Apparatus, filling machine, and method for providing a flow of liquid food containing particles Apparatus, filling machine, and method for providing a flow of liquid food containing particles
The apparatus with a conical product tank and dual helical stirrer system addresses uniform particle distribution and cleaning challenges in liquid foods, ensuring consistent agitation and efficient cleaning, thus improving hygiene and productivity.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TETRA LAVAL HOLDINGS & FINANCE SA
- Filing Date
- 2024-05-29
- Publication Date
- 2026-06-22
AI Technical Summary
Existing apparatuses for processing liquid foods with particles face challenges in ensuring uniform particle distribution, risk of particle clogging, and difficulty in cleaning, leading to potential hygiene issues and inefficiencies.
A product tank with a conical shape and a stirrer system featuring outer and inner helical members that rotate in opposite directions, allowing for efficient agitation and uniform particle dispersion, while facilitating easy cleaning by creating spaces between the helical members and the shaft, reducing the risk of residue accumulation.
The solution ensures consistent particle distribution and efficient cleaning, reducing mechanical failure risks and maintenance needs, thereby enhancing product safety and productivity.
Smart Images
Figure 2026520141000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present invention relates to packaging technology. More specifically, it relates to an apparatus including a product tank and a stirrer for supplying a flow of agitated food, a filling machine equipped with the apparatus, and a method of filling food into packages.
Background Art
[0002] Today, liquid foods containing particles are becoming increasingly popular. For example, yogurt with fruit pieces is gaining market share from plain yogurt without particles. Although liquid foods containing particles have existed for quite some time, there are several challenges in processing these products that do not exist when processing plain products. For example, if an appropriate apparatus is not used during heat treatment, there is a risk that the particles will not be adequately heat-treated, and as a result, bacteria, pathogens, spores, and other microorganisms contained in the particles may not be killed. This can make the food unsafe for consumption. An issue that still needs to be considered in foods containing particles is the increased risk during cleaning. Specifically, particles may be more difficult to remove than liquids. For example, when using a tubular heat exchanger with baffles, the risk of particle clogging in the baffles increases, which can consequently cause hygienic problems. For this reason, such heat exchangers are often not used for foods containing particles.
[0003] A particular challenge in foods containing particles is the method of ensuring consistency in the particle distribution in the package. In other words, each package needs to contain approximately the same amount of particles.
[0004] To homogenize the particle distribution in the food supplied to the package, a buffer tank with a stirrer can be installed upstream of the filling station. By rotating the stirrer, circulation of the food is obtained, and this circulation effect can prevent the risk of particle accumulation at the bottom of the buffer tank. As a result, a more uniform particle distribution is achieved.
Summary of the Invention
[0005] While solutions exist for uniformly dispersing particles before supplying food to filling stations, there is a need for equipment that is easy to manufacture, requires little maintenance (e.g., low risk of mechanical failure and efficient cleaning), and can provide improved, consistent agitation, i.e., uniform particle dispersion. [Means for solving the problem]
[0006] An object of the present invention is to overcome, in at least part, one or more of the limitations of the prior art specified above. In particular, to provide a device for providing agitated food fluidity and to provide a uniform distribution of particles in the product fluid supplied from the device by achieving reliable and consistent agitation.
[0007] According to the first embodiment, an apparatus is provided for providing a flow of a stirred food comprising a liquid containing particles. This apparatus is A product tank configured for buffering food, wherein the product tank has a supply inlet and a supply outlet, the supply outlet is located at the bottom of the product tank, and the bottom of the product tank has a conical shape; A stirrer is placed inside a product tank and configured to rotate around the main shaft of the product tank, the stirrer comprising a shaft extending along the main shaft and a stirring device configured to stir the food inside the product tank when in use. Equipped with, The stirring device includes an outer helical member and an inner helical member, the outer helical member being positioned radially outward of the inner helical member. The radii of the outer and inner helical members gradually increase from the bottom to the top of the outer and inner helical members. The bottom ends of the outer and inner spiral members are connected to the lower end of the shaft via the first and second connecting members, respectively. The outer helical member is connected to the first connecting member at a first radial distance from the shaft, and the inner helical member is connected to the second connecting member at a second radial distance from the shaft, the second radial distance being shorter than the first radial distance.
