Beverage Filling System

Abstract

To provide a beverage filling system and a CIP processing method capable of performing the CIP processing of a flow pass near a filling nozzle of a carbonic acid beverage filling system effectively without changing the flow pass or a pump.SOLUTION: A beverage filling system 10 filling a carbonic acid beverage comprises: a beverage supply system piping 65 supplying the carbonic acid beverage; a beverage filling machine 20 coupled to the beverage supply system piping 65; and a control part 60 controlling the beverage filling system 10. The beverage filling machine 20 comprises: a filling nozzle 72; and a beverage supply line 73, a counter gas line 74 and a snifting line 78 coupled to the filling nozzle 72 respectively. The control part 60 performs: a first CIP processing for a CIP processing of a first piping system including the beverage supply line 73; and a second CIP processing for the CIP processing of a second piping system including the counter gas line 74.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a beverage filling system and a CIP processing method. [Background technology]

[0002] Conventionally, a filling machine such as a filler provided in a carbonated drink aseptic filling apparatus is used to continuously aseptically fill a large number of plastic bottles being conveyed at high speed with contents such as carbonated drinks. In such a carbonated drink aseptic filling apparatus, a filling nozzle that fills the carbonated drink into the plastic bottles is rotatably arranged in a sterile chamber. (For example, see Patent Documents 1 and 2.) [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2007-302325 A [Patent Document 2] JP 2010-006429 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Conventionally, the beverage supply piping of a beverage filling machine is subjected to a CIP (Cleaning in Place) process to clean the beverage supply piping periodically or when changing the type of product being manufactured, and further to a SIP (Sterilizing in Place) process to sterilize the beverage supply piping. The CIP process is performed by flowing a cleaning solution, for example, water containing an alkaline agent such as caustic soda, into a flow path from the inside of the beverage supply piping to the filling nozzle of the filling machine, and then flowing a cleaning solution, for example, water containing an acidic agent. The SIP process is a process for sterilizing the inside of the beverage supply piping before entering the product filling operation, and a high-temperature sterilization process is performed, for example, by flowing heated steam or hot water into the beverage supply piping cleaned by the CIP process.

[0005] However, in general, the area around the filling nozzle of an aseptic filling device for carbonated drinks has many more flow paths and a more complex structure than the filling nozzle for non-carbonated drinks. For this reason, it is difficult to fill all of the flow paths around the filling nozzle with the cleaning liquid for CIP treatment due to the lack of capacity of the pump that sends the cleaning liquid for CIP treatment and the influence of pressure loss in the piping.

[0006] The present disclosure provides a beverage filling system and a CIP treatment method that enables efficient CIP treatment of flow paths around the filling nozzle of a carbonated beverage filling system without modifying the flow paths, pumps, etc. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] A carbonated beverage filling system according to one embodiment is a beverage filling system for filling carbonated beverages, and comprises a beverage supply system piping for supplying the carbonated beverage, a beverage filling machine connected to the beverage supply system piping, and a control unit for controlling the beverage filling system, wherein the beverage filling machine includes a filling nozzle, and a beverage supply line, a counter gas line and a snift line each connected to the filling nozzle, and the control unit performs a first CIP process to CIP a first piping system including the beverage supply line, and a second CIP process to CIP a second piping system including the counter gas line.

[0008] In one embodiment of the carbonated beverage filling system, the control unit may further perform a third CIP treatment to CIP a third piping system including the sniff line.

[0009] In one embodiment of a carbonated beverage filling system, the flow rate of cleaning liquid flowing through the piping system with the smallest flow rate among the first piping system, the second piping system, and the third piping system may be greater than 10% and less than 100% of the flow rate of cleaning liquid flowing through the piping system with the highest flow rate.

[0010] In one embodiment of the carbonated beverage filling system, the system further includes a CIP circulation system piping connected to the beverage filling machine, which delivers and circulates cleaning liquid flowing out from the beverage filling machine during CIP treatment toward the beverage supply system piping, and the cleaning liquid may be heated to a temperature of 85°C or higher and less than 100°C.

[0011] In one embodiment of a carbonated beverage filling system, the control unit may monitor whether the temperature on the inlet side of the beverage filling machine and the temperature on the outlet side of the beverage filling machine are each maintained above a predetermined threshold temperature during CIP treatment.

[0012] A CIP processing method according to one embodiment is a CIP processing method for CIP processing a beverage filling system that fills carbonated beverages, the beverage filling system having a beverage supply system piping that supplies the carbonated beverage and a beverage filling machine connected to the beverage supply system piping, the beverage filling machine including a filling nozzle, and a beverage supply line, a counter gas line and a snift line each connected to the filling nozzle, the CIP processing method including a first CIP processing step of CIP processing a first piping system including the beverage supply line, and a second CIP processing step of CIP processing a second piping system including the counter gas line.

[0013] The CIP treatment method according to one embodiment may further include a third CIP treatment step of CIP treating a third piping system including the snift line. Effect of the Invention

[0014] According to the present disclosure, the flow paths around the filling nozzle of a carbonated beverage filling system can be efficiently CIP-treated without modifying the flow paths, pumps, etc. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing the configuration of a beverage filling system according to one embodiment. [Diagram 2]FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing a beverage filling machine of a beverage filling system according to one embodiment and a fluid flow around the machine. [Diagram 3] FIG. 3 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a filling nozzle of a beverage filling machine of a beverage filling system according to one embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing the flow paths to be cleaned in a beverage filling system using CIP. [Diagram 5] FIG. 5 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a flow path in a filling nozzle that is CIP cleaned during a first CIP process. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a flow path in the filling nozzle that is CIP cleaned during the second CIP process. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a flow path in a filling nozzle that is CIP cleaned during a third CIP process. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0016] An embodiment will be described below with reference to Figures 1 to 7. Figures 1 to 7 are diagrams showing an embodiment. In the following figures, the same parts are given the same reference numerals, and some detailed descriptions may be omitted.

[0017] (Beverage filling system) First, the overall configuration of a beverage filling system according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to Figs.

[0018] The beverage filling system (aseptic filling system) 10 shown in FIG. 1 is a system for both carbonated and non-carbonated beverages, that is, an aseptic filling system capable of selectively filling a bottle (container) 30 (see FIG. 2) with both carbonated beverages and non-carbonated beverages. The bottle 30 can be produced by biaxially stretching and blow molding a preform produced by injection molding a synthetic resin material. As the material of the bottle 30, it is preferable to use a thermoplastic resin, particularly PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or PEN (polyethylene naphthalate). In addition, the container may be a paper container, a glass bottle, a can, or the like. The container may also be a composite container in which two or more types of plastic containers, paper containers, glass bottles, cans, or the like are combined. In this embodiment, a case where a plastic bottle is used as the container will be described as an example.

[0019] As shown in FIG. 1, the beverage filling system 10 includes a beverage sterilization device 41, an aseptic tank 42, a carbonated beverage production unit 44, and a beverage filling machine (filler) 20.

[0020] Among these, the beverage sterilization device 41 sterilizes raw material liquids containing components derived from animals and plants, such as fruit juice, milk components, etc. The beverage sterilization device 41 may be, for example, an ultra-high-temperature instantaneous sterilization device (UHT).

