Device and method for dispensing liquefied fluid into container

Abstract

To provide a device (10) for dispensing liquefied fluid (F1) into a container (12).SOLUTION: A device (10) has a cooling container (14) for containing a coolant (K1). The device (10) has a liquefaction device (26) disposed within the cooling container (14) for cooling and liquefying gaseous fluid. The device (10) has a storage container (32) connected to the liquefaction device (26) to receive liquefied fluid (F1) from the liquefaction device (26), and positioned within the cooling container (14) to cool the liquefied fluid (F1). The device (10) has a dispensing device (38) for dispensing the liquefied fluid (F1) into a container (12), and the dispensing device (38) is connected to the storage container (32) to receive the liquefied fluid (F1) from the storage container (32).SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a device for distributing a liquefied fluid in a vessel, and to a vessel treatment plant comprising such a device.The present invention further relates to a method for distributing a liquefied fluid in a vessel. [Background technology]

[0002] Systems with devices for filling containers have long been known in the prior art. The containers are usually conveyed along a predetermined, e.g., circular, conveying path and are filled with a pasty or liquid product, e.g., a beverage, during this transport. Liquid nitrogen can also be introduced into the containers. For example, various properties of plastic containers can be improved in this way. For example, the mechanical load capacity (load-bearing capacity, transportability on a conveyor belt system, handling, etc.) can be improved. The shelf life of the filled product can also be improved by excluding oxygen from the headspace of the container. Tactile properties, i.e., grip feel, and other properties can also be improved. Such devices for introducing liquid nitrogen are called "nitrogen droppers," and the process itself is called "droppeln."

[0003] For example, German Patent Application No. 102010051543 discloses an apparatus for filling containers with a liquid. A filling element fills the container with a liquid. A conveying device conveys the container along a predetermined conveying path. An application device applies a further flowable medium to the container filled with liquid. The flowable medium comprises, for example, nitrogen.

[0004] Disadvantages of conventional systems for delivering liquefied fluid to a vessel can include complexity, large space requirements, and relatively high maintenance and repair costs.

[0005] The present invention is based on the object of creating an improved technique for dispensing liquefied fluids into containers, preferably with a particularly compact associated device. Summary of the Invention [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments are set out in the dependent claims and the description.

[0007] One aspect of the present disclosure relates to an apparatus, preferably a nitrogen dropper, for dispensing a liquefied (e.g., sterile) fluid, preferably (e.g., sterile) nitrogen or (e.g., sterile) oxygen, into a container. The apparatus preferably has a cooling vessel (e.g., pressureless or vacuum) for holding a liquid refrigerant. The apparatus further has a liquefaction device disposed within the cooling vessel for cooling and liquefying the gaseous fluid (preferably (e.g., sterile) nitrogen or (e.g., sterile) oxygen). The apparatus further has a storage vessel connected to the liquefaction device for receiving the liquefied fluid from the liquefaction device and disposed within the cooling vessel for cooling the liquefied fluid. The apparatus further has a dosing device (e.g., positioned below the dosing device) for dispensing the liquefied fluid into the container, the dosing device connected to the storage vessel for receiving the liquefied fluid from the storage vessel.

[0008] Advantageously, the apparatus can enable a particularly compact structural unit. The condensing device and the storage vessel are arranged together in the cooling vessel, and thus the refrigerant contained in the cooling vessel can be used together to cool the fluid. This can also advantageously simplify line routing in the apparatus. Furthermore, the otherwise critical interface between the condensing device and the storage vessel can be safely located within the cooling vessel and thus within the refrigerant contained therein. Advantageously, operation of the apparatus can also be simplified, for example, since only one refrigerant charge level needs to be monitored (e.g., there is no need to monitor two refrigerant charge levels).

[0009] Preferably, the reservoir is located below the liquefaction device, the dispensing device is located below the reservoir and / or the reservoir may be positioned below the dispensing device.

[0010] In one exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a fluid gas source, preferably a sterile fluid gas source, particularly preferably a sterile nitrogen gas source or a sterile oxygen gas source, connected to the liquefaction device for supplying the gaseous fluid to the liquefaction device, which can advantageously ensure a reliable supply of the gaseous fluid to the liquefaction device.

[0011] In a further exemplary embodiment, the device further comprises a source of refrigerant, preferably a source of liquid coolant, particularly preferably a source of (e.g. non-sterile) liquid nitrogen, which is connected to the cooling vessel for supplying the cooling vessel with refrigerant, thereby advantageously ensuring a reliable supply of refrigerant to the cooling vessel.

[0012] In one embodiment, the device further comprises a refrigerant fill level sensor, preferably heat sensitive, arranged in the cooling vessel for detecting the refrigerant fill level. Advantageously, the refrigerant fill level, and therefore the cooling performance provided thereby, can be monitored in this way.

[0013] In a further embodiment, the device further comprises a liquefied fluid fill level sensor, preferably heat sensitive, arranged in the storage container for detecting the fill level of the liquefied fluid. Advantageously, in this way the fill level of the liquefied fluid and thus the safe supply of liquefied fluid to the container can be monitored.

