A method for filling at least one package with a fluid product.

Abstract

Shown and described is a method for filling at least one package (2) with a flowable product (26), the method comprising the following steps: a) providing a flowable product (26); b) adding particles (27) to the flowable product (26), the particles (27) having a diameter of 1 to 2000 microns, preferably 50 to 500 microns, particularly 50 to 200 microns, and preferably the particles (27) being microcapsules; c) providing a filling machine (1), the filling machine (1) comprising a storage container (33) for storing the flowable product (26) to be filled, at least one filling device (25, 25', 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e) for filling at least one package (2) with the flowable product (26), particularly a first filling device (25) and / or a second filling device (25'), and at least one conduit (34, 34') for supplying the flowable product (26) from the storage container (33) to at least one filling device (25, 25', 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e), particularly the first filling device (25) and / or the second filling device (25'); d) using the filling machine (1) provided in step c) to fill at least one package (2) with the flowable product (26). The above method is proposed in order to provide a method for filling a flowable product (26) that achieves satisfactory processing of the flowable product (26) with very small particles (27) added.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for filling at least one package with a flowable product, the method comprising the following steps: a) providing a flowable product; b) adding microparticles to the flowable product, the microparticles having a diameter of 1 to 2000 microns, preferably 50 to 500 microns, particularly 50 to 200 microns, and preferably the microparticles being microcapsules; c) providing a filling machine, the filling machine comprising a storage container for storing the flowable product to be filled, at least one filling device for filling the at least one package with the flowable product, particularly a first filling device and / or a second filling device, and at least one conduit for supplying the flowable product from the storage container to the at least one filling device, particularly the first filling device and / or the second filling device; d) filling the at least one package with the flowable product using the filling machine provided in step c).

Background Art

[0002] Filling packages with flowable products is an essential step in the field of packaging technology, for example, for food products. Thus, a number of possibilities for filling a specified package with a flowable product are known. The flowable product may be, for example, a food product such as milk, juice, sauce, or yogurt. As the package, for example, paper, cardboard, plastic, and / or a composite package having several thin layers of metal may be used.

[0003] When filling a packaging, the characteristics of the fluid product being filled have a significant impact on the filling step and other process steps preceding it. On the one hand, process parameters must be adapted to each fluid product being filled, and on the other hand, the machinery used must be suitable for processing fluid products, especially filling them. Fluid products containing particulate matter have different requirements for process steps than fluid products without particulate matter. Similarly, fluid products with high viscosity also have different requirements for process steps than fluid products with low viscosity.

[0004] In recent years, there has been a need to process, and especially fill, fluid products containing microparticles, particularly so-called microcapsules, that have significantly smaller diameters than those previously common. Each microparticle, especially a microcapsule, can have a diameter of up to several hundred microns. In contrast to microparticles processed in the past, which often had a diameter of up to several millimeters and were therefore less likely to be trapped in very small edges or grooves, these very small microparticles, due to their small diameter, tend to accumulate in the edges or grooves of processing machines, no matter how small those edges or grooves are. The design of the processing machine and process parameters, such as pressure or flow rate for the fluid product, must be designed to prevent the accumulation of these very small microparticles when processing both high-viscosity and low-viscosity fluid products. Furthermore, microcapsules often contain a delicate core surrounded by a coating. While the coating can protect the core to some extent from external influences, there are limits to what the coating can achieve. Therefore, it is necessary to limit external influences on the microcapsules, such as strong forces, high pressure, or high temperatures. However, these requirements often conflict with other requirements, such as the need to prevent the deposition of very small particles, as already mentioned, aspects of food regulations, particularly heat treatment requirements, or high throughput during processing, especially during the heat treatment and filling of fluid products. [Overview of the Initiative] [Means for solving the problem]

[0005] Against this backdrop, the object of the present invention is to provide a method for filling a fluid product that achieves satisfactory processing of the fluid product to which very small particles have been added.

[0006] The above-mentioned objectives are solved by the present invention by a method for filling at least one package with a fluid product, the method comprising the following steps: a) providing a fluid product; b) adding fine particles to the fluid product, wherein the fine particles have a diameter of 1 to 2000 microns, preferably 50 to 500 microns, and particularly 50 to 200 microns, and preferably the fine particles are microcapsules; c) providing a filling machine, the filling machine comprising a storage container for storing the fluid product to be filled; at least one filling device for filling at least one package with the fluid product, particularly a first filling device and / or a second filling device; and at least one conduit for supplying the fluid product from the storage container to at least one filling device, particularly to the first filling device and / or the second filling device; d) filling at least one package with the fluid product using the filling machine provided in step c). The fine particles may also have a diameter of 80 to 200 microns, preferably 80 to 150 microns. As used herein, the term “microcapsule” may be understood to mean a particle containing an active component encapsulated within a preferably hydrolyzed protein shell. Microparticles, and in particular microcapsules, may optionally or additionally have a diameter of less than 100 mm, preferably less than 90 mm, preferably less than 80 mm, preferably less than 70 mm, preferably less than 60 mm, preferably less than 50 mm, preferably less than 40 mm, preferably less than 30 mm, and particularly less than 20 mm. The diameter, also called the average diameter of a microcapsule, and the method for measuring D(v,0.9) (the size at which the cumulative volume reaches 90% of the total volume) are preferably determined using a laser diffractometer (Mastersizer® 2000, Stable Microsystems Ltd., Surrey, UK) having a range of 0.2 to 2000 mm. For particle size analysis, batches of microcapsules were resuspended in Milli-Q® water and the size distribution was calculated based on the light intensity distribution data of the scattered light. Microcapsules are preferably generally spherical portions, and in particular particles.Microcapsules may preferably be coated microcapsules. The coating of the microcapsules may be a meltable coating composition comprising wax and, for example, oil, preferably the coating composition, wax, and / or oil being solid at room temperature. In one embodiment, the coating composition may comprise carnauba wax, beeswax, and oil, preferably coconut oil. In one embodiment, the coating composition may comprise carnauba wax, beeswax, coconut oil, and one or more of (optionally hydrogenated) coconut oil, (optionally hydrogenated) sunflower oil, and cocoa butter. Microcapsules may comprise a gelling polymer, such as a denatured protein. Microcapsules may comprise a cross-linked (denatured or hydrolyzed) protein matrix, which may contain an activator contained within and protected by the matrix. Some activators are, for example, probiotic bacteria, which are susceptible to thermal damage. Microcapsules may have a mononuclear form in which the activator is provided by a single core contained within the protein shell, or they may be multinuclear in which individual pockets of the activator are homogeneously distributed throughout the protein matrix. The protein matrix of the microcapsule is preferably gastric-resistant and disintegrates in the ileum, thereby allowing the activator to be delivered intact through the acidic gastric environment for release in the proximal ileum. At least one filling device, in particular a first filling device and / or a second filling device, includes or may include a filling nozzle. This facilitates the filling of at least one package. The filling machine may include more than two filling devices, for example, at least three filling devices, preferably at least four filling devices, and so on, including in particular a first filling device and / or a second filling device. At least one package may have one side open, at least during step d). The open side of at least one package may be the side in which the fluid product is filled, in particular in step d). The filling machine may include a transport device for transporting at least one package.Preferably, at least one package is transported by a transport device, particularly during step d) and / or stepwise through the filling machine. Advantageously, at least one package is transported, preferably during step d), under and / or through at least one filling device, particularly a first filling device and / or a second filling device. The diameter of at least one conduit may be at least 20 mm, preferably at least 30 mm, particularly at least 40 mm, and / or up to 75 mm, preferably up to 70 mm, particularly up to 70 mm. This allows for sufficient flow velocity and pressure of the fluid product, particularly during filling in step d). In step d), the fluid product preferably contains the fine particles added in step b).