[0008] The advantage of positioning the inner and outer helical members at a distance from the shaft is that it enables efficient agitation during manufacturing while also facilitating tank cleaning. In other words, by creating a distance between the shaft and the helical members, water and cleaning agents can pass between the shaft and the helical members, enabling efficient cleaning. In other words, by not directly attaching the helical members to the shaft, it is possible to avoid the formation of corners (blind spots) at the intersection of the helical members and the shaft, thereby reducing the risk of food residue adhering to the agitator.
[0009] Extending the shaft to the bottom of the outer and inner helical members improves reliability and reduces the risk of manufacturing difficulties. The rigidity of the shaft reduces the risk of deformation of the helical members during operation. Providing distance between the shaft and the helical members reduces the need for welding and grinding of welds compared to directly attaching the helical members to the shaft.
[0010] The first connecting member may extend from the shaft in a first direction perpendicular to the main axis, and the second connecting member may extend from the shaft in a second direction perpendicular to the main axis.
[0011] The first direction may be opposite to the second direction.
[0012] The gradual increase in the radii of the outer and inner helical members may conform to the conical shape of the product tank.
[0013] By making the radial increase of the outer and inner helical members follow the radial increase of the tank, it becomes possible to control the vertical exchange of particles in the food in a better manner. In other words, by combining the shape of the helical members with the shape of the tank, efficient mixing can be achieved, thereby providing a food flow with a uniform particle distribution.
[0014] The outer helical member may be configured to push the liquid food upward within the product tank, while the inner helical member may be configured to push the liquid food downward within the product tank.
[0015] The direction of rotation of the outer helical member around the shaft may be opposite to the direction of rotation of the inner helical member.
[0016] The outer helical member may be further connected to the shaft via a third connecting member, and the inner helical member may be further connected to the shaft via a fourth connecting member.
[0017] Here, the third and fourth connecting members may be positioned above the first and second connecting members on the axis.
[0018] The third connecting member may be connected to the outer helical member at an axial position below the upper end of the outer helical member, thereby freeing up the upper end of the outer helical member.
[0019] The advantage of leaving the upper end of the outer spiral member free, that is, not placing a connecting member at the upper end, is that it allows for a smaller tank opening. By leaving this end free, the agitator can be fitted into a smaller opening compared to when there is a connecting member that fixes the upper end to the shaft. A smaller opening has the desirable effect of allowing for a smaller mechanical seal on the lid that covers the opening.
[0020] The product tank may further include a tank opening for inserting and / or removing a stirrer, the tank opening having a tank opening radius, and the maximum radius of the outer helical member being greater than the tank opening radius of the tank opening.
[0021] The device may further include a tank lid configured to close the tank opening, and the shaft may be mounted through the tank lid via a mechanical seal with a filtered air barrier.
[0022] The outer spiral member and the inner spiral member may have a rectangular cross-section.
[0023] The outer spiral member and the inner spiral member may each have an angular rotation of 400 degrees to 700 degrees about the main axis.
[0024] This device may further include first and second spray devices. Here, the respective main axes of the first and second spray devices may be arranged at an angle offset from the main axis of the product tank. Thereby, the first and second spray devices are directed toward the center of the product tank.
[0025] By arranging the first and second spray devices, also referred to as spray balls, inside the tank and inclining them toward the center of the tank, it becomes possible to spray water and / or cleaning agent onto the outer and inner spiral members, efficiently removing food residues. As a result, the cleaning time can be shortened, and the consumption of water and / or cleaning agent can be kept low. Furthermore, by inclining the first and second spray devices, the cleanability of the tank lid and the components (sensors, tank lid seal, seal around the shaft, etc.) arranged on the tank lid is also improved.
[0026] According to a second aspect, a filling machine configured to fill food into a package is provided, and the filling machine may have a configuration according to the first aspect.
[0027] According to a third aspect, a method of filling food into a package is provided. The food is a liquid containing particles, and the method may include the following: Supplying the food to a device according to the first aspect, Stirring the food filled in the product tank by rotating a stirrer arranged in the product tank so that the particles in the food are uniformly dispersed, Supplying the food from the product tank to a filling station, and Operating the filling station to fill the food into the package.
[0028] A filling station may be part of a line with different stations for forming and filling packages, or it may be a component of a filling machine, a single device that performs both package forming and filling. A filling station may be configured to fill bottles, etc., but carton-based packages made from blanks or webs of packaging material can also be used.
[0029] The features and advantages presented in relation to the first embodiment described above also apply to this third embodiment.
[0030] Further objects, features, embodiments, and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following detailed description and drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0031] Embodiments of the present invention will be described illustratively with reference to the attached schematic diagrams.