[0014] In one embodiment variant, the apparatus further comprises a processing device. Preferably, the processing device comprises: - adapting the supply of refrigerant from the refrigerant source to the cooling vessel in response to the signal output of the refrigerant fill level sensor, preferably to maintain a predetermined refrigerant fill level at which the storage vessel is at least partially, preferably completely, immersed in the refrigerant and the liquefaction device is at least partially immersed in the refrigerant; and / or - Depending on the signal output of the liquefied fluid fill level sensor, the supply of gaseous fluid from the fluid gas source to the liquefaction device may be adapted to preferably maintain a predetermined minimum fill level of liquefied fluid in the storage container.

[0015] Advantageously, this makes it possible to ensure safe and continuous operation of the device in a simple manner.

[0016] Preferably, the term "processing device" can refer to electronic plant (e.g., embodied as a driver circuit or with a microprocessor and a data memory) and / or mechanical, pneumatic, and / or hydraulic controllers that can take over control and / or regulation and / or processing tasks, depending on the configuration. Although the term "control" is used herein, this can also include or be understood as "closed-loop control" or "control by feedback" and / or "processing," as appropriate.

[0017] In further embodiment variants, the liquefaction device has a spiral pipeline and / or is preferably arranged directly above the storage vessel in the cooling vessel and / or the liquefaction device, the storage vessel, the cooling vessel and the dosing device form a common structural unit, the advantage of which is that a particularly compact construction can be achieved.

[0018] In one exemplary embodiment, the dosing device has a dispensing nozzle for dispensing the liquefied fluid into the container. Preferably, the apparatus can further have a treatment chamber in which the dispensing nozzle is at least partially arranged for treating, preferably tempering, and / or rinsing the dispensing nozzle; particularly preferably, the treatment chamber is arranged outside the cooling container. This can be advantageous, for example, to prevent the dispensing nozzle from undesirably freezing.

[0019] In a further exemplary embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a treatment medium line opening into the treatment chamber for supplying a (e.g., gaseous) treatment medium to the treatment chamber for treating the dispenser nozzle, the treatment medium line preferably being arranged outside the cooling vessel. Preferably, the treatment medium for treating the dispenser nozzle can be introduced into the treatment chamber, thereby making it possible to particularly reliably ensure, for example, that the dispenser nozzle does not undesirably freeze.

[0020] In one embodiment variant, the apparatus comprises a heating device connected to the treatment medium line for heating the treatment medium, and / or a temperature sensor connected to the treatment medium line for detecting the temperature of the treatment medium, and / or a treatment medium source, preferably a (e.g., sterilizing) nitrogen gas source, connected to the treatment chamber via the treatment medium line for supplying at least a portion of the treatment medium to the treatment chamber, thereby advantageously ensuring that the treatment chamber is supplied with the treatment medium at the desired temperature.

[0021] In a further embodiment variant, the device further comprises a fluid gas discharge line connected to the storage container for discharging the preferably gaseous fluid from the storage container. Optionally, the fluid gas discharge line can be connected to the processing chamber via a processing medium line for supplying the discharged fluid to the processing chamber as at least part of the processing medium. Advantageously, the gaseous fluid from the storage container can thus be used to process the dispensing nozzle.

[0022] In one exemplary embodiment, the liquefied fluid fill level sensor extends through the fluid gas discharge line into the storage container. This has the advantage that it allows for a particularly space-saving arrangement. Furthermore, for example, when using an insulated container in which the cooling container is placed, the number of access points / openings in / on the insulated container can be kept as small as possible.

[0023] In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a refrigerant discharge line, preferably connected to the cooling vessel for discharging evaporated refrigerant from the cooling vessel and preferably projecting upward into the cooling vessel, thereby allowing expansion of liquid refrigerant within the cooling vessel.

[0024] In a further embodiment, the apparatus further comprises an insulated container, preferably a vacuum insulated container, in which the cooling container and the liquefaction device disposed therein and the storage container disposed therein are disposed, which has the advantage of preventing the refrigerant in the container from being heated by the ambient environment of the apparatus.

[0025] In one embodiment, the apparatus further comprises a capping device having a cap that is selectively movable, preferably pivotable, to block or open the dispensing opening of the dosing device, which may advantageously allow cleaning of the apparatus (e.g. CIP or SIP).

[0026] In a further embodiment, the dosing device has a (e.g., elongated) valve element. Preferably, the valve element can be movable (e.g., to selectively block or open a dispensing nozzle of the dosing device) for dispensing the liquefied fluid into the container. Alternatively or additionally, the valve element can be arranged to partially block the fluid connection between the liquefaction device and the storage container in order to brake the fluid flowing through the liquefaction device, preferably having a valve seat for the valve element in or on the fluid connection. Particularly preferably, the valve element can thus combine multiple functions, i.e., on the one hand, dispensing the liquefied fluid into the container and, on the other hand, acting as a flow brake to improve liquefaction of the gaseous fluid in the liquefaction device.

[0027] A further aspect of the present disclosure relates to a container processing plant having a filling device, preferably a rotary filling device, for filling containers with a (e.g., liquid or pasty) fill material, the container processing plant further comprising an apparatus as disclosed herein arranged to dispense a liquefied fluid into the containers filled with the contents.

