Contents filling system and sterilization method

Abstract

The present invention provides a content filling system and a sterilization method that can reduce carbon dioxide emissions. [Solution] The contents filling system 10 includes a water sterilization line 50 for non-heating sterilization of water, a concentrate sterilization line 70 for heat sterilization of the product concentrate, and a filling device 20 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and the concentrate sterilization line 70, respectively, for filling the bottle 100 with water and the product concentrate.

Description

Technical Field

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

Background Art

[0002] An aseptic filling system (aseptic filling system) that fills a sterilized container (PET bottle) with a sterilized content in a sterile environment and then closes the container with a cap is known (for example, see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Specifically, in an aseptic filling system, a formed container is supplied to the aseptic filling system, and an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution as a sterilizing agent is sprayed onto the container in the aseptic filling system. Then, the container is sterilized by drying the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution. Next, the container is aseptically filled with the content.

[0004] By the way, in recent years, for the purpose of reducing environmental impact, it has been required to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted.

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0005]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of such points, and an object thereof is to provide a content filling system and a sterilization method capable of reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emissions.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0007] A first aspect of this disclosure is a contents filling system comprising a water sterilization line for non-heating sterilization of water, a stock sterilization line for heat sterilization of product stock, and a filling device connected to the water sterilization line and the stock sterilization line, respectively, for filling the water and the product stock into containers.

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

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

[0010] A fourth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to the second or third aspect described above, wherein the content filling system further comprises a control unit for controlling the water sterilization line, and the control unit may discharge the water to the outside of the water sterilization line when the amount or intensity of ultraviolet light irradiation falls below a predetermined value.

[0011] A fifth aspect of this disclosure is a content filling system comprising a water sterilization line for sterilizing water, a stock sterilization line for heating and sterilizing a product stock, and a filling device connected to the water sterilization line and the stock sterilization line, respectively, for filling the water and the product stock into containers, wherein when the pH of the contents produced by diluting the product stock with water is less than 4.5, the water sterilization line sterilizes the water so that the F0 value is 0.00029 or more and less than 3.1, and when the pH of the contents is 4.5 or more, the water sterilization line sterilizes the water so that the F0 value is 3.1 or more and 100 or less, and the F0 value is the F value calculated by the following formula.

number

[0012] A sixth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system comprising a water sterilization line for sterilizing water, a stock sterilization line for heating and sterilizing a product stock, and a filling device connected to the water sterilization line and the stock sterilization line, respectively, for filling the water and the product stock into containers, wherein the water sterilization line sterilizes the water so that the F0 value is 3.1 or more and 100 or less, and the F0 value is the F value calculated by the following formula.

number

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

[0014] An eighth aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the first to seventh aspects described above, wherein the content filling system further comprises a control unit for controlling the water sterilization line, the water sterilization line may have at least a water sterilizer for sterilizing the water, the water sterilizer may include at least a sterile filter, and the control unit may discharge the water to the outside of the water sterilization line when the pressure difference between the pressure upstream and the pressure downstream of the sterile filter exceeds a predetermined value.

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

[0016] A tenth aspect of this disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the first to ninth aspects described above, wherein the product stock may be diluted with water to a ratio of 1.1 to 100 times.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0023] A 17th aspect of this disclosure is a content filling system according to the 16th aspect described above, wherein the diameter of the water filling nozzle may be 1.2 times or more and 1.5 times or less the diameter of the stock filling nozzle.

[0024] An eighteenth aspect of this disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the eleventh to seventeenth aspects described above, wherein the filling device may have a plurality of the stock filling devices.

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

[0026] A 20th aspect of this disclosure is a content filling system according to the 19th aspect described above, wherein the filling device may include a first stock filling device for filling the product stock without flavor and a second stock filling device for filling the product stock with flavor.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0033] A 27th aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to the 25th or 26th aspect described above, wherein the content filling system further comprises a cap sterilization device for sterilizing the caps attached to the containers filled with the water and the product concentrate, and a bypass line connecting the water sterilization line and the cap sterilization device is provided downstream of the second water tank.

[0034] A 28th aspect of this disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the 25th to 27th aspects described above, wherein an additive unit for adding solids to the product concentrate is connected downstream of the second concentrate tank.

[0035] A 29th aspect of this disclosure is that the contents filling system according to each of the first to 28 aspects described above may further include a preform sterilization device for sterilizing a preform, a container molding device for molding the container from the preform, and a container sterilization device for sterilizing the container, wherein the container molding device may mold the container without adjusting the temperature of the container with hot water.

[0036] A 30th aspect of the present disclosure is a content filling system according to each of the first to 29 aspects described above, wherein the water sterilization line may be partitioned into a non-sterile zone under a non-sterile atmosphere, a first gray zone and a second gray zone separating the non-sterile atmosphere from the sterile atmosphere, and a sterile zone under a sterile atmosphere, and the non-sterile zone, the first gray zone, the second gray zone and the sterile zone may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the water transport direction, and the bacteria in the water may be sterilized in the first gray zone, and the state in which no bacteria are present in the water may be maintained in the second gray zone.

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

[0038] A 32nd aspect of this disclosure is a sterilization method according to the 31st aspect described above, wherein the sterilization method may further include a step of sterilizing the sterilizer.

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

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

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

[0042] According to this disclosure, the carbon dioxide emissions emitted by the content filling system can be reduced. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0043] [Figure 1] Figure 1 is a schematic plan view showing a content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 2A] Figure 2A is a schematic diagram showing a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2C] Figure 2C is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2D] Figure 2D is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2E1] Figure 2E1 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2E2]Figure 2E2 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2E3] Figure 2E3 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2F] Figure 2F is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2G] Figure 2G is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2H] Figure 2H is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2I] Figure 2I is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2J] Figure 2J is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2K] Figure 2K is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2L] Figure 2L is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2M] Figure 2M is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. [Figure 2N] Figure 2N is a schematic diagram showing another example of a water sterilization line according to one embodiment. [Figure 3] Figure 3 is a plan view showing the first sterilizer of a water sterilizer according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] Figure 4 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view along line IV-IV in Figure 3) showing the first sterilizer of a water sterilizer according to one embodiment. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is a plan view showing another example of the first sterilizer of a water sterilizer according to one embodiment. [Figure 5B] Figure 5B is a cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view along the line VB-VB in Figure 5A) showing another example of the first sterilizer of a water sterilizer according to one embodiment. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a front view showing another example of the first sterilizer of a water sterilizer according to one embodiment. [Figure 6B]Figure 6B is a cross-sectional view (a cross-sectional view along the line VIB-VIB in Figure 6A) showing another example of the first sterilizer of a water sterilizer according to one embodiment. [Figure 6C] Figure 6C is a cross-sectional view (enlarged view of the VIC section in Figure 6B) showing another example of the first sterilizer of a water sterilizer according to one embodiment. [Figure 7] Figure 7 is a schematic diagram showing a stock solution sterilization line according to one embodiment. [Figure 8] Figure 8 is a flowchart showing a method for filling contents using a contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 9] Figure 9 is a flowchart showing a method for sterilizing a chamber in a content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 10A] Figure 10A is a flowchart showing a sterilization method for a contents filling system according to one embodiment, specifically a sterilization method for a water sterilizer. [Figure 10B1] Figure 10B1 is a flowchart showing a sterilization method for a contents filling system according to one embodiment, specifically a sterilization method for a water sterilizer. [Figure 10B2] Figure 10B2 is a flowchart illustrating a sterilization method for a contents filling system according to one embodiment, and is another example of a sterilization method for a water sterilizer. [Figure 10C] Figure 10C is a flowchart illustrating a sterilization method for a contents filling system according to one embodiment, and is yet another example of a sterilization method for a water sterilizer. [Figure 10D] Figure 10D is a flowchart illustrating a sterilization method for a contents filling system according to one embodiment, and is yet another example of a sterilization method for a water sterilizer. [Figure 10E] Figure 10E is a flowchart illustrating a sterilization method for a contents filling system according to one embodiment, and further illustrates another example of a sterilization method for a water sterilizer. [Figure 11] Figure 11 is a schematic plan view showing a second modified example of a content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 12A] Figure 12A is a schematic plan view showing a fourth modified example of a content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 12B] Figure 12B is a schematic plan view showing an enlarged view of the second sterile chamber and outlet chamber of a fourth modified example of the contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 12C] Figure 12C is a schematic plan view showing a content filling method using a fourth modified example of a content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 12D] Figure 12D is a schematic plan view showing a content filling method using a fourth modified example of a content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 12E] Figure 12E is a schematic plan view showing another example (the first example) of a fourth modified example of the contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 12F] Figure 12F is a schematic plan view showing another example (the second example) of the fourth modified form of the contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 12G] Figure 12G is a schematic plan view showing another example (the third example) of the fourth modified form of the contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 12H] Figure 12H is a schematic plan view showing another example (the fourth example) of a fourth modification of the contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 12I] Figure 12I is a schematic plan view showing another example (a fifth example) of a fourth modification of the contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 13] Figure 13 is a schematic plan view showing a fifth modified example of a content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 14] Figure 14 is a schematic plan view showing another example of a fifth modified example of the contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 15] Figure 15 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the filling nozzle of a filling device in another example of a fifth modified example of a content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 16A] Figure 16A is a schematic plan view showing a sixth modified example of a content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 16B]Figure 16B is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the water filling nozzle of a water filling device in a sixth modified example of a contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 16C] Figure 16C is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the liquid filling nozzle of a liquid filling device in a sixth modified example of a contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 17A] Figure 17A is a schematic diagram showing a water sterilization line in a seventh modified example of a contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 17B] Figure 17B is a schematic diagram showing a water sterilization line in another example of a seventh modification of the contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 17C] Figure 17C is a schematic diagram showing a water sterilization line in an eighth modified example of a contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 18A] Figure 18A is a schematic diagram showing the stock solution sterilization line in a 10th modified example of the contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 18B] Figure 18B is a schematic plan view showing a twelfth modified example of a content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 18C] Figure 18C is a schematic perspective view showing another example of a twelfth modification of the contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 18D1] Figure 18D1 is a schematic plan view showing a 16th modified example of a content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 18D2] Figure 18D2 is a schematic plan view showing another example of the 16th modified example of the contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 18E] Figure 18E is a schematic diagram showing a water sterilization line in a 17th modified example of a contents filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 19] Figure 19 is a flowchart showing a first modified example of a sterilization method for a content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 20] Figure 20 is a flowchart showing another example of the first modified example of the sterilization method for a content filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 21]Figure 21 is a flowchart showing a second modified example of a sterilization method for a content filling system according to one embodiment. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0044] Embodiments of this disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 10E show one embodiment.

[0045] (Contents filling system) First, Figure 1 illustrates the contents filling system (aseptic filling system) according to the embodiment.

[0046] The contents filling system 10 shown in Figure 1 is a system for filling a bottle (container) 100 with contents such as a beverage. The contents can be prepared by diluting a product concentrate with water. In this case, the product concentrate may be diluted with water to a ratio of 1.1 to 100 times, preferably 2 to 10 times. Alternatively, the product concentrate may be diluted with water to a ratio of 10 to 80 times, 20 to 70 times, or 30 to 50 times. The bottle 100 can be made by biaxial stretch blow molding a preform 100a made by injection molding of a synthetic resin material. The bottle 100 may also be made by direct blow molding. As the material for the bottle 100, it is preferable to use a thermoplastic resin, especially PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or PEN (polyethylene naphthalate). In addition, the container may be glass, a can, paper, a pouch, a cup, or a composite container thereof. In this embodiment, the case in which a synthetic resin bottle is used as the container will be explained as an example.

[0047] As shown in Figure 1, the contents filling system 10 includes a water sterilization line 50 for sterilizing water, a stock solution sterilization line 70 for sterilizing the stock solution, and filling devices (fillers) 20 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70, respectively. The contents filling system 10 also includes a control unit 90 for controlling the filling devices 20. Furthermore, the contents filling system 10 includes a bottle molding unit 30, a sterilization device (container sterilization device) 11, an air rinsing device 14, the aforementioned filling device 20, a capping device (capper, crimping and capping machine) 16, and a product bottle discharge unit 25. These bottle molding unit 30, sterilization device 11, air rinsing device 14, filling device 20, capping device 16, and product bottle discharge unit 25 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the direction of transport of the bottles 100. Furthermore, multiple transport wheels 12 are provided between the air rinsing device 14, the filling device 20, and the capping device 16, etc., to transport the bottles 100 between these devices. Here, we will first describe the bottle molding section 30, the sterilization device 11, the air rinsing device 14, the filling device 20, the capping device 16, and the product bottle discharge section 25.

[0048] The bottle molding unit 30 is configured to receive the preform 100a from the outside and to mold the bottle 100. The bottle molding unit 30 is also configured to transport the molded bottle 100 toward the sterilization device 11. This allows the contents filling system 10 to perform the processes from supplying the preform 100a to molding the bottle 100, filling the bottle 100 with contents, and sealing it in a continuous manner. In this case, the smaller volume preform 100a, rather than the larger volume bottle 100, is transported from the outside to the contents filling system 10. This reduces transportation costs.

[0049] The bottle molding unit 30 includes a preform transport unit 31 for transporting the preform 100a, a blow molding unit (container molding device) 32 for forming a bottle 100 from the preform 100a by blow molding the preform 100a, and a bottle transport unit 33 for transporting the molded bottle 100.

[0050] Of these, the preform transport section 31 includes a receiving section 34, a heating section 35, and a transfer section 36. The receiving section 34 is configured to receive the preform 100a supplied from the preform supply device 1 via the preform supply conveyor 2. The receiving section 34 is equipped with a preform sterilization device 34a for sterilizing the preform 100a and a preform air rinsing device 34b for air rinsing the preform 100a. In the illustrated example, the receiving section 34 is equipped with one preform sterilization device 34a and one preform air rinsing device 34b. The number of preform sterilization devices 34a and preform air rinsing devices 34b is not limited to this.

[0051] In the receiving section 34, the preform sterilization device 34a sprays hydrogen peroxide aqueous solution gas or mist onto the preform 100a, thereby sterilizing the preform 100a (preliminary sterilization).

[0052] As a disinfectant for sterilizing Preform 100a, any disinfectant that has the property of inactivating microorganisms is acceptable. For example, in addition to hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, acetic acid, pernitrate, nitric acid, chlorine-based agents, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, alcohols such as ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol, chlorine dioxide, ozonated water, acidic water, and surfactants may be used individually or in combination of two or more of these.

[0053] In this way, by pre-sterilizing the preform 100a using the preform sterilization device 34a (pre-sterilization), the number of bacteria adhering to the bottle 100 produced from the preform 100a can be reduced. Therefore, the amount of hydrogen peroxide used in the sterilization device 11 for sterilizing the bottle 100 can be reduced, and the sterilization time can be shortened. Generally, the amount of disinfectant used to sterilize the small volume preform 100a is less than the amount of disinfectant used to sterilize the bottle 100. Therefore, by pre-sterilizing the preform 100a, the total amount of disinfectant used can be reduced.

[0054] Furthermore, the amount of hydrogen peroxide used in the sterilization device 11 can be reduced, and the sterilization time can be shortened, allowing for a smaller sterilization device 11. In addition, since the sterilization time for sterilizing the bottle 100 can be shortened, the heat load on the bottle 100 can be reduced. As a result, even with a lightweight bottle 100 or a bottle 100 made from recycled PET, deformation of the bottle 100 due to the heat of the disinfectant can be suppressed.

[0055] Furthermore, by pre-sterilizing the preform 100a, the number of bacteria adhering to the bottle 100 can be reduced, so the sterilization conditions in the sterilization device 11 may be weakened. Generally, in order to improve the sterilization effect in the sterilization device 11, the blow molding section 32 heats and sets the body of the bottle 100 by supplying hot water from a mold temperature controller (not shown) to the mold. This improves the sterilization effect in the sterilization device 11 and reduces the shrinkage of the bottle 100 in the sterilization device 11. However, in this embodiment, as described above, by pre-sterilizing the preform 100a, the number of bacteria adhering to the bottle 100 can be reduced. For this reason, the blow molding section (container molding device) 32 may mold the bottle 100 without adjusting the temperature of the bottle 100 with hot water. In other words, the blow molding section 32 does not need to supply hot water to the mold, which was previously supplied to the mold to improve the sterilization effect. As a result, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be reduced. Furthermore, since it is not necessary to supply hot water to the mold of the blow molding section 32, the blow molding section 32 can be simplified. Also, because the blow molding section 32 can be simplified, the amount of heat applied to the bottle 100 can be reduced. For this reason, even when the aforementioned hot water is not supplied to the mold, the shrinkage of the bottle 100 in the sterilization device 11 can be reduced.

[0056] Furthermore, this sterilization process may be performed not only in the receiving section 34, but also in the heating section 35 or the transfer section 36. Additionally, the sterilization process may be performed after the bottle 100 has been formed, between the bottle transport section 33 and the filling device 20. Moreover, the sterilization process may be performed at multiple locations. In addition, instead of using a disinfectant, bacteria may be inactivated by ultraviolet irradiation or electron beam irradiation.

[0057] Referring to Figure 1, the preform air rinsing device 34b described above is provided downstream of the preform sterilization device 34a. The preform 100a, to which the disinfectant has been sprayed, is dried with hot air in the preform air rinsing device 34b. At this time, it is preferable that hot air is supplied to the preform 100a with its opening facing downwards. This effectively removes foreign matter from inside the preform 100a. Therefore, the step of washing the preform 100a with sterile water can be omitted, and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be reduced. Note that the preform air rinsing device 34b is not required to be provided in the receiving section 34. Also, in the receiving section 34, a foreign matter removal device (not shown) for removing foreign matter adhering to the preform 100a may be provided upstream of the preform sterilization device 34a.

[0058] The heating unit 35 is configured to receive the preform 100a from the receiving unit 34 and heat the preform 100a while transporting it. The heating unit 35 is equipped with a heater 35a for heating the preform 100a. This heater 35a may be, for example, an infrared heater. The heater 35a heats the preform 100a to, for example, 90°C to 130°C. The temperature of the opening of the preform 100a is kept below 70°C to prevent deformation.

[0059] The transfer unit 36 ​​is configured to receive the preform 100a heated by the heating unit 35 and transfer it to the blow molding unit 32.

[0060] The blow molding section 32 includes a mold (not shown). By blow molding the preform 100a using this mold, the bottle 100 is formed. The formed bottle 100 is then transported downstream by the bottle transport section 33.

[0061] Here, between the bottle molding unit 30 and the sterilization device 11, there is an adjustment and conveying unit 5 that receives bottles 100 from the bottle conveying unit 33 and delivers bottles 100 to the sterilization device 11. At least a portion of this adjustment and conveying unit 5 is housed inside an atmosphere-blocking chamber 70c (described later) located upstream of the disinfectant spraying chamber 70d (described later). In the illustrated example, the adjustment and conveying unit 5 is arranged to straddle the molding unit chamber 70b (described later) that houses the bottle molding unit 30 and the atmosphere-blocking chamber 70c. In this way, by housing at least a portion of the adjustment and conveying unit 5 inside the atmosphere-blocking chamber 70c, it is possible to suppress the flow of disinfectant gas or mist or a mixture thereof generated in the disinfectant spraying chamber 70d into the molding unit chamber 70b.

[0062] In the illustrated example, a single transport wheel 12 is provided between the adjustment transport unit 5 and the bottle transport unit 33 of the bottle molding unit 30. That is, the bottle transport unit 33 of the bottle molding unit 30, a single transport wheel 12, and the adjustment transport unit 5 are provided between the blow molding unit 32 of the bottle molding unit 30 and the sterilization device 11. This makes the contents filling system 10 more compact compared to the case where multiple transport wheels 12 are provided between the adjustment transport unit 5 and the bottle transport unit 33 of the bottle molding unit 30. Although not shown in the illustration, the contents filling system 10 may also be made more compact if only the adjustment transport unit 5 is provided between the blow molding unit 32 of the bottle molding unit 30 and the sterilization device 11.

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

[0064] The air rinsing device 14 is a device that removes foreign matter, hydrogen peroxide, etc. from inside the bottle 100 while activating hydrogen peroxide by supplying sterile heated air or room temperature air to the bottle 100. In this case, it is preferable that sterile air is supplied to the bottle 100 with the mouth of the bottle 100 facing downwards. This allows for effective removal of foreign matter from inside the bottle 100. As a result, the step of washing the bottle 100 with sterile water can be omitted, and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be reduced. If necessary, a low-concentration hydrogen peroxide condensation mist may be mixed with sterilized air at room temperature to gasify the hydrogen peroxide and supply it to the bottle 100.