[0007] Throughout this disclosure, the terms “First” and “Second” are used simply to distinguish different features, such as the first filling device and the second filling device, and should not be understood restrictively unless otherwise stated in this disclosure.

[0008] Various embodiments of this method are described below. Each embodiment is individually applicable to this method in each case. The individual embodiments may be further combined with each other as desired.

[0009] In embodiments, this method is characterized in that the fluid product is a high-viscosity fluid product having a viscosity of at least 400 mPa*s, or a low-viscosity fluid product having a viscosity of less than 400 mPa*s, and / or the fluid product is a low-acid fluid product having a pH value of at least 4.5, or a high-acid fluid product having a viscosity of less than 4.5. Having a high-viscosity fluid product as the fluid product makes it easier to hold the fine particles in a suspended state and to uniformly distribute the fine particles in the fluid product. This also reduces the risk of fine particles accumulating on the edges or grooves of the processing machine. However, at the same time, high viscosity makes it more difficult to achieve high flow rates of the fluid product. Having a low-viscosity fluid product as the fluid product makes it easier to achieve high flow rates of the fluid product. High flow rates can prevent fine particles from accumulating on the edges or grooves of the processing machine because the fine particles will be carried away by the high-speed flow of the fluid product. However, at the same time, low-viscosity, fluid products make it more difficult to maintain fine particles in a suspended state and to uniformly distribute them in the fluid product, especially when not accompanied by high flow rates. Viscosity is measured using a cylindrical rotational viscometer and a measurement geometry according to DIN 53019-1:2008-09, preferably by point 9.2.4 of DIN, at a temperature of 20°C with γ = 10s -1 It is determined by measuring the shear rate. The pH value can be measured using a commercially available pH meter.

[0010] In embodiments, the method is characterized in that in step d), at least one package is transported through a filling machine to at least one processing position, preferably a plurality of sequentially arranged processing positions, particularly in a stepwise manner, to fill at least one package with a fluid product, and / or in step d), the fluid product is introduced into at least one package from above, preferably via at least one filling device, particularly via a first filling device and / or a second filling device. This simplifies the filling of at least one package. Preferably, there may be at least three, particularly at least four, sequentially arranged processing positions. By increasing the number of processing positions, particularly the processing positions where at least one package is filled with a fluid product, each processing position may be allocated more time to fill at least one package, thus reducing the risk of spills and foaming. At least one package may be stopped in step d) to fill with the fluid product at at least one processing position, preferably at each of the plurality of sequentially arranged processing positions. This reduces the risk of spills and simplifies the process. The first filling device is preferably positioned ahead of the second filling device along the transport direction of at least one package.

[0011] In embodiments, the method is characterized in that, in step d), a fluid product is poured onto the sidewall of at least one package preferably at a first processing location and / or via a first filling device, and / or in step d), a fluid product is poured onto the top of a fluid product already filled in at least one package preferably at a second processing location and / or via a second filling device. Pouring the fluid product onto the sidewall of at least one package reduces the risk of foaming, especially when the fluid product has not yet been filled onto at least one package. However, pouring the fluid product onto the sidewall requires a more complex filling device. The first processing location is preferably located ahead of the second processing location along the transport direction of at least one package. The first filling device is preferably located ahead of the second first filling device along the transport direction of at least one package. A less complex filling device may be used to reduce the risk of foaming when filling an already filled fluid product by pouring the fluid onto the top of an already filled fluid product.

[0012] In embodiments, the method is characterized in that, in step d), the filling time for filling at least one package with the fluid product, particularly for each processing position and / or filling device, is at least 400 ms, preferably at least 450 ms, particularly at least 500 ms, and / or up to 900 ms, preferably up to 850 ms, particularly up to 825 ms. Each filling time allocates sufficient time for filling, enabling filling with reduced risk of spillage or foaming. At the same time, these filling times are short enough for the sufficiently high flow rate of the fluid product, making it easy to suspend or keep fine particles suspended and uniformly distributed in the fluid product, while simultaneously preventing fine particles from accumulating on the edges or grooves of the processing machine. In particular, the described filling time for filling at least one package is the filling time for filling each individual package to be filled with the fluid product, particularly in step d). Filling does not have to be continuous, and for example, the filling time can be divided into at least two parts. Preferably, the first portion of the filling time is completed at a first processing location and / or via a first filling device, and the second portion of the filling time is completed at a second processing location and / or via a second filling device. Particularly in the context described above, it is advantageous that the described filling time is provided for each processing location and / or filling device. This allows more time to be allocated for filling, further reducing the risk of spillage or foaming.

[0013] In embodiments, the method is characterized in that at least one filling device, in particular a first filling device and / or a second filling device, includes an inlet area for receiving a fluid product, an outlet area for discharging a fluid product, and at least one channel, in particular multiple channels, for passing the fluid product, preferably each channel including an inlet located in the inlet area and an outlet located in the outlet area. At least one channel, in particular multiple channels, is located between the inlet area and the outlet area. The outlet area is specifically designed to discharge the fluid product toward at least one package. In the flow direction of the fluid product, the inlet area and / or inlet is preferably located ahead of the outlet area and / or outlet. The inlet of at least one channel, in particular multiple channels, may be located in one plane, and / or the outlet of at least one channel, in particular multiple channels, may be located in one plane. The advantage of locating the outlet in one plane is that all partial flows are simultaneously exposed to gravitational acceleration by moving away from the bottom of at least one filling device at the same time. The plane in which the inlet is located is preferably parallel to the plane in which the outlet is located. The advantage of this, especially for channels following a straight line, is that because the channels are of equal length, the friction-induced deceleration of the partial flow is roughly the same across all channels. This contributes to reducing the risk of particle deposition in the packing device.