[0028] Optionally, the vessel treatment plant may also comprise a closure device, for example arranged to close a filled vessel supplied with liquefied fluid.

[0029] Preferably, the container processing plant may be configured to temper, manufacture, wash, coat, test, fill, close, pasteurize, label, print, mark, laser mark and / or package containers for liquid or pasty media, preferably beverages, liquid foods or products from the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry.

[0030] For example, the container may be embodied as a bottle, can, canister, carton, vial, tube, or the like.

[0031] Another aspect of the present disclosure relates to a method of dispensing a liquefied (e.g., sterile) fluid, preferably liquefied (e.g., sterile) nitrogen or liquefied (e.g., sterile) oxygen, to a container, preferably by an apparatus disclosed herein (e.g., in a container processing plant disclosed herein). This method is - liquefying the gaseous fluid in a liquefaction device that is at least partially immersed (for example, by means of a spiral pipeline) in a refrigerant bath of a (for example, pressureless or vacuum) cooling vessel; storing the liquefied fluid from the liquefaction device in a storage vessel (e.g., directly below the liquefaction device) that is at least partially, preferably completely, immersed in the refrigerant bath of the cooling vessel; and - dispensing the liquefied fluid from the storage container to a container (e.g., positioned below the dispensing device) by the dispensing device.

[0032] Advantageously, the method is able to achieve the same advantages as those already described herein with reference to the apparatus, as well as in the preferred exemplary embodiments of the method described below.

[0033] In one exemplary embodiment, the method comprises: - supplying a gaseous fluid from a fluid gas source, preferably a sterile fluid gas source, particularly preferably a sterile nitrogen gas source or a sterile oxygen gas source, to the liquefaction device in response to a signal output of a liquefied fluid fill level sensor, preferably a (for example heat-sensitive) liquefied fluid fill level sensor that detects the fill level of the liquefied fluid in the storage container; - supplying a refrigerant from a refrigerant source, preferably a cooling liquid source, particularly preferably a (non-sterile) liquid nitrogen source, to the cooling vessel, preferably in response to a signal output of a (for example heat-sensitive) refrigerant level sensor that detects the fill level of the refrigerant reservoir; - insulating the cooling vessel in an insulated vessel, preferably a vacuum insulated vessel; - moving a valve element of the dosing device for dispensing the liquefied fluid into the container; and - braking the liquefied fluid in the liquefaction device using a valve element of the dosing device that partially blocks the fluid connection between the liquefaction device and the storage container, preferably using a valve seat for the valve element in or on the fluid connection.

[0034] In another exemplary embodiment, the method - further comprising treating, preferably tempering and / or rinsing, the dispensing nozzle of the dosing device in a treatment chamber filled with a (e.g. gaseous) treatment medium.

[0035] In another exemplary embodiment, the method comprises: - heating the treatment medium as it is supplied to the treatment chamber by a heating device, preferably in response to a signal output of a temperature sensor that detects the temperature of the treatment medium; - supplying at least a portion of the treatment medium to the treatment chamber from a treatment medium source, preferably a (e.g., sterile) nitrogen gas source; and - supplying a preferably gaseous fluid as at least part of the treatment medium from a storage vessel to the treatment chamber (eg via a treatment medium line external to the cooling vessel).

[0036] The preferred embodiments and features of the present invention described above can be combined with each other as required. Further details and advantages of the present invention are explained below with reference to the accompanying drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0037] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic diagram (simplified PID / piping and instrumentation diagram) of an apparatus according to an exemplary embodiment of the present disclosure. [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic / cross-sectional view of an exemplary device. [Figure 3] 3 shows a detailed view of a portion of FIG. 2. [Figure 4] 3 shows a detailed view of another part of FIG. 2.

[0038] The embodiments shown in the drawings correspond at least in part, so that similar or identical parts are given the same reference numerals and, to avoid repetition, reference is made to the description of other embodiments or drawings for their description. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0039] 1 to 4 show an apparatus 10 for dispensing a liquefied fluid into a container 12. Preferably, the apparatus 10 is used as a so-called nitrogen dropper for dispensing liquefied nitrogen, preferably sterile nitrogen, into the container 12. However, it is also possible to use the apparatus 10, for example, to dispense liquefied oxygen, preferably sterile oxygen or pure oxygen, into the container 12.

[0040] Preferably, the device 10 can be included in a container processing plant (not shown). For example, the container processing plant can include a filling device and / or a closing device.

[0041] The filling device is capable of filling the containers 12, preferably with a liquid or pasty medium. The filling device is preferably configured as a rotary filling device. The filling device may have multiple filling valves for filling multiple containers 12 simultaneously or with overlapping time periods. For example, the filling valves may be arranged around the filling carousel of the rotary filling device.

[0042] The closure device can seal the container 12 with, for example, a lid, a cork, a crown cap, or a screw cap. The closure device can preferably be configured as a rotary closure device. The closure device can have multiple closure stations for closing multiple containers 12 simultaneously or with overlapping time. For example, the closure stations can be arranged around a closure carousel of the rotary closure device. The closure device can be arranged downstream of the filling device with respect to the container flow.

