilizing agent with pure water using the pump P1. The sterilizing agent may also be discharged by supplying water from another device (not shown). The sterilizing agent may be discharged by monitoring the value of a concentration meter 59c installed downstream of the circulation line 59 and rinsing until this value matches the value of the pure water production device 50c. The rinsing time may be set using a timer, and the rinsing process may be completed when the specified value is reached. The first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may or may not be lit during the cleaning process, the sterilizing process, or the cleaning and sterilizing process. Alternatively, they may be lit only during the rinsing process. After cleaning and sterilization are completed, a pre-production integrity test is performed on the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65 (reference numeral S34 in FIG. 9C).

[0215] Next, if no filter leaks are found in the integrity test, the process moves to the first production preparation step, in which the product liquid is replaced (reference numeral S35 in FIG. 9C). In the first production preparation step, it is confirmed that the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b have a specified illuminance or higher while circulating pure water through the piping of the circulation line 59. If there are multiple ultraviolet lamps 67a and 67b, for example, if the total irradiation amount is 10 mJ / cm 2 or more, preferably 100 mJ / cm 2Next, raw materials (liquid product) to be sterilized without heat (non-thermal sterilization) are supplied from the target raw material sterilization line 50B, and the pure water is replaced with the liquid product. After the sterilizer 60 has been sufficiently replaced with the liquid product (measured by a flow meter and timer, after a predetermined time has elapsed), the pipeline is switched from the circulation line 59 to the tank 52 side, the liquid product is stored in the tank 52, and the process proceeds to the second production preparation step in which the liquid product is blended (reference numeral S36 in FIG. 9C).

[0216] As described above, according to this embodiment, a plurality of syrup-like heated ingredients are prepared by heat sterilization in advance, and these plurality of syrup-like heated ingredients are each placed and stored in BIB 91. Next, by connecting each BIB 01 to the connection line 71a of the aseptic mixing device 71, the syrup-like heated ingredients in each BIB 91 are placed in a sterile state into the aseptic mixing device 71. In this way, a mixed sterile ingredient can be prepared by mixing the plurality of syrup-like heated ingredients in the aseptic mixing device 71.

[0217] Thereafter, the non-heated raw materials containing water that have been non-heat-sterilized in the non-heated raw material sterilization line 50 and the mixed sterile raw materials prepared in the aseptic mixing device 71 can be aseptically compounded in the aseptic compounding device 55, and the non-heated raw materials and mixed sterile raw materials aseptically compounded in the aseptic compounding device 55 are filled into bottles 100 in an aseptic state in the aseptic filling device 21.

[0218] In this way, the mixed aseptic raw materials other than the non-heated raw materials that have been non-heated sterilized by the non-heated raw material sterilization line 50 are obtained by aseptically mixing, in the aseptic mixer 71, syrupy heated raw materials that have been preheated and stored in the BIB 91. Therefore, there is no need to provide heating equipment within the content filling system 10 in order to obtain mixed aseptic raw materials other than the non-heated raw materials. In this way, no special heating equipment is provided when producing mixed aseptic raw materials other than the non-heated raw materials, and therefore energy consumption by the content filling system 10 as a whole can be reduced.

[0219] Furthermore, the mixing ratio of the unheated ingredients to the mixed sterile ingredients prepared in the aseptic preparation apparatus 55 is 15:1 to 30:1. This allows the concentration of the mixed sterile ingredients prepared in the aseptic preparation apparatus 71 to be increased, while keeping the amount of mixed sterile ingredients small. This reduces the number of times a given BIB 91 needs to be placed in the aseptic preparation apparatus 71, and minimizes the precision with which BIBs 91 containing syrup-like heated ingredients are prepared.

[0220] The work of installing the BIB91 in the aseptic mixing device 71 and storing the syrupy heated raw material in the BIB91 both requires manpower and time, but by reducing these tasks, it is possible to improve the work efficiency within the content filling system.

[0221] <Second embodiment> Next, a second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described with reference to FIG.

[0222] In the second embodiment, an aseptic blending device 55 is connected to a non-heated raw material sterilization line 50 that non-heat-sterilizes non-heated raw materials containing water, and a BIB is connected directly to this aseptic blending device 55 in a sterile state.

[0223] Other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 and 8 to 9E.

[0224] The same parts as those in the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 6 and 8 to 9E are denoted by the same reference numerals, and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0225] In the second embodiment shown in FIG. 7, an aseptic mixer 71 for mixing a plurality of heated syrup-like raw materials, an aseptic liquid delivery device 72, and an aseptic raw material supply line 70 are not provided.

[0226] As shown in Figure 7, non-heated raw materials from non-heated raw material sterilization line 50 and syrup-like heated raw materials fed from BIB 91 and previously heat-sterilized are blended in aseptic blending device 55. The non-heated raw materials and heated raw materials blended by aseptic blending device 55 become the contents, which are filled into bottles 100 in an aseptic state by filling device 21.

[0227] Next, we will discuss aseptic compounding apparatus 55. Aseptic compounding apparatus 55 is composed of, for example, aseptic compounding or aseptic compounding piping. A plurality of preheated raw materials that have been heat-sterilized are stored in BIBs (bag-in-boxes) 91, and these preheated raw materials are fed from each BIB 91 into aseptic compounding apparatus 55.

[0228] Specifically, a plurality of connection lines 55a are attached to the aseptic compounding apparatus 55, and the connectors of each BIB 91 are connected to the connection lines 55a of the aseptic compounding apparatus 55. In this way, heated raw materials stored in the BIB 91 can be fed into the aseptic compounding apparatus 55 in a sterile state, and in this way, the unheated raw materials sent from the unheated raw material sterilization line 50 and the heated raw materials from the BIB 91 can be compounded within the aseptic compounding apparatus 55.

[0229] In this embodiment, a sterile blending tank is used as sterile blending apparatus 55, and an agitator is provided in the sterile blending tank to blend non-heated ingredients with multiple heated ingredients. Alternatively, when multiple heated ingredients are introduced into the sterile blending tank, the non-heated ingredients may be mixed with the heated ingredients introduced from BIB 91 inside sterile blending apparatus 55 without providing an agitator.

[0230] Furthermore, a sterile mixing tank may be used as sterile blending apparatus 55, or a sterile blending pipe may be used as sterile blending apparatus 55, with multiple BIBs 91 connected to the sterile blending pipe. In this case, different heated raw materials are fed into the sterile blending pipe from multiple BIBs 91, and the multiple heated raw materials can be blended in a sterile state in the sterile blending pipe with unheated raw materials sent from non-heated raw material sterilization line 50.

[0231] As shown in FIG. 7, the raw material to be heated is filled and stored in the BIB 91 in a preheated state.

[0232] In this embodiment, the BIB 91 is filled with heated raw materials that have been heat-sterilized in advance, as shown in FIG. 1D.

[0233] That is, as shown in Figure 1D, each BIB91 is filled with a syrupy heated raw material. In this case, first, of the raw materials to be contained, heated raw material 1, which is mainly excluding water, and heated raw material 2, which contains water, are prepared. Next, heated raw material 1 and heated raw material 2 are placed into aseptic raw material mixing device 93. This allows heated raw material 1 and heated raw material 2 to be mixed within aseptic raw material mixing device 93, and in this way a syrupy heated raw material is obtained within aseptic raw material mixing device 93. Next, the syrupy heated raw material prepared in aseptic raw material mixing device 93 is placed into BIB91 and stored in a sterile state.

[0234] In this way, a plurality of BIBs 91 containing heated raw materials containing different components can be obtained.

[0235] 7, unheated raw materials containing water supplied from unheated raw material sterilization line 50 and heated raw materials introduced from BIB 91 are mixed in a sterile state in aseptic blending device 55. In this case, the mixing ratio of unheated raw materials containing water to heated raw materials introduced from BIB 91 in aseptic blending device 55 is 15:1 to 30:1. Therefore, in this embodiment, BIB 91 can be filled with highly concentrated heated raw materials.

[0236] In this way, since a highly concentrated heated raw material can be filled into the BIB 91, it is possible to significantly reduce, for example, the amount of heated raw material filled into the BIB 91. This significantly reduces the number of times the BIB 91 is connected to the aseptic compounding apparatus 55, and also significantly reduces the number of times a syrup-like heated raw material is prepared using the aseptic raw material mixing apparatus 93 and stored in the BIB 91.

[0237] The work of connecting the BIB 91 to the sterile compounding device 55 and the work of preparing the syrup-like heated raw material using the sterile raw material mixing device 93 and storing it in the BIB 91 requires manpower and time, making it a difficult task.

[0238] According to this embodiment, the load of these operations can be reduced, and the workability within the system can be significantly improved.

[0239] Next, the operation of this embodiment having such a configuration will be described.

[0240] A plurality of BIBs 91 are connected to a plurality of connection lines 55 a attached to a sterile compounding device 55 .

[0241] In this case, a syrup-like raw material to be heated that has been previously heat-sterilized is stored in each BIB 91. The syrup-like raw material to be heated in each BIB 91 is then supplied to the aseptic preparation device 55 through the connection line 55a.

[0242] As shown in FIG. 1D, the syrup-like heated raw material is obtained by mixing heated raw material 1 and heated raw material 2 in an aseptic raw material mixing device 93, and the syrup-like heated raw material thus obtained is poured into BIB 91.

[0243] The operation of pouring and storing the syrup-like heated raw material into the BIB 91 may be performed within the content filling system 10, or may be performed outside the content filling system 10 and then transported into the content filling system 10.

[0244] Next, we will describe the operation inside the aseptic compounding device 55. In this case, unheated raw materials from the unheated raw material sterilization line 50 and heated raw materials from the BIB 91 are mixed in an aseptic state inside the aseptic compounding device 55 to produce the contents.

[0245] In this embodiment, the mixing ratio of the unheated raw material containing water prepared in aseptic preparation apparatus 55 to the heated raw material fed from BIB 91, i.e., the flow rate ratio of the unheated raw material to the heated raw material, is 15:1 to 30:1.

[0246] In this case, if the mixing ratio of the two ingredients contains more water than the above-mentioned range, the heated ingredients fed into the aseptic blending apparatus 55 from the BIB 91 will be too concentrated, making it difficult to reliably blend the unheated ingredients and the mixed aseptic ingredients within the aseptic blending apparatus 55.

[0247] On the other hand, if the mixture ratio of the two becomes less than the above range, it becomes difficult to increase the concentration of the heated raw material in the BIB 91 and reduce its amount.

[0248] In this case, it is necessary to increase the number of times that a specific BIB91 is installed in the aseptic compounding device 55, which increases the amount of BIB installation work and also requires the work of preparing BIB91 containing the syrup-like heated raw material, thereby reducing the work efficiency within the content filling system 10.

[0249] For these reasons, the mixing ratio of the unheated raw materials containing water mixed in aseptic compounding apparatus 55 to the heated raw materials fed from BIB 91 is set to 15:1 to 30:1.

[0250] In the embodiment shown in FIG. 7, multiple BIBs 91 may be connected to the aseptic compounding apparatus 55 so that multiple heated syrupy ingredients can be fed from the multiple BIBs 91 to the aseptic compounding apparatus 55, or a single BIB 91 may be connected to the aseptic compounding apparatus 55.

[0251] As described above, according to this embodiment, non-heated raw materials containing water that have been non-heated sterilized by non-heated raw material sterilization line 50 and heated raw materials stored in BIB 91 can be aseptically compounded in aseptic compounding device 55, and the non-heated raw materials and heated raw materials aseptically compounded in aseptic compounding device 55 are filled into bottles 100 in an aseptic state in aseptic filling device 21.

[0252] In this way, the mixed sterile raw materials other than the non-heated raw materials that have been non-heated sterilized by the non-heated raw material sterilization line 50 are pre-heated and stored in the BIB 91, so there is no need to provide heating equipment within the content filling system 10 to obtain heated raw materials other than the non-heated raw materials. In this way, no special heating equipment is provided when preparing heated raw materials other than the non-heated raw materials, so energy consumption by the content filling system 10 as a whole can be reduced.

[0253] Furthermore, the mixing ratio of the unheated ingredients prepared in aseptic preparation apparatus 55 to the heated ingredients fed from BIB 91 is 15:1 to 30:1. This allows the concentration of the heated ingredients stored in BIB 91 to be increased, while keeping the amount of heated ingredients small. This reduces the number of times a given BIB 91 needs to be placed in aseptic preparation apparatus 55, and minimizes the precision required to prepare BIB 91 containing syrup-like heated ingredients.

[0254] The tasks of installing BIB91 in aseptic compounding apparatus 55 and storing the syrupy heated raw materials in BIB91 both require manpower and time, but by reducing these tasks, work efficiency can be improved.

[0255] <Other variations> In the first and second embodiments described above, an example was 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 (see FIG. 2A3, etc.). In this case, the 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, etc., is turned on. The bacteria trapped on the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be sterilized, for example, while production of the product bottles 101 is stopped. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 10A, 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 storage tank 51. 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, as shown in FIG. 10B , if there are no structural issues with the filter, the bacteria trapped on the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be circulated in the circulation system 95A by causing the contents to flow backward. Note that, in this case, the difference between the pressure on the primary side and the pressure on the secondary side of the foreign matter removal filter 61 must 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 contents sterilized by the non-heated raw material sterilization line 50 can be guaranteed even if the contents are sterilized continuously for a long period of time by the non-heated raw material sterilization line 50.

[0256] <Further Modifications> As shown in FIG. 10C , the non-heated raw material sterilization line 50 may have multiple (e.g., two) sterilizers 60. This allows the sterilization of the contents to be ensured by the other sterilizer 60 even if one sterilizer 60 stops or the UV irradiation intensity of one sterilizer 60 decreases. Furthermore, while one sterilizer 60 is being cleaned (CIP) or sterilized (SIP), the other sterilizer 60 can be used to sterilize the contents. This allows for continuous production of product bottles 101. In the example shown in FIG. 18C , the configuration of the sterilizer 60 is the same as the configuration of the sterilizer 60 shown in FIG. 2A1 , but this is not limiting. Although not shown, the sterilizer 60 may be, for example, the sterilizer 60 shown in FIGS. 2A2 to 2J . Furthermore, when the non-heated raw material sterilization line 50 has multiple sterilizers 60, the sterilizers 60 included in the non-heated raw material sterilization line 50 may be different from each other. As an example, the non-heating raw material sterilization line 50 may have a sterilizer 60 shown in FIG. 2A1 and a sterilizer 60 shown in FIG. 2A3.

[0257] <Further Modifications> Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the content filling system 10 has been 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 fills the preform 100a with the content to mold the bottle 100 from the preform 100a.

[0258] 10D, the filling device 21 may be incorporated into the bottle molding section 30. Although not shown, for example, when a bottle 100 is molded from a preform 100a by filling the preform 100a with a content, the filling device 21 may be incorporated into the bottle molding section 30.

[0259] 10D, 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 chamber 70s.

[0260] In this modification, pressurized contents can be filled into the sterilized preforms 100a in the filling device 21. This allows the molding of the bottles 100 and the filling of the contents into the bottles 100 to be carried out simultaneously.

[0261] (Other variations) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the sterilizer 60 sterilizes contents having an electrical conductivity of 0.1 μS / cm or more and 20 μS / cm or less, but this is not limiting. For example, the contents sterilized by the sterilizer 60 may be water having an electrical conductivity of more than 20 μS / cm. In this case, the water may be tap water or well water.

[0262] In this case, as shown in FIG. 10E, the non-heated raw material sterilization line 50 may be provided upstream of the storage tank 51 with a pre-stage water tank 50d for storing water (tap water, well water, etc.) and a pre-stage sterilizer 62A having the same configuration as the first sterilizer 62. When the sterilizer 60 sterilizes tap water, etc., inorganic matter (oxides such as calcium) may adhere to the surfaces of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. (for example, surfaces made of quartz glass). If inorganic matter adheres to the surfaces of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., the ultraviolet radiation intensity of the sterilizer 60 may decrease. Therefore, if the ultraviolet radiation intensity of the sterilizer 60 decreases, it is preferable to remove inorganic matter adhered to the surfaces of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. by cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the sterilizer 60. In this case, as described with reference to FIG. 18C, the non-heated raw material sterilization line 50 may have multiple (for example, two) sterilizers 60. As a result, while one sterilizer 60 is being cleaned (CIP) or sterilized (SIP), the other sterilizer 60 can be used to sterilize water. This allows the production of product bottles 101 to be carried out continuously.

[0263] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which bacteria are inactivated or reduced using the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64, but it is also possible to inactivate or reduce not only bacteria but also endotoxins by irradiating unheated raw materials with ultraviolet light of 500 mJ / cm2 or more using the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64. In this way, this embodiment can inactivate or reduce not only bacteria but also endotoxins in unheated raw materials, making it possible to provide a content filling system suitable for pharmaceutical production. [Explanation of symbols]

[0264] 10 Content filling system 11 Sterilizer 18 Cap sterilizer 21 Filling equipment 21a Filling nozzle 32 Blow molding section 34a Preform sterilizer 50 Non-heating raw material sterilization line 50a water tank 50c pure water production equipment 51 Storage Tank 52 Tank 53 Auxiliary Filter 54 Tank 55 Sterile compounding equipment 55a connecting line 60 Sterilizer 70 Sterile raw material supply line 71 Sterile mixing equipment 71a connecting line 72 Sterile fluid delivery device 73 Auxiliary Filter 75 Addition Unit 88 Cap 91 BIB 93 Sterile raw material mixing equipment 100 bottles 100a preform

Claims

1. A non-heated raw material sterilization line that non-heated sterilizes non-heated raw materials containing water; an aseptic mixing device that mixes a plurality of heated raw materials that have been previously heat-sterilized in an aseptic state to prepare a mixed aseptic raw material; an aseptic blending device that blends the non-heated raw materials from the non-heated raw material sterilization line and the mixed sterile raw materials from the aseptic mixing device in an aseptic state; a filling device that fills the non-heated raw materials and the mixed sterile raw materials prepared in the sterile preparation device into containers in an aseptic state;

2. 2. The content filling system according to claim 1, wherein the mixing ratio of the non-heated raw materials to the mixed aseptic raw materials prepared by the aseptic preparation device is 15:1 to 30:

1.

3. 3. The content filling system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pre-heated and sterilized heated raw materials are individually packed in a sterile state and then introduced into the aseptic mixing device.

4. 3. The content filling system according to claim 1, wherein the plurality of pre-heated and sterilized raw materials are individually packed in a bag-in-box in a sterile state and then introduced into the aseptic mixing device.

5. A non-heated raw material sterilization line that non-heated sterilizes non-heated raw materials containing water; an aseptic blending device that blends the non-heated raw materials from the non-heated raw material sterilization line and heated raw materials that have been previously heat-sterilized under aseptic conditions; A content filling system comprising: a filling device that fills the non-heated raw materials prepared by the aseptic preparation device and the heated raw materials into containers in an aseptic state.

6. 6. The content filling system according to claim 5, wherein the mixing ratio of the non-heated raw materials to the heated raw materials prepared in the aseptic preparation device is 15:1 to 30:

1.

7. 7. The content filling system according to claim 5, wherein the pre-heated and sterilized heated raw materials are individually packed in a sterile state and then introduced into the aseptic compounding device.

8. 8. The content filling system according to claim 6, wherein the plurality of pre-heated and sterilized raw materials are individually packed in a bag-in-box in a sterile state and then introduced into the aseptic compounding device.

9. A step of non-heating sterilizing non-heated raw materials containing water in a non-heating raw material sterilization line; a step of mixing a plurality of pre-heated and sterilized heated raw materials in a sterile mixing device under sterile conditions to prepare a mixed sterile raw material; blending the non-heated raw materials from the non-heated raw material sterilization line and the mixed sterile raw materials from the sterile mixing device in a sterile blending device under sterile conditions; and filling the non-heated raw materials and the mixed sterile raw materials prepared in the sterile preparation apparatus into a container in an aseptic condition using a filling apparatus.

10. 10. The content filling method according to claim 9, wherein the mixing ratio of the non-heated raw materials to the mixed sterile raw materials prepared in the sterile preparation device is 15:1 to 30:

1.

11. 11. The content filling method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the plurality of pre-heated and sterilized heated raw materials are individually packed in a sterile state and then introduced into the aseptic mixing device.

12. 11. The content filling method according to claim 9 or 10, wherein the plurality of pre-heated and sterilized heated raw materials are individually packed in a bag-in-box in a sterile state and then introduced into the aseptic mixing device.

13. A step of non-heating sterilizing non-heated raw materials containing water in a non-heating raw material sterilization line; blending the non-heated raw materials from the non-heated raw material sterilization line and the heated raw materials that have been previously heat-sterilized in an aseptic blending device under sterile conditions; and filling the non-heated raw materials and the heated raw materials prepared in the aseptic preparation apparatus into containers in an aseptic state using a filling apparatus.

14. 14. The content filling method according to claim 13, wherein the mixing ratio of the non-heated raw materials to the heated raw materials prepared in the aseptic preparation device is 15:1 to 30:

1.

15. 15. The content filling method according to claim 13, wherein the pre-heated and sterilized heated raw materials are individually packed in a sterile state and then introduced into the aseptic compounding device.

16. 15. The content filling method according to claim 13, wherein the plurality of pre-heated and sterilized heated raw materials are individually packed in a bag-in-box in a sterile state and then introduced into the aseptic compounding device.

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