[0014] In embodiments, the method is characterized in that at least one filling device, particularly a first filling device and / or a second filling device, includes a movable sealing element, the first end of which is designed to seal at least one channel in a sealing area, preferably the first end of which is at least partially conical, preferably tapering at least partially toward the outflow area and / or the end portion of the first end of which is pointed. The sealing element helps reduce spillage because the flow of the fluid product can be easily controlled by the sealing element. On the other hand, the shape of the sealing element helps reduce the risk of particulate matter accumulation in the filling device. Each shape allows particulate matter to hardly accumulate in the sealing device and / or be easily carried away by the flow of the fluid product. Furthermore, the shape helps generate turbulence in the fluid product, further reducing the risk of particulate matter accumulation in the filling device and keeping the particulate matter suspended. The sealing element seals the inflow area from the outflow area in particular. The second end of the sealing element may include, or may be formed as, a valve rod for moving the sealing element, particularly the first conical end of the sealing element, especially for lowering and raising it. This facilitates the movement of the sealing element. Preferably, when the sealing element is in contact with the sealing area, the sealing element is at least partially spaced from the side walls, particularly the interior, of the filling device, preferably in front of and / or behind the sealing area as seen in the flow direction of the fluid product. The first portion of the first end of the sealing element, particularly the end portion, may be provided to taper toward the outflow area and be particularly conical, and / or the second portion of the first end of the sealing element may taper toward the opposite direction from the outflow area and be particularly arcuate. The tapered shape of the sealing element makes it difficult for particulate matter to accumulate on the sealing element and / or the particulate matter can be easily carried away by the flow of the fluid product. The second portion of the first end of the sealing element may be located in front of the first portion of the first end of the sealing element in the flow direction, and / or the second portion of the first end of the sealing element may be adjacent to the first portion of the first end of the sealing element.

[0015] In embodiments, the method is characterized in that at least one channel in a first portion tapers toward the outflow area, and / or at least one channel in a second portion widens toward the inflow area, particularly in the opposite direction, and is particularly arc-shaped. This helps reduce the risk of particulate matter accumulating in the filling device. Due to the respective shapes, particularly by each shape creating turbulence in the flowable product, particulate matter can hardly accumulate in the channel and / or be easily carried away by the flow of the flowable product. This also helps keep the particulate matter suspended. The first portion of at least one channel may be located ahead of the second portion of at least one channel in the flow direction, and / or the first portion of at least one channel may be adjacent to the second portion of at least one channel. The first portion of at least one channel may be adjacent to and / or be part of the sealing area. The second portion of the channel may be adjacent to and / or the outflow area.

[0016] In embodiments, this method is characterized in that, for at least some channels, the inlets and / or outlets of the channels are positioned on an annulus around the central axis of at least one filling device, particularly a first filling device and / or a second filling device, and / or for at least some channels, the central axis of the channels is inclined by an angle of inclination with respect to the central axis of at least one filling device, particularly a first filling device and / or a second filling device, preferably the angle of inclination with respect to the eccentric channel increases as the distance between the channel and the central axis of at least one filling device, particularly a first filling device and / or a second filling device, increases. By arranging the channels in an annulus, it becomes possible to generate a filling jet with a uniform and symmetrical shape. This helps to generate a uniform flow within the channels and makes it easier to uniformly carry away fine particles by the flow of the fluid product in all channels. By inclining the channels, it becomes possible to impart horizontal momentum in addition to vertical momentum to the partial flow in these channels. This enables particularly variable shaping of the filling jet. Each channel may be inclined outward or inward with respect to the flow direction of the fluid product. An outward slope widens or divides the filling jet, guiding it laterally along the sidewall of the packaging. In this way, the packaging is filled particularly gently, mostly without foaming. In contrast, an inward slope allows for a particularly intense, concentrated filling jet, reducing the risk of spillage. The slope of the channel increases as the distance between the channel and the central axis of at least one filling device increases, so that the further the channel is positioned, the greater the channel slope. A steeper slope for a more outward channel is particularly advantageous when an inward slope is given, because this way a particularly narrow, concentrated filling jet can be achieved.

[0017] In embodiments, the method is characterized in that, for at least some channels in a first portion, the central axis of the channel is inclined by an angle of inclination with respect to the central axis of at least one packing device, particularly a first packing device and / or a second packing device, or the central axis of the channel extends substantially parallel to the central axis of at least one packing device, particularly a first packing device and / or a second packing device, and / or for at least some channels in a second portion, the central axis of the channel is inclined by an angle of inclination with respect to the central axis of at least one packing device, particularly a first packing device and / or a second packing device, or the central axis of the channel extends substantially parallel to the central axis of at least one packing device, particularly a first packing device and / or a second packing device. When the central axis of a portion of the channel extends parallel to the central axis of at least one packing device, fine particles can hardly be deposited on the side walls of the channel. By tilting the central axis of a portion of the channel with respect to the central axis of at least one filling device, the filling jet can be guided laterally, for example, along the side wall of the packaging, thereby reducing the risk of foaming or generating turbulence, which contributes to the uniform distribution of particulate matter in the flowable product and helps to keep the particulate matter suspended. The first portion of at least one channel may be located ahead of the second portion of at least one channel in the flow direction, and / or the first portion of at least one channel may be adjacent to the second portion of at least one channel. The first portion and / or the second portion of at least one channel may be the first portion and / or the second portion of at least one channel described particularly in the context of the previous embodiment.

[0018] In embodiments, the method is characterized in that it includes the following step: e) storing the fluid product in a storage container. The storage container can be stored in a state in which a sufficient amount of fluid product can be filled, and in addition, the storage container is a suitable location for uniformly distributing fine particles in the fluid product before it is filled. Step e) may be performed before step d).

[0019] In embodiments, the method comprises the following steps: f) agitating the fluid product to distribute fine particles in the fluid product, particularly substantially uniformly, and / or to create turbulence in the fluid product, preferably with step f) being performed at least temporarily simultaneously with step e). This facilitates the uniform distribution of fine particles in the fluid product when at least one package is filled, and ensures uniform distribution of fine particles throughout all filled packages. Particularly preferably, pre-filling suspension and / or sedimentation of fine particles is prevented or at least reduced. Step f) may be performed alternatively or additionally at least before step d), before step e), and / or after step g). In step f), the fluid product may be agitated clockwise and / or counterclockwise, depending particularly on the agitating device used.

[0020] In embodiments, the method is characterized in that the filling machine, particularly the storage container, includes a stirring device, and preferably in step e) and / or step f), the fluid product is stirred by the stirring device. This facilitates the uniform distribution of particulate matter in the fluid product when at least one package is filled, and ensures a uniform distribution of particulate matter throughout all filled packages. Particularly preferably, pre-filling suspension and / or sedimentation of particulate matter is prevented and / or at least reduced. In step e) and / or step f), the fluid product may be stirred clockwise and / or counterclockwise, depending on the stirring device used.

[0021] In embodiments, the method is characterized in that the method includes the following steps: g) heat treatment of a fluid product, particularly in a continuous heat treatment device, preferably the heat treatment of the fluid product includes a preheating step, a main heating step, and / or a cooling step. The heat treatment extends the shelf life of the filled package. Step g) is preferably performed before steps d), e), and / or f).