[0043] The apparatus 10 can then be positioned to dispense the liquefied fluid into the containers 12 that have been filled with the fill material. For example, the apparatus 10 can be positioned in the area of ​​a filling machine, in the area of ​​a closure machine, or in the area of ​​a container conveying machine that connects the filling machine and the closure machine to each other.

[0044] Apparatus 10 includes a cooling vessel 14, a liquefaction device 26, a storage vessel 32, and a dispensing device 38. Additionally, apparatus 10 may include, for example, a refrigerant source 18, a refrigerant fill level sensor 22, an insulated vessel 24, a fluid gas source 30, a liquefied fluid fill level sensor 36, a processing chamber 52, a heating device 56, a temperature sensor 58, a processing medium source 60, a capping device 66, and / or a processing device 72.

[0045] Particularly preferably, the cooling vessel 14, the liquefaction device 26, the storage vessel 32, and the dispensing device 38 form a common structural unit, which may include further components, such as components 22, 24, 34, 36, 40, 42, 44, 46, 48, 50, 52, 54, 56, 58, 64, 66, 68, 70, and / or 72.

[0046] The cooling vessel 14 is preferably configured to hold a liquid refrigerant. Preferably, the refrigerant may be liquid nitrogen. Preferably, the liquid nitrogen is non-sterile.

[0047] Preferably, the cooling vessel 14 is partially filled with a liquid, preferably pressureless, refrigerant (refrigerant tank) K1, for example liquid nitrogen. The refrigerant K1 may have a temperature of at least -196°C (77K), for example. The refrigerant K2 evaporating from the liquid refrigerant K1 may collect at the top of the cooling vessel 14. For better differentiation, the liquid refrigerant K1 and the evaporated refrigerant K2 are shown with different hatchings in the figures.

[0048] It is also conceivable to reduce the temperature of the coolant K1 significantly below −196° C. For example, a negative pressure can be generated in the gas space of the cooling vessel 14, i.e. above the coolant K1 or where the coolant K2 is present, for example by means of a vacuum pump connected thereto, which allows, for example, a temperature limit of −210° C. for the coolant K1 before the nitrogen freezes.

[0049] The cooling vessel 14 can have any shape suitable for containing the refrigerant K1. For example, the cooling vessel 14 can be substantially cylindrical, e.g., with a curved or flat bottom and / or a curved or flat top. Alternatively, the cooling vessel 14 can be, e.g., substantially spherical or substantially cubic.

[0050] Preferably, cooling vessel 14 can be connected to a cooling medium source 18 via a cooling medium supply line 16. Coolant source 18 is preferably a source of cooling liquid, such as a source of non-sterile liquid nitrogen. Coolant supply line 16 opens into the top of cooling vessel 14 and can, for example, protrude into it.

[0051] The cooling vessel 14 can preferably be connected to a refrigerant discharge line 20. The evaporated refrigerant K2 can be discharged from the cooling vessel 14 via the refrigerant discharge line 20. Preferably, the refrigerant discharge line 20 projects into the cooling vessel 14 from above. The expansion of the refrigerant K1 can therefore advantageously take place via the refrigerant discharge line 20.

[0052] The refrigerant fill level sensor 22 is preferably arranged within the cooling vessel 14 and can, for example, protrude into the cooling vessel 14. The refrigerant fill level sensor 22 can detect the fill level of the liquid refrigerant K1 within the cooling vessel 14. The refrigerant fill level sensor 22 can also be referred to as a refrigerant fill level probe.

[0053] The refrigerant fill level sensor 22 can use any known measurement principle to detect the fill level. Preferably, the refrigerant fill level sensor 22 can be thermal sensitive.

[0054] Preferably, the refrigerant fill level sensor 22 protrudes from above into the cooling vessel 14. For example, the refrigerant fill level sensor 22 within the cooling vessel 14 may be surrounded by the liquefaction device 26.

[0055] Preferably, the cooling vessel 14 is disposed within an insulated vessel 24 together with the liquefaction device 26 and the storage vessel 32. The insulated vessel 24 is preferably a vacuum insulated vessel. The interior of the insulated vessel 24 in which the cooling vessel 14 is disposed can be substantially evacuated. The outer circumferential surface of the cooling vessel 14 can be spaced apart from the inner circumferential surface of the cooling vessel 14.

[0056] The insulated container 24 can have any shape for receiving the cooling container 14 or the like. For example, the insulated container 24 can be substantially cylindrical, e.g., with a curved or flat bottom and / or a curved or flat top. Alternatively, the insulated container 24 can be substantially spherical or substantially cubic, e.g.,

[0057] The liquefaction device 26 is disposed within the cooling vessel 14. Preferably, the liquefaction device 26 may be disposed in the upper portion of the cooling vessel 14. Preferably, the liquefaction device 26 is disposed within the cooling vessel 14 directly above the storage vessel 32.

[0058] The liquefaction device 26 is cooled by the refrigerants K1, K2 in the cooling vessel 14 and liquefies the gaseous fluid flowing through the liquefaction device 26. The gaseous fluid is preferably sterilized gaseous nitrogen or oxygen.

[0059] Preferably, the liquefaction device 26 comprises a helical (spiral) pipeline. The gaseous fluid can flow through the helical pipeline, be cooled and liquefied. Preferably, the liquefaction device 26 or the helical pipeline is at least partially immersed in the liquid refrigerant K1.

