Setting of a cleaning operation for a container filling machine

Abstract

The invention relates to a method for setting up a cleaning operation of an apparatus (10), in particular for filling containers (12) with a filling material.SOLUTION: The apparatus (10) has a number of filling stations (36), each of which has a filler passage (46), a filler passage valve (48) arranged in the corresponding filler passage (46), and a flow meter (50) arranged to measure the flow through the corresponding filler passage (46). A cleaning medium is passed through at least some of the filler paths (46) by releasing at least some of the filler paths (46) by opening the corresponding filler path valves (48). The cleaning medium flow through the released filler path (46) is measured by a corresponding flow meter (50). At least one valve actuation parameter of a cleaning operation of the device (10) is set depending on the measured cleaning medium flow rate.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for setting up a cleaning operation of an apparatus for filling containers with a filling material.The present invention further relates to a method for cleaning an apparatus for filling containers with a filling material.The present invention further relates to an apparatus for filling containers with a filling material. [Background technology]

[0002] Various methods are known for cleaning and sterilizing filling machines for filling containers with filling materials such as beverages. Thus, for example, the so-called CIP ("cleaning in place") and SIP ("sterilization in place") methods have been established, which make it possible to substantially eliminate the need for disassembly of components and surfaces that come into contact with the filling materials or intermediate products and auxiliary materials. For example, filling elements do not need to be removed for cleaning or sterilization, but are simply rinsed or steamed while installed with a cleaning medium. "CIP" or "SIP" cleaning can also be described as the internal cleaning of the processing machine, i.e., the product path, gas path, pipes, etc. The present disclosure specifically relates to this internal cleaning. In contrast, for example, the abbreviation "COP" refers to external cleaning (all external surfaces).

[0003] SIP methods are incorporated herein into CIP methods for simplicity of terminology, ie, CIP methods include cleaning and / or sterilization.

[0004] WO 2019 / 043240 discloses an apparatus for filling containers with a filling material. The filling valve is preferably provided with a relief line extending outward through a rotary distributor to allow venting of the container filled with carbonated filling material before the container is removed from the filling valve. The relief line and rotary distributor can also be used for CIP cleaning of the filling material conveying area of ​​the apparatus.

[0005] DE 10 2019 132 749 A1 discloses an apparatus for filling containers with a filling material, preferably in a beverage filling plant, as well as a method for cleaning and sterilizing such an apparatus, which has a main component supply for supplying the main component of the filling material, preferably water, at least one filling element in fluid communication with the main component supply for filling the containers to be filled with the filling material, and a CIP device for cleaning and sterilizing components of the apparatus that come into contact with the filling material by means of a CIP medium.

[0006] Traditionally, cleaning operations are manually set up on-site, which is difficult and error-prone. In this regard, the cleaning operation may not guarantee proper cleaning, especially when, in addition to the filler path, gas paths, such as make-up gas paths, also need to be cleaned with cleaning media. During the cleaning operation, undesirable pressure surges may occur in the system, which may lead to, for example, damage to the bellows. Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0007] The present invention is based on the object of creating an improved technique for setting the cleaning operation of an apparatus for filling containers, which preferably makes it possible to overcome at least some of the above-mentioned drawbacks. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] This object is achieved by the features of the independent claims. Advantageous developments are set out in the dependent claims and the description.

[0009] One aspect relates to a method for (e.g., automatically) setting the cleaning operation of an apparatus, preferably a rotary apparatus, for filling containers with (e.g., liquid or pasty) filler material (e.g., beverage or food product), the apparatus having several filling stations each having a filler material path, a filler material path valve arranged in the corresponding filler material path, and a flow meter arranged to measure the flow rate through the corresponding filler material path. The method comprises: - passing a cleaning medium (e.g., only the cleaning medium) (e.g., from a cleaning medium source of the device) through at least some of the filler paths by opening corresponding filler path valves, thereby releasing at least some of the filler paths; - measuring (e.g. repeatedly) the cleaning medium flow rate through the opened filler channel using a corresponding flow meter; - (e.g., automatically) setting at least one valve operation parameter (e.g., of the device and / or filling station) of the device's cleaning operation depending on the cleaning medium flow rate measured (e.g., by a processing device of the device).

[0010] Advantageously, the method allows for improved settings for the cleaning operation by utilizing device technology for the filling operation, i.e., a flow meter. The flow meter can be used not only to ensure a constant fill volume in the container during the filling operation, but also advantageously to measure the cleaning medium flow rate. The measured values ​​can be evaluated to find optimal valve operation parameters for the cleaning operation and set the parameters accordingly. Specifically, it can be determined how many paths can be simultaneously flowed with cleaning medium to continue achieving sufficient cleaning (e.g., flow through the corresponding paths at a sufficient velocity for a given pipe diameter). The resulting switching characteristics between corresponding open paths can preferably ensure that the total cleaning medium volume flow rate can be kept substantially constant during the cleaning operation, which is particularly advantageous because, for example, it can reduce undesirable pressure surges in the system. In addition, error conditions can be quickly identified and reported. The use of existing equipment (= flow meter) advantageously allows for a cost-effective and simple implementation of the method. In addition to cleaning processes, this principle can also be applied, for example, to dispensing or emptying processes.

[0011] In one exemplary embodiment, the at least one valve actuation parameter includes a target number of filler material path valves that are simultaneously open during the cleaning operation. This advantageously ensures that during the cleaning operation, too many filler material path valves are not simultaneously open, and therefore too many filler material paths are not simultaneously open for the passage of cleaning medium, thereby ensuring a sufficient supply of cleaning medium to each filler material path. On the other hand, it advantageously ensures that too few filler material path valves are simultaneously open, and therefore too few filler material paths are not simultaneously open for the passage of cleaning medium, thereby preventing the cleaning operation from taking too long. By setting the target number, it is also relatively easy to ensure that the total cleaning medium flow rate remains constant, thereby preventing or at least reducing undesirable pressure surges, for example, during switching.