[0021] The aseptic tank 42 temporarily stores the sterilized beverage sterilized by the beverage sterilization device 41. Note that the aseptic tank 42 does not necessarily have to be provided, and the sterilized beverage from the beverage sterilization device 41 may be directly supplied to the carbonated beverage production unit 44 or the beverage filling tank 75.

[0022] A first pump 51 is provided between the aseptic tank 42 and the beverage filling tank 75. The first pump 51 is for sending liquid such as a beverage from the aseptic tank 42 to the beverage filling tank 75. It is also possible to send liquid such as a beverage to the beverage filling tank 75 by pressure from the aseptic tank 42 without providing the first pump 51.

[0023] The carbonated beverage production unit 44 is used when filling a carbonated beverage with the beverage filling machine 20. The carbonated beverage production unit 44 injects carbon dioxide gas into the beverage from the beverage sterilization device 41, thereby dissolving the carbon dioxide gas in the beverage to produce an aseptic carbonated beverage. The carbonated beverage production unit 44 may include, for example, a beverage cooling device and a carbonator.

[0024] Furthermore, the beverage sterilization device 41, the aseptic tank 42, the carbonated beverage production unit 44 and the beverage filling machine 20 are connected by a beverage supply system piping 65. The beverage supply system piping 65 is a piping that supplies beverages to the beverage filling machine 20, and the beverages pass through the inside of the beverage supply system piping 65 in sequence. Furthermore, when performing the CIP treatment described below, a cleaning liquid passes through the inside of the beverage supply system piping 65.

[0025] A CIP circulation system piping 81 is connected to the beverage filling machine 20. This CIP circulation system piping 81 is a line that sends and circulates the cleaning liquid that flows out from the beverage filling machine 20 during the CIP process toward the beverage supply system piping 65. The CIP circulation system piping 81 connects the beverage filling machine 20 to a midpoint of the beverage supply system piping 65. The CIP circulation system piping 81 is provided with, in this order from the beverage filling machine 20 side, a second pump 52, a heat exchanger 61, a CIP tank 85, a third pump 91, a heater 93, and a holding tube 62.

[0026] The second pump 52 is for sending the cleaning liquid from the beverage filling machine 20 to the CIP tank 85 or to the outlet flow path 61b side of the heat exchanger 61 described later.

[0027] A heat exchanger 61 is provided between the second pump 52 and the CIP tank 85. The heat exchanger 61 has an inlet flow path 61a through which liquid such as sterile water flows in from the outside when the beverage filling system 10 is cleaned, and an outlet flow path 61b through which waste liquid from the beverage filling machine 20 flows out. The liquid such as sterile water supplied from the inlet flow path 61a is heat exchanged with high-temperature waste liquid from the beverage filling machine 20 inside the heat exchanger 61, thereby increasing its temperature. This makes it possible to reduce the energy required for the heater 93 to increase the temperature of the cleaning liquid containing sterile water. When the cleaning liquid is circulated in the CIP circulation system piping 81, the cleaning liquid flows through a heat exchanger bypass flow path 61c that bypasses the heat exchanger 61.

[0028] The CIP tank 85 temporarily stores the cleaning liquid from the beverage filling machine 20. A cleaning liquid supply source 63 that supplies alkaline cleaning liquid to the CIP circulation system piping 81 is connected between the CIP tank 85 and the third pump 91. The third pump 91 also serves to send the cleaning liquid from the CIP tank 85 to the heater 93 side. The cleaning liquid supply source 63 may supply other cleaning liquids such as an acid cleaning liquid or a deodorant instead of the alkaline cleaning liquid.

[0029] The heater 93 heats the cleaning liquid flowing through the CIP circulation system piping 81. For example, a plate type heat exchanger or a shell-and-tube type heat exchanger can be used as this heater 93. The heater 93 heats the cleaning liquid to, for example, 80°C or more and 150°C or less, or 85°C or more and 100°C or less, preferably 90°C or more and less than 100°C, and more preferably 95°C or more and less than 100°C.

[0030] The holding tube 62 is provided downstream of the heater 93 in the CIP circulation system piping 81. The holding tube 62 includes a coiled curved pipe, a straight pipe, a spiral pipe, or the like, and is subjected to heat treatment or sterilization treatment while flowing inside. The cleaning liquid is set to pass through the holding tube 62 for a predetermined residence time or more. In this way, the cleaning liquid is retained in the holding tube 62 for a certain residence time (holding time) while maintaining the sterilization temperature, thereby ensuring the sterility of the cleaning liquid.

[0031] A bypass flow path 66 is provided between the holding tube 62 and the first pump 51. The bypass flow path 66 connects the CIP circulation system piping 81 on the outlet side of the holding tube 62 (the inlet side of the aseptic tank 42) to the beverage supply system piping 65 on the outlet side of the aseptic tank 42. The bypass flow path 66 allows the cleaning liquid to flow from the holding tube 62 side to the beverage supply system piping 65 on the outlet side of the aseptic tank 42 without passing through the aseptic tank 42. This allows the aseptic tank 42 to be cleaned and sterilized independently, separated from other elements of the beverage supply system piping 65. For example, during the CIP treatment described later, the aseptic tank 42 can be CIP-treated with the cleaning liquid that has passed through the beverage sterilization device 41, while flowing heated cleaning liquid from the holding tube 62 side to the first pump 51 side via the bypass flow path 66.

[0032] Thermometers 68a-68d and a flowmeter 69 are disposed in the beverage supply system piping 65 and the CIP circulating system piping 81. The thermometers 68a-68d are for measuring the temperature of the liquid flowing in each piping. The flowmeter 69 is for measuring the flow rate of the liquid flowing in each piping. Specifically, in the CIP circulating system piping 81, the thermometer 68a and the flowmeter 69 are disposed on the outlet side of the heater 93, and the thermometer 68b is disposed on the outlet side of the holding tube 62. In addition, in the beverage supply system piping 65, a thermometer 68c is disposed on the outlet side of the beverage filling machine 20. Furthermore, a thermometer 68d is disposed in the bypass flow path 66.

[0033] The control unit 60 controls all or a part of the beverage filling system 10. The control unit 60 may include a plurality of control units that control each element of the beverage filling system 10 independently.

[0034] As shown in Fig. 2, the beverage filling machine 20 fills bottles 30 from the mouths of the bottles 30 with a sterile carbonated beverage or a sterile non-carbonated beverage that has been sterilized in advance, or a non-sterilized carbonated beverage that does not require sterilization (hereinafter, simply referred to as "beverage"). In the beverage filling machine 20, empty bottles 30 are filled with beverage. In this beverage filling machine 20, the beverage is filled into the bottles 30 while a plurality of bottles 30 are rotated (revolved).

[0035] When the beverage to be filled into bottle 30 is a carbonated beverage (sterile carbonated beverage or non-sterile carbonated beverage), the carbonated beverage is filled into bottle 30 at a filling temperature of 1° C. to 40° C., preferably 5° C. to 10° C. The reason for setting the filling temperature of the carbonated beverage at, for example, 1° C. to 10° C. is that when the liquid temperature of the carbonated beverage exceeds 10° C., carbon dioxide gas is likely to escape from the carbonated beverage. Carbonated beverages filled by beverage filling machine 20 include various beverages containing carbon dioxide gas, for example, carbonated soft drinks such as cider and cola, and alcoholic beverages such as beer.