[0060] However, instead of a spiral pipeline, other shapes and paths for the liquefaction device 26 or its pipeline for the fluid are also conceivable, which allow effective heat exchange with the refrigerants K1, K2 in the cooling vessel 14 to liquefy the gaseous fluid.

[0061] Preferably, the liquefaction device 26 can be connected to a fluid gas source 30 via a fluid gas supply line 28. The fluid gas source 30 can supply a gaseous fluid to the liquefaction device 26 via the fluid gas supply line 28. The fluid gas source 30 is preferably a sterile fluid gas source. Particularly preferably, the fluid gas source 30 is a sterile nitrogen gas source. However, the fluid gas source 30 can also be, for example, a sterile oxygen gas source / pure oxygen gas source. Preferably, the fluid gas supply line 28 protrudes from above into the cooling vessel 14 and can be connected to the liquefaction device 26.

[0062] The storage vessel 32 is connected to the liquefaction device 26, for example, via a fluid connection 48, for receiving the liquefied fluid from the liquefaction device 26. The storage vessel 32 is disposed within the cooling vessel 14 for cooling the received liquefied fluid. Preferably, the storage vessel 32 may be disposed below the cooling vessel 14. Preferably, the storage vessel 32 is disposed within the cooling vessel 14 directly below the liquefaction device 26.

[0063] The liquefied fluid can be (temporarily) stored or buffered in the storage container 32. Preferably, the storage container 32 is partially filled with a liquefied fluid (fluid tank) F1, for example, liquid sterile nitrogen or liquid sterile oxygen. Fluid F2, e.g., evaporated from the liquefied fluid F1 during its flow into the storage container 32, or fluid F2 still in gaseous form from the liquefaction device 26, can collect at the top of the storage container 32. The liquefied fluid F1 can expand in the storage container 32, for example, to the ambient pressure of the apparatus 10 (e.g., the insulator pressure of the clean room in which the apparatus 10 is located). For better distinction, the liquefied fluid F1 and the evaporated fluid F2 are shown in the figures with different hatching.

[0064] The storage container 32 with the (sterile) liquefied fluid F1 is placed in a (non-sterile) liquid refrigerant K1 which is preferably at least below -196°C, so that this is a subcooled liquid, or so-called liquid subcooling.

[0065] The reservoir 32 can have any shape suitable for storing the fluids F1 and F2. For example, the reservoir 32 can be substantially cylindrical, e.g., with a curved or flat bottom and / or a curved or flat top. Alternatively, the reservoir 32 can be substantially spherical or substantially cubic, e.g.,

[0066] Preferably, the fluid gas discharge line 34 may be connected to the storage vessel 32 for discharging the fluid F2 from the storage vessel 32. For example, the fluid gas discharge line 34 may be connected to the top of the storage vessel 32.

[0067] The fluid gas discharge line 34 may, for example, extend upward from the storage vessel 32. The fluid gas discharge line 34 may preferably extend out from the cooling vessel 14. Preferably, at least a portion of the fluid gas discharge line 34 may be surrounded by the liquefaction device 26 (e.g., its spiral pipeline).

[0068] The liquefied fluid fill level sensor 36 is preferably disposed within the storage vessel 32 and may, for example, protrude into the storage vessel 32. The liquefied fluid fill level sensor 36 may detect the fill level of the liquefied fluid F1 within the storage vessel 32. The liquefied fluid fill level sensor 36 may also be referred to as a liquefied fluid fill level probe.

[0069] The liquefied fluid fill level sensor 36 can use any known measurement principle to detect the fill level. Preferably, the liquefied fluid fill level sensor 36 can be heat sensitive.

[0070] Preferably, the liquefied fluid fill level sensor 36 protrudes from above into the storage vessel 32. Particularly preferably, the liquefied fluid fill level sensor 36 can extend into the storage vessel 32 through the fluid gas discharge line 34. Preferably, at least a portion of the liquefied fluid fill level sensor 36 can be surrounded by the liquefaction device 26 (e.g., its spiral pipeline).

[0071] The dosing device is configured to dispense the liquefied fluid F1 into the container 12. The container 12 may be positioned below the dosing device .

[0072] The dosing device 38 is connected to the storage container 32. The dosing device 38 receives the liquefied fluid F1 from the storage container 32.

[0073] The dispensing device 38 preferably includes a dispensing nozzle 40 and a valve element 44 .

[0074] The dispensing nozzle 40 can dispense the liquefied fluid F1 into the vessel 12. Preferably, the dispensing nozzle 40 can be connected to the storage vessel 32 via an outlet line 42. Preferably, the outlet line 42 can extend vertically. For example, the outlet line 42 can be connected to the bottom of the storage vessel 32 and to the top of the dispensing nozzle 40.

[0075] Particularly preferably, the outlet line 42 is surrounded by a part of the cooling vessel 14 and thus by the liquid refrigerant K1. This part of the cooling vessel 14 may in turn preferably be surrounded by a part of the insulating vessel 24.

[0076] Valve element 44 is preferably movable for dispensing liquefied fluid F1 into container 12. For example, valve element 44 can selectively open or block the inlet of dispensing nozzle 40. Metering by valve element 44 and dispensing nozzle 40 can be continuous or discontinuous.