[0065] The filling device 20 is a device that fills bottles 100 with water and product concentrate. In other words, the filling device 20 fills bottles 100 with pre-sterilized water and product concentrate from the mouth of the bottle 100 into the bottle 100. In this way, the contents prepared by diluting the product concentrate are filled into empty bottles 100 in the filling device 20. In this filling device 20, multiple bottles 100 are rotated and conveyed while the contents are filled into the inside of the bottles 100.

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

[0067] The water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with sterilized water. In this case, the water filling device 21 fills an empty bottle 100 with sterilized water. On the other hand, the concentrate filling device 22 fills the bottle that has been filled with water with sterilized product concentrate. Thus, because the filling device 20 has both a water filling device 21 and a concentrate filling device 22, the size of the filling device that comes into contact with the product concentrate or contents (i.e., the concentrate filling device 22) can be reduced compared to when the contents are filled with a single filling device. Therefore, as will be described later, the area of ​​the filling device 20 that needs to be cleaned and sterilized can be reduced.

[0068] The filling speed at which the water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with water may be faster than the filling speed at which the concentrate filling device 22 fills the bottle 100 with the product concentrate. In other words, the water filling device 21 can increase the water filling speed by filling an empty bottle 100 with water. When the contents are filled into the bottle 100 with force, some of the contents may be scattered to the outside of the bottle 100 due to foaming inside the bottle 100, for example. Then, the contents scattered to the outside may cause dirt to adhere to the area around the bottle 100. In contrast, when filling an empty bottle 100 with water, even if water is scattered to the outside of the bottle 100, no dirt will adhere to the area around the bottle 100. For this reason, the water filling speed can be increased. As a result, the number of water filling nozzles in the water filling device 21 (for example, see Figure 16B described later) can be reduced. For this reason, the size of the water filling device 21 can be reduced.

[0069] In the water filling device 21, the water filling speed may be 100 mL / sec or more and 500 mL / sec or less, and preferably 200 mL / sec or more and 400 mL / sec or less. By having a water filling speed of 100 mL / sec or more, the number of water filling nozzles in the water filling device 21 can be reduced. Therefore, the size of the water filling device 21 can be reduced. Also, by having a water filling speed of 500 mL / sec or less, when filling water into the bottle 100, splashing of water out of the mouth of the bottle 100 can be suppressed. Therefore, variations in the volume of contents and the dilution ratio of the product concentrate can be suppressed between product bottles 101. In the concentrate filling device 22, the product concentrate filling speed may be 30 mL / sec or more and 200 mL / sec or less.

[0070] The capping device 16 is a device that seals bottles 100 by attaching caps 88 to them. In the capping device 16, bottles 100 filled with water and product concentrate (contents) are closed with caps 88, sealing them to prevent outside air and microorganisms from entering the bottles 100. In the capping device 16, multiple bottles 100 filled with contents are rotated (revolved) as caps 88 are attached to their openings. In this way, product bottles 101 are obtained by attaching caps 88 to bottles 100.

[0071] The caps 88 are sterilized in advance by a cap sterilization device 18. The cap sterilization device 18 is located outside, for example, the second sterile chamber 70h (described later), and near the cap mounting device 16. In the cap sterilization device 18, the caps 88 brought in from outside the contents filling system 10 are collected in advance and transported in a line toward the cap mounting device 16. On their way toward the cap mounting device 16, hydrogen peroxide gas or mist is sprayed onto the inner and outer surfaces of the caps 88, and then they are dried with hot air and sterilized.

[0072] The product bottle discharge unit 25 continuously discharges product bottles 101, which have been fitted with caps 88 by the cap attachment device 16, toward the outside of the contents filling system 10.

[0073] The contents filling system 10 includes a preform sterilization chamber 70a, a molding chamber 70b, an atmosphere isolation chamber 70c, a disinfectant spray chamber 70d, an air rinse chamber (fourth sterile chamber) 70e, a first sterile chamber 70f, an intermediate area chamber (third sterile chamber) 70g, a second sterile chamber 70h, and an outlet chamber 70i. Of these, an intermediate area chamber (third sterile chamber) 70g is provided between the first sterile chamber 70f and the second sterile chamber 70h, connecting the first sterile chamber 70f and the second sterile chamber 70h. Furthermore, an air rinse chamber (fourth sterile chamber) 70e is provided upstream of the first sterile chamber 70f. In other words, the preform sterilization chamber 70a, molding chamber 70b, atmosphere isolation chamber 70c, disinfectant spray chamber 70d, air rinse chamber 70e, first sterile chamber 70f, intermediate area chamber 70g, second sterile chamber 70h, and outlet chamber 70i are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the transport direction of the preform 100a and bottle 100.

[0074] Each chamber 70a to 70i is separated by a partition wall. The partition wall prevents the disinfectant or other substance from flowing in unintended directions between the chambers 70a to 70i and stabilizes the pressure within each chamber 70a to 70i. A gap is formed in each partition wall that is large enough for a preform 100a or bottle 100 to pass through. This gap is formed to a minimum size, for example, about the size of one preform 100a or bottle 100, so as not to change the pressure within each chamber 70a to 70i. Furthermore, a shutter may be provided in the partition wall to close the aforementioned gap. This shutter may be configured to open and close automatically, for example, by a signal from the control unit 90.

[0075] Of the chambers 70a to 70i, the preform sterilization chamber 70a houses the preform sterilization device 34a, etc.

[0076] The molding chamber 70b houses the blow molding section 32 of the bottle molding section 30, among other components.

[0077] At least a portion of the adjustment and conveying unit 5 is housed inside the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c. A camera may also be installed inside the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c. The camera may be used to inspect whether the bottle 100 has any molding problems. Furthermore, a thermometer may also be installed inside the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c. This thermometer may be used to measure the temperature of the bottle 100 before sterilization. Here, the temperature of the bottle 100 is one of the important factors that affect the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100. In other words, by maintaining the temperature of the bottle 100 at an appropriate temperature, the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100 can be improved. For this reason, by measuring the temperature of the bottle 100 before sterilization with a thermometer, the temperature of the bottle 100 during sterilization can be maintained at an appropriate temperature, thereby improving the sterilization efficiency of the bottle 100.

[0078] The disinfectant spray chamber 70d houses the disinfectant device 11. The air rinsing chamber 70e houses the air rinsing device 14.

[0079] The first sterile chamber 70f houses the water filling device 21 of the filling device 20. The second sterile chamber 70h houses the stock solution filling device 22 and the capping device 16 of the filling device 20 described above. Furthermore, the outlet chamber 70i houses the product bottle discharge section 25. The intermediate area chamber 70g may contain only the transport wheel 12.

[0080] The preform sterilization chamber 70a, disinfectant spray chamber 70d, air rinse chamber 70e, first sterile chamber 70f, intermediate area chamber 70g, second sterile chamber 70h, and outlet chamber 70i described above are equipped with pressure gauges (not shown) to measure the pressure inside each chamber. The molding chamber 70b and / or atmosphere isolation chamber 70c may also be equipped with pressure gauges to measure the pressure inside each chamber.

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

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

[0083] As described above, a water filling device 21 for filling the first sterile chamber 70f is housed within it. No contamination from the contents adheres to the area around the water filling device 21 or to the water flow path within the water filling device 21. Therefore, even if cleaning (COP) or sterilization (hereinafter, sterilization within each chamber will also be referred to as SOP) of the first sterile chamber 70f is not performed when switching the type of contents, the hygiene of the first sterile chamber 70f can be maintained. Furthermore, even if cleaning (CIP) or sterilization (SIP (Sterilization in Place)) of the water filling device 21 housed within the first sterile chamber 70f is not performed, the hygiene of the water filling device 21 can be maintained, and contamination of the next contents with the previous contents can be suppressed. Thus, when cleaning the second sterile chamber 70h, if the first sterile chamber 70f is not cleaned, the number of times the first sterile chamber 70f is cleaned can be reduced, and the area to be cleaned in the contents filling system 10 can be narrowed. Therefore, the amount of water, steam, electricity, and cleaning agents used can be reduced. In addition, the area to be cleaned can be narrowed, thus shortening the cleaning time. As a result, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0084] Furthermore, the control unit 90 sterilizes (SOP) the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h while maintaining a sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f. Also, the control unit 90 sterilizes (SIP) the stock solution filling device 22 while maintaining a sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f. In other words, when the control unit 90 sterilizes the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h and the stock solution filling device 22, it maintains a sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f without sterilizing (SOP) the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f. Also, when the control unit 90 sterilizes the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h and the stock solution filling device 22, it maintains a sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f without sterilizing (SIP) the water filling device 21. This allows for a narrower sterilization area. Therefore, the amount of steam used can be reduced. Furthermore, the sterilization time can be shortened. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0085] It is preferable that the pressure inside the first sterile chamber 70f is higher than the pressure inside the second sterile chamber 70h. This prevents air from the second sterile chamber 70h from entering the first sterile chamber 70f. As a result, the sterile condition inside the first sterile chamber 70f can be maintained well.

[0086] When cleaning and sterilizing the second sterile chamber 70h, the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f is preferably between 40 Pa and 100 Pa, and the pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h is preferably between 0 Pa and 20 Pa. Similarly, when cleaning and sterilizing the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f is preferably between 40 Pa and 100 Pa, and the pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h is preferably between 0 Pa and 20 Pa. This effectively prevents air from the second sterile chamber 70h from entering the first sterile chamber 70f, further improving the sterile condition inside the first sterile chamber 70f. When producing the product bottle 101, the pressure in the first sterile chamber 70f is preferably between 30 Pa and 60 Pa, and the pressure in the second sterile chamber 70h is preferably between 10 Pa and 40 Pa.

[0087] Furthermore, it is preferable that the pressure inside the intermediate area chamber (third sterile chamber) 70g is lower than the pressure inside the first sterile chamber 70f, but higher than the pressure inside the second sterile chamber 70h. By having the pressure inside the intermediate area chamber 70g lower than the pressure inside the first sterile chamber 70f, it is possible to suppress the air inside the intermediate area chamber 70g from entering the first sterile chamber 70f. Also, by having the pressure inside the intermediate area chamber 70g higher than the pressure inside the second sterile chamber 70h, it is possible to suppress the air inside the second sterile chamber 70h from entering the intermediate area chamber 70g. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the air inside the second sterile chamber 70h from entering the first sterile chamber 70f via the intermediate area chamber 70g. As a result, the sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f can be well maintained.

[0088] When cleaning and sterilizing the second sterile chamber 70h, the pressure in the intermediate area chamber 70g is preferably between 10 Pa and 40 Pa. Similarly, when cleaning and sterilizing the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure in the intermediate area chamber 70g is preferably between 10 Pa and 40 Pa. This prevents air from entering the intermediate area chamber 70g from the second sterile chamber 70h, thereby further improving the sterile condition inside the first sterile chamber 70f. When producing the product bottle 101, the pressure in the intermediate area chamber 70g is preferably between 20 Pa and 50 Pa.

[0089] Furthermore, it is preferable that the pressure inside the air rinse chamber (fourth sterile chamber) 70e be less than or equal to the pressure inside the first sterile chamber 70f. This prevents air from entering the first sterile chamber 70f from the air rinse chamber 70e. As a result, the sterile condition inside the first sterile chamber 70f can be maintained well.

[0090] When cleaning and sterilizing the second sterile chamber 70h, the pressure inside the air rinse chamber 70e is preferably between 10 Pa and 40 Pa. Similarly, when cleaning and sterilizing the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure inside the air rinse chamber 70e is preferably between 10 Pa and 40 Pa. This prevents air from entering the first sterile chamber 70f, thereby further maintaining the sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f. When producing the product bottle 101, the pressure inside the air rinse chamber 70e is preferably between 10 Pa and 30 Pa.

[0091] Furthermore, it is preferable that the pressure inside the disinfectant spray chamber 70d is less than or equal to the pressure inside the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c. This prevents air inside the disinfectant spray chamber 70d from entering the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c and the molding chamber 70b. By preventing air inside the disinfectant spray chamber 70d from entering the molding chamber 70b, the rise in humidity inside the molding chamber 70b can be suppressed. As described above, the blow molding section 32 of the bottle molding section 30 is housed inside the molding chamber 70b. Therefore, by suppressing the rise in humidity inside the molding chamber 70b, corrosion of the machinery constituting the blow molding section 32 can be suppressed.

[0092] When cleaning and sterilizing the second sterile chamber 70h, the pressure in the disinfectant spray chamber 70d is preferably between 0 Pa and 20 Pa. Similarly, when cleaning and sterilizing the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure in the disinfectant spray chamber 70d is preferably between 0 Pa and 20 Pa. This prevents air from the disinfectant spray chamber 70d from entering the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c and the molding chamber 70b, thereby suppressing the rise in humidity in the molding chamber 70b. When producing the product bottle 101, the pressure in the disinfectant spray chamber 70d is preferably between -10 Pa and 10 Pa.

[0093] When cleaning and sterilizing the second sterile chamber 70h, the pressure in the outlet chamber 70i is preferably between 0 Pa and 20 Pa. Similarly, when cleaning and sterilizing the stock solution filling device 22, the pressure in the outlet chamber 70i is preferably between 0 Pa and 20 Pa. This prevents air in the outlet chamber 70i from entering the first sterile chamber 70f via the second sterile chamber 70h, etc., thereby further maintaining the sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f. When producing the product bottle 101, the pressure in the outlet chamber 70i is preferably between 10 Pa and 20 Pa.

[0094] In summary, the pressure inside the disinfectant spray chamber 70d to the outlet chamber 70i may be as shown in Table 1 below.

[0095] [Table 1]

[0096] In this case, the pressure inside the preform sterilization chamber 70a to the atmosphere isolation chamber 70c may be as shown in Table 2 below.

[0097] [Table 2]

[0098] Such a contents filling system 10 may consist of, for example, a sterile filling system. In this case, the inside of the disinfectant spray chamber 70d, the air rinse chamber 70e, the first sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, the second sterile chamber 70h, and the outlet chamber 70i are kept sterile. A chamber (not shown) connecting a sterile zone and a non-sterile zone may be provided downstream of the outlet chamber 70i.

[0099] Next, we will describe the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70 of the contents filling system 10. Here, we will first describe the water sterilization line 50.

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

[0101] As shown in Figure 2A, the water sterilization line 50 includes at least a water sterilizer 60 for sterilizing water. In the example shown in Figure 2A, the water sterilization line 50 includes a first water tank 51, a water sterilizer 60, and a second water tank 52. The water sterilization line 50 may also further include a pure water production device 50a, which is located upstream of the first water tank 51 and produces water (pure water), and a pure water tank 50c, which stores the water (pure water) supplied from the pure water production device 50a. The pure water production device 50a, the pure water tank 50c, the first water tank 51, the water sterilizer 60, and the second water tank 52 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the water transport direction.

[0102] Of these, the pure water tank 50c is a tank that stores water (pure water) supplied from the pure water production device 50a, which is the water supply source. Here, it is mandatory to use food-grade water as the raw water for soft drinks, as defined by the Food Sanitation Law. Food-grade water is pure water (RO water, ion-exchanged water, or distilled water, etc.) produced by the pure water production device 50a, which is equipped with activated carbon, reverse osmosis membrane, or ion exchange resin (including EDI), etc. Pure water is water from which impurities such as calcium, magnesium, chlorine, iron, or minerals have been removed. In this case, the evaporation residue of the pure water is 20 mg / L or less. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity of the pure water is 0.1 μS / cm or more and 20 μS / cm or less. As will be described later, in this embodiment, the water is sterilized by ultraviolet light. Therefore, by having an electrical conductivity of 20 μS / cm or less for the water to be sterilized, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of inorganic substances (oxides such as calcium) etc. to the surface of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a etc., which will be described later. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in ultraviolet light transmittance. Furthermore, the water supplied from the pure water production device 50a is not limited to pure water; ultrapure water is also acceptable.

[0103] This pure water tank 50c plays a role in smoothing the water flow by storing water. The volume of the pure water tank 50c is 50m³. 3 Over 100m 3 The following are also acceptable; for example, 50m 3 That's fine too.

[0104] Furthermore, it is desirable that the bacterial count in the pure water tank 50c be between 0.001 CFU / mL and 20 CFU / mL. The pure water supplied to the pure water tank 50c is produced by removing chlorine from tap water using activated carbon or the like. As a result, bacteria tend to proliferate in the pure water supplied to the pure water tank 50c. Therefore, it is advisable to install a UV lamp in the pure water tank 50c to suppress bacterial growth. If the bacterial count in the pure water tank 50c exceeds 20 CFU / mL, it is preferable to sterilize the pure water tank 50c with chlorine, hot water, or steam. The bacterial count in the pure water tank 50c is constantly monitored and may be controlled to stay within the above range. This makes it possible to produce sterile water without installing additional equipment. Therefore, it is possible to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the water sterilizer 60 without making the water sterilizer 60 a high-cost specification.

[0105] Downstream of this pure water tank 50c, a pre-stage sterilizer 62A and a first water tank 51 are provided.

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

[0107] The first water tank 51 is a so-called balance tank, and its role is to smooth the flow of water by storing water. The volume of the first water tank 51 is 30 m³. 3 Over 100m 3 The following are also acceptable; for example, 50m 3 That's fine too.

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

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

[0110] The second water tank 52 is a tank (so-called aseptic tank) that stores the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60. By storing the sterilized water, this second water tank 52 serves to smooth the flow of water. The volume of the second water tank 52 may be 5 m 3 or more and 50 m 3 or less, and as an example, it may be 10 m 3 or so.

[0111] Also, on the downstream side of the second water tank 52, an auxiliary filter 53 that filters the sterilized water and a third water tank 54 that stores the water that has passed through the auxiliary filter 53 may be provided. In this case, the third water tank 54 may be a so-called filling machine tank, and may be installed vertically above the water filling device 21 in order to improve the filling accuracy of the water filling device 21. The third water tank 54 may serve as a so-called cushion tank that ensures a smooth flow of water even when the amount of water used on the downstream side of the third water tank 54 changes. The volume of the third water tank 54 may be 0.1 m 3 or more and 1 m 3 or less, and as an example, it may be 0.3 m 3 or so.

[0112] Furthermore, a first bypass line (bypass line) 55 (see Figures 1 and 2A, etc.) may be provided downstream of the second water tank 52, connecting the water sterilization line 50 and the cap sterilization device 18. This allows the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 to be used to wash the caps 88. Here, the caps 88 can be washed with sterile water after being sterilized with a disinfectant. This cools the caps 88 and removes any foreign matter adhering to them. Also, washing the caps 88 with sterile water reduces friction between the caps 88 and the transport chute (not shown) that transports the caps 88. Therefore, it is possible to suppress the caps 88 from being worn down by the transport chute during transport.

[0113] As described above, since the first bypass line 55 is provided downstream of the second water tank 52, the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 can be used to wash the cap 88. Therefore, compared to the case where the cap 88 is washed with sterile water produced using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be further reduced. Furthermore, by appropriately setting the sterilization conditions, transport speed, and / or material of the cap 88, the cap 88 can be transported without being scraped. In this way, if the cap 88 is not scraped, it does not need to be washed with sterile water.

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

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

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

[0117] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2A, a circulation line (first circulation line) 59 may be connected to the upstream side of the second water tank 52 of the water sterilization line 50. One end of this circulation line 59 may be connected to the water sterilization line 50 via a valve V1 provided on the water sterilization line 50. The other end of the circulation line 59 may be connected to the first water tank 51 of the water sterilization line 50. Thus, a circulation system (first circulation system) 59A for circulating water may be configured with the foreign matter removal filter 61, first sterilizer 62, first sterile filter 63, second sterilizer 64, second sterile filter 65, circulation line 59 and first water tank 51, which will be described later. A thermometer T may also be provided on the circulation line 59. In addition, a concentration meter 59c for measuring the concentration of disinfectant or cleaning agent when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60 may also be provided on the circulation line 59. Furthermore, the circulation line 59 may be equipped with a heating device (heat exchanger or heater, etc.) for warming disinfectants, etc., when cleaning and / or sterilizing the circulation line 59. The heating device may also be used to adjust the water supplied to the first sterile filter 63, etc., to a constant temperature (e.g., 25°C) during the integrity test described later. In this case, the water adjusted to a constant temperature may be used to wet the membrane of the first sterile filter 63, etc., described later. This makes it possible to obtain data in the integrity test that is not affected by water temperature throughout the year. The heating device may be installed anywhere other than the circulation line 59, between the first water tank 51 and the valve V1. There may be one heating device or two or more. The valve V1 may be electrically connected to the control unit 90, or controlled by the control unit 90.