[0036] When the beverage to be filled into bottle 30 is a sterile non-carbonated beverage, the beverage is filled into bottle 30 at a filling temperature of 1° C. or higher and 40° C. or lower, preferably 10° C. or higher and 30° C. or lower. Examples of the sterile non-carbonated beverage filled by beverage filling machine 20 include non-carbonated beverages containing ingredients derived from animals and plants, such as fruit juice and milk ingredients, and mineral water that does not contain ingredients derived from animals and plants.

[0037] The beverage filling system 10 also has an aseptic chamber 13 whose interior is maintained in a sterile state. The beverage filling machine 20 is provided within the aseptic chamber 13. A beverage filling tank (filling head tank, buffer tank) 75 is provided outside the aseptic chamber 13 and above the beverage filling machine 20. The beverage filling tank 75 is filled with beverage. The pressure P1 within the beverage filling tank 75 is measured by a first pressure gauge 64 provided in the beverage filling tank 75. The beverage filling tank 75 does not necessarily have to be provided above the beverage filling machine 20, and may be provided on the floor surface on which the beverage filling machine 20 is installed.

[0038] The beverage filling tank 75 is connected to the above-mentioned beverage supply system piping 65. In addition, the beverage supply system piping 65 is connected to the CIP circulating system piping 81 as shown in FIG.

[0039] In addition, a beverage supply line 73 is connected to the beverage filling tank 75. The beverage supply line 73 is a line that supplies the beverage filled in the beverage filling tank 75 toward a filling nozzle 72, which will be described later. This beverage filling tank 75 is connected to the filling nozzle 72 via the beverage supply line 73.

[0040] Furthermore, a counter gas line 74 is connected to the beverage filling tank 75. The counter gas line 74 is used when the beverage to be filled is a carbonated beverage, and is a line that supplies the sterile carbon dioxide gas filled in the beverage filling tank 75 toward the filling nozzle 72, which will be described later. This beverage filling tank 75 is connected to the filling nozzle 72 via the counter gas line 74.

[0041] A counter gas valve 67 is provided on the counter gas line 74 at the connection between the beverage filling tank 75 and the counter gas line 74. The counter gas valve 67 is directly connected to the beverage filling tank 75. This counter gas valve 67 is opened when the beverage to be filled is a carbonated beverage, and is closed when the beverage to be filled is a non-carbonated beverage.

[0042] In the beverage filling machine 20, the beverage filled in the beverage filling tank 75 is filled into empty bottles 30. The beverage filling machine 20 has a conveyor wheel 71 that rotates around an axis parallel to the vertical direction. The beverage is filled into the bottles 30 while the conveyor wheel 71 rotates (revolves) the bottles 30. In addition, a plurality of filling nozzles 72 are arranged along the outer periphery of the conveyor wheel 71. A single bottle 30 is attached to each filling nozzle 72, and the beverage is injected into the bottles 30 from the filling nozzle 72. The configuration of the filling nozzle 72 will be described later.

[0043] The conveying wheel 71, the filling nozzle 72, at least a part of the beverage supply line 73, and at least a part of the counter gas line 74 are surrounded by a cover 76 which constitutes a part of the sterile chamber 13. A rotary joint 77 is attached to the upper part of the cover 76. The beverage supply line 73 and the counter gas line 74 are attached to the cover 76 of the sterile chamber 13 by the rotary joint 77. This rotary joint 77 seals the rotating bodies (the conveying wheel 71, the filling nozzle 72, and the rotating piping of the beverage supply line 73 and the counter gas line 74, etc.) and the non-rotating bodies (the cover 76, and the fixed piping of the beverage supply line 73 and the counter gas line 74, etc.) in a sterile state.

[0044] A beverage supply line 73 and a counter gas line 74 are connected to each filling nozzle 72. Of these, the beverage supply line 73 has one end connected to a beverage filling tank 75 filled with the beverage when filling the bottle 30, and the other end communicates with the inside of the bottle 30. The beverage supplied from the beverage filling tank 75 passes through the beverage supply line 73 and is poured into the inside of the bottle 30.

[0045] When filling the beverage, one end of the counter gas line 74 is connected to the beverage filling tank 75, and the other end communicates with the inside of the bottle 30. Counter pressure gas consisting of sterile carbon dioxide gas supplied from the beverage filling tank 75 passes through the counter gas line 74 to fill the inside of the bottle 30. A counter manifold (counter gas branching section) 53 is provided midway along the counter gas line 74, and the counter gas line 74 from the beverage filling tank 75 is branched into multiple lines at the counter manifold 53 and extends to each filling nozzle 72.

[0046] Further, a snift line 78 is connected to each filling nozzle 72. The snift line 78 is used when the beverage to be filled is a carbonated beverage. One end of the snift line 78 is connected to the counter gas line 74, and the other end extends to the outside of the sterile chamber 13. Gas inside the bottle 30 can be discharged through this snift line 78. A snift manifold (snift line branching portion) 56 is provided in the middle of the snift line 78, and carbon dioxide gas from the snift line 78 is collected in the snift manifold 56 and discharged into the sterile chamber 13. A discharge valve 79 is provided in the snift line 78 in the sterile chamber 13. The discharge valve 79 discharges the carbon dioxide gas from the snift line 78 into the sterile chamber 13. In this way, by discharging the carbon dioxide gas from the snift line 78 into the sterile chamber 13 using the discharge valve 79, the carbon dioxide gas in the bottle 30 can be discharged into the sterile chamber 13, which is a sterile space, without contamination of bacteria. The snift manifold 56 and the counter manifold 53 are connected by the first bypass line 54. The first bypass line 54 is provided with a first valve 55, which is usually closed. The snift line 78 may be connected to a rotary joint 77 without providing a discharge valve 79 in the snift line 78, and the carbon dioxide gas may be discharged from the rotary joint 77 to the outside of the sterile chamber 13. The rotary joint 77 is illustrated as being provided in the upper part of the beverage filling machine 20, but is not limited thereto, and may be provided in the lower part of the beverage filling machine 20. The rotary joint may be provided in each of the upper and lower parts of the beverage filling machine 20.

[0047] Incidentally, in the beverage filling system 10, it is preferable to perform a CIP (Cleaning in Place) treatment on the flow path through which the beverage passes periodically or when changing the type of beverage. The CIP treatment is performed by flowing an acidic cleaning solution, which is made by adding an acidic chemical of nitric acid or phosphoric acid to water, into the flow path after or before flowing an alkaline cleaning solution, which is made by adding an alkaline chemical of caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate, sodium phosphate, sodium hypochlorite, a surfactant, a chelating agent, etc., into the flow path. The alkaline cleaning process using the alkaline cleaning solution and the acid cleaning process using the acidic cleaning solution may be freely combined. This removes the residue of the previous beverage that is attached to the flow path through which the beverage passes. In addition, a SIP (Sterilizing in Place) treatment may be optionally performed. The SIP treatment is a treatment for sterilizing the flow path through which the beverage passes in advance before entering the beverage filling operation, and is performed, for example, by flowing heated steam or hot water into the flow path cleaned by the above-mentioned CIP treatment. As a result, the inside of the flow path through which the beverage passes is sterilized and made sterile.