[0077] The movement of the valve element 44 can be driven in any manner. For example, a drive unit 46 of the device 10 can drive the movement of the valve element 44. The drive unit 46 can be, for example, a mechanical, electric, electromagnetic, pneumatic, or hydraulic drive unit. The drive unit 46 can be, for example, located above the insulated vessel 24.

[0078] Preferably, the valve element 44 is elongated, e.g., rod-shaped. The valve element 44 preferably extends through the insulated vessel 24, the cooling vessel 14, the storage vessel 32, and / or the outlet line 42. Preferably, a portion of the valve element 44 may be surrounded by the liquefaction device 26 (e.g., its spiral pipeline).

[0079] Valve element 44 can also preferably function as an (active) flow brake for the liquefied fluid in liquefaction device 26 before it flows into storage vessel 32. That is, valve element 44 is preferably positioned to partially block fluid connection 48 between liquefaction device 26 and storage vessel 32 (see especially FIG. 3 ).

[0080] The valve element 44 may be configured to achieve an effect as a flow brake, or for braking the liquefied fluid within the liquefaction device 26, regardless of whether the valve element 44 is blocking or releasing the dispensing nozzle 40 for dispensing the liquefied fluid F1. In particular, the valve element 44 may preferably have a thickened portion 44A that is sized (long) to fully or partially block the fluid connection 48 when the valve element 44 blocks the dispensing nozzle 40 and when the valve element 44 releases the dispensing nozzle 40.

[0081] The valve element 44 may further include a thinned portion 44B that may release a larger flow cross-section of the fluid connection 48 than the thickened portion 44A when the cross-section is positioned within the fluid connection 48 by corresponding movement of the valve element 44. This may be desirable, for example, when the flow brake is deactivated during other required process steps (e.g., sterilization, drying, emptying), thereby allowing a larger volumetric flow rate through the fluid connection 48.

[0082] Particularly preferably, the valve seat 50 of the valve element 44 may be located directly within or adjacent to the fluid connection 48 to allow for partial blockage of flow or to act as a flow brake.

[0083] Preferably, dispense nozzle 40 may be disposed at least partially within processing chamber / nozzle chamber 52. In processing chamber 52, dispense nozzle 40 may be processed. For example, dispense nozzle 40 may be conditioned and / or cleaned within processing chamber 52.

[0084] The processing medium line 54 may open into the processing chamber 52 to supply processing medium B to the processing chamber 52. Preferably, the processing medium line 54 may be located outside the cooling vessel 14 and / or the insulated vessel 24. For example, a portion of the processing medium line 54 may extend parallel to the vertical axis of the cooling vessel 14.

[0085] Preferably, a heating device 56 can be connected to the treatment medium line 54 to heat the treatment medium B. For example, the heating device 56 can heat the treatment medium B while it flows through the treatment medium line 54.

[0086] Preferably, a temperature sensor 58 may be connected to the process medium line 54 to detect the temperature of the process medium B. Preferably, the temperature sensor 58 may be adjacent to the heating device 56.

[0087] The processing medium source 60 may be, for example, a sterile processing medium source, such as a sterile nitrogen gas source. Preferably, the processing medium source 60 may be connected to the processing chamber 52 via a processing medium line 54 to supply at least a portion of the processing medium B to the processing chamber 52.

[0088] Particularly preferably, the fluid gas discharge line 34 is connected to the treatment chamber 52 via a treatment medium line 54. Via the fluid gas discharge line 34, evaporated / gaseous fluid F2 can be supplied from the storage vessel 32 to the treatment chamber 52 as at least part of the treatment medium B. Preferably, the treatment medium B can therefore originate partly from the treatment medium source 60 and partly from the storage vessel 32.

[0089] For example, the supply line 62 from the treatment medium source 60 and the fluid gas discharge line 34 can open into at least one inlet port 64 of the treatment medium line 54. Preferably, the fluid gas discharge line 34 and the supply line 62 open together into the same inlet port 64. Preferably, the inlet port 64 can be located within the insulated vessel 24 and / or outside of the cooling vessel 14. For example, the inlet port 64 can be located within the insulated vessel 24 above the cooling vessel 14.

[0090] The capping device 66 may have a movable cap 68. The cap 68 is preferably movable so as to selectively block or open a dispensing opening 70 of the dispensing device 38. Preferably, the dispensing opening 70 may correspond to the outlet of the dispensing nozzle 40 or may be located directly below the dispensing nozzle 40. The discharge opening 70 may be an opening in the bottom side of the processing chamber 52.

[0091] Preferably, the cap 68 is pivotable between an open position and a shut-off position. The cap 68 may be a cleaning cap, such as a CIP (clean-in-place) cap or a SIP (sterilize-in-place) cap, which allows the dispensing opening 70 to be closed for cleaning the device 10 or for other process steps.

[0092] A processing device 72 (shown only diagrammatically in FIG. 1) may be configured to operate the apparatus 10 .

[0093] For example, the processing device 72 may be configured to operate the drive unit 46 to move the valve element 44 to dispense the liquefied fluid F1 from the apparatus 10 into the container 12.