[0118] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2B, a circulation line (second circulation line) 95 may be connected between the first water tank 51 and the water sterilizer 60 of the water sterilization line 50. One end of this circulation line 95 may be connected to a sampling line SL connected to a sampling point SP5, which will be described later. The other end of the circulation line 95 may be connected, for example, between a pump P1 located downstream of the first water tank 51 and the pre-sterilizer 62A. Alternatively, the other end of the circulation line 95 may be connected, for example, upstream of the pump P1 (for example, between the first water tank 51 and the pump P1). Thus, a circulation system (second circulation system) 95A for circulating water, etc., may be configured by the pre-sterilizer 62A, the third bypass line 95a (described later), the first sterilizer 62, the fourth bypass line 95b (described later), the second sterilizer 64, and the circulation line 95. Furthermore, a disinfectant supply unit 96, including a tank, pump, heater, and concentration meter (not shown), may be provided in the circulation line 95. Furthermore, a heat exchanger 97 may be provided in the circulation line 95. In addition, a pump (not shown) may be provided in the circulation line 95. Such a circulation system 95A including the circulation line 95 may be used to circulate a disinfectant or cleaning agent when disinfecting the water disinfectant 60, as will be described later.

[0119] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2C, one end of the circulation line 95 may be connected, for example, between the second sterilizer 64 and the first sterile filter 63. Thus, the circulation system (second circulation system) 95A may be composed of the preceding sterilizer 62A, the third bypass line 95a (described later), the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, and the circulation line 95.

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

[0121] As shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the water sterilizer 60 is equipped with at least one sterile filter (a first sterile filter 63 and a second sterile filter 65). The water sterilizer 60 is also equipped with at least one sterilizer (a first sterilizer 62 and a second sterilizer 64). Because the water sterilizer 60 is equipped with at least one sterile filter and at least one sterilizer, even if one of the sterile filters or sterilizers stops working, the other can ensure the sterility of the water.

[0122] In the example shown in Figures 2A and 2B, the water sterilizer 60 includes a foreign matter removal filter 61, a first sterilizer 62, a first sterile filter 63, a second sterilizer 64, and a second sterile filter 65. The foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterile filter 63, the second sterilizer 64, and the second sterile filter 65 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the water transport direction. In this way, by arranging the sterilizer (in this case, the second sterilizer 64) downstream of the sterile filter (in this case, the first sterile filter 63), even if bacteria pass through the sterile filter, the bacteria can be sterilized by the sterilizer. At this time, as shown in Figure 2C, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the water transport direction. As shown in Figures 2A to 2C, the water sterilizer 60 is equipped with multiple sterile filters (first sterile filter 63 and second sterile filter 65), so that even if one sterile filter stops working, the other sterile filter can still ensure the sterility of the water. Furthermore, the water sterilizer 60 is equipped with multiple sterilizers (first sterilizer 62 and second sterilizer 64), so that even if one sterilizer stops working, the other sterilizer can still ensure the sterility of the water.

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

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

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

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

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

[0128] Furthermore, the water sterilizer 60 does not necessarily need to be equipped with a sterile filter. That is, depending on the level of sterility of the contents prepared by diluting the product stock with water, and / or the growth characteristics of bacteria in the contents, the water sterilizer 60 may not need to be equipped with a sterile filter. Also, when sterilized water is used for cleaning (COP) and / or sterilization (SOP) in each chamber, the water does not come into direct contact with the contents. In such cases as well, the water sterilizer 60 may not need to be equipped with a sterile filter. In these cases, for example, as shown in Figure 2J, the water sterilizer 60 may be equipped with only the first sterilizer 62. Also, as shown in Figure 2K, the water sterilizer 60 may be equipped with both the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64. In this way, if the water sterilizer 60 does not have a sterile filter, the manufacturing cost of the water sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

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

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

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

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

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

[0134] The main body portion 66 is formed in a hollow shape. The shape of the main body portion 66 is a frustoconical shape. Specifically, the main body portion 66 has a frustoconical inner surface, and the end on the smaller diameter side is positioned above the end on the larger diameter side. An introduction portion 68 for introducing water into the main body portion 66 is formed at the lower part of the main body portion 66, and an discharge portion 69 for discharging sterilized water from the main body portion 66 may be formed at the upper part of the main body portion 66. An introduction pipe 68a may be connected to the introduction portion 68 formed in the main body portion 66, and the introduction pipe 68a may be provided so as to extend in the tangential direction of the inner surface of the main body portion 66 in a plan view. In this case, the tangential direction of the inner surface is the tangential direction of the part where the introduced water collides with the inner surface of the main body portion 66, among the tangencies of the circle formed by the inner surface of the main body portion 66 in a horizontal cross-section including the introduction portion 68.

[0135] Water introduced into the main body 66 through the introduction section 68 is guided along the inner surface of the main body 66, causing it to swirl circumferentially. The water then moves upward while swirling and is discharged from the discharge section 69. This suppresses uneven flow of water introduced into the main body 66. As a result, it is possible to prevent some of the water introduced into the main body 66 from being discharged from the discharge section 69 in a short time (so-called short pass).

[0136] As shown in Figure 4, a baffle plate 66a that restricts the flow of water may be provided inside the main body 66. This baffle plate 66a may protrude radially from the inner surface of the main body 66 so as to spiral around it. By providing such a baffle plate 66a inside the main body 66, it is possible to suppress the upward movement of water introduced into the interior of the main body 66 through the introduction section 68 without circumferentially swirling. This makes it possible to more reliably prevent so-called short paths. Although not shown in the figures, the baffle plate 66a inside the main body 66 does not have to spiral around it. In this case, for example, multiple baffle plates 66a, each with a circular shape in plan view, may be provided inside the main body 66, and the water may be configured to pass through a central opening.

[0137] Furthermore, the main body 66 may be provided with a fixing member 66b for fixing the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67, which will be described later. The shape of the fixing member 66b may be, for example, a cross shape in plan view. This prevents the upward movement of water from being obstructed by the fixing member 66b. Alternatively, the shape of the fixing member 66b may be, for example, a disc shape, or a circle shape in plan view. In this case, the fixing member 66b may have a through hole (not shown) formed therein, and may be configured so that water passes through the through hole.

[0138] Furthermore, the main body 66 may be equipped with an illuminance meter (intensity meter) 66c for measuring the illuminance of ultraviolet light emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67. It is desirable that at least one illuminance meter 66c be installed near the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67. In addition, an output meter may be installed to measure the output of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67, which will be described later. Furthermore, the flow meter F described above may be used to constantly monitor the time (residence time) during which water passes through the inside of the main body 66. Furthermore, the temperature, transmittance (turbidity), and / or chromaticity of the water passing through the main body 66 may be measured continuously or as appropriate to constantly confirm that there are no abnormalities in the amount of ultraviolet light being irradiated.

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

[0140] Each second ultraviolet lamp 67b is positioned along the inner surface of the main body 66. That is, each second ultraviolet lamp 67b is positioned so as to be inclined radially inward as it extends upward. In this case, it is preferable that the second ultraviolet lamps 67b are positioned at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. This allows for an integrated ultraviolet irradiation dose (mJ / cm²). 2 This can suppress variations in the output. The first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may each be ultraviolet lamps that emit ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 200 nm or more and 450 nm or less.

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

[0142] Furthermore, the wavelength and / or output of the ultraviolet light emitted by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may differ from each other. That is, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may be different ultraviolet lamps. For example, if the first ultraviolet lamp 67a is a low-pressure mercury lamp, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may be a medium-pressure mercury lamp (or UV-LED). Moreover, multiple second ultraviolet lamps 67b may differ from each other in terms of the wavelength and / or output of the ultraviolet light emitted. That is, multiple second ultraviolet lamps 67b may be different ultraviolet lamps. For example, if one second ultraviolet lamp 67b is a low-pressure mercury lamp, the other second ultraviolet lamps 67b may be medium-pressure mercury lamps (or UV-LEDs). As will be described later, low-pressure mercury lamps can efficiently emit ultraviolet light at a wavelength (253.7 nm) that has a high germicidal effect. Also, as will be described later, medium-pressure mercury lamps are high-output mercury lamps compared to low-pressure mercury lamps. Therefore, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are different ultraviolet lamps, the sterilization effect of the first sterilizer 62 can be improved, and the first sterilizer 62 can sterilize a large amount of water. Also, as described above, when the multiple second ultraviolet lamps 67b are different ultraviolet lamps, the sterilization effect of the first sterilizer 62 can be improved, and the first sterilizer 62 can sterilize a large amount of water.

[0143] A low-pressure mercury lamp is a mercury lamp in which the mercury vapor pressure during operation is less than 10 Pa. This low-pressure mercury lamp can efficiently emit ultraviolet light at a wavelength (253.7 nm) that has a high germicidal effect. Therefore, if the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are both low-pressure mercury lamps, the germicidal effect in the first germicidal machine 62 (and the second germicidal machine 64) can be improved. The low-pressure mercury lamp may also be an amalgam lamp (low-pressure high-power amalgam lamp) in which amalgam, an alloy of mercury and other metals, is sealed inside the discharge tube.

[0144] A medium-pressure mercury lamp is a mercury lamp whose mercury vapor pressure is 40 kPa or higher while lit. The wavelength of ultraviolet light emitted by a medium-pressure mercury lamp is 365 nm as the dominant wavelength, with peaks at 254 nm, 302 nm, 313 nm, 405 nm, 436 nm, etc. Generally, medium-pressure mercury lamps are higher-output mercury lamps compared to low-pressure mercury lamps. Therefore, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are both medium-pressure mercury lamps, a large amount of water can be sterilized by the first sterilizer 62 (and the second sterilizer 64). Also, because medium-pressure mercury lamps are high-output mercury lamps, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are both medium-pressure mercury lamps, the first sterilizer 62 (and the second sterilizer 64) can be made smaller.

[0145] Furthermore, the ultraviolet irradiation section 67 of the first sterilizer 62 may consist only of a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp), and the ultraviolet irradiation section 67 of the second sterilizer 64 may consist only of a medium-pressure mercury lamp. Thus, when the water sterilization line 50 has multiple sterilizers (for example, the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64), it is preferable to use both a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) and a medium-pressure mercury lamp. Low-pressure mercury lamps (including low-pressure high-output amalgam lamps) and medium-pressure mercury lamps have different sterilization wavelengths. Therefore, a high sterilization effect can be obtained by using both a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) and a medium-pressure mercury lamp.

[0146] Furthermore, medium-pressure mercury lamps have higher heat resistance than low-pressure mercury lamps, allowing them to be lit at high temperatures. Therefore, as described later, when sterilizing the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 by circulating hot water or disinfectant in the circulation system 95A (see Figures 2B and 2C), the first sterilizer 62, etc., can be sterilized with the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., lit. When a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) and an ultraviolet lamp that emits ultraviolet light of a different wavelength than the low-pressure mercury lamp are installed in series, the low-pressure mercury lamp may be used in the upstream sterilizer 62A between the pure water tank 50c, which does not require sterilization, and the first water tank 51.

[0147] Here, the bactericidal effect of ultraviolet light is calculated by the cumulative dose of ultraviolet light (mJ / cm²). 2 This varies depending on the illuminance (mW / cm²). In other words, the higher the cumulative amount of ultraviolet radiation, the greater the bactericidal effect of ultraviolet radiation on bacteria. This cumulative amount of radiation is calculated using illuminance (mW / cm²). 2 It is determined by the product of () and the irradiation time (s). Therefore, in order to enhance the bactericidal effect of ultraviolet light on bacteria, it is necessary to shorten the distance between the light source (first ultraviolet lamp 67a and second ultraviolet lamp 67b) and the water, and to lengthen the ultraviolet irradiation time. In particular, illuminance is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the light source that emits ultraviolet light. For example, if the distance from the light source doubles, the illuminance becomes 1 / 4, and if the distance from the light source triples, the illuminance becomes 1 / 9. Therefore, by having the water pass close to the light source, the bactericidal effect of ultraviolet light on bacteria can be enhanced.

[0148] As described above, in this embodiment, an introduction section 68 for introducing water into the main body 66 is formed at the bottom of the main body 66, and an discharge section 69 for discharging sterilized water from the main body 66 is formed at the top of the main body 66. This prevents short-circuiting and increases the time that water remains inside the main body 66. As a result, the irradiation time of ultraviolet light to the water can be increased, and the cumulative amount of ultraviolet light irradiation can be increased. Furthermore, by introducing water from the bottom of the main body 66, even the water introduced into the empty main body 66 at the beginning of operation of the first sterilizer 62 can be given sufficient time to remain inside the main body 66. As a result, the irradiation time of ultraviolet light to the water can be increased.

[0149] Furthermore, the main body 66 has a frustoconical shape. This allows the distance between the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b and the water to be shortened at the top of the main body 66. This enhances the germicidal effect of ultraviolet light. In addition, the ultraviolet irradiation section 67 includes a first ultraviolet lamp 67a located in the radial center of the main body 66 and a plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b arranged around the first ultraviolet lamp 67a. This allows for uniform irradiation of ultraviolet light to water moving upward while circumferentially rotating. This suppresses variations in the cumulative amount of ultraviolet light irradiated.

[0150] Here, the cumulative ultraviolet radiation dose to water is 10 mJ / cm². 2 More than 10000mJ / cm 2 Preferably, it is 100 mJ / cm². 2 More than 1000mJ / cm 2 It is more preferable that the following conditions are met: that is, when the water passes through the main body 66, the cumulative amount of ultraviolet radiation irradiated onto the water is 10 mJ / cm². 2 More than 10000mJ / cm 2 Preferably, it is 100 mJ / cm². 2 More than 1000mJ / cm 2 The following is more preferable: In this case, the cumulative ultraviolet radiation dose to water is 10 mJ / cm² at a wavelength of 254 nm. 2 More than 10000mJ / cm2 Preferably, it is 100 mJ / cm². 2 More than 1000mJ / cm 2 The following is more preferable: The cumulative ultraviolet radiation dose is 10 mJ / cm². 2 Therefore, aquatic bacteria (which can grow in nutrient-poor water environments) that may pass through the second sterile filter 65 are not allowed to pass through. Pseudomonas genus or Methylobacterium It can effectively kill Gram-negative bacteria (such as those of the genus). Furthermore, the cumulative ultraviolet irradiation dose is 100 mJ / cm². 2 As a result of the above, bacterial spores can also be killed. Furthermore, the cumulative ultraviolet irradiation dose is 10,000 mJ / cm². 2 The following conditions reduce electricity consumption and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10. Here, the wavelength of ultraviolet light may be between 250 nm and 260 nm, and for example, it may be 253.7 nm (254 nm). By setting the wavelength of ultraviolet light to between 250 nm and 260 nm, and especially to 253.7 nm, the bactericidal effect of ultraviolet light on bacteria can be enhanced. Here, in this specification, "aquatic bacteria" means bacteria that can pass through a sterile filter with a mesh opening of 0.2 μm.

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

[0152] As shown in Figures 5A and 5B, the shape of the main body 66 of the first sterilizer 62 may be cylindrical. In this case, a discharge pipe 69a may be connected to the discharge section 69 formed in the main body 66, and the discharge pipe 69a may be provided so as to extend in the tangential direction of the inner surface of the main body 66 in a plan view. In this case, the tangential direction of the inner surface is the tangential direction of the portion of the circle formed by the inner surface of the main body 66 in a horizontal cross-section including the discharge section 69, where the water that has circulated while in contact with the inner surface separates from the inner surface of the main body 66. When the shape of the main body 66 is cylindrical, the time that water remains inside the main body 66 can be increased. Therefore, the irradiation time of ultraviolet light on the water can be increased, and the cumulative amount of ultraviolet light irradiation can be increased. In this case, although not shown in the figures, multiple second ultraviolet lamps 67b may be provided so as to be inclined radially inward as they extend upward.

[0153] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 6A and 6B, the shape of the main body 66 may be an elongated, roughly cylindrical shape. In this case, an introduction section 68 for introducing water into the main body 66 may be formed at one end of the main body 66. Also, an discharge section 69 for discharging sterilized water from the main body 66 may be formed at the other end of the main body 66. In this case, the main body 66 may be positioned so that its longitudinal direction (direction of water flow) is parallel to the horizontal direction, or so that its longitudinal direction (direction of water flow) is parallel to the vertical direction. In the illustrated example, the shape of the main body 66 is a so-called reducer shape, where the diameter decreases towards one end and then decreases towards the other end. However, it is not limited to this, and the shape of the main body 66 may be a cylindrical shape with a roughly uniform diameter from the introduction section 68 to the discharge section 69.

[0154] In this modified example, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 may include a plurality of third ultraviolet lamps 67c arranged along the direction of water flow. This allows for uniform irradiation of the water with ultraviolet light. As a result, variations in the cumulative amount of ultraviolet light irradiated can be suppressed. In the illustrated example, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 includes eight third ultraviolet lamps 67c.

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

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

[0157] Furthermore, in the first sterilizer 62 shown in Figures 3 to 6B, ultraviolet light may be reflected within the main body 66 in order to improve the sterilization efficiency of the first sterilizer 62. For example, taking the first sterilizer 62 shown in Figures 6A and 6B as an example, as shown in Figure 6C, the main body 66 may include an outer member 660 and an inner member 661 provided inside the outer member 660. The outer member 660 may be made of a stainless steel tube that has been mirror-finished by electropolishing or the like. The inner member 661 may be made of a glass tube. Also, an air layer 662 may be interposed between the outer member 660 and the inner member 661. In this case, if glass with high ultraviolet transmittance (for example, quartz glass or fluoride glass) is used as the glass of the glass tube of the inner member 661, ultraviolet UV light can be reflected at the interface between the inner member 661 and the air layer 662, as shown in Figure 6C. Furthermore, the material of the inner member 661 may be appropriately selected to match the wavelength of ultraviolet light emitted by the third ultraviolet lamp 67c, etc., and to ensure high ultraviolet light transmittance. In addition, materials other than glass may be used for the inner member 661; for example, plastic with similar properties to glass may be used. Moreover, the inner surface of the outer member 660 and / or the outer surface of the inner member 661 may be coated with a highly reflective material. In particular, when the main body 66 is elongated, as in the first sterilizer 62 shown in Figures 6A and 6B, coating the inner surface of the outer member 660, etc., with a highly reflective material allows for repeated reflection of ultraviolet light while suppressing attenuation of ultraviolet light. This enables efficient sterilization of water. It is preferable that the ultraviolet light is reflected at least once inside the main body 66. In this case, it is more preferable to shorten the distance between the outer member 660, etc. and the third ultraviolet lamp 67c, etc., to achieve two or more reflections of ultraviolet light. Here, ultraviolet light emitted from a medium-pressure mercury lamp can maintain its illumination over a greater distance compared to ultraviolet light emitted from a low-pressure mercury lamp. Therefore, when the third ultraviolet lamp 67c, etc., is a medium-pressure mercury lamp, even if the ultraviolet light is reflected multiple times inside the main body 66, the reduction in the germicidal effect of ultraviolet light can be effectively suppressed.

[0158] Furthermore, the time it takes for water to pass through the first sterilizer 62 may be 0.1 seconds or more and less than 10 seconds, and preferably 0.5 seconds or more and less than 5 seconds. The time taken is the time from when the water introduced into the main body 66 from the inlet 68 until it is discharged from the discharge 69. A time taken of 0.1 seconds or more helps to suppress variations in the sterilization effect of the water. Therefore, a sufficient sterilization effect can be obtained. A time taken of less than 10 seconds allows for miniaturization of the first sterilizer 62. The time it takes for water to pass through the first sterilizer 62 may be appropriately changed based on the flow rate of water processed (sterilized) by the first sterilizer 62.

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

[0160] It is preferable that the first sterile filter 63 is sterilizable (SIP). This allows the first sterile filter 63 to be sterilized periodically. As described above, the first sterile filter 63 passes through the first sterilizer 62 and captures bacteria remaining in the water. Therefore, if water sterilization continues for a long period of time in the water sterilizer 60, the captured bacteria may proliferate within the first sterile filter 63. In addition, if dead bacteria, which are organic matter, adhere to the first sterile filter 63, these dead bacteria can become a substrate. In this case, bacteria may proliferate further within the first sterile filter 63. If bacteria proliferate within the first sterile filter 63 in this way, they may enter the water passing through the first sterile filter 63. However, by making the first sterile filter 63 sterilizable, it is possible to suppress bacteria attached to the first sterile filter 63 from entering the water passing through the first sterile filter 63. As a result, a decrease in the filtration performance of the first sterile filter 63 can be suppressed. Furthermore, when sterilizing the first sterile filter 63, sterilizing steam or the like may be supplied to the first sterile filter 63 from the sterile air supply port 60a, as described later.