[0032] [Figure 1A] This is a cross-sectional view showing the configuration for supplying the flow of stirred food. [Figure 1B] This is a perspective view showing how the agitator is removed and inserted through an opening in the product tank. [Figure 2] This is a detailed perspective view of the agitator in this device. [Figure 3A] This is a side view of the agitator. [Figure 3B] This is another side view of the agitator. [Figure 4A] This is a bottom view of the agitator. [Figure 4B] This is a top view of the agitator. [Figure 5A] This is a diagram showing the outer helical member of the agitator from above. [Figure 5B] This is a side view of the outer helical member. [Figure 5C] This is a cross-sectional view of the outer helical member. [Figure 6A] This is a top view of the internal spiral component of the agitator. [Figure 6B] This is a side view of the internal spiral member. [Figure 6C] This is a cross-sectional view of the internal helical member. [Figure 7A] This is a schematic diagram of a filling machine equipped with the apparatus according to the first embodiment. [Figure 7B] This is a schematic diagram of a filling machine equipped with the apparatus according to the second embodiment. [Figure 8] This flowchart shows how food products are packaged. [Modes for carrying out the invention]
[0033] Figure 1A shows a cross-sectional view of a device 100 for supplying a flow of agitated food. As shown in the figure, a motor 102 is provided at the upper end of the device 100. The motor 102 is positioned to rotate a shaft 118 inside a product tank 124. A mechanical seal 104 is provided to isolate the tank 124 from the surrounding air and prevent microorganisms from reaching the food inside the tank 124. The mechanical seal 104 may be a double mechanical seal with an air barrier. Filtered air can be supplied into the mechanical seal 104 so that the food is shielded from the surrounding air. The shaft 118 may extend through the tank lid 114, which houses the mechanical seal 104. In this way, the shaft 118 may be positioned partly inside the tank and partly outside the tank.
[0034] First and second spray devices 106a and 106b may be located on the upper part 108a of the tank. As shown in the figure, the first spray device 106a extends along the main shaft B, and the second spray device 106b extends along the main shaft C. The two main shafts B and C of the first spray device 106a and the second spray device 106b are oriented to be inclined toward a shaft 118 that extends along the main shaft A.
[0035] As shown in the figure, the upper part 108 of the tank 124 may be dome-shaped, the middle part 108b may be cylindrical, and the bottom part 108c may be conical.
[0036] The agitator 110 is attached to the shaft 124 such that the food in the tank is agitated when the shaft 124 rotates around the main shaft A.
[0037] A level sensor 112 may be provided to monitor the food level in the tank 124. Although not shown, the level sensor 112 can generate level sensor data and transmit it to a control unit or other data processing device. A temperature sensor 122 may also be provided to monitor the temperature of the food in the product tank 124. The temperature sensor 122 can generate temperature sensor data that can be transmitted to a control unit or other data processing device. As shown, the level sensor 112 and / or temperature sensor 122 may be mounted on the underside of the tank lid 114.
[0038] As shown in the figure, the diameter of the tank opening 116 may be smaller than the diameter of the middle section 108b of the product tank 124. The advantage of reducing the diameter of the opening 116 is that less energy is required to cool the mechanical seal. Furthermore, by making the diameter of the opening 116 smaller than the diameter of the middle section 108b, it becomes easier to ensure that the pressure difference between the internal pressure of the tank 124 and the external pressure does not pose a danger to workers or other personnel.
[0039] Food is supplied to tank 124 through a supply inlet 120 located in the middle section 108b of tank 124. After being agitated, the food is discharged from tank 124 through a supply outlet 128 located at the bottom 108c of tank 124.
[0040] As shown in the figure, the agitator 110 may include a stirring device 126. The stirring device 126 may be conical in shape, which allows it to fit the conical bottom 108c of the tank 124. By combining the conical bottom 108c with the conical stirring device 126, the food can be efficiently circulated vertically within the tank 124.
[0041] As described above, the advantages of reducing the size of the tank opening 116 include a more efficient mechanical seal, as well as the ability to handle pressure differences more efficiently. As shown in Figure 1B, by properly designing the stirring device 126 of the agitator 110, it is possible to make the maximum radius of the stirring device 126 larger than the radius of the tank opening 116, and even larger than the diameter of the tank opening 116. This can be achieved by allowing the peripheral end of the outer helical member 130 of the stirring device 126 to hang freely. In other words, by positioning the connecting member that attaches the outer helical member 130 to the shaft 118 away from the peripheral end, the agitator 110 can be rotated and tilted while being inserted through the opening 116.