[0012] In a further exemplary embodiment, the setting of the at least one valve actuation parameter further depends on a predefined cleaning medium supply rate from the cleaning medium source of the device, which predefined cleaning medium supply rate is preferably a nominal (available) supply rate of cleaning medium from the cleaning medium source. Advantageously, the at least one valve actuation parameter, for example a specified target number, can be adapted to the nominal supply rate, so that the total cleaning medium flow rate can be kept constant depending on the nominal supply rate, which allows a particularly effective cleaning operation to be achieved.

[0013] In one embodiment, the following conditions are met: the target number of filler channel valves to be simultaneously opened during the cleaning operation is set as the number of open filler channel valves whose sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates substantially corresponds to a predefined cleaning medium supply amount; - a target number of filler material path valves to be simultaneously opened during the cleaning operation is set such that if the sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates is less than the predefined cleaning medium supply rate, the number of released filler material paths is increased by (e.g., successively) opening at least one further filler material path valve of the filler material path valves until the sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates determined for the increased number of released filler material paths reaches a number of open filler material path valves that substantially corresponds to the predefined cleaning medium supply rate; and - the target number of filler path valves to be simultaneously opened during the cleaning operation is set so that the number of released filler paths is reduced if the sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates is greater than the predefined cleaning medium supply amount, and reducing the number of released filler paths is achieved by closing (e.g., continuously) at least one of the open filler path valves until the sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates determined for the reduced number of released filler paths reaches a number of open filler path valves that substantially corresponds to the predefined cleaning medium supply amount.

[0014] In this way, an optimum target number of filler path valves that are simultaneously open for a cleaning operation can be advantageously determined iteratively.

[0015] In a further embodiment, the method further comprises outputting a (e.g., visual and / or audible) fault message using a user interface of the device if the sum of the measured cleaning medium flows is outside (e.g., greater than or less than) a predefined tolerance range, preferably starting from a predefined cleaning medium feed rate, whereby, again advantageously, an error in the cleaning agent feed rate and dispensed rate is detected, so that the cleaning agent feed rate and dispensed rate can subsequently be checked and corrected, e.g., manually.

[0016] In one embodiment variant, each of the filling stations further comprises a gas path (gas supply path), preferably a refill gas path, and a gas path valve, preferably a refill gas path valve, arranged in the corresponding gas path. Preferably, the at least one valve operation parameter comprises a target number of gas path valves that are simultaneously opened during the cleaning operation. Particularly preferably, the target number of gas path valves that are simultaneously opened is set as the number of opened gas path valves at which a predefined minimum flow rate and / or a predefined minimum flow velocity through the opened gas path is achieved, and / or the target number of gas path valves that are simultaneously opened during the cleaning operation and the target number of filler path valves that are simultaneously opened during the cleaning operation are coordinated.

[0017] This advantageously ensures that during the cleaning operation, too many gas line valves and, if applicable, filler line valves are not opened simultaneously, thus preventing too many gas or filler lines from being simultaneously opened for the passage of cleaning medium, thereby ensuring a sufficient supply of cleaning medium to each line. On the other hand, it is advantageously ensured that too few lines are simultaneously opened, thus preventing too few lines from being simultaneously opened for the passage of cleaning medium, thereby ensuring that the cleaning operation does not take too long. By setting a target number, it is also relatively easy to ensure that the total cleaning medium flow rate remains constant, thereby preventing or at least reducing undesirable pressure surges, for example, during switching. This is particularly advantageous because it does not require separate flow rate measurements and corresponding measuring devices in the gas lines. Instead, for example, the cleaning medium flow rate through the gas lines can be estimated based on the cleaning medium flow rate through the opened filler lines, for example, if the total flow rate is additionally known or measured, as will be described in more detail in the preferred embodiment below.

[0018] In one exemplary embodiment, the method comprises: - Further comprising passing the cleaning medium through at least some, preferably all, of the gas paths, preferably simultaneously or in a time-overlapping manner with passing the cleaning medium through at least some of the filler paths, by releasing at least some of the gas paths by opening corresponding gas path valves.

[0019] In one exemplary embodiment, the method comprises: - further comprising measuring the cleaning medium supply rate from the cleaning medium source of the device and / or the cleaning medium discharge rate from several filling stations (e.g. measured in the cleaning medium return section of the device), wherein preferably the setting of at least one valve operating parameter further depends on the measured cleaning medium supply rate and / or the measured cleaning medium discharge rate.

[0020] In one embodiment, the method - further comprising determining the cleaning medium flow rate through the released gas path depending on the measured cleaning medium flow rate through the released filler path and the measured cleaning medium supply rate and / or the measured cleaning medium discharge rate, wherein preferably the setting of the at least one valve operating parameter further depends on the determined cleaning medium flow rate through the released gas path.

[0021] In a further embodiment, the following conditions are met: the filler path valve is a closed-loop or open-loop control valve and / or is configured to adjust the flow cross-section (e.g., continuously or stepwise) between an open position and a closed position; and At least one of the filler path valves is satisfied, each closing with a pressure shock damping closing characteristic and / or being operated (for example by a processing device of the apparatus) so as not to close suddenly.

[0022] This advantageously allows for smooth switching between the open paths for the cleaning medium (filler path and optionally gas path), thereby reducing further undesirable pressure surges.

[0023] In one embodiment variant, the passing cleaning medium (e.g., through the open filler material path and / or the open gas path) is distributed from the filling station to the filling station environment. Alternatively, the passing cleaning medium (e.g., through the open filler material path and / or the open gas path) can be guided to a cleaning medium return from a cleaning cap (e.g., CIP or SIP) of the corresponding filling station positioned at the filler outlet of the corresponding filling station, preferably via an escape path of the corresponding filling station. Thus, the techniques described herein can be advantageously used, for example, in rinsing processes, CIP cleaning processes, and SIP cleaning processes.