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

[0162]

number

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

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

[0165] The second sterile filter 65 is located downstream of the second sterilizer 64. This second sterile filter 65 is a filter that disinfects water by capturing bacteria remaining in the water after it has passed through the second sterilizer 64. Preferably, the mesh size of the second sterile filter 65 is smaller than or equal to that of the first sterile filter 63. This ensures that even if bacteria in the water pass through the first sterile filter 63, they can be captured by the second sterile filter 65. Thus, the sterility of the water can be sufficiently ensured. Furthermore, if the mesh size of the second sterile filter 65 is the same as that of the first sterile filter 63, two sterilization sets, each consisting of a sterilizer and a sterile filter, can be arranged along the water transport direction. That is, a first sterilization set consisting of the first sterilizer 62 and the first sterile filter 63, and a second sterilization set consisting of the second sterilizer 64 and the second sterile filter 65, can be arranged in series along the water transport direction. Therefore, even if some abnormality occurs in one of the sterilization sets, the sterility of the water can be guaranteed. Note that multiple sterilization sets may be provided, depending on the sterility assurance level (SAL) of the water or the final product (contents) (see Figures 2A, 2B, 2D to 2E3). Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2F, the number of sterilization sets may be one, or, although not shown, three or more sets may be provided.

[0166] The mesh opening of the second sterile filter 65 may be 0.1 μm or more and 0.45 μm or less, and preferably 0.1 μm or more and 0.22 μm or less. By having a mesh opening of 0.1 μm or more for the second sterile filter 65, a decrease in the sterilization efficiency of the water can be suppressed. Furthermore, by having a mesh opening of 0.45 μm or less for the second sterile filter 65, bacteria remaining in the water can be captured more effectively by the second sterile filter 65. The filtration membrane of the second sterile filter 65 may be, for example, a reverse osmosis membrane (RO membrane) or an ultra-filtration membrane (UF membrane).

[0167] The other components of the second sterile filter 65 may be substantially the same as those of the first sterile filter 63. That is, the second sterile filter 65 may be capable of sterilization (SIP). Furthermore, the second sterile filter 65 may be capable of undergoing integrity testing for its mesh opening.

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

[0169] In this case, let H0 (=logN0) be the initial bacterial count level in the water before it enters the filter (e.g., the first sterile filter 63). In this case, the initial bacterial count level H0 of the filter is reduced by the sterilization effect of the filter (e.g., the first sterile filter 63) (bacterial reduction level in the water: ΣR1 (=log(N0 / NR1)>0)). Note that "N0" represents the initial bacterial count in the water, and "NR1" represents the bacterial count in the water after sterilization by the filter (e.g., the first sterile filter 63).

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

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

[0172] The relationship between H0, ΣR1, ΣI, ΣR2, and FSO, as described above, can be expressed as follows: H0-ΣR1+ΣI-ΣR2≦FSO (Formula 1) Therefore, by setting the sterilization capacity of the sterilizer (for example, the second sterilizer 64) so ​​that the value of ΣR2 is (H0 - ΣR1 + ΣI) - FSO or greater, it becomes possible to make the sterility of the water below the target value (FSO).

[0173] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2A to 2M, sampling points SP1 to SP6 (SP) for aseptically sampling water may be provided at the inlet of the water sterilizer 60, the outlet of the water sterilizer 60, and between the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterilizer 62. A sampling line SL may also be connected to at least some of these sampling points SP1 to SP6 via valves (not shown). This allows for easy measurement of the number of bacteria or particles in the water by aseptically sampling water from sampling points SP1 to SP6 or the sampling line SL, and easy confirmation of changes in the water's state, such as bacterial growth. When measuring the number of bacteria in the water, and / or confirming changes in the state, such as bacterial growth, the number of bacteria may be counted using, for example, a culture medium. Alternatively, the number of bacteria in the water and / or changes in the state of bacteria may be measured and / or confirmed using, for example, a microorganism counter or a particle counter (liquid particle counter). Here, a microorganism counter is a device that counts microorganisms by detecting the fluorescence emitted when a laser beam is shone on a particle and identifying whether it is a non-living organism or a microorganism based on MIE scattering theory. Examples of such microorganism counters include the Biological Particle Counter manufactured by Rion Co., Ltd., the Microorganism Detection Analyzer 7000RMS manufactured by Mettler Toledo K.K., and the Real-Time Microorganism Detector, IMD-W (registered trademark), manufactured by Azbil Corporation. Furthermore, when sampling water aseptically from the sampling line SL, it is preferable that the sampling line SL be sterilized beforehand. In this case, for example, the sampling line SL may be sterilized with a disinfectant such as peracetic acid or with hot water. Alternatively, the sampling line SL, which has been sterilized with a disinfectant, may be rinsed with pure water that has been sterilized by the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65.

[0174] Furthermore, a thermometer T may be provided in the sampling line SL, and the temperature of the steam may be monitored using the thermometer T when sterilizing the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 with steam.

[0175] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 2B and 2C, a third bypass line 95a may be provided between the upstream sterilizer 62A and the first sterilizer 62. This prevents the disinfectant or cleaning agent from passing through the foreign matter removal filter 61 when sterilizing the water sterilization line 50 with the disinfectant or cleaning agent. In addition, a first drain pipe 95c may be connected to the upstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61, and rinse water, etc., which will be described later, may be discharged from the first drain pipe 95c. Note that the first drain pipe 95c may also be connected to the third bypass line 95a.

[0176] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2B, a fourth bypass line 95b may be provided between the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64. This prevents the disinfectant or cleaning agent from passing through the first sterile filter 63 when the water sterilization line 50 is sterilized with the disinfectant or cleaning agent. Also, as shown in Figures 2B and 2C, a second drain pipe 95d may be connected to the upstream side of the first sterile filter 63, and rinse water, etc., which will be described later, may be discharged from the second drain pipe 95d. The second drain pipe 95d may also be connected to the fourth bypass line 95b.

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

[0178] Furthermore, the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 60 may be controlled by the control unit 90. For example, the control unit 90 may determine the amount of water to be used to clean and sterilize the contents filling system 10, and based on the determined amount of water, it may also determine the amount of water that the water sterilizer 60 of the water sterilization line 50 will sterilize during the production of the product bottles 101. Here, the amount of sterile water required to clean and / or sterilize the inside of each chamber, etc., after the production of the product bottles 101 can be determined for each chamber, etc. For this reason, the processing capacity of the water sterilizer 60 may be controlled by the control unit 90 so that the sterile water to be used after the production of the product bottles 101 can be stored during the production of one lot of product bottles 101. This allows for immediate cleaning and / or sterilization of the inside of each chamber, etc., after the production of the product bottles 101. This reduces downtime.

[0179] Furthermore, the control unit 90 may discharge water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50 when the amount or intensity of ultraviolet light irradiation falls below a predetermined value. Here, the predetermined value is a reference value (threshold) for determining whether or not water should be discharged to the outside of the water sterilization line 50. Such a predetermined value can be arbitrarily set according to the volume of the main unit 66 or the water flow rate, etc. For example, the predetermined value may be an irradiation amount or intensity that does not fall below the sterility assurance level of the water or the final product (contents). The predetermined value may be, for example, 10 mJ / cm³, depending on the volume of the main unit 66, etc. 2 More than 10000mJ / cm 2 The following are also acceptable, for example, 100 mJ / cm² 2 This may also be the case. The amount of ultraviolet radiation emitted by the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 may be set based on the RED (Reduction Equivalent UV Dose) determined by an actual chemical dosimeter or biological dosimeter. For details, please refer to the "ULTRAVIOLET DISINFECTION GUIDANCE MANUAL FOR THE FINAL LONG TERM 2 ENHANCED SURFACE WATER TREATMENT RULE, United States Environmental Protection Agency, EPA 815-R-06-007, November 2006".

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

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

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

[0183] In these cases, after resolving the malfunction of the water sterilizer 60, the water sterilizer 60 is sterilized with a disinfectant such as peracetic acid, or with hot water or steam, as described later. After that, water sterilization by the water sterilizer 60 is resumed.

[0184] In such a water sterilization line 50, it is preferable that the water sterilizer 60 continues to sterilize the water without stopping the water sterilization process while product bottles 101 are being produced by filling bottles 100 with contents in the contents filling system 10. This suppresses the growth of bacteria in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. In other words, if the water flow in the water sterilizer 60 stops, bacteria may proliferate in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. In contrast, by continuing to sterilize the water without stopping the pump P1 while product bottles 101 are being produced in the contents filling system 10, the growth of bacteria in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 can be suppressed. If the second water tank 52 becomes full while product bottles 101 are being produced in the contents filling system 10, the sterilized water may be circulated in the circulation system 59A (see Figure 2A, etc.). This prevents the water flow from stopping within the water sterilizer 60, even when the second water tank 52 is full. As a result, bacterial growth in the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 can be suppressed. However, if the circulation time of the sterilized water is long, the temperature of the sterilized water may rise due to the irradiation energy of ultraviolet rays emitted from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67. In this case, the water flowing through the circulation line 59 may be discharged from the circulation line 59 without being supplied to the first water tank 51. The rise in the temperature of the circulating water may also be suppressed by supplying new pure water from the pure water production device 50a to the first water tank 51. For example, when sterilized water is circulated in the circulation system 59A, approximately 3% to 30% of the water remaining inside the circulation line 59 may be discharged once every hour, and new pure water may be supplied from the pure water production device 50a to the first water tank 51. This makes it possible to supply water at a constant temperature to the second water tank 52 at all times. The proportion of water discharged may be appropriately changed depending on the irradiation dose or number of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc.

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

[0186] Of these, the non-sterile zone Z1 is a zone under a non-sterile atmosphere where bacteria may be present. In the illustrated example, the non-sterile zone Z1 is the area upstream of the pre-sterilizer 62A. In the non-sterile zone Z1, the first water tank 51 and the flow path downstream of the first water tank 51 are sterilized before the production of the product bottle 101. On the other hand, in the non-sterile zone Z1, after the production of the product bottle 101 has started, bacteria may be introduced from upstream of the first water tank 51, potentially contaminating the first water tank 51 and other components with bacteria.

[0187] The first gray zone Z2 and the second gray zone Z3 are zones for separating a non-sterile atmosphere from a sterile atmosphere, respectively. Of these, the first gray zone Z2 is the zone for sterilizing bacteria in the water. The second gray zone Z3 is the zone for maintaining a state where no bacteria are present in the water during the production of the product bottle 101. In the illustrated example, the first gray zone Z2 is the area from the upstream sterilizer 62A to the outlet of the second sterilizer 64. The second gray zone Z3 is the area from the outlet of the second sterilizer 64 to the inlet of the first sterile filter 63. Here, the pure water production device 50a that supplies water to the water sterilization line 50 is sterilized (SIP) before sterilizing the water to the water sterilization line 50. At this time, sterilization is carried out under conditions that can kill at least aquatic bacteria. The temperature of the steam or hot water used for sterilization and the sterilization time may be at least 60°C and 5 minutes or more, and preferably 85°C and 30 minutes or more. The temperature of the steam or hot water used for sterilization and the sterilization time may be set to 90°C and 3 minutes, which are conditions that result in a sterilization value equivalent to a Z value of 5°C. Alternatively, the sterilization conditions may be high temperature and short duration, such as 95°C and 0.3 minutes. However, under these sterilization conditions, bacterial spores generally cannot be killed. Therefore, bacterial spores may exist in the area before the first sterile filter 63. For this reason, the area from the pre-sterilizer 62A to before the first sterile filter 63 is called the gray zone. After sterilization of the pure water production device 50a, water is continuously supplied to the second gray zone Z3, maintaining a positive pressure state in the second gray zone Z3. This maintains a state in the second gray zone Z3 where aquatic bacteria are absent. The positive pressure state in the second gray zone Z3 is monitored by a pressure gauge (not shown). Furthermore, sterilization (SIP) of the pure water production device 50a may be performed not by steam or hot water, but by an agent that inactivates aquatic bacteria.

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

[0189] Of these non-sterile zone Z1, first gray zone Z2, second gray zone Z3, and sterile zone Z4, ultraviolet light may be irradiated onto water in the first gray zone Z2. In the first gray zone Z2, the cumulative amount of ultraviolet light irradiated onto water by the preceding sterilizer 62A is at least 10 mJ / cm² at a wavelength of 254 nm. 2 It may be greater than or equal to 100 mJ / cm², preferably 100 mJ / cm². 2 It may be greater than or equal to the above. In this case, the preceding sterilizer 62A may include a low-pressure mercury lamp. Also, in the first gray zone Z2, the total cumulative irradiation dose of ultraviolet light to water by the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 is 100 mJ / cm² at a wavelength of 254 nm. 2 It may be greater than or equal to 100 mJ / cm². 2 As a result, aquatic bacteria can be sterilized in the first gray zone Z2. Therefore, the sterility of the water in the second gray zone Z3 can be guaranteed. In this case, the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 may each include a medium-pressure mercury lamp.

[0190] In the first gray zone Z2, the total cumulative ultraviolet radiation dose to water from the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 is 100 mJ / cm² at a wavelength of 254 nm. 2If the value is less than the limit, the water before being supplied to the first sterile filter 63 may be circulated by the circulation line 95. This prevents water that may contain aquatic bacteria from being supplied to the first sterile filter 63. This ensures the sterility of the water in the sterile zone Z4. In this case, the preceding sterilizer 62A, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 may also be sterilized (SIP) before the water is supplied to the sterile zone Z4 (first sterile filter 63).

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

[0192] Thus, in the water sterilizer 60 of the water sterilization line 50 according to this embodiment, the sterility of the water is ensured by the fact that the amount of ultraviolet irradiation during production is above a predetermined value or within a predetermined range, and that the integrity test results before and after the start of production are satisfactory.

[0193] Next, we will explain the stock solution sterilization line 70. The stock solution sterilization line 70 is a sterilization line that heat-sterilizes the product stock solution.

[0194] As shown in Figure 7, the stock solution sterilization line 70 includes a first stock solution tank 71, a product stock solution sterilizer 80, and a second stock solution tank 72. The first stock solution tank 71, the product stock solution sterilizer 80, and the second stock solution tank 72 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the direction of transport of the product stock solution. A circulation line (third circulation line) 89 may be connected to the stock solution sterilization line 70 between the third stage cooling unit 86 (described later) and the second stock solution tank 72. The product stock solution that has passed through the third stage cooling unit 86 may be returned to the first stock solution tank 71 via the circulation line 89.

[0195] The first concentrate tank 71 is a tank for storing the product concentrate supplied from a supply source (not shown). By storing the product concentrate, this first concentrate tank 71 plays a role in facilitating the flow of the product concentrate. The volume of the first concentrate tank 71 is 0.3 m³. 3 More than 3m 3 The following are also acceptable; for example, 1m 3 That's fine too.

[0196] A pump P3 for transporting the product concentrate may be provided downstream of this first concentrate tank 71. Furthermore, the product concentrate sterilizer 80 described above is provided downstream of the pump P3.

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

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

[0199] Furthermore, the temperature of the hottest part of the UHT80 (for example, the second-stage heating section 82) can be monitored to check for scale (deposits such as calcium) adhering to the UHT80. The scale removal status can also be monitored when cleaning (CIP) the UHT80. This allows for optimization of the cleaning process for the UHT80. As a result, the cleaning time can be shortened, and the amount of water, steam, and cleaning agent used for cleaning can be reduced. Consequently, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0200] Furthermore, the UHT80 can be manufactured using either an injection or infusion method. In addition, the heat exchanger used for heat exchange in the contents filling system 10, such as the heat exchanger for the UHT80, can be a plate type, a shell and tube type, or a scrape type heat exchanger.

[0201] The second concentrate tank 72 is a tank (a so-called aseptic tank) that stores the product concentrate sterilized by the product concentrate sterilizer 80. By storing the sterilized product concentrate, the second concentrate tank 72 plays a role in facilitating the flow of the product concentrate. The volume of the second concentrate tank 72 is 1 m³. 3 More than 20m 3 The following is also acceptable; for example, 2m 3 That's fine too.

[0202] Furthermore, an auxiliary filter 73 for filtering the sterilized product concentrate and a third concentrate tank 74 for storing the product concentrate that has passed through the auxiliary filter 73 may be provided downstream of the second concentrate tank 72. In this case, the third concentrate tank 74 may be a so-called filling tank, and may be installed vertically above the concentrate filling device 22 in order to improve the filling accuracy of the concentrate filling device 22. The third concentrate tank 74 may also serve as a so-called cushion tank to ensure a smooth flow of the product concentrate even when the amount of product concentrate used downstream of the third concentrate tank 74 changes. The volume of the third concentrate tank 74 is 0.1 m³. 3 1 meter or more 3It may also be less than the following; for example, 0.3m 3 This is also acceptable. The auxiliary filter 73 may be located inside or at the tip of the full concentrate filling nozzle of the concentrate filling device 22 (for example, see Figure 16C described later).

[0203] Furthermore, an additive unit 75 for adding solid material to the product concentrate may be connected downstream of the second concentrate tank 72. This allows the contents filling system 10 to fill the bottle 100 with contents containing solid material. In this case, the solid material added by the additive unit 75 to the product concentrate may be, for example, pulp, nata de coco, tapioca, or aloe. The solid material may also be a pre-sterilized, sterile solid.

[0204] (Content filling method) Next, the method of filling contents using the contents filling system 10 (Figure 1) described above will be explained with reference to Figure 8.

[0205] First, the preform supply device 1 sequentially supplies multiple preforms 100a to the receiving section 34 of the preform transport section 31 via the preform supply conveyor 2 (preform supply process, indicated by the symbol S1 in Figure 8). At this time, the preforms 100a are sterilized by spraying hydrogen peroxide gas or mist onto them in the preform sterilization device 34a, and then dried with hot air.

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

[0207] Next, the preform 100a sent to the blow molding section 32 is blow-molded using a mold (not shown) to form the bottle 100 (bottle molding process, indicated by S2 in Figure 8). The blow-molded bottle 100 is then sent to the bottle transport section 33.

[0208] Next, in the sterilization device 11, the bottle 100 is sterilized using an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution, which is a disinfectant (container sterilization step, indicated by the symbol S3 in Figure 8). At this time, the disinfectant may be a gas or mist obtained by vaporizing the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution above its boiling point. The gas or mist of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution adheres to the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100, sterilizing both the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100.

[0209] Next, bottle 100 is sent to the air rinsing device 14. In the air rinsing device 14, sterile heated air or room temperature air is supplied to bottle 100 to activate the hydrogen peroxide and remove foreign matter and hydrogen peroxide from bottle 100 (air rinsing step, indicated by the symbol S4 in Figure 8). In the air rinsing step, if necessary, a low-concentration hydrogen peroxide condensation mist may be mixed with the sterile heated air or sterilized room temperature air. In this case, the hydrogen peroxide is gasified by the sterile air. Then, in the air rinsing step, the gasified hydrogen peroxide may be supplied to bottle 100.

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

[0211] In the water filling device 21, sterilized water is filled into the sterilized bottle 100 at room temperature. The water temperature during filling is, for example, between 3°C and 40°C. The filling speed at which the water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with water may be faster than the filling speed at which the concentrate filling device 22 fills the bottle 100 with the product concentrate. In the water filling device 21, the water filling speed may be between 100 mL / sec and 500 mL / sec.

[0212] Next, in the concentrate filling device 22 of the filling device 20, the product concentrate is filled into the bottle 100 which is filled with water (product concentrate filling process, indicated by symbol S6 in Figure 8). In this concentrate filling device 22, the bottle 100 rotates (revolves) as the product concentrate is filled into the bottle 100 from its opening. Before being filled into the bottle 100 in the concentrate filling device 22, the product concentrate is pre-sterilized by heating in the concentrate sterilization line 70. The heating temperature for heating the product concentrate may generally be between 60°C and 120°C if the acidity of the contents is less than pH 4.5, and the heating time may be between 30 seconds and 120 seconds. If the acidity of the contents is pH 4.5 or higher, the heating temperature for heating the product concentrate may be between 115°C and 150°C. The heating time may also be between 30 seconds and 120 seconds. This process sterilizes all microorganisms in the product concentrate before filling that could potentially grow within the product bottle 101. The heat-sterilized product concentrate is then cooled to a temperature of approximately 3°C to 40°C.

[0213] In the concentrate filling device 22, the sterilized and cooled product concentrate is filled at room temperature into the water-filled bottle 100. The temperature of the product concentrate at the time of filling is, for example, between 3°C and 40°C. In the concentrate filling device 22, the filling speed of the product concentrate may be between 30 mL / sec and 200 mL / sec.

[0214] Next, the bottles 100 filled with their contents are transported to the cap-attaching device 16 by the transport wheels 12.