[0022] In embodiments, this method is characterized in that, in step g), the fluid product is heated to a temperature of at least 50°C, preferably at least 60°C, particularly at least 70°C, and / or up to 100°C, particularly up to 90°C, particularly up to 80°C during the preheating step; and, in step g), particularly when the fluid product is a low-acid fluid product, the fluid product is heated to a temperature of at least 100°C, preferably at least 110°C, particularly at least 120°C, and / or up to 160°C, particularly up to 150°C, particularly up to 140°C during the heating step. Furthermore / or in step g), particularly when the fluid product is a highly acidic fluid product, the fluid product is heated to a temperature of at least 70°C, preferably at least 75°C, particularly at least 80°C, and / or up to 105°C, particularly up to 100°C, particularly up to 95°C during this heating step, and / or in step g), the fluid product is cooled to a temperature of at least 45°C, particularly up to 35°C, particularly up to 25°C, and / or at least 5°C, preferably at least 10°C, particularly at least 15°C during the cooling step. Heating the fluid product and / or particulate matter to the corresponding minimum ensures sufficient heat treatment, while heating to the corresponding maximum reduces the risk of damaging the particulate matter, particularly microcapsules, with excessive heat. The different temperature ranges in this heating step are particularly due to the different acidities, because highly acidic fluid products tend to react negatively to high temperatures. If the fluid product in step g) is a highly acidic fluid product, the preheating step may last at least 20 s, preferably at least 25 s, particularly at least 30 s, and / or up to 130 s, preferably up to 125 s, particularly up to 120 s. In this way, the fluid product is sufficiently heat-treated, while at the same time the fine particles are not unnecessarily exposed to higher temperatures for longer periods.

[0023] In embodiments, this method ensures that in step d), the flow rate of the fluid product in the conduit and / or at least one filling device is at least 50 ml / s, preferably at least 75 ml / s, particularly at least 100 ml / s, and / or up to 1700 ml / s, preferably up to 1600 ml / s, particularly up to 1500 ml / s, and in step e) and / or step f), the flow rate of the fluid product in the storage container is at least 600 ml / s, preferably The flow rate is characterized by being at least 700 ml / s, particularly at least 800 ml / s, and / or at most 7000 ml / s, preferably at most 6500 ml / s, particularly at most 6000 ml / s, and / or at least temporarily in step g), particularly at least 100 ml / s, preferably at least 500 ml / s, particularly at least 1000 ml / s, and / or at most 12000 ml / s, preferably at most 11000 ml / s, particularly at most 10000 ml / s. The corresponding minimum values ​​for flow rate reduce the risk of particulate matter accumulation between different processing steps and / or in different processing machines. Furthermore, sufficiently high flow rates are provided to ensure a uniform distribution of particulate matter in the flowable product. The corresponding maximum values ​​for flow rate reduce the risk of damage to particulate matter, particularly microcapsules, because the forces on the particulate matter in the flowable product, such as contact with processing machines, are kept sufficiently low.

[0024] In embodiments, this method is characterized in that, in step d), the pressure on the fluid product in the conduit and / or at least one filling device is at least 0.5 bar, preferably at least 0.6 bar, particularly at least 0.7 bar, and / or up to 4 bar, preferably up to 3.5 bar, particularly up to 3 bar, at least temporarily, in step e) and / or step f), the pressure on the fluid product in the storage container is at least 0.1 bar, preferably at least 0.2 bar, particularly at least 0.3 bar, and / or up to 5 bar, preferably up to 4 bar, particularly up to 3 bar, and / or in step g), the pressure on the fluid product in the heat treatment device is at least 0.5 bar, preferably at least 0.75 bar, particularly at least 1 bar, and / or up to 60 bar, preferably up to 55 bar, particularly up to 50 bar. The corresponding minimum pressure ensures that the fluid product can flow satisfactorily through narrow gaps in processing machinery, particularly in heat exchangers. Furthermore, the minimum pressure ensures that the fluid product does not begin to boil at higher temperatures, for example, during step g). Additionally, the minimum pressure ensures that the fluid product is not contaminated from the outside by providing sufficient excess pressure. The corresponding maximum pressure keeps the forces on particulate matter in the fluid product sufficiently low, thereby reducing the risk of damaging particulate matter, especially microcapsules. For example, heat treatment of fluid products that do not contain such small particulate matter is often carried out under pressures of up to 250 bar. However, small particulate matter, especially microcapsules, will be damaged at such high pressures.

[0025] In an embodiment, this method is characterized in that step b) is carried out before step d), step e), step f), and / or step g), step b) is carried out after step d), step e), step f), and / or step g), and / or in particular the proportion of the fine particles in the fluid product in at least step d), step e), step f), and / or step g) is 0.05 to 20% by weight, particularly 0.1 to 10% by weight. By adding the fine particles before each other process step, a separate process step for the fine particles is no longer necessary, so that heat treatment, stirring, storage, and / or filling can be facilitated. By adding the fine particles after each other process step, the fine particles can be separated from the fluid product and handled more gently. By providing the fine particles in the fluid product within each respective proportion range, the risk of clogging of different process machines is reduced.

[0026] In an embodiment, this method includes the following step: h) in particular sealing at least one package by means of a sealing device, preferably with at least one package being completely sealed. Step h) can be carried out after step a), step b), step c), step d), step e), step f), and / or step g). In step h), the upper region of at least one package can be folded and / or sealed. After step h), at least one package is preferably completely sealed to enable easy handling of at least one package without spillage.

[0027] Further features and advantages of this method will become apparent from the following description of exemplary embodiments, where the accompanying drawings are referred to.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0028] [[ID=I5]] [Figure 1] A diagram schematically showing a filling machine and further processing machines. [Figure 2A] This is a diagram showing the first embodiment of the filling device. [Figure 2B] This is a diagram showing the first embodiment of the filling device. [Figure 2C] This is a diagram showing the first embodiment of the filling device. [Figure 3A] This is a diagram showing the second embodiment of the filling device. [Figure 3B] This is a diagram showing the second embodiment of the filling device. [Figure 3C] This is a diagram showing the second embodiment of the filling device. [Figure 4A] This is a diagram showing the third embodiment of the filling device. [Figure 4B] This is a diagram showing the third embodiment of the filling device. [Figure 4C] This is a diagram showing the third embodiment of the filling device. [Figure 5A] This is a diagram showing the fourth embodiment of the filling device. [Figure 5B] This is a diagram showing the fourth embodiment of the filling device. [Figure 5C] This is a diagram showing the fourth embodiment of the filling device. [Figure 6A] This is a diagram showing the fifth embodiment of the filling device. [Figure 6B] This is a diagram showing the fifth embodiment of the filling device. [Figure 6C] This is a diagram showing the fifth embodiment of the filling device.

Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0029] Figure 1 shows a filling machine 1 for filling packaging 2, preferably cardboard containers, with a fluid product. The filling machine 1 may include a device 3 for forming the packaging 2. Alternatively, these or other packaging 2 may be manufactured elsewhere and delivered to the filling machine 1. The filling machine 1 shown has several parallel processing lines, only one of which is shown in Figure 1. Each processing line is associated with a bundle 4 of packaging blanks 5 in the form of packaging material blanks, the longitudinal edges of which are sealed against each other to form a packaging sleeve 6, which is supplied folded together. A supply device 7 opens the packaging sleeve 6, and if necessary, a sealing device may also be provided for attaching a pouring element (not shown) to the packaging sleeve 6.