[0048] In order to perform the above-mentioned CIP treatment, a CIP cup 82 is provided near the filling nozzle 72 to receive the cleaning liquid from the filling nozzle 72. A CIP line 83 is connected to the CIP cup 82. One end of the CIP line 83 is connected to the CIP cup 82, and the other end is connected to a CIP tank 85 arranged outside the aseptic chamber 13. The cleaning liquid from the filling nozzle 72 can be discharged to the CIP tank 85 through the CIP line 83. The CIP line 83 is connected to a CIP manifold (CIP line branching portion) 59, and the CIP manifold 59 is connected to a CIP circulation system piping 81. The cleaning liquid from the CIP line 83 is collected together in the CIP manifold 59 and discharged to the CIP tank 85 through the CIP circulation system piping 81. The CIP manifold 59 and the sniff manifold 56 are connected to each other through a second bypass line 57. A second valve 58 is provided in the second bypass line 57. Normally, this second valve 58 is closed.

[0049] An exhaust line 89 for discharging gas inside the CIP tank 85 is provided at the top of the CIP tank 85. The exhaust line 89 is connected to a scrubber (not shown) for treating the gas.

[0050] A sterile air supply device 70 is provided on the cover 76 of the sterile chamber 13, which sends a large volume of sterile air into the sterile chamber 13. By introducing sterile air into the sterile chamber 13 with this sterile air supply device 70, the inside of the sterile chamber 13 and the sterile area of ​​the beverage filling machine 20 are all maintained at positive pressure, preventing outside air from entering the sterile chamber 13. In addition, because a large volume of sterile air is sent into the sterile chamber 13 by the sterile air supply device 70, even if carbon dioxide gas is discharged into the sterile chamber 13 from the discharge valve 79 as described above, there is no risk of the carbon dioxide gas concentration in the sterile chamber 13 increasing excessively. The supply amount of sterile air to achieve the above purpose is 5 m 3 / min or more 100m 3 / min or less, preferably 10m 3 / min or more 50m3 / min or less.

[0051] (Filling nozzle) Next, the configuration of the filling nozzle 72 of the above-mentioned beverage filling machine 20 will be described with reference to Fig. 3. Note that Fig. 3 shows the filling nozzle 72 during CIP treatment, and a CIP cup 82 is disposed below the filling nozzle 72.

[0052] 3, the filling nozzle 72 has a main body 72a. A beverage supply line 73 and a counter gas line 74 are connected to the main body 72a. The beverage supply line 73 and the counter gas line 74 pass through a rotary joint 77 provided in a cover 76.

[0053] The beverage supply line 73 has an upper end connected to the beverage filling tank 75 and a lower end open to the CIP cup 82. The cleaning liquid supplied from the beverage filling tank 75 passes through the beverage supply line 73 and flows into the inside of the CIP cup 82. The cleaning liquid that has flowed into the inside of the CIP cup 82 flows into the CIP manifold 59 via the CIP line 83, and is then discharged from the CIP manifold 59 to the outside of the beverage filling machine 20.

[0054] The counter gas line 74 is used when the beverage to be filled is a carbonated beverage. The upper end of the counter gas line 74 is connected to the beverage filling tank 75, and the lower end is open to the CIP cup 82 side. A snift line 78 is connected to the middle of the counter gas line 74. The cleaning liquid supplied from the beverage filling tank 75 passes through the counter gas line 74 and flows into the inside of the CIP cup 82. Alternatively, the cleaning liquid supplied from the beverage filling tank 75 flows into the snift manifold 56 through the snift line 78. After that, the cleaning liquid passes through the snift line 78 from the snift manifold 56, and is then discharged from the discharge valve 79 into the sterile chamber 13. The snift line 78 may be discharged to the outside of the beverage filling machine 20 from a rotary joint 77 located at the top of the beverage filling machine 20 (not shown). In addition, a rotary joint may be provided separately below the beverage filling machine 20 to discharge the cleaning liquid from the sniff line 78 to the outside of the beverage filling machine 20 (not shown).

[0055] (Aseptic carbonated beverage filling method) Next, a description will be given of a method for filling an aseptic carbonated beverage using the above-mentioned beverage filling system 10. In the following, a description will be given of a method for filling an aseptic carbonated beverage under normal circumstances, that is, a method for filling a bottle 30 with an aseptic carbonated beverage to produce a product bottle.

[0056] First, empty bottles 30 that have been sterilized are transported to the beverage filling machine 20. In this beverage filling machine 20, aseptic carbonated beverage is filled into the bottles 30 from their mouths while the bottles 30 are rotated (revolved). In the beverage filling machine 20, the sterile carbonated beverage sent from the beverage filling tank 75 is filled into the sterilized bottles 30 at a filling temperature of 1°C or higher and 40°C or lower, preferably 5°C or higher and 10°C or lower.

[0057] During this time, in the beverage filling machine 20, the filling nozzle 72 is in close contact with the mouth of the bottle 30, and the counter gas line 74 and the bottle 30 communicate with each other. At this time, the sniff line 78 is closed. Next, sterile carbon dioxide gas for counter pressure is supplied from the beverage filling tank 75 through the counter gas line 74 to the inside of the bottle 30. This increases the internal pressure of the bottle 30 above atmospheric pressure, and the internal pressure of the bottle 30 becomes the same as the internal pressure of the beverage filling tank 75.

[0058] Next, the inside of the bottle 30 is filled with the aseptic carbonated beverage from the beverage supply line 73. In this case, the aseptic carbonated beverage passes from the beverage filling tank 75 through the beverage supply line 73 and is injected into the inside of the bottle 30.

[0059] Next, the supply of the sterile carbonated beverage from the beverage supply line 73 is stopped. Next, the beverage supply line 73 and the counter gas line 74 are closed, and the snift line 78 is opened to discharge the gas inside the bottle 30 from the snift line 78. This makes the pressure inside the bottle 30 equal to the atmospheric pressure, and the filling of the sterile carbonated beverage into the bottle 30 is completed. At this time, the gas from the bottle 30 passes through the snift line 78 and is then discharged from the discharge valve 79 into the sterile chamber 13. Next, the filling nozzle 72 leaves the mouth of the bottle 30, and the bottle 30 is transported to a capper (not shown).

[0060] Thereafter, a cap (not shown) is attached to the bottle 30 filled with the aseptic carbonated beverage by the beverage filling machine 20, thereby obtaining the finished bottle.

[0061] The production (transport) speed of the bottles 30 in the beverage filling system 10 is preferably 100 bpm or more and 1500 bpm or less. Here, bpm (bottle per minute) refers to the transport speed of the bottles 30 per minute.

[0062] (Aseptic filling method for non-carbonated beverages) Next, a description will be given of a method for filling an aseptic non-carbonated beverage using the beverage filling system 10. In the following, a description will be given of a method for filling an aseptic non-carbonated beverage under normal circumstances, that is, a method for filling a bottle 30 with an aseptic non-carbonated beverage to produce a product bottle.