[0024] In a further embodiment variation, several filling stations each have a fill valve disposed in a corresponding filler path downstream of the corresponding filler path valve for dispensing filler into the container, and while the cleaning medium is passing (e.g., through the open filler path and / or through the open gas path), the fill valve of the corresponding filling station is open, or the fill valves of all filling stations are open.

[0025] A further aspect of the invention relates to a method for cleaning an apparatus, preferably a rotary apparatus, for filling containers with a (e.g., liquid or pasty) filler material (e.g., beverage or food product), the apparatus having several filling stations each having a filler material path, a filler material path valve arranged in the corresponding filler material path, and a flow meter arranged to measure the flow rate through the corresponding filler material path. The method comprises: - setting (e.g. automatically) the cleaning operation of the device according to the methods disclosed herein; - performing a cleaning operation (e.g. automatically) to clean the device.

[0026] Preferably, the following conditions are met: the setting is carried out before carrying out the cleaning operation, preferably during the initial commissioning of the device, the setting is carried out at the start of the washing operation, preferably for the initial setting of the washing operation to be carried out; and The settings are preferably performed several times during the cleaning operation in order to dynamically adjust the cleaning operation to be performed.

[0027] In one exemplary embodiment, the cleaning operation is performed such that the filler path valves and / or gas path valves of the apparatus are opened and closed, preferably in a rolling manner, according to at least one set of valve actuation parameters, preferably to maintain a constant total cleaning medium flow rate through several filling stations. Alternatively or additionally, the filler path valves each close with a pressure shock damping closing characteristic and / or are operated (e.g., by a processing device of the apparatus) to prevent sudden closure.

[0028] A further aspect relates to an apparatus, preferably a rotating apparatus, for filling containers with a (e.g., liquid or pasty) filling material (e.g., a beverage or food product), the apparatus being configured to carry out the method disclosed herein.

[0029] For example, the apparatus may have several filling stations each having a filler material path, a filler material path valve disposed in the corresponding filler material path, and a flow meter disposed to measure a flow rate through the corresponding filler material path. Optionally, the several filling stations each further have a gas path (gas supply path), preferably a make-up gas path, and a gas path valve, preferably a make-up gas path valve, disposed in the corresponding gas path. The apparatus may further comprise, for example, a processing device configured to perform the methods disclosed herein together with the filling stations.

[0030] A further aspect relates to a container processing plant (e.g., for controlling the temperature of containers for liquid or pasty media, preferably beverages, liquid foods, or products from the pharmaceutical or healthcare industry, and for manufacturing, cleaning, coating, testing, filling, closing, pasteurizing, labeling, printing, marking, laser marking, and / or packaging such containers), which can comprise the apparatus disclosed herein.

[0031] For example, the container may be embodied as a bottle, can, canister, carton, vial, tube, or the like.

[0032] Preferably, the term "processing device" can refer to an electronic system (e.g., configured as a driver circuit or with microprocessor(s) and data memory) that can perform open-loop and / or closed-loop control tasks 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 with feedback" and / or "processing," as appropriate.

[0033] The term cleaning medium is understood to include any medium suitable for cleaning, particularly preferably CIP and / or SIP cleaning media. As cleaning medium, for example, immersion water or caustic solutions for rinsing can be used.

[0034] 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]

[0035] [Figure 1] 1 shows a schematic cross-sectional view of an apparatus for filling containers according to an exemplary embodiment; [Figure 2] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a filling station of an exemplary apparatus. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0036] 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.

[0037] 1 shows a cross section of an apparatus 10 for filling containers 12 with a filling material. The apparatus 10 may preferably be included in a container processing plant. The apparatus 10 is preferably a beverage filling machine. Preferably, the filling material may be a beverage.

[0038] The apparatus 10 has several filling stations 36, only one of which is shown in Figure 1 for clarity of illustration. The apparatus 10 may further include, for example, a fill material source 14, a carbon dioxide source 20, a buffer tank 26, a sterile air or nitrogen source 34, and / or a cleaning medium source 62.

[0039] A filler source 14, shown only diagrammatically in Figure 1, can provide filler for filling the container 12. The provided filler can be, for example, (product) water or a (product) water-syrup mixture. The water can be, for example, pre-washed, degassed, and / or treated. At least one syrup can be added to the water.

[0040] Filler material may be supplied to buffer tank 26 from filler material source 14 via main filler line 16 .

[0041] Preferably, a carbonator 18 may be disposed within the main charge line 16. The contents may be carbonated in the carbonator 18. The carbonator 18 may be configured, for example, as at least one carbonation nozzle. Carbon dioxide for carbonation may be provided by a carbon dioxide source 20. The carbon dioxide may be supplied to the carbonator 18 from the carbon dioxide source 20 via a gas line 22.

[0042] Preferably, a bypass 24 can be arranged around the carbonator 18. The bypass 24 allows to always provide substantially the same conditions in terms of flow rate and / or pressure for carbonation (CO2 addition).

[0043] The buffer tank 26 can temporarily store (buffer) the filler material. The buffer tank 26 can receive the filler material via the main filler material line 16. The buffer tank 26 can receive additional ingredients for the filler material, such as syrup, via an optional additional filler material line 28.

[0044] Preferably, carbonation of the fill material may be maintained in buffer tank 26. Preferably, buffer tank 26 may be pre-filled with carbon dioxide from carbon dioxide source 20. Buffer tank 26 may be pre-filled with carbon dioxide, for example, at a pressure such that release of carbon dioxide bound to the fill material is prevented. For example, pre-filling of buffer tank 26 may be accomplished by a pre-fill device that may introduce carbon dioxide from carbon dioxide source 20 into the headspace of buffer tank 26.