[0215] On the one hand, the cap 88 is pre-sterilized by the cap sterilization device 18 (cap sterilization step, reference symbol S7 in FIG. 8). During this period, first, the cap 88 is carried into the cap sterilization device 18 from the outside of the content filling system 10. Subsequently, in the cap sterilization device 18, hydrogen peroxide gas or mist is sprayed onto the cap 88, and after its inner and outer surfaces are sterilized, it is dried with hot air and sent to the cap mounting device 16.

[0216] Next, in the cap mounting device 16, the sterilized cap 88 is mounted on the mouth of the bottle 100 conveyed from the filling device 20, thereby closing the bottle 100 and obtaining the product bottle 101 (cap mounting step, reference symbol S8 in FIG. 8).

[0217] Thereafter, the product bottle 101 is conveyed from the cap mounting device 16 to the product bottle unloading section 25 and unloaded toward the outside of the content filling system 10 (bottle discharging step, reference symbol S9 in FIG. 8). Then, the product bottle 101 is transported to a packaging line (not shown) and packaged.

[0218] The above container sterilization step, air rinsing step, water filling step, product stock solution filling step, cap mounting step, and bottle discharging step are performed in a sterile atmosphere, that is, in a sterile environment surrounded by the sterilant spraying chamber 70d, air rinsing chamber 70e, first sterile chamber 70f, intermediate area chamber 70g, second sterile chamber 70h, and outlet chamber 70i. Also, the cap sterilization step is performed by the cap sterilization device 18. In this case, the sterilant spraying chamber 70d, air rinsing chamber 70e, first sterile chamber 70f, intermediate area chamber 70g, second sterile chamber 70h, outlet chamber 70i, and cap sterilization device 18 are pre-sterilized by spraying hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid, or discharging hot water, etc. <00009​After the sterilization treatment of each chamber, aseptic air is constantly supplied into the sterilant spraying chamber 70d, the air rinsing chamber 70e, the first aseptic chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, the second aseptic chamber 70h, and the outlet chamber 70i so that the aseptic air blows out toward the outside of the sterilant spraying chamber 70d, the air rinsing chamber 70e, the first aseptic chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, the second aseptic chamber 70h, and the outlet chamber 70i. Also, aseptic air is constantly supplied into the cap sterilization device 18 so that the aseptic air blows out toward the outside of the cap sterilization device 18.

[0220] In this way, when positive-pressure aseptic air is supplied into each of the chambers 70d to 70i, in the atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c, the sterilant spraying chamber 70d, and the outlet chamber 70i, the aseptic air in each chamber and the sterilant used for bottle sterilization are exhausted. At that time, the pressure in each chamber may be adjusted so that the pressures in the sterilant spraying chamber 70d, the air rinsing chamber 70e, the first aseptic chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, the second aseptic chamber 70h, and the outlet chamber 70i become positive pressures respectively. In this case, as described above, the pressure in the sterilant spraying chamber 70d may be -10 Pa or more and 10 Pa or less. The pressure in the air rinsing chamber 70e may be 10 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less. The pressure in the first aseptic chamber 70f may be 30 Pa or more and 60 Pa or less. The pressure in the intermediate area chamber 70g may be 20 Pa or more and 50 Pa or less. The pressure in the second aseptic chamber 70h may be 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. The pressure in the outlet chamber 70i may be 10 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less.

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

[0222] (Sterilization method of content filling system) Next, the sterilization method for the contents filling system 10 (Figure 1) described above will be explained. Here, the sterilization method for the first sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, and the second sterile chamber 70h (hereinafter simply referred to as the chamber sterilization method) will be explained with reference to Figure 9.

[0223] Chamber sterilization method First, after the beverage filling in the contents filling system 10 is completed, for example, the operation button of the control unit 90 is operated. This places a CIP cup (not shown) over the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21. By placing the CIP cup (not shown) over the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21 in this way, the sterile state inside the water filling device 21 is maintained. In other words, the water filling device 21 is physically protected from contamination by bacteria entering the water filling device 21 from the tip of the water filling nozzle. Furthermore, by operating the operation button of the control unit 90, the gaps formed in the partitions separating the disinfectant spray chamber 70d, the air rinse chamber 70e, the first sterile chamber 70f, the intermediate area chamber 70g, and the second sterile chamber 70h are closed by shutters (not shown).

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

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

[0226] Next, sterile water is supplied to the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h (rinsing step, indicated as S11 in Figure 9). This washes away any contents adhering to the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h. In this case, the sterile water may be water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60. Note that contents may have flowed from the second sterile chamber 70h into the first sterile chamber 70f via the intermediate area chamber 70g. Therefore, sterile water may be supplied to the first sterile chamber 70f to wash away any contents adhering to it. In addition, any caps 88 or bottles 100 that have fallen into the second sterile chamber 70h are collected. Furthermore, the shape of the transport wheel 12 provided downstream of the cap attachment device 16 may be changed to match the shape of the next bottle 100 to be used. Furthermore, the cap mounting device 16 may replace the chuck (not shown) of the capper head to match the size of the next cap 88 to be used.

[0227] Next, while maintaining a sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f, the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h is cleaned. In this process, first, the inside of the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h are cleaned (COP) (COP process, indicated as S12 in Figure 9). At this time, a cleaning agent such as an alkaline agent and water are sprayed into the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h from spray nozzles (not shown) located inside the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h. This purifies the inner walls of the intermediate area chamber 70g and the surfaces of equipment such as the filling device 20. In this case, the water may be sterile water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60.

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

[0229] Next, while maintaining a sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f, the stock solution filling device 22 is cleaned (CIP) (CIP process, indicated as S13 in Figure 9). First, a CIP cup (not shown) is placed over the stock solution filling nozzle of the stock solution filling device 22. Next, the flow path of the contents inside the stock solution filling device 22 is rinsed with water, and a cleaning agent, for example, water with an alkaline agent such as caustic soda or an acidic agent such as nitric acid added, is supplied to the flow path. This removes any residue from the previous beverage adhering to the flow path of the contents inside the stock solution filling device 22. The water used at this time may be sterile water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60.

[0230] Next, while maintaining a sterile state inside the first sterile chamber 70f, the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h is sterilized. At this time, the stock solution filling device 22 is first sterilized (SIP) (SIP process, indicated as S14 in Figure 9). At this time, heated steam or hot water is supplied to the flow path of the contents inside the stock solution filling device 22. This sterilizes the flow path of the contents inside the stock solution filling device 22. In this case, the water may be sterile water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60.

[0231] Next, the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h are sterilized (SOP) (SOP process, indicated as S15 in Figure 9). At this time, disinfectants such as peracetic acid and hydrogen peroxide are sprayed into the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h from spray nozzles (not shown) located in the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h. Subsequently, sterile water is sprayed into the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h from the same spray nozzles (not shown). This sterilizes the inner walls of the intermediate area chamber 70g and the surfaces of equipment such as the filling device 20. In this case, sterile water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 may be used. This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10. Furthermore, before, during, or simultaneously with, sterilizing the second sterile chamber 70h with a disinfectant, the interiors of at least the first sterile chamber 70f, the air rinse chamber 70e, and the disinfectant spray chamber 70d may also be cleaned with peracetic acid detergent and rinsed with sterile water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60. This makes it possible to maintain stable sterility for a long period of time and to raise the level of sterility.

[0232] Furthermore, while the second sterile chamber 70h is being sterilized, the entire interior of the first sterile chamber 70f may be re-sterilized. In this case, for example, a disinfectant such as hydrogen peroxide may be sprayed into the first sterile chamber 70f, and then the interior of the first sterile chamber 70f may be dried with hot air to re-sterilize the entire interior of the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0233] In this way, the contents filling system 10 is sterilized.

[0234] Next, the CIP cup (not shown) placed over the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21 is removed. Then, the water that has been kept sterile inside the water filling nozzle of the water filling device 21 is discharged into the first sterile chamber 70f. This prevents disinfectant from being filled into the bottle 100 in the event that disinfectant or the like enters the water filling nozzle from outside the CIP cup. Furthermore, as described above, even if disinfectant is not completely removed from the CIP cup placed over the water filling nozzle and some disinfectant remains on the CIP cup after the first sterile chamber 70f is re-sterilized, this prevents disinfectant or the like from being filled into the bottle 100. It is preferable that the amount of water discharged into the first sterile chamber 70f is at least the amount needed for one bottle 100 to be used in the next production. After that, the gap that was closed by the shutter is opened, and the filling of the next contents begins.

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

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

[0237] During the sterilization of the water sterilizer 60, the filling (production) of the contents by the contents filling system 10 is completed first ("Production Completed" in Figure 10A).

[0238] Thereafter, a post-production integrity test (first integrity test) is performed on at least one of the sterile filters (the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65) of the water sterilizer 60 (reference symbol S20A in FIG. 10A). That is, a post-production integrity test is performed on at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 of the water sterilizer 60. If the foreign matter removal filter 61 is also a sterile filter, the integrity test is performed on at least one of the three filters. The asepticity of water is ensured by the passing of the integrity test results before and after the start of production (no leakage is recognized) and the irradiation amount of ultraviolet rays being equal to or within a predetermined value during production.

[0239] Next, the sterilizer (the first sterilizer 62 and / or the second sterilizer 64 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as the first sterilizer 62, etc.)) is cleaned and / or sterilized (sterilizer cleaning and sterilization step, reference symbol S20 in FIG. 10A). At this time, first, the first sterilizer 62, etc. is cleaned (CIP treatment). The CIP treatment is performed by flowing an acidic cleaning solution obtained by adding a nitric acid-based or phosphoric acid-based acidic chemical to water into the flow path after or before flowing an alkaline cleaning solution into the flow path. The alkaline cleaning solution is a cleaning solution obtained by adding an alkaline chemical such as sodium hydroxide (caustic soda), potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate, sodium phosphate, sodium hypochlorite, a surfactant, and a chelating agent to water. Note that the alkaline cleaning step using the alkaline cleaning solution and the acid cleaning step using the acidic cleaning solution may be freely combined and implemented. Thereby, residues and the like adhering to the flow path through which water passes are removed. Also, a CIP treatment using only warm water or hot water without adding a cleaning agent may be used. Note that no contents adhere to the water sterilization line 50. Also, in the first sterilizer 62, etc. of the water sterilization line 50, ultraviolet rays are irradiated by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. during the production of the product bottle 101. Thereby, the possibility that the water sterilization line 50 is contaminated by bacteria is low. Therefore, the CIP treatment of the water sterilization line 50 may be omitted.

[0240] Next, the first sterilizer 62 and the like are sterilized (SIP treatment). In the SIP process, first, steam or hot water is supplied to the water sterilizer 60 (hot water supply process, indicated by symbol S201a in Figure 10B1). In this case, for example, steam or hot water is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water sterilizer 60. As a result, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b, and the third ultraviolet lamp 67c (hereinafter also simply referred to as the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc.) of the first sterilizer 62 and the like are heated and sterilized with steam or hot water. In addition, every corner of the piping inside the first sterilizer 62 and the piping inside the second sterilizer 64 is heated and sterilized with steam or hot water. When sterilizing the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 may be sterilized at the same time. Furthermore, by adjusting the temperature, concentration, and / or time of the cleaning agent used in the above CIP treatment, bacterial inactivation (SIP treatment) can be performed simultaneously, eliminating the need for subsequent SIP treatment (CSIP treatment). After the CIP treatment and SIP treatment, or CSIP treatment, the cleaning agent is discharged from the circulation system 59A. Then, the process moves to a rinsing step to completely remove the cleaning agent. The rinsing water is supplied from the pure water tank 50a. In the rinsing step, it is advisable to turn on the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., to confirm that the amount or intensity of ultraviolet radiation is above a predetermined value.

[0241] Furthermore, if the first sterilizer 62, etc., is sensitive to heat, the first sterilizer 62, etc., may be sterilized with a disinfectant (chemical) or cleaning agent (chemical). In this case, first, the disinfectant is supplied to the water sterilizer 60 (disinfectant supply process, indicated by the symbol S201b in Figure 10B2). In this case, for example, the disinfectant is supplied to the circulation system 59A, which includes the water sterilizer 60. The disinfectant or cleaning agent may be supplied from the disinfectant supply unit 96 (see Figures 2B and 2C) to the upstream sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64, etc., which are installed in the water sterilization line 50. In this case, it is preferable that the disinfectant or cleaning agent does not pass through the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterile filter 63. That is, it is preferable to circulate the disinfectant or cleaning agent within the circulation system 95A. Specifically, for example, as shown by the thick lines in Figures 2B and 2C, it is preferable that the disinfectant or cleaning agent passes through the third bypass line 95a provided between the upstream sterilizer 62A and the first sterilizer 62. Also, as shown by the thick line in Figure 2B, it is preferable that the disinfectant or cleaning agent passes through the fourth bypass line 95b provided between the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64. This makes it possible to suppress the disinfectant or cleaning agent from passing through the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterile filter 63 when sterilizing the water sterilization line 50 with the disinfectant or cleaning agent. The disinfectant or cleaning agent may also be supplied from sampling points SP2 to SP4.

[0242] The disinfectant may contain peracetic acid. Furthermore, if the disinfectant contains peracetic acid, its concentration may be between 1000 ppm and 3000 ppm. A disinfectant concentration of 1000 ppm or higher enhances the disinfecting effect of the first disinfectant 62, etc. A disinfectant concentration of 3000 ppm or lower reduces the amount of peracetic acid used, thereby lowering the cost of disinfecting the water disinfectant 60.

[0243] Furthermore, the temperature of the hot water, disinfectant, or cleaning agent supplied to the circulation system 59A may be between 50°C and 150°C. A temperature of 50°C or higher for the hot water, disinfectant, or cleaning agent enhances the sterilization and cleaning effects of the first sterilizer 62, etc., by using the disinfectant. Additionally, a temperature of 150°C or lower for the hot water, disinfectant, or cleaning agent allows for the low-cost manufacture of the first sterilizer 62, etc., without the need for special heat-resistant materials.

[0244] Next, hot water, disinfectant, or cleaning agent is circulated within the circulation system 95A, which includes the sterilizers (first sterilizer 62 and / or second sterilizer 64) (hot water circulation step, indicated by symbol S202a in Figure 10B1; disinfectant circulation step, indicated by symbol S202b in Figure 10B2). For example, hot water, disinfectant, or cleaning agent is circulated within the circulation system 95A, which includes the pre-sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64, which are provided in the water sterilization line 50. In this case, the pre-sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 may be sterilized by circulating the disinfectant, etc., in the circulation system 95A, which includes the pre-sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64, for at least 10 seconds to 60 minutes. By circulating for 10 seconds or more, the sterilizing effect of the disinfectant, etc., on the first sterilizer 62, etc., can be enhanced. Furthermore, by keeping the circulation time to 60 minutes or less, the sterilization time for the first sterilizer 62, etc., can be shortened. This reduces downtime. Note that in the sterilizer circulation process, hot water, sterilizer, or cleaning agent may be circulated within the circulation system 59A instead of within the circulation system 95A.

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

[0246] Subsequently, the disinfectant, etc., is discharged from one of the sampling points SP2 to SP5 (hot water discharge step, code S203a in Figure 10B1; disinfectant discharge step, code S203b in Figure 10B2), and then the circulation system 95A is cooled or rinsed (cooling step, code S204a in Figure 10B1; rinsing step, code S204b in Figure 10B2). That is, when hot water is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water disinfectant 60 (hot water supply step described above, code S201a in Figure 10B1), the circulation system 59A is cooled (cooling step, code S204a in Figure 10B1). On the other hand, when a disinfectant, etc., is supplied to the circulation system 59A including the water disinfectant 60 (disinfectant supply step described above, code S201b in Figure 10B2), the circulation system 95A is rinsed (rinsing step, code S204b in Figure 10B2). When discharging disinfectants, etc., to prevent bacterial contamination of the sterilized pipes, sterile air may be supplied to the pipes and the disinfectant may be discharged for a short period of time. Alternatively, the rinsing process may be initiated without performing the disinfectant discharge process.

[0247] In the rinsing process, first, the pre-sterilizer 62A is thoroughly rinsed with rinsing water to prevent disinfectant from adhering to the foreign matter removal filter 61. At this time, the rinsing water may be discharged from the first drain pipe 95c located upstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61. At this time, it is preferable to discharge the water from the first drain pipe 95c while maintaining positive pressure inside the pipe supplying water to the foreign matter removal filter 61. In this case, it is advisable to confirm that the inside of the pipe is under positive pressure while the water is being discharged from the first drain pipe 95c. After that, the rinsing water is passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61.

[0248] Next, rinse the first sterilizer 62 thoroughly with rinse water to remove any remaining disinfectant. At this time, the rinse water may be discharged from the second drain pipe 95d located upstream of the first sterile filter 63. Similarly, it is preferable to discharge the water from the second drain pipe 95d while maintaining positive pressure in the piping that supplies water to the first sterile filter 63. In this case, it is advisable to confirm that the piping is under positive pressure while the water is being discharged from the second drain pipe 95d. After that, pass the rinse water through the first sterile filter 63. Subsequently, perform the same operation sequentially downstream. Before discharging water from the first drain pipe 95c or the second drain pipe 95d, the first drain pipe 95c, etc., may be sterilized beforehand with steam or hot water.

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

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

[0251] Subsequently, when the F value exceeds the target value, the sterilization of the first sterile filter 63, etc. is terminated. In this way, the first sterile filter 63, etc. is sterilized. By performing heat sterilization of the first sterile filter 63, etc. using the F value in this manner, the first sterile filter 63, etc. can be sterilized without applying excessive heat to it. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be reduced. In addition, since the first sterile filter 63, etc. can be sterilized without applying excessive heat to it, damage to the membrane of the first sterile filter 63, etc. can be suppressed. Therefore, the lifespan of the first sterile filter 63, etc. can be extended, and the first sterile filter 63, etc. can be used for a long period of time without replacement. Alternatively, the sterilization of the first sterile filter 63, etc. may be performed without calculating the F value, for example, at 121°C or higher for 20 minutes (using a timer).

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

[0253] In this manner, SIP treatment is performed on the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65. After that, the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 are cooled (indicated by S213 in Figure 10A).

[0254] Next, an integrity test (second integrity test) is performed on at least one of the sterile filters (first sterile filter 63 and second sterile filter 65) of the water sterilizer 60 (indicated by the symbol S22 in Figure 10A). That is, a pre-production integrity test is performed on at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 of the water sterilizer 60 (indicated by the symbol S22 in Figure 10A). In the integrity test, first, water is supplied to the housing (not shown) inside the first sterile filter 63, etc. (wetting process (not shown)). The wetting process is performed with the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. turned on. As a result, the water irradiated with ultraviolet light passes through the first sterile filter. Next, a valve (not shown) near the first sterile filter 63, etc. is closed to discharge the water inside the first sterile filter 63, etc., and then sterile air is supplied to the first sterile filter 63, etc. At this time, sterile air is injected into the first sterile filter 63, which is filled with water, for example, from the sterile air supply port 60a. Then, the sterile air supplied to the first sterile filter 63 is gradually pressurized, and the bubble point value of the first sterile filter 63 is measured. Subsequently, the results of the bubble point values ​​measured multiple times (for example, three times) are used to confirm whether the first sterile filter 63 is complete (whether sterile air is leaking at a predetermined pressure).

[0255] Here, for example, while an integrity test is being performed on the first sterile filter 63, water cannot be supplied to the first sterile filter 63. On the other hand, if water is left to stagnate in the main body 66 (see Figures 3 to 6B) of the first sterilizer 62, the temperature of the water in the main body 66 will rise due to the heat from the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. In particular, if the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. is a medium-pressure mercury lamp, the operating temperature of the medium-pressure mercury lamp is high (approximately 600°C to 900°C), so the temperature of the water in the main body 66 can easily rise. For this reason, for example, while an integrity test is being performed on the first sterile filter 63, it is preferable to circulate the water irradiated with ultraviolet light by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. in the circulation system 95A, as shown by the thick line in Figure 2C. This suppresses overheating of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., and prevents damage to the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc.

[0256] Subsequently, the filling (production) of the contents by the contents filling system 10 is restarted. It is recommended that the water used in the integrity test be water sterilized by the first sterilizer 62. Furthermore, it is recommended that sterile air be used in the integrity test.

[0257] As shown in Figure 10C, the order of the sterilizer cleaning and sterilization process (S20 in Figure 10A) and the filter cleaning and sterilization process (S21 in Figure 10A) may be reversed. Also, as shown in Figure 10D, the cleaning and sterilization processes of the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 may be performed in parallel during SIP (Sterilization Intake) of the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 (for example, while the first sterile filter 63 is cooling). In this case, the piping or valve located upstream or downstream of the first sterile filter 63, etc., will come into contact with the disinfectant. This makes it possible to shorten the cooling time. Specifically, the disinfectant may be supplied to the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 from the point when the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 have each cooled to below 110°C. This makes it possible to complete the sterilization machine cleaning and sterilization process while the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterile filter 63, and the second sterile filter 65 are cooling.