[0063] First, an empty bottle 30 that has been sterilized is transported to the beverage filling machine 20. Next, in the beverage filling machine 20, a sterile non-carbonated beverage is filled into the inside of the bottle 30 from the beverage supply line 73 without the filling nozzle 72 being in close contact with the mouth of the bottle 30. The sterile non-carbonated beverage passes from the beverage filling tank 75 through the beverage supply line 73 and is injected into the inside of the bottle 30. Thereafter, the supply of the sterile non-carbonated beverage from the beverage supply line 73 is stopped. At this time, the counter gas line 74 and the sniff line 78 are closed by the counter gas valve 67 and a valve not shown, respectively.

[0064] A cap (not shown) is attached to the bottle 30 filled with the aseptic non-carbonated beverage by the beverage filling machine 20, thereby obtaining the finished bottle.

[0065] (CIP processing method) Next, a description will be given of the operation of the beverage filling system 10 when performing a CIP (Cleaning in Place) process, for example, periodically or when switching the type of beverage. The control of the CIP process described below is performed by the control unit 60.

[0066] First, water is sent from the inlet flow path 61a of the heat exchanger 61 into the CIP circulation system piping 81, and as this water circulates, the inside of the CIP circulation system piping 81, the inside of the beverage supply system piping 65, and the inside of the beverage filling machine 20 are each purified.

[0067] Next, as shown in Fig. 4, an alkaline cleaning liquid is fed from the cleaning liquid supply source 63, and this alkaline cleaning liquid circulates to clean the inside of the CIP circulation system piping 81, the inside of the beverage supply system piping 65, and the inside of the beverage filling machine 20. In Fig. 4, the flow path through which the alkaline cleaning liquid passes is shown by a thick line and shaded areas.

[0068] During this time, the alkaline cleaning liquid is pumped into the heater 93 by the third pump 91 located in the CIP circulation system piping 81. The alkaline cleaning liquid is heated in the heater 93, for example, to 85°C or higher and 100°C or lower, preferably 90°C or higher and lower than 100°C, more preferably 95°C or higher and lower than 100°C. This heated alkaline cleaning liquid reaches the beverage supply system piping 65 through the holding tube 62. Next, the heated alkaline cleaning liquid reaches the beverage filling machine 20 via the aseptic tank 42, the first pump 51, and the beverage filling tank 75 in this order. Thereafter, the alkaline cleaning liquid flows out of the beverage filling machine 20 into the CIP circulation system piping 81, and is sent again to the heater 93 via the second pump 52, the CIP tank 85, and the third pump 91 in this order. In this way, the alkaline cleaning liquid circulates and cleans the CIP circulation system piping 81, the beverage supply system piping 65, and the beverage filling machine 20 for a predetermined period of time, and then the alkaline cleaning liquid is discharged to the outside from the outlet flow path 61b of the heat exchanger 61.

[0069] When an alkaline cleaning solution containing 0.1% by mass or more and 10% by mass or less of sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide is used as the alkaline cleaning solution, the alkaline cleaning solution is heated to the above temperature by the heater 93 provided in the CIP circulation system piping 81. The heated alkaline cleaning solution is supplied to the CIP circulation system piping 81, the beverage supply system piping 65, and the beverage filling machine 20, respectively. When this circulation is performed for, for example, 5 minutes to 60 minutes, the CIP circulation system piping 81, the beverage supply system piping 65, and the beverage filling machine 20 are each appropriately purified. At the same time, the CIP circulation system piping 81, the beverage supply system piping 65, and the beverage filling machine 20 are each sterilized, and the SIP treatment is performed simultaneously without performing a separate SIP treatment (CSIP treatment). In this way, by cleaning various devices of the beverage filling system 10 by the CIP treatment and simultaneously performing the sterilization treatment, the time required for the SIP treatment can be shortened or the SIP treatment itself can be eliminated. This shortens the product changeover time of the beverage filling system 10, and improves the production capacity.

[0070] Next, in the same manner, the acidic cleaning solution is passed through the CIP circulation system piping 81, the beverage supply system piping 65, and the beverage filling machine 20 to acid-clean the entire CIP circulation system piping 81, the beverage supply system piping 65, and the beverage filling machine 20. Then, sterile water is passed through the entire CIP circulation system piping 81, the beverage supply system piping 65, and the beverage filling machine 20 to rinse the entire CIP circulation system piping 81, the beverage supply system piping 65, and the beverage filling machine 20. In this manner, the residue of the previous beverage adhering to the flow path through which the beverage passes is removed. The acidic cleaning solution is heated, for example, to 85°C or higher and 100°C or lower, preferably 90°C or higher and lower than 100°C, and more preferably 95°C or higher and lower than 100°C, by the heater 93 provided in the CIP circulation system piping 81. The heated acidic cleaning solution is supplied to the CIP circulation system piping 81, the beverage supply system piping 65, and the beverage filling machine 20, respectively. When this circulation is performed for, for example, 5 minutes to 30 minutes, the CIP circulation system piping 81, the beverage supply system piping 65, and the beverage filling machine 20 are each properly purified. At the same time, the CIP circulation system piping 81, the beverage supply system piping 65, and the beverage filling machine 20 are each sterilized, and the SIP treatment is performed simultaneously without performing a separate SIP treatment (CSIP treatment). The order in which the acidic cleaning solution and the alkaline cleaning solution are used may be determined appropriately in consideration of the cleaning properties. For example, acid cleaning may be performed first, followed by alkaline cleaning. Alternatively, only alkaline cleaning may be performed, or only acid cleaning may be performed.

[0071] After the CIP process is completed, the cleaning liquid used in the CIP process is discharged from the CIP circulation system piping 81, and the cleaning liquid remaining in the beverage supply system piping 65 and the CIP circulation system piping 81 is washed away with sterile water. The cleaning liquid in the beverage supply system piping 65 and the CIP circulation system piping 81 is removed with sterile water, and when all the cleaning liquid in the filling nozzle 72 of the beverage filling machine 20 is replaced with sterile water, the supply of sterile water to the beverage supply system piping 65 and the CIP circulation system piping 81 is stopped. At the same time or thereafter, while removing the sterile water remaining in the aseptic tank 42 and the beverage filling tank 75, sterile air is supplied into the beverage supply system piping 65 including the aseptic tank 42 and the beverage filling tank 75. As a result, the aseptic tank 42, the beverage filling tank 75, the beverage supply system piping 65, and the CIP circulation system piping 81 that have been subjected to the CIP process are kept at a positive pressure to maintain sterility. Thereafter, while maintaining the positive pressure, the sterile water accumulated in the aseptic tank 42, the beverage supply system piping 65, the beverage filling tank 75, and the beverage filling machine 20 may be blown with sterile air, and the sterile water may be removed from drain lines (not shown) provided in each location. This eliminates the risk of the beverage being diluted when it is filled at the start of production.

[0072] After the rinsing is completed, the beverage is stored in the aseptic tank 42, and then the beverage passes through the beverage supply system piping 65 to the beverage filling machine 20, where the manufacturing process of filling the beverage into the bottles 30 begins.

[0073] (How to heat CIP cleaning fluid) Next, a method for heating the alkaline cleaning solution or the acidic cleaning solution (hereinafter also referred to as the CIP cleaning solution) during the above-mentioned CIP treatment will be described.

[0074] As described above, the CIP cleaning liquid is sent to the heater 93 of the CIP circulation system piping 81, and is heated in the heater 93, for example, to a temperature of 85° C. or higher and lower than 100° C., preferably 90° C. or higher and lower than 100° C., and more preferably 95° C. or higher and lower than 100° C. This heated CIP cleaning liquid is supplied to the beverage supply system piping 65 via the holding tube 62. The CIP cleaning liquid requires a certain amount of time (retention time) or more to pass through the holding tube 62, and during this time, the CIP cleaning liquid maintains a predetermined temperature or higher.

[0075] The degree of sterilization of the CIP cleaning liquid passing through the holding tube 62 may be managed by the F value. For example, the temperature of the CIP cleaning liquid may be measured using a thermometer 68b arranged on the outlet side of the holding tube 62 while the CIP cleaning liquid is flowing through the holding tube 62. In this case, temperature information from the thermometer 68b is sent to the control unit 60 at regular time intervals. The control unit 60 calculates the F value at that time based on the temperature information from the thermometer 68b. Here, the F value is the heating time required to kill all bacteria when the bacteria are heated for a certain period of time, and is represented by the lethal time of bacteria at a reference temperature, and is calculated by the following formula.

[0076]

number

[0077] In the above formula, T is the temperature (°C) measured by thermometer 68b, 10^{(T-Tr) / Z} is the lethality rate at sterilization temperature T, Tr is the reference temperature (°C), and Z is the Z value (°C). Also, t1 (min) is the (minimum) residence time required for the CIP cleaning liquid to pass through the holding tube 62, and is determined as a predetermined value in advance. Alternatively, the value measured in real time using flowmeter 69 and the volume of holding tube 62 for the time the cleaning liquid actually passes through may be used as t1 (min).

[0078] The control unit 60 monitors the F value calculated based on the temperature of the thermometer 68b on the outlet side, and if this value is maintained at or above a predetermined value, the CIP process continues. That is, the control unit 60 accumulates the value of 10^{(T-Tr) / Z} based on the temperature information sent from the thermometer 68b at regular time intervals. The accumulated value from the current time to the immediately preceding t1 (minutes) is set as the F value at that time. If this F value is maintained at or above a predetermined value, the control unit 60 determines that the sterility of the CIP cleaning liquid passing through the holding tube 62 is guaranteed, and continues the CIP process. On the other hand, if the F value falls below a predetermined value, the control unit 60 may determine that some kind of trouble has occurred and the sterility of the CIP cleaning liquid is no longer guaranteed, and may stop the CIP process. Also, only when the F value falls below a predetermined value, the cleaning liquid with poor sterilization may be discharged from a blow valve (not shown) without being supplied to the beverage supply system piping 65. After the F value returns to a predetermined value, the liquid may be sent to the beverage supply system piping 65.

[0079] For example, when the pH of the beverage to be filled into the bottle 30 is 4 or more and less than 4.6, the sterilization temperature conditions may be determined as the reference temperature Tr = 85°C and Z value = 5°C. In other words, the sterilization value required to sterilize a beverage with a pH of 4 or more and less than 4.6 is equal to or greater than that of heating at 85°C for 30 minutes under the Food Sanitation Act (F 85≧30). When Z=5°C is used, if it is 95°C, it is possible to realize the same sterilization value by heating for 0.3 minutes (18 seconds). Therefore, if the (minimum) residence time t1 (minutes) required for the CIP cleaning liquid to pass through the holding tube 62 is set to 0.3 minutes (18 seconds) and the temperature T of the outlet side thermometer 68b is maintained at 95°C or higher, it can be considered that the F value is maintained at 30 or higher and the sterility of the CIP cleaning liquid is guaranteed. In order to further enhance the sterilization effect, when Z=8°C or 10°C is used, the (minimum) residence time t1 (minutes) required for the CIP cleaning liquid to pass through the holding tube 62 may be set to 1.7 minutes (101 seconds) or 3 minutes (180 seconds), respectively. In this case, if the temperature T of the outlet side thermometer 68b is maintained at 95°C or higher, it can be considered that the F value is maintained at 30 or higher and the sterility of the CIP cleaning liquid is guaranteed. This allows the CIP cleaning liquid with guaranteed sterility to be supplied to the beverage supply system piping 65.

[0080] In this case, since there is no need to heat the CIP cleaning liquid passing through the CIP circulation system piping 81 to above 100°C, each tank, etc. arranged in the CIP circulation system piping 81 can be treated as a second-class pressure vessel as defined by the Enforcement Order of the Industrial Safety and Health Act. This allows the various facilities required for CIP treatment to be implemented at low cost compared to when each tank, etc. arranged in the CIP circulation system piping 81 is a first-class pressure vessel as defined by the Enforcement Order of the Industrial Safety and Health Act. Note that, in order to perform the CIP treatment more efficiently, each tank, etc. may be changed to a first-class pressure vessel and the CIP treatment may be performed with water at 100°C or higher, although this is costly.

[0081] In this way, the (minimum) residence time t1 (minutes) required for the CIP cleaning liquid to pass through the holding tube 62 can be determined in advance based on the F value, the Z value, and the reference temperature Tr required for sterilizing the beverage. For example, the residence time t1 is preferably 0.05 minutes or more and 10 minutes or less, and more preferably 0.1 minutes or more and 3 minutes or less. The reference temperature Tr is preferably less than 100°C, and more preferably 97°C or less, in order to treat each tank, etc., arranged in the CIP circulation system piping 81 as a second-class pressure vessel. Moreover, the reference temperature Tr is preferably 87°C or more, and more preferably 90°C or more, in order to prevent the residence time t1 from being longer than necessary.

[0082] In the above formula for calculating the F value, the reference temperature Tr and the Z value can be changed according to the type of beverage that is the product liquid. For example, when the pH of the product liquid is less than 4, the reference temperature Tr can be set to 65° C. and the Z value can be set to 5° C. In other words, it is also possible to change the values ​​substituted into the above formula as appropriate according to the microbial growth characteristics of the product liquid, such as green tea beverage, mineral water, chilled beverage, etc., and the distribution temperature.

[0083] The sterilization method is not limited to the method of sterilization by calculating the F value as described above, and for example, a conventionally known sterilization method using temperature and time may be adopted.

[0084] (CIP treatment method for beverage filling machines) Next, the CIP treatment method of the beverage filling machine 20 during the above-mentioned CIP treatment will be specifically described.

[0085] In this embodiment, the beverage filling machine 20 sequentially performs a first CIP process for CIP-treating the first piping system and a second CIP process for CIP-treating the second piping system. A third CIP process for CIP-treating the third piping system may also be performed. The first piping system, the second piping system, and the third piping system are different piping systems from each other, but may include a common flow path in part. The first piping system, the second piping system, and the third piping system may each be a flow path for flowing liquid during beverage filling, or a flow path for flowing gas.

[0086] The first piping system is a piping system within the beverage filling machine 20 and includes at least a beverage supply line 73. The second piping system is a piping system within the beverage filling machine 20 and includes at least a counter gas line 74. The third piping system is a piping system within the beverage filling machine 20 and includes at least a snift line 78.

[0087] 5 to 7 show the flow of the CIP cleaning liquid when performing the first CIP process (first CIP process step), the second CIP process (second CIP process step), and the third CIP process (third CIP process step), respectively. In Fig. 5 to Fig. 7, the flow paths through which the CIP cleaning liquid passes are indicated by thick lines, and the flow paths through which the CIP cleaning liquid does not pass are indicated by thin lines.

[0088] As shown in FIG. 5, during the first CIP process, the CIP cleaning liquid flows in from the beverage supply system piping 65 and flows into the beverage filling machine 20 via the beverage filling tank 75. In the beverage filling machine 20, the CIP cleaning liquid flows out of the beverage filling machine 20 via the beverage supply line 73, the filling nozzle 72, the CIP cup 82, the CIP line 83, and the CIP manifold 59. Thereafter, the CIP cleaning liquid flows into the CIP tank 85 via the CIP circulation system piping 81. In this case, the first piping system includes the beverage supply line 73, the filling nozzle 72, the CIP cup 82, the CIP line 83, and the CIP manifold 59 of the beverage filling machine 20. Note that during the first CIP process, the CIP cleaning liquid does not flow through the counter gas line 74 and the snift line 78, but is not limited thereto, and the CIP cleaning liquid may flow through a part of the counter gas line 74 or a part of the snift line 78.

[0089] As shown in Fig. 6, during the second CIP treatment, the CIP cleaning liquid flows in from the beverage supply system piping 65, and flows into the beverage filling machine 20 via the beverage filling tank 75. In the beverage filling machine 20, the CIP cleaning liquid flows out of the beverage filling machine 20 via the counter gas line 74, the counter manifold 53, the filling nozzle 72, the CIP cup 82, the CIP line 83, and the CIP manifold 59. Thereafter, the CIP cleaning liquid flows into the CIP tank 85 via the CIP circulation system piping 81. In this case, the second piping system includes the counter manifold 53, the counter gas line 74, the filling nozzle 72, the CIP cup 82, the CIP line 83, and the CIP manifold 59 of the beverage filling machine 20. During the second CIP process, the CIP cleaning liquid does not flow through the beverage supply line 73 and the snift line 78, but this is not limited thereto, and the CIP cleaning liquid may flow through a portion of the beverage supply line 73 or a portion of the snift line 78.

[0090] As shown in FIG. 7, during the third CIP process, the CIP cleaning liquid flows in from the beverage supply system piping 65, and flows into the beverage filling machine 20 via the beverage filling tank 75 and a part of the counter gas line 74. In the beverage filling machine 20, the CIP cleaning liquid flows out of the beverage filling machine 20 via the counter manifold 53, the first bypass line 54, the snift manifold 56, the snift line 78, the filling nozzle 72, the CIP cup 82, the CIP line 83, and the CIP manifold 59. Thereafter, the CIP cleaning liquid flows into the CIP tank 85 via the CIP circulation system piping 81. In the beverage filling machine 20, the CIP cleaning liquid also flows into the CIP manifold 59 from the snift manifold 56 via the second bypass line 57. In this case, the third piping system includes the counter manifold 53, the first bypass line 54, the second bypass line 57, the snift manifold 56, the snift line 78, the filling nozzle 72, the CIP cup 82, the CIP line 83, and the CIP manifold 59 of the beverage filling machine 20. Note that during the second CIP treatment, the CIP cleaning liquid does not flow through the beverage supply line 73, but this is not limited thereto, and the CIP cleaning liquid may flow through a part of the beverage supply line 73.

[0091] The first CIP process, the second CIP process, and the third CIP process are switched by appropriately controlling the on / off of valves (not shown) of each flow path by the control unit 60. In this case, the first CIP process, the second CIP process, and the third CIP process are each performed on all of the filling nozzles 72. This provides the effect of completely sterilizing all of the flow paths without changing the flow paths, pumps, etc.

[0092] The first CIP treatment, the second CIP treatment, and the third CIP treatment may be performed in this order, or in another order. The first CIP treatment, the second CIP treatment, and the third CIP treatment may be performed for the same time, or may be performed for different times. The second piping system may include both the counter gas line 74 and the snift line 78. In this case, the first CIP treatment for CIPing the first piping system and the second CIP treatment for CIPing the second piping system including the counter gas line 74 and the snift line 78 may be performed without performing the third CIP treatment.

[0093] The flow paths included in the first piping system, the second piping system, and the third piping system are not limited to those described above, and may be any combination of flow paths within the beverage filling machine 20. In addition to the first piping system, the second piping system, and the third piping system, one or more other piping systems different from these may be provided. In this case, in addition to the first CIP treatment, the second CIP treatment, and the third CIP treatment, one or more CIP treatments may be performed. It is preferable that all of the flow paths within the beverage filling machine 20 are included in at least one of the multiple piping systems including the first piping system, the second piping system, and the third piping system.

[0094] The flow rates of the CIP cleaning liquid flowing through the first, second and third piping systems are preferably set appropriately based on the capacity of the pumps, the diameters of the pipes, etc. Specifically, the flow rate (L / min) of the CIP cleaning liquid flowing through the piping system with the smallest flow rate among the first, second and third piping systems may be 10% or more, and preferably 20% or more, of the flow rate (L / min) of the CIP cleaning liquid flowing through the piping system with the largest flow rate among the first, second and third piping systems. Also, the flow rate (L / min) of the CIP cleaning liquid flowing through the piping system with the smallest flow rate among the first, second and third piping systems may be 100% or less, and may be 90% or less, of the flow rate (L / min) of the CIP cleaning liquid flowing through the piping system with the largest flow rate.

[0095] While the beverage filling machine 20 is sequentially subjected to the CIP treatment in this manner, the control unit 60 monitors the temperature Ta on the inlet side and the temperature Tb on the outlet side of the beverage filling machine 20. Specifically, the temperature Ta on the inlet side of the beverage filling machine 20 may be monitored by the thermometer 68b, and the temperature Tb on the outlet side may be monitored by the thermometer 68c. As described above, during the CIP treatment, only one of the first piping system, the second piping system, and the third piping system is subjected to the CIP treatment, and the other piping systems are not subjected to the CIP treatment. That is, during the CIP treatment, there are pipes in the beverage filling machine 20 through which the CIP cleaning liquid does not flow. In response to this, if the temperatures Ta and Tb are maintained at or above a predetermined threshold temperature during the CIP treatment, the control unit 60 can determine that the sterility is maintained even for the pipes through which the CIP cleaning liquid does not flow at that time, and can continue the CIP treatment. Even if the above-mentioned pipeline is opened, if the sterilization in the sterile chamber 13 is completed, the temperature of the pipeline where the CIP cleaning liquid is not flowing drops, and the inside of the pipeline becomes negative pressure, it can be said that the above-mentioned pipeline is theoretically able to maintain a sterile state. That is, even if the beverage filling machine 20 has a pipeline where the CIP cleaning liquid is not flowing and the temperature is below the threshold temperature, the pipeline is not opened to the non-sterile atmosphere. Therefore, it is possible to prevent bacteria from being mixed into the pipeline and to determine that the sterile state is maintained. Note that the control unit 60 may stop the CIP process when the temperatures Ta and Tb become below a predetermined threshold temperature during the CIP process. The threshold temperature may be a predetermined temperature between 85°C and 100°C, for example, 90°C. Furthermore, the CIP cleaning liquid may dissipate heat as it passes through the secondary (downstream) side of the filling nozzle 72 (snift line 78, snift manifold 56, CIP manifold 59, CIP circulation system piping 81), causing the temperature Tb on the outlet side of the beverage filling machine 20 to fall below a predetermined threshold temperature. In this case, the temperature of the CIP cleaning liquid measured by the thermometer 68e (see FIG. 2) installed in the filling nozzle 72 may be substituted for the temperature Tb on the outlet side. Specifically, the minimum temperature of the CIP cleaning liquid measured by the thermometers 68e installed in all of the filling nozzles 72 may be substituted for the temperature Tb.Further, the location of the thermometer 68e is not limited to the filling nozzle 72, but may be at least one of the snift line 78, the snift manifold 56, the CIP manifold 59, and the CIP circulation system piping 81.

[0096] Thus, according to this embodiment, the first CIP treatment (FIG. 5) is performed to CIP the first piping system including the beverage supply line 73, the second CIP treatment (FIG. 6) is performed to CIP the second piping system including the counter gas line 74, and the third CIP treatment (FIG. 7) is performed to CIP the third piping system including the sniff line 78. This allows the beverage filling machine 20 for carbonated beverages to be CIP-treated efficiently and quickly. That is, in the beverage filling machine 20 for carbonated beverages, there are more flow paths around the filling nozzle 72 than in the filling nozzle for non-carbonated beverages, and the structure is complicated. For this reason, it is difficult to fill all the flow paths around the filling nozzle 72 with the CIP cleaning liquid at once. This is because, if an attempt is made to fill all the flow paths around the filling nozzle 72 with the CIP cleaning liquid, the capacity of the pumps 51, 52, 91, etc. present in the beverage supply system piping 65 and the CIP circulation system piping 81 is insufficient, or the flow paths are affected by pressure loss in each pipe. In this case, it is conceivable to modify the equipment by increasing the pump, thickening the piping, enlarging the valves, etc., but this is not realistic in terms of cost, etc. According to this embodiment, during CIP treatment, the piping in the beverage filling machine 20 is divided into multiple piping systems, and these pipings are sequentially CIP treated. This makes it possible to efficiently CIP the beverage filling machine 20 for carbonated beverages, without making major equipment modifications to the beverage filling system 10.

[0097] In the above, an example was explained in which CIP and SIP processes are performed simultaneously without performing SIP separately (CSIP process). However, this is not limiting, and SIP process may be performed after CIP process. This SIP process is a process for sterilizing the inside of the flow path through which the beverage passes before the beverage filling operation begins, and is performed, for example, by running heated steam or hot water through the flow path that has been cleaned by the CIP cleaning. This sterilizes the inside of the flow path through which the beverage passes, making it germ-free.

[0098] In the above, the CIP process has been described as an example of the CSIP process in which alkaline or acidic cleaning solution is circulated to perform cleaning and sterilization simultaneously. However, in the rinsing process after circulating the CIP cleaning solution, sterile water may be supplied to the beverage supply system piping 65, and the SIP process may be performed while rinsing with the CIP cleaning solution.

[0099] According to this embodiment, the heater 93 and the holding tube 62 are provided in the CIP circulation system piping 81, and the CIP cleaning liquid heated by the heater 93 is set to pass through the holding tube 62 for a predetermined residence time or more. This ensures the sterility of the CIP cleaning liquid, and the CIP cleaning liquid with guaranteed sterility can be supplied to the beverage supply system piping 65.

[0100] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, a thermometer 68b is provided on the outlet side of the holding tube 62 of the CIP circulation piping 81, and the control unit 60 monitors the F value calculated based on the temperature of the thermometer 68b. As a result, if the F value is maintained at or above a predetermined value, the control unit 60 can determine that the sterility of the CIP cleaning liquid passing through the holding tube 62 is ensured. Furthermore, by managing the sterility of the CIP cleaning liquid using the F value, it becomes unnecessary to perform the CIP treatment for a longer period of time than necessary, thereby shortening the product changeover time of the beverage filling system 10 and improving production capacity.

[0101] In the above, the beverage filling system has been described taking as an example the beverage filling system 10 using an aseptic filling method, but is not limited to this. The beverage filling system may be a beverage filling system using a hot filling method in which the beverage is filled at a high temperature of, for example, 55°C to 95°C. Any beverage filling system that performs SIP treatment (inactivation of microorganisms) after CIP treatment, such as for chilled beverages and alcoholic beverages, is applicable.

[0102] It is also possible to combine the multiple components disclosed in the above embodiment and modified examples as necessary. Alternatively, some components may be deleted from all the components shown in the above embodiment and modified examples. [Explanation of symbols]

[0103] 10 Beverage filling system 20 Beverage filling machine 30 Bottles 41 Beverage sterilizer 42 Aseptic Tank 44 Carbonated Drink Production Unit 60 Control section 61 Heat exchanger 62 Holding Tube 63 Cleaning fluid supply source 65 Beverage supply system piping 66 Bypass flow path 72 Filling Nozzle 73 Beverage Supply Line 74 Counter Gas Line 75 Beverage filling tank 78 Sniftline 81 CIP circulation system piping 82 CIP Cup 83 CIP Line 85 CIP tank 93 Heater

Claims

1. A beverage filling system for filling a carbonated beverage, comprising: A beverage supply system piping for supplying the carbonated beverage; a beverage filling machine connected to the beverage supply system piping; A control unit that controls the beverage filling system, The beverage filling machine includes a filling nozzle, and a beverage supply line, a counter gas line, and a sniff line, each connected to the filling nozzle; The control unit is a first CIP process for performing a CIP process on a first piping system including the beverage supply line simultaneously with the SIP process; a second CIP treatment for performing a CIP treatment on a second piping system including the counter gas line simultaneously with the SIP treatment; During the first CIP treatment, the second piping system in the beverage filling machine has a line through which no CIP cleaning liquid flows, and during the second CIP treatment, the first piping system in the beverage filling machine has a line through which no CIP cleaning liquid flows; The control unit is During the first CIP treatment, the temperature of the inlet side of the beverage filling machine and the temperature of the outlet side of the beverage filling machine are monitored to see if they are maintained above a predetermined threshold temperature, and if they are maintained above the threshold temperature, it is determined that a sterile state is being maintained even in the pipelines of the second piping system through which the CIP cleaning liquid does not flow, and if the temperature of the inlet side of the beverage filling machine and the temperature of the outlet side of the beverage filling machine fall below the threshold temperature, the CIP treatment performed simultaneously with the SIP treatment is stopped, A beverage filling system which, during the second CIP treatment, monitors whether the temperature on the inlet side of the beverage filling machine and the temperature on the outlet side of the beverage filling machine are each maintained above a predetermined threshold temperature, and if they are maintained above the threshold temperature, determines that a sterile state is being maintained even in the pipelines of the first piping system through which the CIP cleaning liquid does not flow, and if the temperature on the inlet side of the beverage filling machine and the temperature on the outlet side of the beverage filling machine fall below the threshold temperature, discontinues the CIP treatment performed simultaneously with the SIP treatment.

2. The beverage filling system of claim 1 , wherein the threshold temperature is greater than or equal to 85° C. and less than 100° C.

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