[0030] The device 3 for forming the packaging 2 has a mandrel wheel 8, which, as shown, includes six mandrels 9 and rotates periodically, i.e., progressively, in a counterclockwise direction. At the first mandrel wheel position I, the packaging blank 5 in the form of a packaging sleeve 6 is pushed onto the mandrels 9. The mandrel wheel 8 then rotates further to the next position II, where the end region 10 of the packaging sleeve 6 protruding relative to the mandrels 9 is heated by hot air from a heating unit 11. At the next position III, the heated end region 10 of the packaging sleeve 6 is pre-folded by a press 12, and at the subsequent position IV of the mandrel wheel, the end region 10 is tightly sealed at the folded position by a sealing device (not shown), particularly to form the bottom. In this manner, a package with one end sealed is obtained, which is then removed from the mandrel 9 at the next mandrel wheel position V and transferred to cell 13 of the continuously circulating transport device 14. At the next mandrel wheel position VI, no work step is assigned to the mandrel 9. If necessary, the mandrel wheel positions, the number of mandrels, and the processing steps provided therein may differ from the embodiment shown in Figure 1 and related descriptions.

[0031] The package 2 is transported through the filling machine 1 in the associated cell 13 of the transport device 14 in the form of a transport chain, with its opening facing upward. If necessary, the package 2 can also be filled through the upward-facing bottom region when the downward-facing top region is closed. The package 2 enters a sterile chamber 15, which includes a sterilization zone 16 and a filling and sealing zone 17, and through this sterile chamber 15 the package 2 is transported from left to right in the transport direction indicated by the arrow. The package 2 does not need to be transported in a straight line and can be transported in at least one curve or circle.

[0032] Sterile air is supplied to the sterile chamber 15 via a suitable sterile air connection 20. The packaging 2 is continuously preheated by a preheating device 21 that blows high-temperature sterile air onto the packaging 2. The packaging 2 is then sterilized by a sterilization device 22, preferably with hydrogen peroxide, and then dried by a drying device 23 by loading sterile air. After passing through the sterilization zone 16 and entering the filling and sealing zone 17, the packaging 2 is carried to several processing positions 24, 24' under several filling devices 25, 25', where one filling device 25, 25' is preferably assigned to each processing position 24, 24'. In the shown embodiment, there is a first processing position 24 assigned to a first filling device 25 and a second processing position 24' assigned to a second filling device 25'. However, it is also possible to have fewer or more processing positions and / or filling devices, such as four processing positions and / or four filling devices. At processing positions 24 and 24', a fluid product 26 containing fine particles 27 is continuously filled into the packaging 2. The filled packaging 2 is then sealed by the sealing device 18 by folding and sealing the upper region of the packaging 2. The packaging 2 is then removed from the cell 13 of the transport device 14. The now empty cell 13 is further moved by the transport device 14 toward the mandrel wheel 8 to receive further packaging 2 from the mandrel wheel 8.

[0033] However, it is necessary to provide the fluid product 26 before it can be filled into the packaging 2. The fluid product may be a high-viscosity fluid product having a viscosity of at least 400 mPa*s, or a low-viscosity fluid product having a viscosity of less than 400 mPa*s. Fine particles 27 are added to the fluid product 26, and these fine particles 27 may have a diameter of 1 to 2000 microns, and these fine particles are in particular microcapsules. The fine particles 27 may be added to the fluid product 26, for example, after the fluid product 26 has already been filled into the packaging 2. However, preferably, the fine particles 27 are added to the fluid product 26 before the fluid product 26 undergoes the heat treatment described later.

[0034] In the embodiments described herein, the fluid product 26, which already contains fine particles 27, is subjected to heat treatment in a continuous heat treatment device 28. In the embodiments described herein, the heat treatment comprises three steps. First, there is a preheating step, which is carried out in a preheater 29. During the preheating step, the fluid product 26 and fine particles 27 are heated to a temperature of at least 50°C and a maximum of 100°C. Next is the main heating step, which is carried out in the main heater 30. During the main heating step, in particular to remove bacteria without damaging the fine particles with excessive heat, the fluid product 26 and fine particles 27 are heated to a temperature of at least 100°C and a maximum of 160°C for low-acid fluid products, and at least 70°C and a maximum of 105°C for high-acid fluid products. Finally, there is a cooling step, which is carried out in a cooler 31. During the cooling step, the fluid product 26 and fine particles 27 are cooled to a temperature of a maximum of 45°C. To ensure sufficient throughput, the flow rate of the fluid product 26 during heat treatment may range up to 12,000 ml / s. To ensure that the fluid product can be supplied through narrow gaps without boiling, but without exposing the particulate matter to excessive stress, the pressure on the fluid product 26 during heat treatment may range from 0.5 bar to 60 bar. After heat treatment, the fluid product 26 containing the particulate matter 27 is supplied to the storage container 33 via the supply line 32.

[0035] The storage container 33 is used to temporarily store the fluid product 26 containing fine particles 27 before filling the packaging 2. While the fluid product 26 is stored in the storage container 33, it may be agitated as indicated by the arrows in the storage container 33, particularly to distribute the fine particles 27 uniformly in the fluid product 26 by creating turbulence in the fluid product 26. The fluid product 26 may be agitated clockwise and / or counterclockwise. In the shown embodiment, agitation is performed by an agitation device 19 provided in the storage container 33. Agitation is particularly preferred for fluid products 26 having low viscosity, because if the fluid product 26 is not agitated sufficiently, depending on the viscosity of the fluid product 26 and / or the density of the fine particles 27, the fine particles 27 may float to the top of the fluid product 26 and / or settle. However, for fluid products 26 having high viscosity, agitation may often be omitted. To ensure that the particulate matter 27 is uniformly distributed and remains suspended without damaging it, the flow rate of the fluid product 26 during storage and / or stirring may range from 600 ml / s to 7000 ml / s. To particularly ensure that the fluid product is not contaminated from the outside without damaging the particulate matter 27, the pressure on the fluid product 26 during storage and / or stirring may range from 0.1 bar to 5 bar.

[0036] From the storage container 33, a fluid product 26 containing fine particles 27 is supplied to the filling devices 25, 25' via conduits 34, 34'. In the described embodiment, the risk of foaming is reduced by pouring the fluid product 26 onto the sidewall of the package 2 at the first processing position 24. At the second processing position 24', the fluid product 26 is poured by the second filling device 25' onto the top of the fluid product 26 already filled into the package at the first processing position 24. In this way, rapid filling of the package 2 can be achieved. The risk of foaming is also considerably low because the package 2 is already filled with the fluid product 26. To ensure sufficiently rapid filling and at the same time reduce the risk of the fine particles 27 accumulating without damaging them, the flow rate of the fluid product 26 during filling, particularly in the conduits 34, 34' and / or filling devices 25, 25', may range from 50 ml / s to 1700 ml / s. To ensure that the fine particles 27 are uniformly distributed and kept suspended without damaging them, the pressure on the fluid product 26 during filling, particularly in the conduits 34, 34' and / or filling devices 25, 25', can range from 0.5 bar to 4 bar. This also helps to supply the fluid product 26 through narrow gaps. As already described above, the filled package 2 is then sealed and removed from the transport device 14.