[0258] Furthermore, in the first sterilizer 62, etc., ultraviolet light is irradiated by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., during the production of product bottles 101. As a result, the possibility of the first sterilizer 62, etc., being contaminated by bacteria is low. For this reason, when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60, the first sterilizer 62, etc., does not need to be sterilized.

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

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

[0261] Next, the first sterile filter 63, the second sterile filter 65, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 are subjected to cleaning (CIP) treatment (indicated by S31 in Figure 10E). At this time, cleaning agents and disinfectants are supplied from upstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61, and the cleaning agents and disinfectants are circulated in the circulation system 59A for a predetermined time using the circulation line 59.

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

[0263] The cleaning and disinfecting agents used in CIP, SIP, or CSIP treatments may be acidic agents such as peracetic acid, acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, pernitrate, nitric acid, and phosphoric acid; alkaline agents such as sodium hydroxide and potassium hydroxide; chlorine-based agents such as sodium hypochlorite and chlorine dioxide; alcohols such as ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol; or ozonated water, acidic water, and surfactants, either individually or in combination of two or more of these. The cleaning and disinfecting agents may be heated using a heater (not shown). The CIP, SIP, or CSIP treatments may be performed under predetermined conditions (temperature, concentration, and time) based on the values ​​of the thermometer T and concentration meter 59c installed in the water sterilizer 60 and circulation line 59.

[0264] Discharge of cleaning agents and disinfectants from the circulation system 59A may be carried out by supplying pure water from the pure water tank 50c to the circulation system 59A and transporting the pure water by pump P1, thereby replacing the disinfectant with pure water. Alternatively, water may be supplied to the circulation system 59A from another device (not shown) to discharge the disinfectant. Discharge of the disinfectant may be carried out while monitoring the value of the concentration meter 59c installed downstream of the circulation line 59. In this case, for example, it is preferable to rinse the circulation system 59A with rinse water until the value of the concentration meter 59c is the same as the value of the concentration meter (not shown) installed in the pure water production device 50a. In addition, the rinsing time may be managed by a timer during the rinsing process. The rinsing process may also be set to be completed after a predetermined time has elapsed. During the CIP process, SIP process, or CSIP process, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. may or may not be lit. In addition, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. may be lit only during the rinsing process. After the CIP treatment and / or SIP treatment, or CSIP treatment is completed, a pre-production integrity test (second integrity test) is performed on at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 (indicated as S34 in Figure 10E). That is, a pre-production integrity test is performed on one or both of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65.

[0265] Next, if the pre-production integrity test is successful (no leaks are detected), the process moves to the production preparation stage (indicated by S35 in Figure 10E). In the production preparation stage, while circulating pure water in the circulation system 59A, it is confirmed that the irradiance of ultraviolet light emitted from the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., is above a predetermined value. In this case, the total irradiation dose from the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., in each sterilizer (first sterilizer 62 or second sterilizer 64) is, for example, 10 mJ / cm². 2 It may be greater than or equal to 100 mJ / cm². 2 It is preferable that the above conditions are met.

[0266] Production will then begin.

[0267] Furthermore, the contents do not adhere to the water sterilizer 60. In addition, during the production of the product bottle 101, the first sterilizer 62, etc., is irradiated with ultraviolet light by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. Therefore, the possibility of the first sterilizer 62, etc. being contaminated with bacteria is low. For this reason, when sterilizing the water sterilizer 60, the first sterilizer 62, etc. does not need to be sterilized.

[0268] As described above, according to this embodiment, the contents filling system 10 includes a water sterilization line 50 for non-heating sterilization of water, a stock sterilization line 70 for heating sterilization of the product stock, and a filling device 20 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and the stock sterilization line 70, respectively, for filling the bottle 100 with water and the product stock. This reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted when preparing the contents compared to the case where the product stock is diluted with sterile water produced using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0269] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the contents filling system 10 further includes a control unit 90 that controls the water sterilization line 50. The control unit 90 discharges water to the outside of the water sterilization line 50 when the amount or intensity of ultraviolet light irradiation falls below a predetermined value. This maintains the sterility of the second water tank 52 and other components.

[0270] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the filling device 20 includes a water filling device 21 connected to a water sterilization line 50 and a concentrate filling device 22 connected to a concentrate sterilization line 70. The water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with sterilized water, and the concentrate filling device 22 fills the bottle 100 with sterilized product concentrate. This reduces the area where contamination from the contents adheres. As a result, the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be reduced. Consequently, the amount of steam and other chemicals used can be reduced. In addition, the cleaning time and sterilization time can be shortened. As a result, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0271] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the water filling device 21 fills the empty bottle 100 with water. Also, the filling speed at which the water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with water is faster than the filling speed at which the concentrate filling device 22 fills the bottle 100 with the product concentrate. This allows the number of water filling nozzles in the water filling device 21 to be reduced without causing dirt to adhere to the area around the bottle 100. As a result, the size of the water filling device 21 can be reduced without causing dirt to adhere to the area around the bottle 100.

[0272] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the water sterilization line 50 includes a first water tank 51 for storing water, a water sterilizer 60 for non-heating sterilization of the water stored in the first water tank 51, and a second water tank 52 for storing the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60. In addition, the stock solution sterilization line 70 includes a first stock solution tank 71 for storing the product stock solution, a product stock solution sterilizer 80 for heat sterilization of the product stock solution stored in the first stock solution tank 71, and a second stock solution tank 72 for storing the product stock solution sterilized by the product stock solution sterilizer 80. This allows for a smooth flow of water and product stock solution.

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

[0274] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, an additive unit 75 for adding solid material to the product concentrate is connected to the downstream side of the second concentrate tank 72. This allows the contents filling system 10 to fill the bottle 100 with the contents containing solid material.

[0275] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the contents filling system 10 further comprises a preform sterilization device 34a for sterilizing the preform 100a, a blow molding unit (container molding device) 32 for molding the bottle 100 from the preform 100a, and a sterilization device (container sterilization device) 11 for sterilizing the bottle 100. The blow molding unit (container molding device) 32 molds the bottle 100 without adjusting the temperature of the bottle 100 with hot water from a mold temperature controller. This reduces the amount of bacteria adhering to the bottle 100 and also reduces the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10. In addition, since it is not necessary to supply hot water to the mold of the blow molding unit 32, the blow molding unit 32 can be simplified.

[0276] (A variation of the content filling system) Next, we will describe a modified version of the content filling system.

[0277] (First variation) In the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the water sterilization line 50 (water sterilizer 60) sterilizes water without heating, but it is not limited to this. For example, the water sterilization line 50 (water sterilizer 60) may sterilize water by heating it to a predetermined temperature. The number of bacteria in the pure water produced by the pure water production device 50a is generally less than that of the product stock, provided that the pure water production device 50a is properly managed. Therefore, if the pH of the contents after filling or after the cap 88 is attached to the bottle 100 is less than 4.5, the water sterilization line 50 (first sterilizer 62 and second sterilizer 64) may sterilize the water so that the F0 value is between 0.00029 and less than 3.1. Also, if the pH of the contents is 4.5 or higher, the water sterilization line 50 (first sterilizer 62 and second sterilizer 64) may sterilize the water so that the F0 value is between 3.1 and 100. When filling with contents that have different pH levels, in order to reduce the number of times the water sterilization line 50 is washed and / or sterilized, the water sterilization line 50 (first sterilizer 62 and second sterilizer 64) may be sterilized so that the F0 value is uniformly between 3.1 and 100. Here, the F0 value is given by the following formula described above.

number

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

[0279] (Second variation) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with sterilized water, and the concentrate filling device 22 fills the bottle 100 filled with water with sterilized product concentrate. However, the invention is not limited to this example. For instance, the concentrate filling device 22 may fill the bottle 100 with sterilized product concentrate, and the water filling device 21 may fill the bottle 100 filled with product concentrate with sterilized water.

[0280] In this case, as shown in Figure 11, the concentrate filling device 22 may be located upstream of the water filling device 21 in the transport direction of the bottle 100. Furthermore, the concentrate filling device 22 may be housed inside the first sterile chamber 70f, and the water filling device 21 may be housed inside the second sterile chamber 70h.

[0281] (Third variation) Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment explains an example in which the product concentrate is diluted with water, the invention is not limited to this. For example, either water or the product concentrate may be filled into the bottle 100 using only one of the water filling device 21 and the concentrate filling device 22. Specifically, only water may be filled into the bottle 100 by using only the water filling device 21. That is, mineral water may be produced by using only the water filling device 21 in the contents filling system 10. Alternatively, only the product concentrate may be filled into the bottle 100 by using only the concentrate filling device 22. That is, a so-called concentrated product may be produced by using only the concentrate filling device 22 in the contents filling system 10. When filling only the product concentrate, which does not require sterilization, into the bottle 100, the bottle 100 may be supplied to a transport wheel 12 housed inside the intermediate area chamber 70g.

[0282] According to this modified example, water or product concentrate is filled into the bottle 100 using only one of the water filling device 21 and the concentrate filling device 22. This allows the contents filling system 10 to produce mineral water and so-called concentrated products. As a result, the variety of product bottles 101 produced in the contents filling system 10 can be increased.

[0283] (Fourth variation) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the filling device 20 has a water filling device 21 connected to a water sterilization line 50 and a stock solution filling device 22 connected to a stock solution sterilization line 70. In this case, the filling device 20 may have multiple stock solution filling devices 22. Also, for example, as shown in Figure 12A, the contents filling system 10 may have multiple (e.g., two) stock solution sterilization lines 70. And the filling device 20 may have multiple (e.g., two) stock solution filling devices 22 connected to each stock solution sterilization line 70.

[0284] In this case, the filling device 20 may have a first concentrate filling device 22a for filling product concentrate without flavor, and a second concentrate filling device 22b for filling product concentrate with flavor. In other words, one of the two concentrate filling devices 22 may be a filling device (first concentrate filling device 22a) for filling product concentrate without flavor, such as a tea-based beverage. The other concentrate filling device 22 may be a filling device (second concentrate filling device 22b) for filling product concentrate with flavor, such as a fruit-based beverage, a dairy beverage, or a sports drink. The second concentrate filling device 22b may also be a filling device for filling solids.

[0285] Thus, because the filling device 20 has a first concentrate filling device 22a and a second concentrate filling device 22b, when a flavor-free contents such as tea beverages are filled into the bottle 100, the adhesion of the previous contents' aroma to the contents can be suppressed. Furthermore, if one of the concentrate filling devices 22 is a filling device that fills a flavor-free product concentrate (first concentrate filling device 22a), no flavor will adhere to the product concentrate flow path, etc., within the first concentrate filling device 22a. For example, no flavor will adhere to sealing elements such as gaskets provided at the connection points of each pipe and each device. Therefore, when switching between types of contents, the area to be cleaned (CIP) can be narrowed. This reduces the cleaning time. As a result, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0286] In the illustrated example, the first stock solution filling device 22a, the second stock solution filling device 22b, and the capping device 16 are housed inside the second sterile chamber 70h. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 12B, a chamber wall 710 is provided inside the second sterile chamber 70h. This chamber wall 710 separates the first space (space) 701 where the first stock solution filling device 22a is housed, the second space 702 where the second stock solution filling device 22b is housed, and the third space 703 where the capping device 16 is housed. In other words, the first stock solution filling device 22a is housed in the first space 701 partitioned by the chamber wall 710. The second stock solution filling device 22b is housed in the second space 702 partitioned by the chamber wall 710, and the capping device 16 is housed in the third space 703 partitioned by the chamber wall 710.

[0287] The chamber wall 710 prevents disinfectants and the like from flowing into unintended spaces and stabilizes the pressure within each space. The chamber wall 710 has gaps G1 to G6 (see Figure 12C below) through which the bottles 100 can pass. These gaps G1 to G6 are formed to a minimum size, for example, about the size of one bottle 100, so as not to change the pressure within each space. The chamber wall 710 may also be provided with shutters sh1 to sh6 (see Figure 12C below) that open and close the aforementioned gaps G1 to G6. These shutters sh1 to sh6 may be configured to open and close automatically, for example, by a signal from the control unit 90.

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

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

[0290] Here, as shown in Figure 12C, the first transport wheel 12a includes a gripper (first gripper) 121 for transporting the bottle 100. This gripper 121 is designed to be openable and closable.

[0291] Similarly, the second to fourth transport wheels 12b and 12d each include grippers 122, 123, and 124 for transporting the bottle 100. The grippers 122, 123, and 124 are each provided to be openable and closable.

[0292] Furthermore, the first stock filling device 22a includes a wheel 221 (second wheel), which is located inside the first space 701. This wheel 221 includes a gripper (second gripper) 222 for transporting the bottle 100. This gripper 222 is designed to be openable and closable.

[0293] Similarly, the second concentrate filling device 22b includes a wheel 223, which is located inside the second space 702. This wheel 223 includes a gripper 224 for transporting the bottle 100. This gripper 224 is designed to be openable and closable.

[0294] Next, the case in which the second space 702 (and / or the second concentrate filling device 22b) is cleaned and sterilized while the first concentrate filling device 22a, which is housed in the first space 701, is in operation will be explained with reference to Figure 12C. That is, the case in which the second space 702 and / or the second concentrate filling device 22b (hereinafter also simply referred to as the second space 702, etc.) are cleaned and sterilized while the product concentrate is being filled into the bottle 100 by the first concentrate filling device 22a will be explained.

[0295] First, after the filling of the product concentrate in the second concentrate filling device 22b is completed, the control unit 90 is operated, for example. This causes gaps G1 and G4, among the gaps G1 to G6 formed in the chamber wall 710, to be closed by shutters sh1 and sh4, respectively.

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

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

[0298] Then, when the first concentrate filling device 22a fills the bottle 100 with the product concentrate, the gripper (second gripper) 222 of the wheel 221 of the first concentrate filling device 22a receives the bottle 100 from the gripper (first gripper) 121 of the first transport wheel 12a. In other words, the bottle 100 is transferred from the first transport wheel (first wheel) 12a, which is located outside the first space 701, to the wheel 221 (second wheel), which is located inside the first space 701.

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

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

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

[0302] In this way, a product bottle 101 filled with the product concentrate is obtained by the first concentrate filling device 22a. During this time, the second space 702 and other parts are cleaned and sterilized.

[0303] Thus, when cleaning the second space 702 during the operation of the first stock solution filling device 22a housed in the first space 701, the pressure in the first space 701 is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less, the pressure in the second space 702 is preferably -10 Pa or more and 10 Pa or less, and the pressure in the third space 703 is preferably 5 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less. This effectively prevents air from the second space 702 and the third space 703 from entering the first space 701, and further improves the sterile condition of the first space 701.

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

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

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

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

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

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

[0310] Furthermore, when the second concentrate filling device 22b fills the bottle 100 with the product concentrate, the gripper 224 of the wheel 223 of the second concentrate filling device 22b receives the bottle 100 from the gripper 123 of the third transport wheel 12c. In other words, the bottle 100 is transferred from the third transport wheel 12c, which is located outside the second space 702, to the wheel 223, which is located inside the second space 702.

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

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

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

[0314] In this way, a product bottle 101 filled with the product concentrate is obtained by the second concentrate filling device 22b. During this time, the first space 701 and other parts are cleaned and sterilized.

[0315] When cleaning the first space 701 during the operation of the second stock solution filling device 22b housed in the second space 702, the pressure in the first space 701 is preferably between -10 Pa and 10 Pa, the pressure in the second space 702 is preferably between 10 Pa and 40 Pa, and the pressure in the third space 703 is preferably between 5 Pa and 30 Pa. This effectively prevents air from the first space 701 and the third space 703 from entering the second space 702, thereby further improving the sterile condition of the second space 702.

[0316] When sterilizing the first space 701 during the operation of the second stock solution filling device 22b housed in the second space 702, the pressure inside the first space 701 may be higher than the pressure inside the first space 701 when cleaning the first space 701 during the operation of the second stock solution filling device 22b housed in the second space 702. When sterilizing the first space 701, the pressure inside the first space 701 is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less, the pressure inside the second space 702 is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less, and the pressure inside the third space 703 is preferably 5 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less. This effectively prevents air from the first space 701 and the air from the third space 703 from entering the second space 702, and a good sterile state can be maintained inside the second space 702.

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

[0318] [Table 3]

[0319] [Table 4]

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

[0321] Furthermore, according to this modified version, the contents filling system 10 is equipped with multiple stock solution sterilization lines 70. Multiple stock solution filling devices 22 are connected to each of the stock solution sterilization lines 70. This makes it possible to increase the variety of product bottles 101 produced in the contents filling system 10.

[0322] Furthermore, according to this modified version, the filling device 20 has a first concentrate filling device 22a for filling product concentrate without flavor, and a second concentrate filling device 22b for filling product concentrate with flavor. This makes it possible to suppress the attachment of the scent of the previous contents when filling the bottle 100 with contents without flavor. Also, since the first concentrate filling device 22a fills product concentrate without flavor, no flavor adheres to the product concentrate flow path in the first concentrate filling device 22a. Therefore, the area to be cleaned (CIP) when switching between types of contents can be narrowed. This shortens the cleaning time. As a result, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be reduced. In addition, since the first concentrate filling device 22a and the second concentrate filling device 22b are connected to different concentrate sterilization lines 70, for example, cleaning to remove flavor (so-called deodorizing CIP) does not need to be performed in the concentrate sterilization line 70 to which the first concentrate filling device 22a is connected. Here, deodorizing CIP requires more time and energy than normal CIP. Therefore, if deodorizing CIP is not performed, downtime can be reduced and energy can be saved compared to when deodorizing CIP is performed.

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

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

[0325] While the example described above shows how a gripper 222, etc., can assume an open position by rotating a pair of claws horizontally from a closed position, this is not the only possible configuration. The gripper 222, etc., can assume an open position by any configuration. For example, the gripper 222, etc., can assume an open position by bending a pair of claws upward or downward. Alternatively, the gripper 222, etc., can be opened and closed by configuring the pair of claws to be retractable.

[0326] (Another example of variation 4) Next, we will describe other examples of the fourth modified form.

[0327] <Example 1> In the first example shown in Figure 12E, the contents filling system further includes a fifth sterile chamber 70j, a sixth sterile chamber 70k, and a seventh sterile chamber 70m. The fifth sterile chamber 70j is located upstream of the first sterile chamber 70f. The sixth sterile chamber 70k is located downstream of the second sterile chamber 70h. The seventh sterile chamber 70m is located downstream of the sixth sterile chamber 70k. That is, in the illustrated example, the fifth sterile chamber 70j, the first sterile chamber 70f, the second sterile chamber 70h, the sixth sterile chamber 70k, the seventh sterile chamber 70m, and the outlet chamber 70i are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the transport direction of the bottle 100 (see Figure 12A, etc.). Furthermore, the fifth sterile chamber 70j, the first sterile chamber 70f, the second sterile chamber 70h, the sixth sterile chamber 70k, and the seventh sterile chamber 70m are arranged in a line around the outer circumference of the circular conveying body 110 that rotates and conveys the bottles 100.

[0328] Of these, the fifth sterile chamber 70j may house a transport wheel 12 for transporting the air-rinsed bottles 100. The sixth sterile chamber 70k houses the second stock solution filling device 22b. The seventh sterile chamber 70m houses the capping device 16. In other words, in the example shown in Figure 12E, the second stock solution filling device 22b and the capping device 16 are housed in a different sterile chamber (either the sixth sterile chamber 70k or the seventh sterile chamber 70m) from the second sterile chamber 70h in which the first stock solution filling device 22a is housed.

[0329] In Figure 12E, bottles 100, which have been sterilized upstream, are transported to the first sterile chamber 70f via a transport wheel 12 and a circular transport body 110 located in the fifth sterile chamber 70j. Then, bottles 100 are transported to the water filling device 21 via a transport wheel 12 located in the first sterile chamber 70f.

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

[0331] Next, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f is transported to the first stock solution filling device 22a via the transport wheel 12 and circular transport body 110 located in the first sterile chamber 70f, and the transport wheel 12 located in the second sterile chamber 70h.

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

[0333] Subsequently, the bottle 100 in the second sterile chamber 70h is transported to the second stock solution filling device 22b via the transport wheel 12 and circular transport body 110 located in the second sterile chamber 70h, and the transport wheel 12 located in the sixth sterile chamber 70k.

[0334] Next, in the second concentrate filling device 22b, other product concentrates that have been sterilized by the concentrate sterilization line 70 are filled into bottles 100 that have been pre-filled with water and product concentrates. In this second concentrate filling device 22b, multiple bottles 100 are rotated and conveyed while other product concentrates are filled into the inside of the bottles 100.