[0094] For example, the processing device 72 may be configured to regulate the supply of refrigerant from the refrigerant source 18 to the cooling vessel 14 in response to the signal output of the refrigerant fill level sensor 22. Preferably, in this way a predetermined refrigerant fill level can be maintained at which the storage vessel 32 is at least partially, preferably completely, immersed in the refrigerant K1 and the liquefaction device 26 is at least partially immersed in the refrigerant K1.

[0095] For example, the processing device 72 may be configured to adjust the supply of gaseous fluid from the fluid gas source 30 to the liquefaction device 26 in response to the signal output of the liquefied fluid fill level sensor 36. Preferably, in this way, a predetermined minimum liquefied fluid fill level in the storage vessel 32 may be maintained.

[0096] For example, the processing device 72 can be configured to operate the heating device 56 to heat the processing medium B flowing through the processing medium line 54 in response to the signal output of the temperature sensor 58. Preferably, a minimum temperature of the processing medium B can be achieved in this manner.

[0097] The present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, numerous variations and modifications are possible that similarly utilize the inventive concept and thus fall within the scope of protection. In particular, the present invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of the dependent claims, regardless of the claims to which they refer. In particular, the individual features of independent claim 1 are each disclosed independently of one another. Furthermore, the features of the dependent claims are also disclosed independently of all features of independent claim 1, for example, independently of features relating to the presence and / or configuration of the cooling vessel, liquefaction device, storage vessel, and / or dispensing device of independent claim 1. All ranges specified herein should be understood to be further disclosed, for example, as relevant preferred narrower outer limits of the relevant ranges, such that all values ​​falling within the relevant ranges are individually disclosed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0098] 10 equipment 12 containers 14 Cooling vessel 16 Refrigerant supply line 18 Refrigerant source 20 Refrigerant discharge line 22 Refrigerant fill level sensor 24 Insulated container 26 Liquefaction Device 28 Fluid gas supply line 30 Fluid Gas Source 32 Storage Container 34 Fluid gas discharge line 36 Liquid Fluid Fill Level Sensor 38 Administration Device 40 distribution nozzle 42 Exit Line 44 Valve element 44A Thick wall part 44B Thin wall part 46 Drive Unit 48 Fluid Connections 50 Valve seat 52 Processing Chamber 54 Processing Media Line 56 Heating Devices 58 Temperature Sensor 60 Processing Media Source 62 Supply Line 64 Entrance 66 Capping Device 68 Cap 70 Distribution opening 72 Processing Device B. Processing medium F1 Liquefied fluid / fluid tank F2 vapor / gaseous fluid K1 Liquid refrigerant / refrigerant tank K2 Evaporated refrigerant

Claims

1. A device (10), preferably a nitrogen dropper, for dispensing a liquefied fluid (F1), preferably nitrogen or oxygen, into a container (12), said device (10) comprising: a cooling vessel (14) for receiving a preferably liquid refrigerant (K1); a liquefaction device (26) disposed within the cooling vessel (14) for cooling and liquefying the gaseous fluid; a storage vessel (32) connected to the liquefaction device (26) to receive the liquefied fluid (F1) from the liquefaction device (26) and disposed within the cooling vessel (14) to cool the liquefied fluid (F1); and a dosing device (38) for dispensing the liquefied fluid (F1) into the container (12), the dosing device (38) being connected to the storage container (32) for receiving the liquefied fluid (F1) from the storage container (32).

2. a fluid gas source (30), preferably a sterile fluid gas source, particularly preferably a sterile nitrogen gas source or a sterile oxygen gas source, connected to the liquefaction device (26) for supplying the gaseous fluid to the liquefaction device (26); 2. The apparatus (10) according to claim 1, further comprising at least one coolant source (18), preferably a cooling liquid source, particularly preferably a liquid nitrogen source, connected to the cooling vessel (14) for supplying the coolant (K1) to the cooling vessel (14).

3. a preferably heat-sensitive refrigerant fill level sensor (22) arranged in the cooling vessel (14) for detecting the fill level of the refrigerant (K1); and a preferably heat-sensitive liquefied fluid fill level sensor (36) arranged in the storage vessel (32) for detecting the fill level of the liquefied fluid (F1).

4. A processing device (72) comprising: - adapting the supply of the refrigerant (K1) from the refrigerant source (18) to the cooling vessel (14) depending on the signal output of the refrigerant level sensor (22) to preferably maintain a predetermined refrigerant filling level at which the storage vessel (32) is at least partially, preferably completely, immersed in the refrigerant (K1) and the liquefaction device (26) is at least partially immersed in the refrigerant (K1); and / or The apparatus (10) according to claims 1 and 2, further comprising a processing device (72) configured to adapt the supply of the gaseous fluid from the fluid gas source (30) to the liquefaction device (26) in response to the signal output of the liquefied fluid fill level sensor (36), preferably to maintain a predetermined minimum liquefied fluid fill level in the storage vessel (32).

5. At least one of the following is true: The liquefaction device (26) has a spiral pipeline; the liquefaction device (26) is located within the cooling vessel (14) preferably directly above the storage vessel (32); The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the liquefaction device (26), the storage vessel (32), the cooling vessel (14) and the dosing device (38) form a common structural unit.