[0042] Figure 2 illustrates the agitator 110 in more detail. As shown, the agitator 126 may comprise an outer helical member 130 and an inner helical member 132. These two components are arranged such that, as the shaft 118 rotates around the main axis A, the inner helical member 132 pushes the food containing particles downward, and the outer helical member 130 pushes the food containing particles upward. This causes the food to circulate both vertically and rotate around the main axis A. In the illustration, the outer helical member 130 pushes the food upward and the inner helical member 132 pushes the food downward, but it is also possible to arrange the two members to provide vertical flow in opposite directions. That is, the outer helical member 130 is arranged to push the food downward, and the inner helical member 132 is arranged to push the food upward.
[0043] The outer helical member 130 has an upper end 130a and a lower end 130b. Similarly, the inner helical member 132 has an upper end 132a and a lower end 132b. As shown in the figure, the lower end 130b of the outer helical member 130 is attached to the shaft 118 via a first connecting member 134a. This first connecting member 134a is positioned laterally. A second connecting member 134b may be attached to the lower end 132b of the inner helical member 132. A third connecting member 134c may be attached to the upper end 130a of the outer helical member 130. As described above, in order to facilitate insertion and removal of the agitator 110 through the tank opening 116, the third connecting member 134c may be positioned at a distance from the upper end 130a (also called the peripheral end) of the outer helical member 130. A fourth connecting member 134d is used to attach the upper end 132a of the inner helical member 132 to the shaft 118. The fifth connecting member 134e is provided in the middle of the inner helical member 132. As shown in the figure, the first and second helical members 130 and 132 may both be conical in shape. In other words, the radii of the helical members 130 and 132 may increase as a function of the distance from the lower ends 130b and 132b.
[0044] As shown in the figure, the first to fifth connecting members 134a to e are cylindrical in shape, while the first and second helical members 130 and 132 may have a rectangular cross-section. As a result, the connecting members 134a to d have less influence on the movement of food compared to the first and second helical members 130 and 132.
[0045] Figure 3A shows a side view of the agitator 110 as an example. As shown, the outer helical member 130 may have a first radius R1 that increases with height, i.e., distance from the bottom of the shaft 118. The inner helical member 132 may have a second radius R2 that similarly increases with height. As shown, the second radius R2 may increase at a slower rate than the first radius R1. The gradual increase of the first radius R1 and / or the second radius R2 can be adjusted according to the conical shape of the bottom 108c of the tank 124 to achieve efficient agitation. As shown, the direction of rotation of the outer helical member 130 around the shaft 118 may be opposite to the direction of rotation of the inner helical member 132.
[0046] The outer helical member 130 may be connected to the first connecting member 134a at a first radial distance D1 from the shaft 118, and the inner helical member 132 may be connected to the second connecting member 134b at a second radial distance D2 from the shaft 118. The second radial distance D2 can be shorter than the first radial distance D1. By arranging the helical members 130 and 132 in this manner, a distance can be created between the shaft 118 and the helical members 130 and 132. The effect of this distance (which may differ between the two members and also at different positions on the two members) is that it reduces the risk of insufficient cleaning. That is, if the helical members 130 and 132 are directly attached to the shaft, i.e., arranged without any spacing, corners that are difficult to clean may be formed. If food residue clogs, there is a risk that this food residue will adversely affect the next food processed in the tank 124. For example, insufficient cleaning may result in food that is not safe to consume.
[0047] Even in the presence of corners, thorough cleaning may be achievable by using additional cleaning agents, increasing water volume, or extending cleaning time. However, this can result in increased cleaning costs and time, leading to decreased productivity and negative environmental impacts.
[0048] Figure 3B shows another side view of the agitator 110. The side view shown in Figure 3B is perpendicular to the side view shown in Figure 3A.
[0049] Figure 4A shows a bottom view of the agitator 110. As shown, the first connecting member 134a and the second connecting member 134b can be positioned in the first direction L1 and the second direction L2, respectively. Both the first direction L1 and the second direction L2 extend away from the shaft 118 and face opposite directions as shown. As described above, the third connecting member 134c is positioned at a distance from the upper end 13a of the outer helical member 130, so that the peripheral end of the outer helical member 130 is free, i.e., free from any connecting member. This makes it possible to have a smaller diameter tank opening 116.