[0037] Figures 2A and 2C show a first embodiment of the filling device 25a. Figure 2A shows a cross-section of each filling device 25a. The filling devices 25a shown may be used as the first filling device 25 and / or the second filling device 25' described in Figure 1. The filling device 25a shown in Figure 2A includes, in particular, an integrated housing 35, which has an inflow area 36 for receiving a fluid product 26 and an outflow area 37 for discharging the fluid product 26. Between the inflow area 36 and the outflow area 37 is a channel 38 for guiding the fluid product 26 through the housing 35. The channel 38 includes an inlet 39 located in the inflow area 36 and an outlet 40 located in the outflow area 37. In the filling device 25a shown in Figure 2A, both the inflow area 36 (i.e., the inlet 39 as well) and the outflow area 37 (i.e., the outlet 40 as well) are located in a single plane, and these two planes are parallel to each other. Finally, the upper side of the filling device 25a includes a continuous flange 41 incorporating several boreholes 42. The filling device 25a can be connected to the filling machine 1 via the boreholes 42.

[0038] Figure 2A further presents a sealing element 43. In Figure 2A, the sealing element 43 is lowered to obstruct the flow of the fluid product 26 flowing through the filling device 25a, as schematically indicated by the arrows, thereby pressing the sealing element 43, particularly its first end 44, against the sealing area 45, sealing the inflow area 36 from the outflow area 37. The central axis M of the filling device 25a extends through the center of the sealing element 43 and the filling device 25a.

[0039] In the filling device 25a, the first end 44 of the sealing element 43 is conical in shape and tapers toward the outflow area 37. The end portion of the first end 44 of the sealing element 43 is pointed. In the first portion 46, the channel 38 tapers toward the outflow area, and in the second portion 47, the channel 38 widens in an arc shape toward the direction away from the inflow area 36, ​​particularly in the opposite direction.

[0040] Figure 2B presents a top view of the filling device 25a of Figure 2A, as indicated by marker IIb in Figure 2A. However, the sealing element 43 is not shown in Figure 2B. Figure 2B shows the cross-sectional planes IIa-IIa used for the cross-section of Figure 2A. Here, it can be seen that the filling device 25a of Figure 2A contains only one channel 38. In addition, it can be seen that the channel 38, in particular the sealing area 45 and the first portion 46 of the channel 38, are tapered.

[0041] Figure 2C shows a bottom view of the filling device 25a in Figure 2A, as indicated by marker IIc in Figure 2A. The sealing element 43 is not shown in Figure 2C either. Here, it can be seen that the channel 38, and in particular the second portion 47 of the channel 38, is widened.

[0042] Figures 3A to 3C show a second embodiment of the filling device 25b. Figure 3A shows a cross-section of each filling device 25b. The filling device 25a shown can be used as the first filling device 25 and / or the second filling device 25' described in Figure 1. The filling devices 25b in Figures 3A to 3C are similar to the filling devices 25a in Figures 2A to 2C, and therefore the same components are given the same reference numerals; only the differences will be considered below.

[0043] In contrast to the filling device 25a in Figures 2A-2C, the filling device 25b in Figures 3A-3C includes multiple channels 38, each channel including an inlet 39 and an outlet 40. For some channels 38, particularly the eccentric channels 38'', the central axis MC of the channel 38 is tilted by an inclination angle α with respect to the central axis M of the filling device 25b. Furthermore, the inclination angle α for the eccentric channels 38'' increases as the distance between the channel 38 and the central axis M of the filling device 25b increases. A channel 38' also exists in the center of the filling device 25b, and this channel 38' extends substantially parallel to the central axis M of the filling device 25b.

[0044] Figure 3B presents a cross-section showing the device 25b of Figure 3A along the transverse plane IIIb-IIIb recorded in Figure 3A. As can be seen, for the eccentric channel 38”, the inlet 39 of the channel 38”, is located on an annulus around the central axis M of the filling device 25b. The central channel 38' is located in the center of the inlet area 36. The inlet 39 of the channel 38 of the filling device 25b shown in Figure 3B exhibits a specific pattern. The eccentric channel 38”, is arranged circularly on three concentric rings around the central channel 38'. The first innermost ring has 10 channels 38”, (each of the two parts has 2 channels 38”, and each of the two parts has 3 channels 38”. The second ring has 18 channels 38'' (each of the two parts has 4 channels 38'' and each of the two parts has 5 channels 38''), and the third completely unoccupied ring has 12 channels 38'' (each of the four parts has 3 channels 38''). Different parts of the same ring are spaced apart from each other.

[0045] Figure 3C presents a bottom view showing the filling device 25b of Figure 3A, as indicated by marker IIIc shown in Figure 3A. The outlet 40 of channel 38 is also located on an annulus around the central axis M of the filling device 25b. The eccentric channel 38'' of the outflow area 37 is located on three concentric rings around the central channel 38', with the outermost of the three concentric rings not being fully occupied. Due to the inclination angle α of the eccentric channel 38'', the outlets 40 of channel 38 are clustered closer together compared to the inflow area 36 side and are separated from each other only by a very narrow web 48.

[0046] Figures 4A to 4C show a third embodiment of the filling device 25c. Figure 4A shows a cross-section of each filling device 25c. The filling devices 25c shown can be used as the first filling device 25 and / or the second filling device 25' described in Figure 1. The filling devices 25c in Figures 4A to 4C are similar to the filling device 25a in Figures 2A to 2C, and therefore the same components are given the same reference numerals; only the differences will be considered below. In the case of Figures 4A to 4C, the sealing element 43 is not shown.

[0047] In contrast to the filling device 25a in Figures 2A-2C, the filling device 25c in Figures 4A-4C includes multiple channels 38, each channel including an inlet 39 and an outlet 40. In the first portion 49 of the channel 38, the central axis MC of the channel 38 extends substantially parallel to the central axis M of the filling device 25c, whereas in the second portion 50 of the channel 38, the central axis MC of the channel 38 is inclined by an inclination angle α with respect to the central axis M of the filling device 25c. This allows the fluid product 26 to be poured onto the sidewalls of the package 2 to be filled.

[0048] Figure 4B presents a top view of the filling device 25c of Figure 4A, as indicated by marker IVb in Figure 4A. Figure 4B shows the cross-sectional planes IVa-IVa used for the cross-section of Figure 4A. Here, it can be seen that the filling device 25c of Figure 4A contains six channels 38. Depending on the viewpoint, the channels 38 are arranged as two rows, each having three channels 38, or as three rows, each having two channels 38.

[0049] Figure 4C shows a bottom view of the filling device 25c in Figure 4A, as indicated by marker IVc in Figure 4A. Here, it can be seen that the central axis MC of the channel 38 is located within the second portion 50 of the channel 38, which is inclined with respect to the central axis M of the filling device 25c.

[0050] Figures 5A to 5C show a fourth embodiment of the filling device 25d. Figure 5A shows a cross-section of each filling device 25d. The filling devices 25d shown can be used as the first filling device 25 and / or the second filling device 25' described in Figure 1. The filling devices 25d in Figures 5A to 5C are similar to the filling devices 25a in Figures 2A to 2C, and therefore the same components are given the same reference numerals, and only the differences will be considered below. In the case of Figures 5A to 5C, the sealing element 43 is not shown.

[0051] In contrast to the filling device 25a in Figures 2A-2C, the filling device 25c in Figures 4A-4C includes multiple channels 38, each channel including an inlet 39 and an outlet 40. The central axis MC of all channels 38 is tilted by an inclination angle α with respect to the central axis M of the filling device 25d.

[0052] Figure 5B presents a top view of the filling device 25d in Figure 5A, as indicated by the marker Vb in Figure 5A. Here, it can be seen that the inlets 39 of the channels 38 are located on an annulus around the central axis M of the filling device 25d. The inlets 39 of the channels 38 of the filling device 25d exhibit a specific pattern. The channels 38 are arranged in a circular pattern on two concentric rings. The first innermost ring has three channels. The second outermost ring has nine channels 38 (each of its three parts has three channels 38). The different parts of the outermost ring are spaced apart from one another.

[0053] Figure 5C shows a bottom view of the filling device 25d in Figure 5A, as indicated by the marker Vc in Figure 5A. Due to the inclination angle α of the channel 38, the outlets 40 of the channel 38 are closer together than the inlet flow area 36 side and are separated from each other only by a very narrow web 48.

[0054] Figures 6A to 6C show a fifth embodiment of the filling device 25e. Figure 6A shows a cross-section of each filling device 25e. The filling devices 25e shown can be used as the first filling device 25 and / or the second filling device 25' described in Figure 1. The filling devices 25e in Figures 6A to 6C are similar to the filling device 25a in Figures 2A to 2C, and therefore the same components are given the same reference numerals; only the differences will be considered below. In the case of Figures 6A to 6C, the sealing element 43 is not shown.

[0055] In contrast to the filling device 25a in Figures 2A to 2C, the filling device 25e in Figures 6A to 6C includes multiple channels 38, each channel including an inlet 39 and an outlet 40. In the first portion 49 of the channel 38, the central axis MC of the channel 38 is tilted by an inclination angle α with respect to the central axis M of the filling device 25e, whereas in the second portion 50 of the channel 38, the central axis MC of the channel 38 extends substantially parallel to the central axis M of the filling device 25e.

[0056] Figure 6B presents a top view of the filling device 25e of Figure 6A, as indicated by marker VIb in Figure 6A. Here, it can be seen that the inlets 39 of the channels 38 are arranged on a particularly circular ring around the central axis M of the filling device 25e. The inlets 39 of the channels 38 of the filling device 25d exhibit a particular pattern. The channels 38 are arranged in a particularly circular manner on two concentric rings. The first innermost ring has four channels. The second outermost ring has eight channels 38 (each of the two parts has four channels 38). The different parts of the outermost ring are spaced apart from each other.

[0057] Figure 6C shows a bottom view of the filling device 25e in Figure 5A, as indicated by the marker VIc in Figure 5A. Due to the inclination angle α of the channel 38, the outlets 40 of the channel 38 are closer together, forming a somewhat elongated arrangement of the outlets 40. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1 Filling machine 2 Packaging 3. Device for forming a package 4 bundles 5. Packaging blanks 6. Packaging sleeve 7. Supply Devices 8 Mandrel Wheels 9 Mandrels 10 End area 11 Heating Unit 12 Press machine 13 cells 14. Transportation Devices 15. Sterile Chamber 16 Sterilization Zones 17 Sealing Zone 18 Sealing devices 19. Stirring device 20 Sterile air connection 21 Preheating devices 22 Sterilization devices 23 Drying devices 24 First processing position 24' Second machining position 25. First filling device 25' Second filling device 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e Filling devices 26. Liquidity Products 27 Fine particles 28 Heat Treatment Devices 29 Preheater 30 pcs heater 31 Cooler 32 supply lines 33 Storage containers 34, 34' conduit 35 Housing 36 Inflow area 37 Spill area 38 channels 38' Central Channel 38” eccentric channel 39 Entrance 40 exit 41 Flange 42 boreholes 43 sealing elements 44 First end of sealing element 45 Seal area Part 1 of channel 46 Part 2 of channel 47 48 Web Part 1 of channel 49 The second part of channel 50 I, II, III, IV, V, VI position M central axis of the filling device MC channel central axis α Tilt angle

Claims

1. A method for filling at least one package (2) with a fluid product (26), comprising the following steps: a) A step of providing a liquid product (26), b) A step of adding fine particles (27) to the fluid product (26), - The fine particles (27) have a diameter of 1 to 2000 microns, preferably 50 to 500 microns, and particularly 50 to 200 microns. - Preferably the fine particles (27) are microcapsules, the step of adding the fine particles (27), c) A step of providing a filling machine (1), - Providing a filling machine (1) comprising: a storage container (33) for storing the fluid product (26) to be filled; at least one filling device (25, 25', 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e), particularly a first filling device (25) and / or a second filling device (25'), for filling the at least one package (2) with the fluid product (26); and at least one conduit (34, 34') for supplying the fluid product (26) from the storage container (33) to the at least one filling device (25, 25', 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e), particularly the first filling device (25) and / or the second filling device (25'), d) A method comprising the step of filling the at least one package (2) with the fluid product (26) using the filling machine (1) provided in step c).

2. The fluid product (26) is either a high-viscosity fluid product (26) having a viscosity of at least 400 mPa*s, or a low-viscosity fluid product (26) having a viscosity of less than 400 mPa*s, and / or the fluid product (26) is a low-acid fluid product (26) having a pH value of at least 4.5, or a high-acid fluid product (26) having a viscosity of less than 4.

5. The method according to claim 1, characterized by the above.

3. In step d), the at least one package (2) is transported through the filling machine (1) to at least one processing position (24, 24'), preferably a plurality of sequentially arranged processing positions (24, 24'), in particular stepwise, to fill the at least one package (2) with the fluid product (26), and / or in step d), the fluid product (26) is introduced into the at least one package (2) from above, preferably via the at least one filling device (25, 25', 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e), particularly via the first filling device (25) and / or the second filling device (25'). The method according to claim 1 or claim 2, characterized by the above.

4. In step d), the fluid product (26) is preferably poured onto the side wall of the at least one package (2) at the first processing position (24) and / or via the first filling device (25), and / or in step d), the fluid product (26) is preferably poured onto the top of the fluid product (26) already filled in the at least one package (2) at the second processing position (24') and / or via the second filling device (25'). A method according to any one of claims 1 to 3, characterized by the above.

5. In step d), the filling time for filling the at least one packaging (2) with the fluid product (26) is at least 400 ms, preferably at least 450 ms, particularly at least 500 ms, and / or at most 900 ms, preferably at most 850 ms, particularly at most 825 ms, for each processing position (24, 24') and / or filling device (25, 25', 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized by the above.

6. The at least one filling device (25, 25', 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e), particularly the first filling device (25) and / or the second filling device (25'), includes an inlet area (36) for receiving the fluid product (26), an outlet area (37) for discharging the fluid product (26), and at least one channel (38, 38', 38"), particularly a plurality of channels (38, 38', 38") for passing the fluid product (26), preferably each channel (38, 38', 38") includes an inlet (39) located in the inlet area (36) and an outlet (40) located in the outlet area (37). The method according to any one of claims 1 to 5, characterized by the above.