[0045] A circulation line 30 may be included to monitor the quality of the fill material in the buffer tank 26. A circulation pump 32 may be disposed within the circulation line 30. The circulation pump 32 may be used to remove the fill material from the buffer tank 26 and return it to the buffer tank 26. At least one sensor, such as a carbon dioxide sensor and / or a Brix sensor, may be disposed within the circulation line 30.

[0046] The buffer tank 26 and / or the gas line 22 for receiving sterile air may be connected to a sterile air source 34 .

[0047] The filling stations 36 may each be connected to a buffer tank 26. In particular, the buffer tanks 26 may be connected to the filling stations 36 via filler lines 38. Filler may be supplied from the buffer tanks 26 to the filling stations 36 via the filler lines 38.

[0048] Optionally, the gas space / headspace of the buffer tank 26 may also be connected to several filling stations 36 via make-up gas lines 40. Make-up gas (carbon dioxide) may be supplied to the filling stations 36 from the gas space of the buffer tank 26 via the make-up gas lines 40.

[0049] Preferably, the filling stations 36 may be included in a filler carousel or rotary filler 42 (shown only diagrammatically in FIG. 1). The filling stations 36 may fill multiple containers 12 with filler material simultaneously or with overlapping time periods. For example, the filling stations 36 may be distributed around the periphery of the filler carousel 42.

[0050] Preferably, the filling station 36 can receive filler from the buffer tank 26 (and filler line 38) via a rotary distributor 44. Optionally, the filling station 36 can also receive make-up gas from the buffer tank 26 (and make-up gas line 40) via a rotary distributor 44.

[0051] The rotary distributor 44 can transfer the filler material and optionally the make-up gas from the fixed plant portion of the apparatus 10 to a filler carousel 42 that rotates relative to it, in which the buffer tank 26 and the filler line 36 and optionally the make-up gas line 40 are located, among other things.

[0052] An exemplary filling station 36 is shown in greater detail in FIG.

[0053] Each filling station 36 includes a filler line 46, a filler line valve 48, and a flow meter 50. Each filling station 36 may further include, for example, a fill valve 52, a gas line (gas supply line) 54, a gas line valve 56, a relief line 58, and / or a relief valve 60. Preferably, the fill valve 52, the gas line valve 56, and the relief valve 60 together form a filling element of the corresponding filling station 36.

[0054] A filler passage 46 of the filling station 36 may be connected to the buffer tank 26 (see FIG. 1) to receive filler from the buffer tank 26. Preferably, the filler passage 46 may be connected to the filler line 38, for example, via a rotary distributor 44. For example, the filler passage 46 may be connected to the rotary distributor 44 via a ring channel.

[0055] A filler path valve 48 is disposed in each filler path 46. The filler path valve 48 can optionally allow or block flow through the corresponding filler path 46, or optionally adjust the flow. For example, the processing device 74 of the apparatus 10 can selectively operate the filler path valves 48 to assume an open position, a closed position, or optionally adjust the open flow cross-section.

[0056] Preferably, the filler path valve 48 can be a closed loop control valve or an open loop control valve. Preferably, the filler path valve 48 can adjust the flow cross section between an open position and a closed position.

[0057] A flow meter 50 is disposed within each filler passage 46. The flow meter 50 may be disposed within the corresponding filler passage 46 downstream of the filler passage valve 48, for example, as shown in Figures 1 and 2. Alternatively, the flow meter 50 may be disposed within the corresponding filler passage 46 upstream of the filler passage valve 48, for example.

[0058] The flow meter 50 is configured to measure the flow rate through the corresponding fill material passage 46. For example, the flow meter 50 may detect the flow of fill material to the fill valve 52. For example, the flow meter 50 may measure the flow rate, e.g., in terms of quantity and / or volume. The flow meter 50 may output a measurement signal indicative of the detected flow rate, e.g., to a processing device 74 of the apparatus 10.

[0059] The flow meter 50 may include any suitable flow measurement principle for detecting flow rate. Particularly preferably, the flow meter 50 may be a magneto-inductive flow meter or an ultrasonic flow meter.

[0060] The fill valve 52 may be located downstream of the fill material path valve 48 and the flow meter 50. Preferably, the fill valve 52 is located at the downstream end region of the corresponding fill material path 46. The fill valve 52 allows for the dispensing of fill material into a container 12 positioned below the fill valve 52.

[0061] For example, fill valve 52 can be opened to fill container 12. Fill valve 52 can be closed to block the flow of fill material through fill valve 52. Optionally, the flow cross section of fill valve 52 can be adjustable, e.g., the flow rate of fill material through fill valve 52 can be adjusted.

[0062] The filling valve 52 is particularly preferably a proportional valve. Due to its design as a proportional valve, it is possible to adjust the flow rate of the filling material in stages or, particularly preferably, continuously.

[0063] The fill valve 52 may be configured, for example, in the form of a conical valve. The fill valve 52 may have, for example, a valve seat against which the valve cone of the fill valve 52 can be lowered to close the fill valve 52. By gradually or continuously lifting the valve cone from the valve seat, the cross section of the annular gap between the valve cone and the valve seat can be changed.

[0064] The gas line 54 of the filling station 36 may be connected to the gas space / headspace (see FIG. 1 ) of the buffer tank 26, for example, to receive make-up gas from the buffer tank 26. Preferably, the gas line 54 may be connected to the make-up gas line 40, for example, via a rotary distributor 44. For example, the gas line 54 may be connected to the rotary distributor 44 via a ring channel.

[0065] A gas path valve 56 can be disposed in each gas path 54. The gas path valve 56 can selectively allow or block flow through the corresponding gas path 54. For example, a processing device 74 of the apparatus 10 can selectively actuate the gas path valves 56 to an open position or a closed position.