[0335] Subsequently, the bottle 100 in the sixth sterile chamber 70k is transported to the capping device 16 via the transport wheel 12 and circular transport body 110 located in the sixth sterile chamber 70k, and the transport wheel 12 located in the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

[0336] Next, in the capping device 16, the bottles 100 filled with water and product concentrate are closed with caps 88 (see Figure 12A, etc.). In this way, the bottles 100 are sealed so that outside air and / or microorganisms do not enter the bottles 100. In this capping device 16, multiple bottles 100 filled with water and product concentrate are rotated and conveyed, and the caps 88 are attached to the mouths of the bottles 100. In this way, product bottles 101 (see Figure 12A, etc.) are obtained.

[0337] <Example 2> Next, a second example will be described with reference to Figure 12F. In the second example shown in Figure 12F, the contents filling system further includes a sixth sterile chamber 70k, a seventh sterile chamber 70m, and an eighth sterile chamber 70n. The sixth sterile chamber 70k is located downstream of the first sterile chamber 70f. The seventh sterile chamber 70m is located downstream of the second sterile chamber 70h and the sixth sterile chamber 70k. The eighth sterile chamber 70n is located between the second sterile chamber 70h and the sixth sterile chamber 70k. Here, in Figure 12F, the second sterile chamber 70h and the sixth sterile chamber 70k are arranged in parallel downstream of the first sterile chamber 70f, along the transport direction of the bottle 100 (see Figure 12A, etc.). In other words, in the illustrated example, the first sterile chamber 70f, the second sterile chamber 70h or the sixth sterile chamber 70k, the seventh sterile chamber 70m, and the outlet chamber 70i are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the transport direction of the bottle 100 (see Figure 12A, etc.).

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

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

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

[0341] Next, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f is transported to the first stock solution filling device 22a via, for example, a transport wheel 12 located in the first sterile chamber 70f, a transport wheel 12 located in the eighth sterile chamber 70n, and a transport wheel 12 located in the second sterile chamber 70h.

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

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

[0344] Next, in the cap-attaching device 16, the bottle 100 filled with water and product concentrate is closed with a cap 88 (see Figure 12A, etc.). In this way, a product bottle 101 (see Figure 12A, etc.) is obtained.

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

[0346] When the bottles 100 are transported to the second concentrate filling device 22b, other product concentrates that have been sterilized by the concentrate sterilization line 70 are filled into the bottles 100 that have been pre-filled with water. In this second concentrate filling device 22b, multiple bottles 100 are rotated and transported while other product concentrates are filled into the inside of the bottles 100.

[0347] Subsequently, the bottle 100 in the sixth sterile chamber 70k is transported to the capping device 16 via the transport wheel 12 located in the sixth sterile chamber 70k and the transport wheel 12 located in the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

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

[0349] In the example shown in Figure 12F, when mineral water is produced in the contents filling system 10, the bottles 100 filled with water by the water filling device 21 in the first sterile chamber 70f may be directly transported to the capping device 16 located in the seventh sterile chamber 70m. That is, the bottles 100 filled with water may be directly transported to the capping device 16 only via the transport wheel 12 located in the eighth sterile chamber 70n, without being transported to the first stock solution filling device 22a or the second stock solution filling device 22b. In this case, a product bottle 101 is obtained by attaching a cap 88 to the mouth of the bottle 100 filled only with water. In this case, as explained using Figures 12C and 12D, it is preferable that the grippers of the transport wheel 12 adjacent to the first stock solution filling device 22a or the second stock solution filling device 22b be in the open position. This suppresses interference between grippers.

[0350] <Third example> Next, a third example will be described with reference to Figure 12G. In the third example shown in Figure 12G, unlike the second example shown in Figure 12F, when the product concentrate is filled into the bottle 100 by the second concentrate filling device 22b, the bottle 100 passes through the sterile chambers in the following order: the first sterile chamber 70f, the sixth sterile chamber 70k, the eighth sterile chamber 70n, and the seventh sterile chamber 70m. The other components of the contents filling system 10 in the third example are the same as those in the second example shown in Figure 12F, so a detailed explanation will be omitted here.

[0351] <Example 4> Next, a fourth example will be described with reference to Figure 12H. In the fourth example shown in Figure 12H, the contents filling system further includes a sixth sterile chamber 70k, a seventh sterile chamber 70m, and a ninth sterile chamber 70p. The sixth sterile chamber 70k is located downstream of the first sterile chamber 70f and the second sterile chamber 70h. The seventh sterile chamber 70m is located downstream of the sixth sterile chamber 70k. The ninth sterile chamber 70p is located between the first sterile chamber 70f, the second sterile chamber 70h, the sixth sterile chamber 70k, and the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

[0352] Furthermore, the second stock solution filling device 22b is housed inside the sixth sterile chamber 70k. The seventh sterile chamber 70m houses the capping device 16. Additionally, the ninth sterile chamber 70p may house the transport wheel 12.

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

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

[0355] Next, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f is transported to the first stock solution filling device 22a via the transport wheel 12 located in the first sterile chamber 70f, the transport wheel 12 located in the ninth sterile chamber 70p, and the transport wheel 12 located in the second sterile chamber 70h.

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

[0357] Subsequently, the bottle 100 in the second sterile chamber 70h is transported to the second stock solution filling device 22b via the transport wheel 12 located in the second sterile chamber 70h, the transport wheel 12 located in the ninth sterile chamber 70p, and the transport wheel 12 located in the sixth sterile chamber 70k.

[0358] Next, in the second concentrate filling device 22b, other product concentrates that have been sterilized by the concentrate sterilization line 70 are filled into bottles 100 that have been pre-filled with water. In this second concentrate filling device 22b, multiple bottles 100 are rotated and conveyed while other product concentrates are filled into the inside of the bottles 100.

[0359] Subsequently, the bottle 100 in the sixth sterile chamber 70k is transported to the capping device 16 via the transport wheel 12 located in the sixth sterile chamber 70k, the transport wheel 12 located in the ninth sterile chamber 70p, and the transport wheel 12 located in the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

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

[0361] <Example 5> Next, a fifth example will be described with reference to Figure 12I. In the fifth example shown in Figure 12I, the contents filling system further includes a sixth sterile chamber 70k, a seventh sterile chamber 70m, and a tenth sterile chamber 70q. The sixth sterile chamber 70k is located downstream of the first sterile chamber 70f and the second sterile chamber 70h. The seventh sterile chamber 70m is located downstream of the sixth sterile chamber 70k. The tenth sterile chamber 70q is located between the second sterile chamber 70h and the sixth sterile chamber 70k.

[0362] Furthermore, the second stock solution filling device 22b is housed inside the sixth sterile chamber 70k. The seventh sterile chamber 70m houses the capping device 16. Additionally, the ninth sterile chamber 70p may house the transport wheel 12.

[0363] In the fifth example shown in Figure 12I, the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second stock solution filling device 22b are filling devices used when the amount of product stock solution to be filled is small. In this case, the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second stock solution filling device 22b each include a quantitative type filling nozzle 22e and a filling nozzle 22f, which are fixed on the mouth of the bottle 100. Note that the first stock solution filling device 22a and the second stock solution filling device 22b may each include multiple filling nozzles 22e and 22f.

[0364] Then, when the bottle 100 reaches the filling nozzles 22e and 22f, the bottle 100 is detected by near-infrared light. As a result, the product concentrate is intermittently filled into each bottle 100 from the filling nozzles 22e and 22f only while the mouth of the bottle 100 is passing below the filling nozzles 22e and 22f. Note that the filling nozzles 22e and 22f do not have to be of the type that intermittently fill the product concentrate; they may also be of the type that continuously fill the product concentrate.

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

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

[0367] Next, the bottle 100 in the first sterile chamber 70f is transported to the first stock solution filling device 22a via the transport wheel 12 located inside the first sterile chamber 70f.

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

[0369] Subsequently, the bottle 100 in the second sterile chamber 70h is transported to the second stock solution filling device 22b via the transport wheel 12 located in the tenth sterile chamber 70q.

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

[0371] Subsequently, the bottle 100 in the sixth sterile chamber 70k is transported to the capping device 16 via the transport wheel 12 located in the seventh sterile chamber 70m.

[0372] (Fifth variation) Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment mentions an example in which the filling device 20 has a water filling device 21 connected to a water sterilization line 50 and a stock liquid filling device 22 connected to a stock liquid sterilization line 70, the invention is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 13, the contents filling system 10 may have a single filling device 20.

[0373] In this case, the contents filling system 10 may include a preform sterilization chamber 70a, a molding chamber 70b, an atmosphere isolation chamber 70c, a disinfectant spray chamber 70d, an air rinse chamber 70e, a first sterile chamber 70f, and an outlet chamber 70i. That is, the contents filling system 10 does not have to include an intermediate area chamber 70g and a second sterile chamber 70h. Also, the filling device 20 and the capping device 16 may be housed inside the first sterile chamber 70f.

[0374] In this modified version, a mixing tank 57 for mixing water and product concentrate may be interposed between the water sterilization line 50 and the concentrate sterilization line 70 and the filling device 20. This allows the contents to be prepared by diluting the product concentrate with water before filling. In this case, the mixing tank 57 may also be a so-called filling machine tank, and may be installed vertically above the filling device 20 to improve the filling accuracy of the filling device 20. Furthermore, the mixing tank 57 may also function as a so-called cushion tank to ensure a smooth flow of contents even when the amount of contents used downstream of the mixing tank 57 changes.

[0375] Such a mixing tank 57 may be equipped with a concentration meter to measure the concentration of the mixed contents. Furthermore, in order to ensure the concentration of the contents mixed in the mixing tank 57, at least one additional tank, such as a filling tank, may be provided downstream of the mixing tank 57 where the concentration meter is installed. The volume of the mixing tank 57 is 0.1 m³. 3 More than 30m 3 It may also be less than the following; for example, 0.3m 3 This may also be the case. In this modified example, the additive unit 75 described above may be connected to the downstream side of the mixing tank 57.

[0376] In this modified example, when cleaning (COP) and sterilizing (SOP) the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f, for example, the water sterilization line 50 may be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP) downstream of connection point CP3, while maintaining a sterile state upstream of the connection point CP3 connecting the water sterilization line 50 and the stock solution sterilization line 70. Similarly, when cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the filling device 20 housed inside the first sterile chamber 70f, for example, the area upstream of connection point CP3 may be maintained in a sterile state while cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) downstream of connection point CP3. In this case as well, the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed. Therefore, the amount of steam and other chemicals used can be reduced. In addition, because the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed, the cleaning time and sterilization time can be shortened. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0377] Furthermore, in this modified example, compared to the case where the product concentrate is diluted with sterile water produced using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted during the preparation of the contents can be reduced. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0378] As shown in Figure 14, a mixing tank 57 for mixing water and product concentrate is not required between the water sterilization line 50 and the concentrate sterilization line 70 and the filling device 20. In this case, the filling device 20 may include multiple filling nozzles 20a (see Figure 15) for filling water and product concentrate, and the water sterilization line 50 and the concentrate sterilization line 70 may be connected to each filling nozzle 20a. Alternatively, water and product concentrate may be filled using a single filling nozzle 20a.

[0379] Specifically, as shown in Figure 15, the filling nozzle 20a may include a nozzle body 20b. A water sterilization line 50 and a concentrate sterilization line 70 may be connected to the nozzle body 20b, respectively. The water sterilization line 50 and the concentrate sterilization line 70 may be equipped with a flow meter F and a valve V2 for measuring the flow rate of water or product concentrate, respectively. Alternatively, the amount of water or product concentrate filled may be measured by detecting the actual weight of the filled water or product concentrate using a load cell. In this case, the order in which water and product concentrate are filled into the bottle 100 may be changed as appropriate, taking into consideration foaming inside the bottle 100 or the ease with which water and product concentrate mix. For example, the product concentrate may be filled after the water, or the water may be filled after the product concentrate. When water is filled after the product concentrate, the risk of contamination from the contents adhering to the tip of the filling nozzle 20a can be reduced. Alternatively, the product concentrate may be filled after the water has been filled, and then more water may be filled. Or, the water and product concentrate may be filled simultaneously.

[0380] In the example shown in Figure 14, when cleaning (COP) and sterilizing (SOP) the inside of the first sterile chamber 70f, for example, the water sterilization line 50 may be maintained in a sterile state up to the third water tank 54, and the area downstream of the third water tank 54 may be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). Similarly, when cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the filling device 20 housed inside the first sterile chamber 70f, for example, the water sterilization line 50 may be maintained in a sterile state up to the third water tank 54, and the area downstream of the third water tank 54 may be cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP). In this case as well, the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed. Therefore, the amount of steam and other resources used can be reduced. In addition, because the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed, the cleaning time and sterilization time can be shortened. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0381] In this modified example, compared to the case where the product concentrate is diluted with sterile water produced using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted during the preparation of the contents can be reduced. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0382] (Sixth variation) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which a third water tank 54 is provided downstream of the second water tank 52. In this case, as shown in Figure 16A, a carbonation device 58 for adding carbon dioxide to water may be connected upstream of the third water tank 54.

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

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

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

[0386] Furthermore, each water filling nozzle 21a is provided with a packing P (sealing member) at its tip to tightly seal against the bottle 100, thereby suppressing gas leakage from inside the bottle 100. When filling the bottle 100 with carbonated beverage, the water filling device 21 fills the bottle 100 with the carbonated beverage while the packing P is tightly sealed against the mouth of the bottle 100 (tight filling). This configuration prevents sterile carbon dioxide gas for counterpressure from leaking out of the bottle 100. As a result, the internal pressure of the bottle 100 can be increased above atmospheric pressure so that the internal pressure of the bottle 100 is the same as the internal pressure of the third water tank 54. Although not shown in the figures, the water sterilization line 50, etc., may be provided with a flow meter and valves for measuring the flow rate of water, etc.

[0387] In this modified version, a carbonation device 58 for adding carbon dioxide to water is connected to the upstream side of the third water tank 54. This allows carbonated beverages to be filled into bottles 100 in the contents filling system 10. Furthermore, by connecting the carbonation device 58 to the water sterilization line 50 in this way, when filling carbonated water as the contents, it is possible to suppress the adhesion of the flavor of the previous contents to the carbonated water. In addition, when filling carbonated beverages into bottles 100, water from the second water tank 52 may be supplied to the carbonation device 58, cooled, and then carbon dioxide gas may be added aseptically using a sterile carbonator before the carbonated water is supplied to the third water tank 54. Also, when producing carbonated water as the contents, the concentrate filling device 22 may or may not be used.

[0388] Even if the water filling device 21 includes a water filling nozzle 21a capable of filling carbonated water, the water filling device 21 may also fill water without added carbon dioxide. In this case, mineral water may be produced by using only the water filling device 21 in the contents filling system 10. In this case as well, the water filling device 21 may fill the water with the packing P tightly sealed to the mouth of the bottle 100. This minimizes water spillage from inside the bottle 100. In this case, the water filling device 21 may fill the water under pressure. This allows the water to be filled in a short time. Here, if the pressure resistance of the bottle 100 is low, it is preferable for the water filling device 21 to fill the water under pressure with the ability to discharge gas from inside the bottle 100 via the snift line 58b. For example, it is preferable for the water filling device 21 to fill the water under pressure with the packing P tightly sealed to the mouth of the bottle 100, and then with the snift line 58b open. This prevents deformation and / or breakage of the bottle 100 due to pressure, even when water is filled under pressure. Therefore, water can be filled in a short time while preventing deformation and / or breakage of the bottle 100.

[0389] Furthermore, when the concentrate filling device 22 is used together with the water filling device 21, the liquid level of the water filled by the water filling device 21 is lower compared to when only the water filling device 21 is used. Therefore, the risk of the filled water overflowing is also reduced. For this reason, the water filling speed may be 100 mL / sec or more, and preferably 200 mL / sec or more. This makes it possible to further reduce the number of water filling nozzles 21a. In this case, the water can be filled into the bottle 100 with the internal pressure of the third water tank 54 higher than the internal pressure of the third concentrate tank 74. During tight-fitting, the internal pressure of the third concentrate tank 74 may be 0.02 MPa or more and 0.1 MPa or less, and the internal pressure of the third water tank 54 may be 0.03 MPa or more and 0.9 MPa.

[0390] Furthermore, the water filling device 21 may fill the bottle 100 with water without tightly sealing the packing P to the mouth of the bottle 100, while a gap is formed between the water filling nozzle 21a (packing P) and the bottle 100 (top filling). In this case as well, the water can be filled into the bottle 100 with the internal pressure of the third water tank 54 higher than the internal pressure of the third concentrate tank 74. Specifically, during top filling, the internal pressure of the third concentrate tank 74 may be between 0.02 MPa and 0.1 MPa, and the internal pressure of the third water tank 54 may be between 0.03 MPa and 0.07 MPa.

[0391] Furthermore, when the concentrate filling device 22 is used together with the water filling device 21, as described above, the water filling device 21 may fill the empty bottle 100 with water. In this case, foaming inside the bottle 100 can be suppressed, so there is less risk of some of the filled liquid splashing out from the mouth of the bottle 100. Here, the concentrate filling device 22 includes a plurality of concentrate filling nozzles 22c (see Figure 16C) for filling the concentrate product. As shown in Figure 16C, a concentrate sterilization line 70 is connected to each concentrate filling nozzle 22c. Specifically, the concentrate filling nozzle 22c includes a nozzle body 22d. The concentrate sterilization line 70 is connected to the nozzle body 22d. Although not shown, the concentrate sterilization line 70 may be equipped with a flow meter and valves for measuring the flow rate of the concentrate product.

[0392] As described above, when the water filling device 21 fills an empty bottle 100 with water, foaming inside the bottle 100 is suppressed, thus reducing the risk of some of the filled liquid splashing out of the mouth of the bottle 100. For this reason, the diameter of the water filling nozzle 21a of the water filling device 21 may be larger than the diameter of the concentrate filling nozzle 22c of the concentrate filling device 22. This shortens the filling time for filling with water. For example, the diameter of the water filling nozzle 21a of the water filling device 21 may be 1.2 times or more but not exceeding 1.5 times the diameter of the concentrate filling nozzle 22c of the concentrate filling device 22. By having a diameter of 1.2 times or more the diameter of the concentrate filling nozzle 22c, the filling time for filling with water can be further shortened. Also, by having a diameter of 1.5 times or less the diameter of the concentrate filling nozzle 22c, the risk of some of the filled liquid splashing out of the mouth of the bottle 100 can be further reduced. Furthermore, in order to reduce the number of water filling nozzles 21a in the water filling device 21 and make the water filling device 21 more compact, the filling method (close-contact filling, top-out filling), filling pressure, and / or the diameter of the water filling nozzles 21a may be appropriately changed.

[0393] (Seventh variation) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the circulation system (second circulation system) 95A is composed of a pre-sterilizer 62A, a third bypass line 95a, a first sterilizer 62, a second sterilizer 64, and a circulation line 95 (see Figure 2C, etc.). In this case, the bacteria collected in the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be periodically sterilized by circulating water in the circulation system 95A while the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., is lit. The sterilization of the bacteria collected in the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be performed, for example, while the production of product bottles 101 is stopped. In this case, for example, as shown in Figure 17A, one end of the circulation line 95 may be connected between the second sterilizer 64 and the first sterile filter 63, and the other end of the circulation line 95 may be connected to the first water tank 51. In addition, the pressure difference (differential pressure) between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be changed by changing the frequency of the pump P1. Furthermore, by changing the pressure difference (differential pressure) between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61, the bacteria collected in the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be actively pushed to the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61. Specifically, when sterilizing bacteria by circulating water in the circulation system 95A, the pressure on the upstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be set to 0.05 MPa or more higher than the pressure at which the product bottle 101 was manufactured, preferably to 0.1 MPa or more. Also, if there are no structural problems with the foreign matter removal filter 61, as shown in Figure 17B, the bacteria collected in the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be circulated in the circulation system 95A by backflowing water. In these cases, the pressure difference between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61 should not exceed the maximum allowable pressure for both the positive pressure and the reverse pressure of the foreign matter removal filter 61. In this way, by periodically sterilizing the bacteria collected in the foreign matter removal filter 61, the sterility of the water sterilized by the water sterilization line 50 can be ensured even when the water is sterilized continuously for a long period of time by the water sterilization line 50.

[0394] (Variation 8) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the water sterilization line 50 has a first water tank 51, a water sterilizer 60, and a second water tank 52. In this case, as shown in Figure 17C, the water sterilization line 50 may have multiple (for example, two) water sterilizers 60. This ensures that even if one water sterilizer 60 stops working, or if the amount of ultraviolet radiation in one water sterilizer 60 decreases, the other water sterilizer 60 can ensure the sterility of the water. Also, when one water sterilizer 60 is being cleaned (CIP) or sterilized (SIP), the other water sterilizer 60 can be used to sterilize the water. This allows for continuous production of product bottles 101. Additionally, for example, when cleaning the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h etc. using the other water sterilizer 60 while cleaning (CIP) or sterilizing (SIP) one water sterilizer 60, it is possible to prevent a shortage of water supplied to the second sterile chamber 70h etc. Furthermore, for example, when sterilizing (SIP) or performing a integrity test on the first sterile filter 63 of one water sterilizer 60, while simultaneously using the other water sterilizer 60 to clean the inside of the second sterile chamber 70h, it is possible to suppress the shortage of water supplied to the second sterile chamber 70h. In the example shown in Figure 17C, the configuration of the water sterilizer 60 is the same as that of the water sterilizer 60 shown in Figure 2A, but it is not limited to this. Although not shown, for example, the water sterilizer 60 may be the water sterilizer 60 shown in Figures 2B to 2M. Also, if the water sterilization line 50 has multiple water sterilizers 60, the water sterilizers 60 in the water sterilization line 50 may be different from each other. For example, the water sterilization line 50 may have the water sterilizer 60 shown in Figure 2A and the water sterilizer 60 shown in Figure 2C.

[0395] (9th variation) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the water sterilizer 60 is equipped with a foreign matter removal filter 61, a first sterilizer 62, a first sterile filter 63, a second sterilizer 64, and a second sterile filter 65, but it is not limited to this. For example, if the purity of the pure water produced by the pure water production device 50a is high and no mold is detected in the first water tank 51, the water sterilizer 60 does not need to be equipped with a foreign matter removal filter 61. If the number of bacteria in the first water tank 51 is large, the water sterilizer 60 may further be equipped with a third sterilizer (not shown) provided upstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61. In this case, the configuration of the third sterilizer may be substantially the same as that of the first sterilizer 62 shown in Figures 3 to 6B. That is, the third sterilizer may be a sterilizer that sterilizes water using ultraviolet light.

[0396] (10th variation) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the UHT80 has a first-stage heating section 81, a second-stage heating section 82, a holding tube 83, a first-stage cooling section 84, a second-stage cooling section 85, and a third-stage cooling section 86. In this case, as shown in Figure 18A, the UHT80 may have a plurality (e.g., two) second-stage heating sections 82, a plurality (e.g., two) holding tubes 83, and a plurality (e.g., two) first-stage cooling sections 84. This allows the product stock to be sterilized even if charring or other residue adheres to one of the second-stage heating sections 82, holding tubes 83, or first-stage cooling sections 84, etc., by using the other holding tube 83, etc. That is, when one of the holding tubes 83, etc. is being cleaned (CIP), sterilized (SIP), or cleaned and sterilized (CSIP), the product stock can be sterilized using the other holding tube 83, etc. Therefore, the production of product bottles 101 can be carried out continuously.

[0397] (11th variation) Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment described an example in which the product concentrate sterilizer 80 is a UHT, it is not limited to this. For example, the product concentrate sterilizer 80 may be an ohmic (Joule type) heating sterilizer that directly energizes the product concentrate and generates heat on its own. Alternatively, the product concentrate sterilizer 80 may be a sterilizer that sterilizes the product concentrate using microwaves (915MHz, 2450MHz). In this case, the microwaves may be irradiated from outside the piping through which the product concentrate or solid material passes. This can raise the temperature of the product concentrate or solid material, thereby sterilizing the product concentrate or solid material. In these cases as well, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0398] (12th variation) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the filling device 20 (water filling device 21 and concentrate filling device 22) is a so-called rotary filler, but it is not limited to this. For example, the filling device 20 may be a so-called linear aseptic filling machine that fills containers (cups or paper containers, etc.) transported by a conveyor with water, etc. In this case, for example, sterile water may be filled first, and then the product concentrate may be filled. Furthermore, a concentrate filling device 22 for filling product concentrate containing flavor or solid matter may be provided downstream of the concentrate filling device 22 that fills the product concentrate. Note that the order in which sterile water and product concentrate are filled is not limited to this. For example, the product concentrate may be filled first, and then sterile water may be filled. Also, as explained with reference to Figure 15, sterile water and product concentrate may be filled using a single filling nozzle 20a.

[0399] Here, if the filling device 20 is a so-called linear aseptic filling machine, the contents filling system 10 may include a container forming unit 150 for forming a container 140 (paper container, carton) from the packaging material 130 (sleeve), as shown in Figure 18B. This container forming unit 150 may be located inside the 11th aseptic chamber 70r. A conveyor 125 for transporting the container 140 may be provided inside the 11th aseptic chamber 70r. The contents filling system 10 may also include a disinfectant spray nozzle 11A, an air rinse nozzle 160, a creasing unit 170, a heating unit 180, and a sealing unit 190. Of these, the disinfectant spray nozzle 11A is a nozzle for spraying disinfectant onto the inner and outer surfaces of the container 140. The air rinse nozzle 160 is a nozzle for blowing sterile air onto the inner surface of the container 140. The folding section 170 is the part for folding the container 140. The heating section 180 is the part for heating the container 140. The sealing section 190 is the part for sealing the container 140. The disinfectant spray nozzle 11A, the air rinse nozzle 160, the water filling device 21, the concentrate filling device 22, the folding section 170, the heating section 180, and the sealing section 190 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the transport direction of the container 140. In such a contents filling system 10, water and product concentrate may be filled simultaneously into one container 140 from the water filling nozzle 21a and the concentrate filling nozzle 22c. The order in which water and product concentrate are filled into the bottle 100 may be changed as appropriate, taking into consideration foaming inside the bottle 100, the ease with which water and product concentrate mix, or production capacity. Furthermore, as explained using Figure 15, sterile water and the product concentrate may be filled using a single filling nozzle 20a.

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

[0401] (13th variation) Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment mentions the use of a hydrogen peroxide sterilization device as both the preform sterilization device and the container sterilization device, the invention is not limited to this. For example, the hydrogen peroxide sterilization device may be either the preform sterilization device or the container sterilization device. Alternatively, the preform sterilization device and the container sterilization device may be a peracetic acid sterilization device that sterilizes the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle with a peracetic acid solution (or gas, mist, or a mixture thereof), and then rinses the inner and outer surfaces with sterile water. Or, the preform sterilization device and the container sterilization device may be a sterilization device that uses peracetic acid, acetic acid, pernitrate, nitric acid, sodium hypochlorite, chlorine, caustic soda, etc., individually as a disinfectant in addition to hydrogen peroxide and ethanol, or a sterilization device that uses a combination of two or more of these disinfectants. In addition, the sterilization device may be used not only to sterilize bottles but also to sterilize cups, pouches, paper containers, or combinations thereof. Furthermore, the preform sterilization device may sterilize the preform by chemical spraying, chemical rinsing, steam, sterile water, sterile air, electron beams, X-rays, or ultraviolet light. Similarly, the container sterilization device may sterilize the container by chemical spraying, chemical rinsing, steam, sterile water, sterile air, electron beams, X-rays, or ultraviolet light.

[0402] (14th variation) Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment has explained the case in which the contents filling system 10 is equipped with a bottle molding unit 30, the system is not limited to this. For example, the contents filling system may be configured to sequentially receive molded empty bottles 100 from the outside by air transport or the like, and to transport the received bottles 100 toward the sterilization device 11. In this case as well, the above-described effects can be obtained.

[0403] (15th variation) Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment has been explained using the example of a system 10 filling a bottle 100 with contents, it is not limited to this. The contents filling system 10 according to this embodiment can also be applied to a filling system that fills so-called chilled beverages such as milk beverages into containers such as cups. In this case as well, compared to the case in which the product concentrate is diluted with sterile water produced using a sterilizer that heats and sterilizes water, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted when producing the contents can be reduced. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be reduced. Also, when the contents are milk beverages, the number of bacteria in the product concentrate may be high. Even if the number of bacteria in the product concentrate is high, the product concentrate is heat-sterilized. Therefore, even if the contents are milk beverages, the sterility of the contents can be sufficiently ensured. In addition, in the contents filling system 10 according to this embodiment, any liquid that requires sterilization (for example, seasonings, alcoholic beverages, or milk beverages) may be filled into the container.

[0404] (16th variation) Furthermore, although the above-described embodiment has been explained using the example where the contents filling system 10 is a system for filling the bottle 100 with contents, it is not limited to this. For example, the contents filling system 10 may be a filling system that forms the bottle 100 from the preform 100a by filling the preform 100a with water (or product concentrate or contents) (a so-called blow-fill-seal (BFS)).

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

[0406] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 18D1, in the preform transport section 31 of the bottle molding section 30, the preform sterilization device 34a may be provided downstream of the heating section 35. The preform sterilization device 34a may be configured to sterilize the preform 100a heated by the heating section 35. The preform sterilization device 34a may be located inside the 12th sterile chamber 70s.

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

[0408] In this modified example, the filling device 20 is described as having a water filling device 21 connected to the water sterilization line 50 and a concentrate filling device 22 connected to the concentrate sterilization line 70, but it is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 18D2, the contents filling system 10 may have a single filling device 20. In this case, as explained using Figure 13, a mixing tank 57 for mixing water and product concentrate may be interposed between the water sterilization line 50 and the concentrate sterilization line 70 and the filling device 20. Although not shown, as explained using Figures 14 and 15, a mixing tank 57 for mixing water and product concentrate may not be interposed between the water sterilization line 50 and the concentrate sterilization line 70 and the filling device 20. In these cases, the filling device 20 can fill the sterilized preform 100a with pressurized contents (or water or product concentrate). This allows the molding of the bottle 100 and the filling of the contents into the bottle 100 to be performed simultaneously.

[0409] (17th variation) Furthermore, while the above-described embodiment explained an example in which the water sterilizer 60 sterilizes water having an electrical conductivity of 0.1 μS / cm to 20 μS / cm, it is not limited to this. For example, the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 may be water with an electrical conductivity greater than 20 μS / cm. In this case, the water may be tap water or well water. That is, the water sterilized by the water sterilizer 60 may be used not as raw water for soft drinks, but as mineral water, purified water used as pharmaceutical water, or water for injection, etc. When sterilizing pharmaceutical water, etc., it is necessary to inactivate or reduce endotoxins in addition to bacteria. In this case, the cumulative ultraviolet irradiation dose to the water is 500 mJ / cm². 2 The above is preferable. This makes it possible to inactivate or reduce endotoxins.

[0410] In this modified example, as shown in Figure 18E, the water sterilization line 50 may have a pre-stage water tank 50d that is located upstream of the first water tank 51 and stores water (tap water or well water, etc.). When the water sterilizer 60 sterilizes tap water, etc., inorganic substances (oxides such as calcium) may adhere to the surface of the quartz sleeve protecting the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. (for example, a surface made of quartz glass). When inorganic substances adhere to the surface of the quartz sleeve of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., the intensity (irradiation amount) of ultraviolet light in the water sterilizer 60 may decrease. For this reason, when the intensity (irradiation amount) of ultraviolet light in the water sterilizer 60 decreases, it is preferable to remove the inorganic substances adhering to the surface of the quartz sleeve by cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the water sterilizer 60.

[0411] In this case, as explained using Figure 17C, the water sterilization line 50 may have multiple (for example, two) water sterilizers 60. This allows the water to be sterilized using the other water sterilizer 60 while one water sterilizer 60 is being cleaned (CIP) or sterilized (SIP). Therefore, the production of product bottles 101 can be carried out continuously. When cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the water sterilizers 60, the disinfectant or cleaning agent may be prevented from passing through the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterile filter 63. That is, as explained using Figures 2B and 2C, the disinfectant or cleaning agent may pass through the third bypass line 95a and the fourth bypass line 95b, thereby cleaning and sterilizing only the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64.

[0412] (Variations of sterilization methods for content filling systems) Next, we will describe variations of the sterilization method for the content filling system.

[0413] (First variation) In the above-described embodiment, an example was explained in which the chamber sterilization method involves sequentially performing the COP process (reference numeral S12 in Figure 9), the CIP process (reference numeral S13 in Figure 9), the SIP process (reference numeral S14 in Figure 9), and the SOP process (reference numeral S15 in Figure 9), but the method is not limited to this. For example, as shown in Figure 19, in the chamber sterilization method, the COP process (reference numeral S320 in Figure 19) and the CIP process (reference numeral S330 in Figure 19) may be performed simultaneously after the rinsing process (reference numeral S310 in Figure 19). Alternatively, the SIP process (reference numeral S340 in Figure 19) and the SOP process (reference numeral S350 in Figure 19) may be performed simultaneously after the COP and CIP processes. This significantly reduces downtime and improves the productivity of the product bottles 101.

[0414] Furthermore, as shown in Figure 20, in the chamber sterilization method, after the rinsing step (S41 in Figure 20), a CSOP step (S42 in Figure 20) in which the COP step and SOP step are performed simultaneously, and a CSIP step (S43 in Figure 20) in which the CIP step and SIP step are performed simultaneously may be performed simultaneously. In this case, for example, during the CSOP step, it is preferable that a cleaning agent at a temperature of 70°C or higher is sprayed into the intermediate area chamber 70g and the second sterile chamber 70h for at least 1 minute, and more preferably for 5 minutes or more. This purifies and sterilizes the inner wall surface of the intermediate area chamber 70g and the surface of equipment such as the filling device 20. Also, for example, during the CSIP step, the flow path of the product stock in the stock filling device 22 is rinsed with sterile water, and a cleaning agent at a temperature of 70°C or higher is supplied to the circulation path (not shown) including the said flow path. It is preferable that the cleaning agent be circulated in the circulation path for at least 5 minutes, and more preferably for 10 minutes or more. This sterilizes the product concentrate flow path within the concentrate filling device 22. In this case as well, downtime can be significantly reduced and the productivity of product bottles 101 can be improved.

[0415] Furthermore, in this modified configuration, the number of times the first sterile chamber 70f is cleaned and sterilized can be reduced, and the area to be cleaned and sterilized in the contents filling system 10 can be narrowed. In addition, the number of times the filling device 20 housed inside the first sterile chamber 70f is cleaned and sterilized can be reduced, and the area to be cleaned and sterilized in the contents filling system 10 can be narrowed. As a result, the amount of steam and other gases used can be reduced. Also, because the area to be cleaned and sterilized can be narrowed, the cleaning time and sterilization time can be shortened. As a result, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0416] Furthermore, when a CSIP process is performed, which combines the CIP and SIP processes, it is necessary to rinse the used cleaning agent after the CSIP process while maintaining a sterile environment inside the stock filling device 22, etc. In this case, by using water sterilized in the water sterilization line 50 for rinsing, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be reduced. Also, since the water sterilized in the water sterilization line 50 can be stored in the second water tank 52, the cleaning agent can be rinsed immediately after the CSIP process. This reduces downtime. It is preferable that the flow path from the second water tank 52 to the sterile area where the CSIP and CSOP processes are performed is cleaned (CIP) and sterilized (SIP) before rinsing the cleaning agent after the CSIP process. In this case, for example, the cleaning agent or sterilizing agent may be supplied to the second bypass line 56 from the connection point CP1 (see Figures 1 and 2A, etc.) where the second bypass line 56 is connected to the water sterilization line 50, and the above flow path may be sterilized with steam or hot water, etc.

[0417] (Second variation) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was given in which the first sterilizer 62 of the water sterilizer 60 is sterilized by steam, hot water, or a disinfectant, but the invention is not limited to this. For example, if the first sterilizer 62 is sensitive to heat and / or has low resistance to chemicals, the first sterilizer 62 may be sterilized with sterilized water. In this case, the sterilized water may be water that has been sterilized by ultraviolet light inside the first sterilizer 62. The control unit 90 may then circulate the sterilized water in the circulation system 59A (see Figure 2A, etc.) including the water sterilizer 60, thereby gradually reducing the number of bacteria in the circulating water and sterilizing the first sterilizer 62. In this case, the control unit 90 may circulate the sterilized water in the circulation system 59A at least three times, and preferably ten times or more.

[0418] In this modified example, first, the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 are sterilized (SIP) (SIP step, indicated by the symbol S231 in Figure 21). In this case, it is preferable that the foreign matter removal filter 61 is also sterilized (SIP) beforehand with steam.

[0419] Next, water is supplied to the circulation system 59A, which includes the water sterilizer 60 (water supply process, indicated as S232 in Figure 21). First, pure water is transported by the pump P1. At this time, pure water adjusted to a predetermined temperature (for example, 25°C) by a heat exchanger or the like (not shown) is supplied to the first sterile filter 63, etc. This wets the membrane of the first sterile filter 63, etc. After that, the pump P1 is stopped.

[0420] Next, an integrity test is performed on at least one of the first sterile filter 63 and the second sterile filter 65 (integrity test step, indicated as S233 in Figure 21). During the integrity test, a valve (not shown) near the first sterile filter 63 is closed, and sterile air is supplied to the first sterile filter 63. The sterile air supplied to the first sterile filter 63 is then gradually pressurized, and the bubble point value of the first sterile filter 63 is measured. Subsequently, the integrity of the first sterile filter 63 is confirmed (whether sterile air is leaking at a predetermined pressure) based on the results of the bubble point values ​​measured multiple times (for example, three times). If the integrity test confirms that the first sterile filter 63 is not intact, the first sterile filter 63 is replaced.

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

[0422] Here, the operating temperature of the medium-pressure mercury lamp is approximately 600°C to 900°C. Therefore, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., is a medium-pressure mercury lamp, it is preferable to irradiate the water with ultraviolet light while transporting the water with the pump P1. This suppresses overheating of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. At this time, the water irradiated with ultraviolet light may be stored in, for example, the second water tank 52. Alternatively, the water irradiated with ultraviolet light may be circulated in the circulation system 59A. When the water irradiated with ultraviolet light is circulated in the circulation system 59A, the sterility level of the water can be increased.

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

[0424] Next, the sterilized water is circulated in the circulation system 59A, which includes the water sterilizer 60 (water circulation process, indicated as S235 in Figure 21). At this time, the water irradiated with ultraviolet light passes through the second sterile filter 65. The pure water that has passed through the second sterile filter 65 is then supplied to the first water tank 51 via the circulation line 59. In this way, the sterilized pure water circulates within the circulation system 59A.

[0425] Subsequently, the sterilized water may be circulated at least once in the circulation system 59A, and preferably three or more times. By circulating the pure water three or more times in the circulation system 59A in this way, the sterilization effect of the first sterilizer 62 and other devices using water can be enhanced. At this time, the cumulative amount of ultraviolet radiation irradiated onto the circulating sterilized water is at least 100 mJ / cm². 2 More than 3000mJ / cm 2 Preferably, it is 1000 mJ / cm². 2 More than 3000mJ / cm 2 The following is more preferable: The cumulative amount of ultraviolet radiation irradiated onto the circulating water is 100 mJ / cm². 2As a result of the above, the sterilizing effect of ultraviolet light on water can be enhanced. In addition, the cumulative irradiation dose of ultraviolet light is 3000 mJ / cm². 2 As a result, electricity consumption can be reduced, and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be reduced.

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

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

[0428] According to this modified version, the control unit 90 sterilizes the first sterilizer 62 by circulating sterilized water in the circulation system 59A, which includes the water sterilizer 60. In this way, by sterilizing the first sterilizer 62 without using steam, hot water, or heated disinfectant, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the contents filling system 10 can be reduced, and the cost of sterilizing the water sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

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

[0430] The multiple components disclosed in the above embodiments and variations can be combined as needed. Alternatively, some components may be removed from all the components shown in the above embodiments and variations. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0431] 10 Contents filling system 11 Sterilizer 18. Cap sterilization device 20 Filling equipment 20a Filling nozzle 21 Water filling device 21a Water filling nozzle 22 Stock solution filling device 22a 1st stock solution filling device 22b 2nd stock solution filling device 22c Concentrate Filling Nozzle 32 Blow molding section 34a Preform sterilization device 50 water sterilization lines 51. Water Tank No. 1 52 Second water tank 55 First Bypass Line 57 Mixing tank 58b Sniftline 60 water sterilizer 70. Sterilization line for undiluted solution 71. First concentrate tank 72 Second concentrate tank 75 Additive Unit 80 Product stock solution sterilizer 88 Cap 90 Control Unit 100 bottles 100a Preform P packing

Claims

[Claim 1] A water sterilization line equipped with a water sterilizer that sterilizes water without heating, A raw material sterilization line that heat-sterilizes the product raw material, The system includes a filling device connected to the water sterilization line and the stock solution sterilization line, respectively, for filling containers with water and the product stock solution. The water sterilizer is a contents filling system that includes a sterile filter in which the filtration membrane is a UF membrane.

Images