7. The at least one filling device (25, 25', 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e), particularly the first filling device (25) and / or the second filling device (25'), includes a movable sealing element (43) such that the first end (44) of the sealing element (43) is designed to seal the at least one channel (38, 38', 38") in the sealing area (45), preferably the first end (44) of the sealing element (43) is at least partially conical, preferably the first end (44) of the sealing element (43) is at least partially tapered toward the outflow area (37) and / or the end portion of the first end (44) of the sealing element (43) is pointed. The method according to claim 6, characterized by the above.

8. In the first portion (46), the at least one channel (38) tapers toward the outflow area (37), and / or in the second portion (47), the at least one channel (38) widens toward the inflow area (36), particularly in the opposite direction, and is particularly arc-shaped. The method according to claim 6 or claim 7, characterized by the above.

9. For at least some of the channels (38, 38"), the inlet (39) and / or outlet (40) of the channels (38, 38") are positioned on an annulus around the central axis (M) of the at least one filling device (25, 25', 25b, 25d, 25e), particularly the first filling device (25) and / or the second filling device (25'), and / or for at least some of the channels (38, 38"), the central axis (M) of the channels (38, 38") is positioned on the at least one filling device The devices (25, 25', 25b, 25d), particularly the first filling device (25) and / or the second filling device (25'), are inclined by an angle of inclination (α) with respect to the central axis (M), preferably the angle of inclination (α) with respect to the eccentric channel (38") increases as the distance between the channel (38, 38', 38") and the central axis (M) of the at least one filling device (25, 25', 25b, 25d), particularly the first filling device (25) and / or the second filling device (25'), increases. The method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, characterized by the above.

10. With respect to at least some of the channels (38, 38', 38") of the first portion (49), the central axis (MC) of the channels (38, 38', 38") is inclined by an angle of inclination (α) with respect to the central axis (M) of the at least one filling device (25, 25', 25b, 25d, 25e), particularly the first filling device (25) and / or the second filling device (25'), or the central axis (MC) of the channel (38) extends substantially parallel to the central axis (M) of the at least one filling device (25, 25', 25a, 25b, 25c), particularly the first filling device (25) and / or the second filling device (25'), In addition, with respect to at least some of the channels (38, 38', 38") of the second portion (50), the central axis (MC) of the channels (38, 38', 38") is tilted by an angle of inclination (α) with respect to the central axis (M) of the at least one filling device (25, 25', 25b, 25c, 25d), particularly the first filling device (25) and / or the second filling device (25'), or the central axis (MC) of the channel (38) extends substantially parallel to the central axis (M) of the at least one filling device (25, 25', 25a, 25b), particularly the first filling device (25) and / or the second filling device (25'). The method according to any one of claims 6 to 9, characterized by the above.

11. The aforementioned method involves the following steps: e) The process includes the step of storing the fluid product (26) in the storage container (33). A method according to any one of claims 1 to 10, characterized by the above.

12. The aforementioned method involves the following steps: f) Preferably a step of stirring the fluid product (26) in order to distribute the fine particles (27) in the fluid product (26), in particular substantially uniform distribution, and / or to create turbulence in the fluid product (26): - Preferably, step f) is performed at least temporarily simultaneously with step e). A method according to any one of claims 1 to 11, characterized by the above.

13. The filling machine (1), in particular the storage container (33), includes a stirring device (19), and preferably in step e) and / or step f), the fluid product (26) is stirred by the stirring device (19). A method according to any one of claims 1 to 12, characterized by the above.

14. The aforementioned method involves the following steps: g) particularly including heat treatment of the fluid product (26) in a continuous heat treatment device (28), - Preferably, the heat treatment of the fluid product (26) includes a preheating step, a main heating step, and / or a cooling step. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 13, characterized by the above.

15. In step g), the fluid product (26) is heated to a temperature of at least 50°C, preferably at least 60°C, particularly at least 70°C, and / or up to 100°C, particularly up to 90°C, particularly up to 80°C, in step g), particularly when the fluid product (26) is a low-acid fluid product (26), the fluid product (26) is heated to a temperature of at least 100°C, preferably at least 110°C, particularly at least 120°C, and / or up to 160°C, particularly up to 150°C, particularly up to 140°C, In step g), particularly when the fluid product (26) is a highly acidic fluid product (26), the fluid product (26) is heated to a temperature of at least 70°C, preferably at least 75°C, particularly at least 80°C, and / or up to 105°C, particularly up to 100°C, particularly up to 95°C during the heating step, and / or in step g), the fluid product (26) is cooled to a temperature of at least 45°C, particularly up to 35°C, particularly up to 25°C, and / or at least 5°C, preferably at least 10°C, particularly at least 15°C during the cooling step. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 14, characterized by the above.

16. In step d), at least temporarily, the flow rate of the fluid product (26) in the conduits (34, 34') and / or the at least one filling device (25, 25', 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e) is at least 50 ml / s, preferably at least 75 ml / s, particularly at least 100 ml / s, and / or at most 1700 ml / s, preferably at most 1600 ml / s, particularly at most 1500 ml / s; in step e) and / or step f), at least temporarily, the flow rate of the fluid product (26) in the storage container (33) The flow rate is at least 600 ml / s, preferably at least 700 ml / s, particularly at least 800 ml / s, and / or at most 7000 ml / s, preferably at most 6500 ml / s, particularly at most 6000 ml / s, and / or at least temporarily in step g) the flow rate of the fluid product (26) in the heat treatment device (28) is at least 100 ml / s, preferably at least 500 ml / s, particularly at least 1000 ml / s, and / or at most 12000 ml / s, preferably at most 11000 ml / s, particularly at most 10000 ml / s. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 15, characterized by the above.

17. In step d), at least temporarily, in particular, the pressure on the fluid product (26) in the conduits (34, 34') and / or the at least one filling device (25, 25', 25a, 25b, 25c, 25d, 25e) is at least 0.5 bar, preferably at least 0.6 bar, particularly at least 0.7 bar, and / or at most 4 bar, preferably at most 3.5 bar, particularly at most 3 bar; in step e) and / or step f), at least temporarily, in particular, the fluid in the storage container (33) The pressure on the product (26) is at least 0.1 bar, preferably at least 0.2 bar, particularly at least 0.3 bar, and / or at most 5 bar, preferably at most 4 bar, particularly at most 3 bar, and / or at least temporarily in step g), the pressure on the fluid product (26) in the heat treatment device (28) is at least 0.5 bar, preferably at least 0.75 bar, particularly at least 1 bar, and / or at most 60 bar, preferably at most 55 bar, particularly at most 50 bar. The method according to any one of claims 1 to 16, characterized by the above.

18. Step b) is performed before step d), step e), step f), and / or step g), step b) is performed after step d), step e), step f), and / or step g), and / or in particular the proportion of fine particles (27) in the fluid product (26) in at least step d), step e), step f), and / or step g) is 0.05 to 20% by weight, particularly 0.1 to 10% by weight. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 17, characterized by the above.

19. The aforementioned method involves the following steps: h) The step of sealing the at least one package (2) in particular with a sealing device (18), - Preferably, at least one of the packaging bodies (2) is completely sealed. A method according to any one of claims 1 to 18, characterized by the above.

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