[0050] Figure 4B shows a plan view of the agitator 110. As shown, the third and fourth connecting members 134c and 134d may be positioned in the third direction L3 and the fourth direction L4, respectively. Both the third direction L3 and the fourth direction L4 extend away from the shaft 118 and, as shown, may extend at angles other than 180 degrees compared to the first and second connecting members 134a and 134b (see Figure 4A). This allows the upper end 130a of the outer helical member 130 to be in a free state.
[0051] Figure 5A shows the outer helical member 130 alone, as an example, viewed from above. As shown, the upper end 130a is tapered to reduce vortices and other effects on the food in the tank when the shaft 118 rotates. In particular, this tapered end allows the outer helical member 130 to contact the food while reducing damage to food particles.
[0052] The outer helical member 130 (and the inner helical member 132, described later) may be manufactured from sheet metal. As shown in Figure 5A, the outer helical member 130 can be cut from a single sheet of metal. Then, as shown in Figure 5B, the upper end 130a and the lower end 130b can be spaced apart to form a helix.
[0053] By manufacturing the outer and inner helical members 130 and 132 starting from sheet metal, cost-effective manufacturing can be achieved.
[0054] In the illustrated example, the angular rotation of the outer helical member 130 is 540 degrees.
[0055] Figure 5B shows a side view of the outer helical member 130. As shown in the figure, the outer helical member 130 may have a first pitch P1.
[0056] Figure 5C shows a cross-sectional view of the outer helical member 130. As described above, this member may have a rectangular cross-section CS. The edges may be chamfered to avoid vortices and to facilitate cleaning. The cross-section CS may have a first width W1 and a first height T1 as shown. Preferably, the first width W1 is greater than the first height T1. This has the effect of reducing the damaging effect that the outer helical member has on the food. In other words, the risk of particle damage to the food by the stirring device 126 can be reduced.
[0057] Having a rectangular cross-section compared to a circular or elliptical cross-section allows for increased food mixing by increasing the vertical movement of the food.
[0058] Figure 6A shows, as an example, the inner spiral member 132 viewed from above, alone. As shown in the figure, both the upper end 132a and the lower end 132b can be provided with edges adapted to be attached to the second connecting member 134b and the fourth connecting member 134d, respectively, as shown in Figure 2.
[0059] In the illustrated example, the angular rotation of the inner helical member 132 is 540 degrees.
[0060] Figure 6B shows a side view of the inner helical member 132. As shown in the figure, the outer helical member 130 may have a second pitch P2.
[0061] Figure 6C shows a cross-sectional view of the inner helical member 132. As described above, this member may have a rectangular cross-section CS. Similar to the outer helical member 130, the edges may be chamfered. The cross-section CS may have a second width W2 and a second height T2 as shown. The cross-section CS of the inner helical member 132 may be the same as that of the outer helical member 130.
[0062] Figure 7A schematically shows a filling machine 700 in a side view, including the apparatus 100 shown in Figures 1A and 1B as a first example. As shown, the apparatus 100 may be positioned above a filling station 704, and food is supplied from the apparatus 100 to the filling station 704. The filling station 704 may be positioned to fill two packages 702 at a time, and more controlled filling is obtained by lifting the packages 702 during the filling process and lowering them during filling (this lifting and lowering is achieved by a servo motor control plate (not shown) located below the packages). The packages may be supplied on a conveyor belt or similar device configured to move intermittently in the supply direction FD. Although not shown, food may be supplied to the apparatus 100 from a food processing line located upstream of the filling machine 700. Alternatively, although not shown, it is also possible to avoid intermittent movement of containers by moving the filling nozzle of the filling station along the containers during filling.
[0063] Figure 7B schematically shows a first embodiment of a filling machine 700 equipped with the apparatus 100 shown in Figures 1A and 1B, in a top view. Similar to the example in Figure 7A, the apparatus 100 may be positioned above the filling station 704. In this example, the filling station 704 supplies a first packaging line 706a and a second packaging line 706b. The first packaging line 706a and the second packaging line 706b are parallel to each other. In the illustration, the apparatus 100 supplies food to two packaging lines 706a and 706b, but this method can also be applied to two or more packaging lines.
[0064] Figure 8 is a flowchart of a method 800 for filling food into a package 702. As shown in the figure, this method includes the steps of supplying food to the apparatus 100 (S802), stirring the food filled in the product tank (by rotating a stirrer located in the product tank to homogenize the particle distribution of the liquid food), supplying the food from the product tank to the filling station (S806), and operating the filling station to fill the liquid food into the package (S808). As previously mentioned, the filling station may constitute part of the filling machine.