[0066] Preferably, gas line 54 can be configured as a make-up gas line, and gas line valve 56 can be configured as a make-up gas line valve. Preferably, make-up gas (e.g., from buffer tank 26) can be supplied to corresponding container 12 via gas line 54 and (opened) gas line valve 56 to pre-fill corresponding container 12. Return gas can preferably be returned to, for example, buffer tank 26 via gas line 54 and (opened) gas line valve 56 during filling.

[0067] However, the gas path 54 can also be connected to a corresponding gas source or gas sink, for example, to conduct another gas or to conduct a gas having another function.

[0068] The relief path 58 may allow for venting of the filled container 12. For example, the relief path 58 may be connected to the rotary distributor 44 to vent gas from the headspace of the filled container 12.

[0069] A relief valve 60 may be disposed within each relief path 58. The relief valve 60 may selectively open or block flow through the corresponding relief path 58. For example, the processing device 74 of the apparatus 10 may selectively operate the relief valve 60 to assume an open position or a closed position.

[0070] During a filling operation of the apparatus 10, the filling station 36 fills the container 12 with fill material. The filling station 36 may receive fill material from the buffer tank 26. A corresponding fill material line 46 may be opened for filling by opening a corresponding fill material line valve 48, and a fill valve 52 may be opened to fill the container 12. A desired fill material amount for the container 12 may be set by a corresponding flow meter 50. Optionally, the container 12 may be pre-filled with make-up gas via a gas line 54 before filling. A corresponding gas line 54 may be opened for pre-filling by opening a corresponding gas line valve 56.

[0071] In addition to the filling operation, the apparatus 10 can also be operated in a cleaning operation. To this end, the apparatus 10 can have, for example, a cleaning medium source 62 (shown only schematically in FIG. 1). Optionally, the apparatus 10 can further include, for example, a cleaning cap 64 (shown only schematically in FIG. 2) for each filling station 36 and a cleaning medium return 66.

[0072] The cleaning medium source 62 may supply cleaning medium to the filling station 36. The cleaning medium may be used for cleaning, sterilizing, and / or rinsing.

[0073] For example, the cleaning medium source 62 can supply cleaning medium to the main filler line 16. The cleaning medium can be supplied to the buffer tank 26 via the main filler line 16. The cleaning medium can be supplied to the filler channel 46 of the filling station 36 via the filler line 38. It is also possible to supply cleaning medium from the main filler line 16 via a connecting line 68 to the further filler line 28 for introduction into the buffer tank 26, from which the cleaning medium can be supplied to the filling station 36.

[0074] Preferably, the cleaning medium source 62 can also supply cleaning medium to the gas path 54 of the filling station 36 if one is present and it is desirable to also supply cleaning medium to the gas path 54 of the filling station 36. For example, cleaning medium can be supplied from the cleaning medium source 62 via the main filler line 16 and connecting line 68 to the further filler line 28 for introduction into the make-up gas line 40. Cleaning medium can be supplied to the gas path 54 via the make-up gas line 40.

[0075] For the cleaning operation, the cleaning cap 64 may be movable (e.g., pivotable and / or displaceable) below the filling element or fill valve 52 of the corresponding filling station 36 in order to return the cleaning medium flowing out of the filling valve 52, for example, to the escape path 58. The cleaning cap 64 may thus enable so-called clean-in-place (CIP) internal cleaning and / or SIP internal sterilization of the corresponding filling element / filling station 36. The cleaning cap 64 may be configured, for example, as a clean-in-place (CIP) cap or a sterilization-in-place (SIP) cap.

[0076] The returned cleaning medium can be returned to the cleaning medium return 66 via a relief line 58 that is opened by opening a corresponding relief valve 60. For example, the relief line 58 can be fed to the cleaning medium return 66 via the rotary distributor 44.

[0077] Preferably, a pump 70 may be disposed within the cleaning medium return 66. The pump 70 may transport the cleaning medium through the filling station 36 by aspirating the cleaning medium into the cleaning medium return 66. Depending on the number of open paths 46 (through the open filler path valves 48) and / or open paths 54 (through the open gas path valves 56), the pump 70 may aspirate different cleaning agent volumes per time and thus produce different cleaning agent flow rates through the enabled paths 46 and / or 54.

[0078] It should be noted that, while the exemplary embodiment having the cleaning cap 64 and cleaning medium return 66 including the pump 70 is particularly preferred, the technology disclosed herein is not so limited. Alternatively or additionally, in a rinsing operation as part of a cleaning operation, for example, the corresponding filler outlet of the fill station 36 can be left open, allowing the cleaning medium to escape from the fill station 36 into the environment, for example, into a collection tray located below the fill valve 52.

[0079] The apparatus 10 may further comprise a user interface 72 and / or a processing device 74 for operating the apparatus 10 .

[0080] User interface 72 may be configured to receive user input and / or output information to a user. For example, user interface 72 may be a visual, auditory, and / or haptic / tactile user interface. Preferably, user interface 72 may include a preferably touch-sensitive display, a loudspeaker, a microphone, a keyboard, buttons, and / or at least one signal light.

[0081] The user interface 72 may be used by a user to, for example, initiate a cleaning operation, initiate a cleaning operation of the device 10, and / or initiate a filling operation of the device 10.

[0082] The processing device 74 is configured to operate the apparatus 10 in, for example, a filling operation, a cleaning operation, and / or to configure a cleaning operation.

[0083] A particular feature of the present invention is the method of adjusting the cleaning operation, which is based on the knowledge that at least one valve actuation parameter of the cleaning operation is set based on the measurement of the flow meter 50 as the cleaning medium passes through the filling station 36.

[0084] The at least one valve actuation parameter may preferably be at least one valve actuation parameter of the filling station 36. Particularly preferably, the at least one valve actuation parameter may include a target number of simultaneously opened filler path valves 48 and / or a target number of simultaneously opened gas path valves 56, as described below by way of example. The at least one valve actuation parameter may alternatively or additionally include corresponding valve control curves of the filler path valves 48 and / or the gas path valves 56. The at least one valve actuation parameter may alternatively or additionally include corresponding opening durations of the filler path valves 48 and / or the gas path valves 56. The at least one valve actuation parameter may alternatively or additionally include corresponding opening times and / or corresponding closing times of the filler path valves 48 and / or the gas path valves 56.

[0085] The method for setting up the cleaning operation can be applied differently depending on the level of expansion and / or degree of automation.

[0086] For example, the configuration may be performed prior to performing an actual cleaning operation of the apparatus 10, preferably during initial commissioning of the apparatus 10. For example, the configuration may be performed at the beginning of performance of a cleaning operation of the apparatus 10, preferably for initial configuration of the cleaning operation to be performed. For example, the configuration may be performed preferably several times while a cleaning operation of the apparatus 10 is being performed, preferably to dynamically adjust the cleaning operation being performed.

[0087] For example, the setting can be used only to flush the filler passage 46 of the filling station 36. Alternatively, the setting can be used to flush the filler passage 46 and the gas passage 54 of the filling station 36.

[0088] During the setting process, the cleaning medium first passes through at least some of the filler material paths 46. For this purpose, filler material path valves 48 arranged in some of the filler material paths 46 are opened. Preferably, only the filler material paths 46 are opened, and not the existing gas paths 54. The gas path valves 56 can be closed accordingly.

[0089] The passing cleaning medium can be dispensed into the environment from the filling station 36, for example, or can be directed to a cleaning medium return 66 by a corresponding cleaning cap 64.

[0090] During the passage of the cleaning medium, the fill valve 52 of the corresponding filling station 36 whose filler path 46 is open can be opened, or, for example, the fill valves 52 of all filling stations 36 can be opened.

[0091] For example, the cleaning medium that has passed through the released filler path 46 can be sent from the cleaning cap 64 of the corresponding filling station 36, which is positioned at the filler outlet of the filling station 36, preferably via the relief path 58 to the cleaning medium return 66, as in the case of, for example, CIP or SIP cleaning. Alternatively, the cleaning medium that has passed through the released filler path 46 can be dispensed from the filling station 36 into the environment of the filling station 36 via the respective open fill valve 52, as in the case of, for example, rinsing.

[0092] The flow rate of the cleaning medium while passing through the open filler passage 46 is measured by a flow meter 50 .

[0093] Depending on the measured cleaning medium flow rate, a target number of filler path valves 48 to be simultaneously opened for the cleaning operation can be set, preferably automatically, preferably by the processing device 74. As already mentioned, the target number of filler path valves 48 to be simultaneously opened during the cleaning operation is a preferred example of a set valve actuation parameter for the cleaning operation.

[0094] Preferably, the target number of the filler path valves 48 to be opened simultaneously can be set as the number of the opened filler path valves 48 for which the total measured cleaning medium flow rate V2_sum substantially corresponds to the cleaning medium supply rate V1_nom, that is, V1_nom = V2_sum.

[0095] The cleaning medium supply rate V1_nom is a predefined value, preferably the nominal supply rate (available supply rate) of the cleaning medium from the cleaning medium source 62. The predefined value can be received, for example, via the communication interface of the device 10 or input via the user interface 72.

[0096] When the total measured cleaning medium flow rate V2_sum is less than the predefined cleaning medium supply rate V1_nom, that is, V2_sum < V1_nom, the number of the released filler paths 46 can be increased by opening at least one additional filler path valve 48 of the filler path valves 48 until the total measured cleaning medium flow rate V2_sum determined for the increased number of the released filler paths 46 substantially corresponds to the predefined cleaning medium supply rate V1_nom, that is, V1_nom = V2_sum.

[0097] When the total measured cleaning medium flow rate V2_sum is greater than the cleaning medium supply rate V1_nom, that is, V2_sum > V1_nom, the number of the released filler paths 46 can be reduced by closing at least one of the opened filler path valves 48 until the number of the opened filler path valves 48 reaches the number for which the total measured cleaning medium flow rate V2_sum determined for the reduced number of the released filler paths 46 substantially corresponds to the cleaning medium supply rate V1_nom, that is, V1_nom = V2_sum.

[0098] It is also possible to issue an error message. For example, when the total V2_sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rate is outside a predefined allowable range, the processing device 74 can operate the user interface 72 to output an error message. The allowable range can be predefined, for example, by the user interface 72 based on a predefined cleaning medium supply amount V1_nom.

[0099] For example, the cleaning medium source can provide a cleaning medium with a nominal supply rate of 60 m 3 / h. For example, when V1_nom >> V2_sum or V1_nom << V2_sum, an error message can be issued.

[0100] For example, in 150 released filler paths 46 (or 150 opened filler path valves 48), the total V2_sum of the 150 measured cleaning medium flow rates of about 400 L / h can each correspond to a predefined cleaning agent supply of, for example, about 60 m 3 / h (60,000 L / h) as determined in the above manner. Therefore, the target number of filler path valves 48 to be simultaneously opened for the cleaning operation can be predefined as 150. When performing this cleaning operation, for example, only 150 out of a total of 160 filler paths 46 are released, or for example, only 150 out of a total of 160 filler path valves 48 are opened. The filler path valve 48 can preferably open and close in a rolling manner, and as a result, the actual number of filler path valves 48 opened simultaneously corresponds to the predefined target number of filler path valves 48 opened simultaneously.

[0101] For example, if there is a gas path 54 and it is desired to consider the gas path 54, the setting method can be arbitrarily modified or supplemented by considering the gas path 54. When considering the gas path 54, at least one valve operation parameter of the set cleaning operation can preferably have the target number of gas path valves 56 to be simultaneously opened during the cleaning operation.

[0102] For this purpose, the cleaning medium can be passed through at least some, and preferably all, of the gas paths 54. The open gas paths 54 can be opened by opening gas path valves 56 arranged in the open gas paths 54. The passage preferably occurs simultaneously with, or at least overlaps in time with, the passage of the cleaning medium through some of the filler paths 46.

[0103] The passing cleaning medium can be dispensed into the environment from the filling station 36, for example, or can be directed to a cleaning medium return 66 by a corresponding cleaning cap 64.

[0104] During the passage of the cleaning medium, the fill valves 52 of the corresponding filling stations 36 having an open gas path 54 and an open filler path 46 can be opened, or, for example, the fill valves 52 of all filling stations 36 can be opened.

[0105] Again, the flow rate of the cleaning medium through the open filler passages 46 can be measured by a corresponding flow meter 50. The sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates is again V2_sum.

[0106] The cleaning medium flow rate through the open gas path 54 can be determined by the processing device 74, for example, as follows.

[0107] The cleaning medium supply from the cleaning medium source 62 and / or the cleaning medium discharge from the filling station 36 can be measured, for example, by a flow meter (not shown) downstream of the cleaning medium source 62 and / or a flow meter (not shown) in the cleaning medium return line 66 (=V1_meas).

[0108] The cleaning medium flow rate V3_det through the released gas path 54 can be determined depending on the sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rate V2_sum through the released filler path 46 and the measured cleaning medium supply or discharge rate V1_meas. Preferably, the cleaning medium flow rate V3_det through the released gas path 54 can be calculated directly as the difference between the measured cleaning medium supply or discharge rate V1_meas and the sum of the measured cleaning medium flows V2_sum, i.e. V3_det=V1_meas-V2_sum.

[0109] The target number of gas path valves 56 that are simultaneously open during a cleaning operation can preferably be set depending on the determined cleaning medium flow rate V3_det through the open gas paths 54.

[0110] Preferably, the number of open gas paths 54 and / or the number of open filler paths 46 can be changed until a predetermined minimum flow rate and / or a cleaning medium flow rate V3_det through the open gas paths 54 is determined, which ensures that the predetermined minimum flow rate is reached. For example, the corresponding pipe diameter of the gas paths 54 must result in a minimum flow velocity of 1.5 m / s. The number of open gas paths 54 on which the determined cleaning medium flow rate V3_det is based can then be set as a target number of gas path valves 56 to be simultaneously opened during the cleaning operation. The number of open filler paths 46 on which the determined cleaning medium flow rate V3_det is based can then be set as a target number of filler path valves 48 to be simultaneously opened during the cleaning operation.

[0111] For example, 60m 3A cleaning medium supply V1_meas of 60,000 L / h is measured. The apparatus has, for example, 160 filling stations, i.e., also 160 filler path valves 48 and 160 gas path valves 56. The desired cleaning medium flow rate V3_det can be obtained, for example, when the target number of simultaneously open filler path valves 48 is approximately 75 (400 L / h per filler path 46) and the target number of simultaneously open gas path valves 56 is approximately 150 (200 L / h per gas path 54). It will be understood that other combinations of target numbers are also possible, in particular where the target number of simultaneously open gas path valves 56 corresponds to the total number of gas path valves 56, i.e., 160 in this example.

[0112] Generally speaking, the target number of gas path valves 56 that are simultaneously open during a cleaning operation and the target number of fill material path valves 48 that are simultaneously open during a cleaning operation are coordinated.

[0113] In that case, the cleaning operation can be preferably carried out by opening and closing the filler path valve 48 and / or the gas path valve 56, preferably in a rolling manner, according to at least one set valve actuation parameter, preferably to keep the total cleaning medium flow rate through the several filling stations constant.

[0114] Preferably, the filler pathway valves 48 are operated during a cleaning operation to gradually change the flow rate of cleaning medium passing therethrough as the corresponding filler pathway valve 48 opens and closes, thereby preventing pressure surges as the corresponding filler pathway valve 48 opens and closes. This can be achieved, for example, by a pressure shock damping closing feature that precludes abrupt closure of the corresponding filler pathway valve 48.

[0115] The present invention is not limited to the preferred embodiments described above. Rather, numerous variations and modifications are possible that similarly utilize the concept of the present invention and thus fall within the scope of protection. Specifically, the present invention also claims protection for the subject matter and features of the dependent claims, regardless of the claims to which they refer. Specifically, each individual feature of independent claim 1 is disclosed independently of the other. In addition, features of dependent claims are disclosed independently of all features 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, so that all values ​​falling within the relevant ranges are individually disclosed. [Explanation of symbols]

[0116] 10 devices 12 containers 14 filler sources 16 Main Filler Line 18 Carbonator 20 carbon dioxide sources 22 gas lines 24 Bypass 26 buffer tank 28 additional filling lines 30 circulation line 32 Circulation Pump 34 sterile air source 36 filling stations 38 Filler Line 40 refill gas line 42 Filler Carousel 44-turn distributor 46 Filler Path 48 Filler Path Valve 50 flow meter 52 filling valve 54 (e.g., filling) gas path 56 (e.g., filling) gas path valve 58 Escape Route 60 Relief valve 62 cleaning medium source 64 Cleaning Cap 66 Cleaning medium return section 68 connection lines 70 pump 72 User Interface 74 processing devices

Claims

1. A method for setting up a cleaning operation of an apparatus (10), preferably a rotary apparatus, for filling a container (12) with a filler material, said apparatus (10) having several filling stations (36), each of said several filling stations having a filler material path (46), a filler material path valve (48) arranged in a corresponding one of said filler material paths (46), and a flow meter (50) arranged to measure a flow rate through said corresponding one of said filler material paths (46), said method comprising: Passing a cleaning medium through at least some of the filler passages (46) by opening corresponding filler passage valves (48) to release at least some of the filler passages (46); measuring the cleaning medium flow rate through the opened filler passage (46) by the corresponding flow meter (50); and setting at least one valve actuation parameter of the cleaning operation of the device (10) in dependence on the measured cleaning medium flow rate.

2. the at least one valve operation parameter includes a target number of filler path valves (48) to be simultaneously open during the cleaning operation; The method of claim 1.

3. said setting of said at least one valve operation parameter further depends on a predefined supply of cleaning medium from a cleaning medium source of said device; Preferably, the predefined cleaning medium supply rate is a nominal supply rate of the cleaning medium from the cleaning medium source (62); 3. The method according to claim 1 or 2.

4. The following conditions: the target number of filler path valves (48) to be simultaneously opened during the cleaning operation is set as the number of open filler path valves (48) such that the sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates substantially corresponds to the predefined cleaning medium supply amount; the target number of simultaneously opened filler material path valves (48) during the cleaning operation is set such that if the sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates is less than the predefined cleaning medium supply rate, the number of opened filler material paths (46) is increased by opening at least one further of the filler material path valves (48) until the sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates determined for the increased number of opened filler material paths (46) reaches a number of opened filler material path valves (48) that substantially corresponds to the predefined cleaning medium supply rate; and 4. The method according to claim 2, wherein at least one of the following conditions is satisfied: the target number of simultaneously opened filler material path valves (48) during the cleaning operation is set such that, if the sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates is greater than the predefined cleaning medium supply rate, the number of opened filler material paths (46) is reduced by closing at least one of the opened filler material path valves (48) until the sum of the measured cleaning medium flow rates determined for the reduced number of opened filler material paths (46) reaches a number of the opened filler material path valves (48) that substantially corresponds to the predefined cleaning medium supply rate.

5. outputting a fault message by a user interface (72) of the device (10) if the sum of the measured cleaning medium flows is outside a predefined tolerance range, preferably based on the predefined cleaning medium supply rate; The method of any one of claims 1 to 4, further comprising:

6. each of the several filling stations (36) further comprising a gas line (54), preferably a make-up gas line, and a gas line valve (56), preferably a make-up gas line valve, disposed in the corresponding gas line (54); the at least one valve operation parameter includes a target number of gas path valves (56) to be simultaneously open during the cleaning operation; Preferably, the target number of simultaneously open gas path valves (56) is set as the number of open gas path valves (56) at which a predefined minimum flow rate and / or a predefined minimum flow rate through the open gas path (54) is achieved; and / or - the target number of gas path valves (56) to be simultaneously opened during the cleaning operation and the target number of filler path valves (48) to be simultaneously opened during the cleaning operation are coordinated; The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5.

7. passing the scrubbing medium through at least some, preferably all, of the gas paths (54), preferably simultaneously or overlapping in time with passing the scrubbing medium through at least some of the filler paths (46), by opening the corresponding gas path valves (56) to release at least some of the gas paths (54); The method of claim 6 further comprising:

8. measuring the amount of cleaning medium supplied from a cleaning medium source (62) of the device (10) and / or the amount of cleaning medium discharged from the several filling stations (36); Preferably, the setting of the at least one valve operating parameter further depends on the measured cleaning medium supply amount and / or the measured cleaning medium discharge amount. The method of claim 7.

9. determining a scrubbing medium flow rate through the open gas path (54) depending on the measured scrubbing medium flow rate through the open filler path (46) and the measured scrubbing medium supply rate and / or the measured scrubbing medium discharge rate; Preferably, said setting said at least one valve actuation parameter further depends on said determined scrubbing medium flow rate through said released gas path (54). The method of claim 8.

10. The following conditions: the filler path valve (48) is a closed-loop or open-loop control valve and / or is configured to adjust the flow cross section between an open position and a closed position; and 10. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 9, wherein the filler path valves (48) are each operated to close with a pressure shock damping closing characteristic and / or to prevent sudden closing.

11. The passing cleaning medium is distributed by the filling station (36) into the environment of the filling station (36), or the passing cleaning medium is guided from a cleaning cap (64) of the corresponding filling station (36) positioned at the filler outlet of the corresponding filling station (36) to a cleaning medium return section (66), preferably via an escape path (58) of the corresponding filling station (36); The method according to any one of claims 1 to 10.

12. each of the several filling stations (36) having a fill valve (52) disposed in the corresponding filler path (46) downstream of the corresponding filler path valve (48) for dispensing the filler material into the container (12); During the passage of the cleaning medium, the filling valve (52) of the corresponding filling station (36) is opened, or the filling valves (52) of all filling stations (36) are opened. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

13. A method for cleaning an apparatus (10) for filling a container (12) with a filler material, preferably a rotary apparatus, said apparatus (10) having a number of filling stations (36), each of said number of filling stations having a filler material path (46), a filler material path valve (48) disposed in a corresponding one of said filler material paths (46), and a flow meter (50) disposed to measure a flow rate through said corresponding one of said filler material paths (46), said method comprising: - setting up a cleaning operation of the device (10) by a method according to any one of claims 1 to 12; and performing the cleaning operation to clean the device (10), wherein the cleaning operation is performed under the following conditions: - said setting is carried out before carrying out said cleaning operation, preferably during the initial commissioning of said device (10); - the setting is performed at the start of the cleaning operation, preferably for the initial setting of the cleaning operation to be performed; and - said setting is preferably performed several times during said cleaning operation, preferably in order to dynamically adjust said cleaning operation to be performed.

14. The cleaning operation includes: the filler path valves (48) and / or gas path valves (56) of the device (10) are opened and closed, preferably in a rolling manner, according to the at least one set valve operating parameter, preferably to maintain a constant total cleaning medium flow rate through the several filling stations (36); and / or 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the filler path valves (48) are each operated to close with a pressure shock damping closure characteristic and / or to prevent sudden closure.

15. An apparatus (10) for filling a container (12) with a filling material, preferably a rotary apparatus, configured to carry out the method according to any one of claims 1 to 14.

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