6. The dosing device (38) has a dispensing nozzle (40) for dispensing the liquefied fluid (F1) into the container (12), and the apparatus (10) 6. The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising a treatment chamber (52) in which the dispensing nozzle (40) is at least partially arranged for treating, preferably tempering and / or rinsing, the treatment chamber (52) being preferably arranged outside the cooling vessel (14).

7. a treatment medium line (54) opening into the treatment chamber (52) for supplying a treatment medium (B) to the treatment chamber (52) for treating the distribution nozzle (40), the treatment medium line (54) preferably being located outside the cooling vessel (14); The device (10) comprises: a heating device (56) connected to said treatment medium line (54) for heating the treatment medium (B); a temperature sensor (58) connected to the treatment medium line (54) for detecting the temperature of the treatment medium (B); and a processing medium source (60), preferably a nitrogen gas source, said processing medium source (60) being connected to said processing chamber (52) via said processing medium line (54) to supply at least a portion of said processing medium (B) to said processing chamber (52).

8. A fluid gas discharge line (34), - connected to said storage vessel (32) for discharging a preferably gaseous fluid (F2) from said storage vessel (32), The device (10) according to claim 7, further comprising a fluid gas discharge line (34) connected to the treatment chamber (52) via the treatment medium line (54) and supplying the discharge fluid (F2) to the treatment chamber (52) as at least a part of the treatment medium (B).

9. The apparatus (10) of claim 8, wherein a liquefied fluid fill level sensor (36) extends through the fluid gas discharge line (34) into the storage vessel (32).

10. a refrigerant discharge line (20) connected to the cooling vessel (14) for discharging the preferably evaporated refrigerant (K2) from the cooling vessel (14), the refrigerant discharge line (20) preferably projecting from above into the cooling vessel (14); an insulated container (24), preferably a vacuum insulated container, in which the cooling container (14), the liquefaction device (26) disposed therein, and the storage container (32) disposed therein are disposed within the insulated container (24); and a capping device (66) having a cap (68) selectively movable, preferably pivotable, to block or open a dispensing opening (70) of the dosing device (38).

11. The dispensing device (38) has a valve element (44), - movable for dispensing said liquefied fluid (F1) into said container (12), and / or The apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 10, arranged to partially block the fluid connection (48) between the liquefaction device (26) and the storage vessel (32) in order to brake the fluid flowing through the liquefaction device (26), preferably by means of a valve seat (50) for a valve element (44) in or on the fluid connection (48).

12. 1. A container processing system comprising: a filling device, preferably a rotary filling device, for filling the container (12) with the filling material; and and an apparatus (10) according to any one of claims 1 to 11, arranged to distribute the liquefied fluid (F1) into the vessel (12) filled with the filling material.

13. A method for dispensing a liquefied fluid (F1), preferably liquefied nitrogen or liquefied oxygen, into a container (12) using an apparatus (10) preferably according to any one of claims 1 to 11, said method comprising the steps of: liquefying a gaseous fluid in a liquefaction device (26) at least partially immersed in a refrigerant bath (K1) of a cooling vessel (14); storing the liquefied fluid (F1) from the liquefaction device (26) in a storage vessel (32) at least partially, preferably completely, immersed in the refrigerant bath (K1) of the cooling vessel (14); dispensing said liquefied fluid (F1) from said storage container (32) into said container (12) by a dosing device (38).

14. supplying the gaseous fluid to the liquefaction device (26) from a fluid gas source (30), preferably a sterile fluid gas source, particularly preferably a sterile nitrogen gas source or a sterile oxygen gas source, in response to a signal output of a liquefied fluid fill level sensor (36), preferably detecting the fill level of the liquefied fluid (F1) in the storage container (32); supplying the cooling vessel (14) with a cooling medium (K1) from a cooling medium source (18), preferably a liquid cooling medium source, particularly preferably a liquid nitrogen source, in response to a signal output from a cooling medium level sensor (22) that detects the level of the cooling medium tank (K1); insulating the cooling vessel (14) in an insulated vessel (24), preferably a vacuum insulated vessel; moving a valve element (44) of the dosing device (38) for dispensing the liquefied fluid (F1) into the container (12); and braking the liquefied fluid (F1) in the liquefaction device (26) by a valve element (44) of the dosing device (38) partially blocking the fluid connection (48) between the liquefaction device (26) and the storage container (32), preferably by using a valve seat (50) for the valve element (44) in or on the fluid connection (48).

15. treating, preferably tempering and / or rinsing, the dispensing nozzle (40) of said dosing device (38) in a treatment chamber (52) filled with a treatment medium (B); Preferably, at least one of the following: heating the treatment medium (B) by a heating device (56) when the treatment medium (B) is supplied to the treatment chamber (52), preferably in response to a signal output from a temperature sensor (58) that detects the temperature of the treatment medium (B); supplying at least a portion of said processing medium (B) to said processing chamber (52) from a processing medium source (60), preferably a nitrogen gas source; 15. The method according to claim 13 or 14, further comprising supplying a preferably gaseous fluid (F2) as at least part of the treatment medium (B) from the storage vessel (32) to the treatment chamber (52).

Images