[0065] As is clear from the above description, various embodiments of the present invention have been described and shown, but the present invention is not limited thereto and can be embodied in other ways within the scope of the subject matter defined in the following claims.
Claims
1. A device (100) for supplying a flow of stirred food containing a liquid with particles, The aforementioned device (100) A product tank (124) configured for buffering food, the product tank (124) having a supply inlet (120) and a supply outlet (128), the supply outlet (128) being located at the bottom (108c) of the product tank (124), and the bottom (108c) of the product tank (124) having a conical shape. A stirrer is placed inside the product tank (124) and configured to rotate around the main shaft (A) of the product tank, the stirrer comprising a shaft (118) extending along the main shaft (A) and a stirring device (126) configured to stir the food inside the product tank (124) when in use, Equipped with, The stirring device (126) includes outer and inner helical members (130, 132), the outer helical member (130) is positioned radially outward of the inner helical member (132), The radius (R1) of the outer helical member (130) and the radius (R2) of the inner helical member (132) gradually increase from the bottom (130b, 132b) to the top (130a, 130b) of the outer and inner helical members (130, 132). The bottom portions (130b, 132b) of the outer and inner helical members (130, 132) are connected to the lower end of the shaft (118) via the first and second connecting members (134a, 134b). The outer helical member (130) is connected to the first connecting member (134a) at a position of a first radial distance (D1) from the shaft (118), and the inner helical member (132) is connected to the second connecting member (134b) at a position of a second radial distance (D2) from the shaft (118), the second radial distance (D2) being shorter than the first radial distance (D1). Apparatus (100).
2. The first connecting member (134a) extends away from the shaft (118) in a first direction (L1) perpendicular to the main shaft (A), and the second connecting member (134b) extends away from the shaft (118) in a second direction (L2) perpendicular to the main shaft (A). The apparatus (100) according to claim 1.
3. The first direction (L1) is opposite to the second direction (L2). The apparatus (100) according to claim 2.
4. The gradual increase in the radius of the outer and inner helical members (130, 132) follows the conical shape of the product tank (124). The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 3.
5. The outer helical member (130) is configured to push the liquid food upward within the product tank (124), and the inner helical member (132) is configured to push the liquid food downward within the product tank (124). The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 4.
6. The rotational direction of the outer helical member (130) around the shaft (118) is opposite to the rotational direction of the inner helical member (132). The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 5.
7. The outer helical member (130) is further connected to the shaft (118) via a third connecting member (134c), and the inner helical member (132) is further connected to the shaft (118) via a fourth connecting member (134d). The third and fourth connecting members (134c, 134d) are positioned above the first and second connecting members (134a, 134b) on the shaft (118). The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 6.
8. The third connecting member (134c) is connected to the shaft (118) at a position below the upper end (130a) of the outer helical member (130), so that the upper end (130a) of the outer helical member (130) is free. The apparatus (100) according to claim 7.
9. The product tank (124) further comprises a tank opening (116) into which a stirrer (110) can be inserted and / or removed, and the tank opening (116) has a tank opening radius. The maximum radius of the outer helical member (130) is greater than the radius of the tank opening (116). The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 8.
10. The device (100) further includes a tank lid (114) configured to close the tank opening (116), The shaft (118) can be attached to the tank lid (114) by passing through a mechanical seal (104) equipped with a filtered air barrier. The apparatus (100) according to claim 9.
11. The outer helical member (130) and the inner helical member (132) have a rectangular cross-section (CS). The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 10.
12. The outer helical member (130) and the inner helical member (132) have an angular rotation between 400 and 700 degrees around the main axis (A). The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 11.
13. The apparatus (100) further comprises first and second spray devices (106a, 106b), the main shafts (B, C) of the first and second spray devices (106a, 106b) are offset at an angle from the main shaft (A) of the product tank (124), and the first and second spray devices (106a, 106b) are directed toward the center of the product tank (124). The apparatus (100) according to any one of claims 1 to 12.
14. A filling machine (700) configured to fill food into packages, The filling machine (700) includes the apparatus (100) described in any one of claims 1 to 13.
15. A method (800) for filling a food product into a package, wherein the food product is a liquid containing particles, and the method (800) is, To supply food to the apparatus (100) described in any one of claims 1 to 13 (S802), The food filled in the product tank is stirred by rotating a stirrer placed inside the product tank (S804) to obtain a uniform particle distribution of the food. The food is supplied from the product tank (S806) and transferred to the filling station (704). Operate the filling station (S808) to fill the food into the package. A method (800) comprising: