Sterilization and cleaning method for aseptic filling machine and aseptic filling machine

Abstract

To provide a method for cleaning and sterilizing a beverage filling machine, which can increase the operating rate of the beverage filling machine and efficiently manufacture products. [Solution] A downstream return path is provided in the downstream piping section that runs from the filling machine tank that stores the beverage supplied from the aseptic surge tank to the filling nozzle, and the numerous filling nozzles are divided into multiple sections, and a downstream circulation path is formed by the filling nozzles that have been divided from the filling machine tank, and when CIP of the downstream piping section is performed by circulating cleaning liquid through the downstream circulation path, a circulation is performed in which cleaning liquid is flowed from the filling machine tank to the divided filling nozzle and a circulation is performed in which cleaning liquid is flowed back from the divided filling nozzle to the filling machine tank.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for cleaning and sterilizing an aseptic filling machine for filling beverages into containers such as PET bottles, a method for cleaning and sterilizing an aseptic filling machine for filling beverages, and an aseptic filling machine.

Background Art

[0002] When filling beverages into containers such as bottles by an aseptic filling machine, the beverage itself must be sterilized and kept in a sterile state. Further, CIP (Cleaning in Place) for cleaning the inside of the beverage supply system piping composed of a surge tank, a liquid supply pipe, a filling valve, etc., which is the path for sending the beverage to the filling nozzle, and SIP (Sterilizing in Place) for sterilizing the inside of the beverage supply system piping are performed to keep the inside of the beverage supply system piping in a sterile state. Regarding the beverage supply system piping of the aseptic filling machine, CIP is performed regularly or when switching the type of beverage, and further, SIP is performed (see Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3).

[0003] CIP is performed by flowing a cleaning liquid obtained by adding an alkaline agent such as caustic soda to water through the flow path from the inside of the piping of the beverage supply system piping to the filling nozzle of the aseptic filling machine, and then flowing a cleaning liquid obtained by adding an acidic agent to water. Thereby, residues of the previous beverage adhering to the inside of the beverage supply system piping are removed (see Patent Documents 1, 2, and 3).

[0004] SIP is a process for sterilizing the inside of the beverage supply system piping in advance before starting the beverage filling operation. For example, it is performed by flowing heated steam or a heated liquid through the beverage supply system piping cleaned by CIP. Thereby, the inside of the beverage supply system piping is sterilized and made sterile (see Patent Document 3).

[0005] CIP and SIP in the beverage supply system piping of the aseptic filling machine must be carried out throughout all of the beverage supply system piping. However, in order to perform CIP and SIP from the beverage input tank to the filling nozzle for filling the container with the beverage, the flow path is long, and even if the temperature of the cleaning liquid for performing CIP and the sterilizing agent for performing SIP is increased upstream in the flow path due to the long flow path, the temperature will drop by the time it reaches the filling nozzle, so it will take a long time to complete the overall CIP and SIP. In order to solve such problems, CIP and SIP are carried out separately for the upstream beverage supply system piping centered around the beverage heat sterilization device and the downstream beverage supply system piping from the aseptic surge tank that stores the sterilized beverage to the filling nozzle (see Patent Document 4).

[0006] Normally, after performing CIP with the cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid is rinsed, and SIP is performed with a sterilizing agent or a heating fluid, but it has been proposed to raise the temperature of the cleaning liquid used for CIP to the temperature required for SIP and perform CIP and SIP simultaneously or continuously (Patent Document 5). Also in this case, it has been proposed to perform CIP and SIP simultaneously or continuously separately for the upstream beverage supply system piping centered around the beverage heat sterilization device and the downstream beverage supply system piping from the aseptic surge tank that stores the sterilized beverage to the filling nozzle.

[0007] When filling a container such as a bottle with a beverage using an aseptic filling machine, there are a large number of filling nozzles, and in order to perform CIP and SIP on all the filling nozzles simultaneously, a large amount of cleaning liquid and rinsing liquid are required at the same time, and it is not possible to perform CIP on all the filling nozzles simultaneously. Therefore, it has been proposed to perform CIP by dividing the large number of filling nozzles (see Patent Documents 6 and 7).

Prior Art Documents

Patent Documents

[0008]

Patent Document 1

Patent Document 2

Patent Document 3

[0009] An aseptic filling machine can ensure the quality of products produced by the aseptic filling machine by reliably performing CIP and SIP in the beverage supply system piping.

[0010] In an aseptic filling machine, in order to perform CIP and SIP from the beverage heating sterilization device to the filling nozzle for filling the container with the beverage, the flow path of the beverage supply system piping is long, and even if the temperature of the cleaning liquid for performing CIP and the sterilizing agent or heating fluid for performing SIP is increased upstream of the flow path due to the long flow path, the temperature drops by the time it reaches the filling nozzle, so it takes a long time to complete the overall CIP and SIP. To solve such problems, CIP and SIP are performed separately on the upstream beverage supply system piping centered on the beverage heating sterilization device and the downstream beverage supply system piping from the aseptic surge tank that stores the heat-sterilized beverage to the filling nozzle. The upstream beverage supply system piping centered on the beverage heating sterilization device can perform CIP and SIP efficiently. However, due to the increase in the beverage filling amount per unit time due to the high filling speed of the aseptic filling machine, the capacity of the aseptic surge tank that stores the beverage sterilized by the beverage heating sterilization device has increased, and it has become inefficient to perform CIP and SIP on the downstream beverage supply system piping from the aseptic surge tank to the filling nozzle. The capacity of the aseptic surge tank is 10 m 3 ~40 m 3 and is very large.

[0011] CIP and SIP of the upstream beverage supply system piping can be performed by circulating from the beverage heat sterilization device to the manifold valve or valve cluster that separates the upstream beverage supply system piping and the downstream beverage supply system piping. Also, since the heat required for SIP can be added to the sterilization medium by the heat sterilization device, there is no need to specifically provide facilities for CIP and SIP in the upstream beverage supply system piping, and there is no difficulty in performing CIP and SIP in the upstream beverage supply system piping.

[0012] However, in a beverage manufacturing site where the installation locations of the aseptic surge tank and the filling machine are far apart, or due to an increase in the capacity of the aseptic surge tank, CIP and SIP of the downstream beverage supply system piping take a long time. For CIP in the aseptic surge tank, a large amount of cleaning liquid is required due to the increase in the capacity of the aseptic surge tank. When this cleaning liquid is flowed to the filling nozzle and circulated, even just one circulation takes a long time. Furthermore, the use of a large amount of bactericide increases the cost. Therefore, SIP is performed using heated steam. However, since the temperature drops before the heated steam reaches the filling nozzle, it takes a long time to sterilize from the aseptic surge tank to the filling nozzle with heated steam. In addition, in the cooling process after steam sterilization, sterile air passing through the aseptic surge tank is sent to the filling machine for cooling. However, the temperature of the cooling air rises inside the aseptic surge tank, and it takes a long time until the end of the filling machine is cooled.

[0013] An aseptic filling machine for filling a carbonated beverage, which is a beverage containing carbon dioxide gas, is equipped with a carbon dioxide gas adding device for adding carbon dioxide gas to the sterilized beverage, and CIP and SIP of the piping including the carbon dioxide gas adding device are also required.

[0014] Also, when performing SIP of the downstream beverage supply system piping with heated steam, it becomes impossible to raise the temperature of the cleaning liquid used for CIP to the temperature required for SIP and perform CIP and SIP simultaneously or continuously.

[0015] Furthermore, due to the increase in the filling speed of the aseptic filling machine, the amount of beverage filled per unit time has become large, and the number of filling nozzles has increased. It has become difficult to equip the facility with a large amount of cleaning liquid, rinsing liquid, disinfectant, and heating fluid for sterilization to perform CIP and SIP on all the filling nozzles simultaneously.

[0016] During the CIP and SIP in the beverage supply system piping, the production of products cannot be carried out, so the operating rate of the aseptic filling machine decreases, and the products cannot be efficiently produced. Therefore, there is a need for a cleaning and sterilization method for an aseptic filling machine that can efficiently perform CIP and SIP of the aseptic filling machine, and an aseptic filling machine that realizes this.

[0017] The present invention has been made to solve such problems, and an object thereof is to provide a cleaning and sterilization method for an aseptic filling machine that can perform CIP and SIP of the aseptic filling machine in a short time, increase the operating rate of the aseptic filling machine, and efficiently produce products, and an aseptic filling machine.

Means for Solving the Problems

[0018] The cleaning and sterilization method for an aseptic filling machine according to the present invention is a cleaning and sterilization method for an aseptic filling machine including a beverage supply system piping that sends beverage into the filling machine through a heat sterilization device. A downstream return path is provided for the downstream piping section from the filling machine tank that stores the beverage supplied from the aseptic surge tank to the filling nozzles. A number of the filling nozzles are divided into a plurality, and a downstream circulation path is formed by the divided filling nozzles from the filling machine tank. When performing CIP (Cleaning in Place) of the downstream piping section by circulating the cleaning liquid in the downstream circulation path, the cleaning liquid is sent to the divided filling nozzles from the filling machine tank the aforesaid circulated and the cleaning liquid is made to flow, and circulated so that the cleaning liquid flows back from the divided filling nozzles to the filling machine tank. The cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device the aforesaid to corresponding to the first type of pressure tank provided in the downstream return pathSupply it to the downstream storage tank, open the two-way valve in the pipeline from the outlet of the downstream storage tank to the inlet of the filling machine tank and the two-way valve in the pipeline from the outlet of the filling machine tank to the inlet of the downstream storage tank, close the two-way valve in the pipeline from the outlet of the downstream storage tank to the outlet of the filling machine tank and the two-way valve in the pipeline from the inlet of the filling machine tank to the inlet of the downstream storage tank, circulate the cleaning liquid in the downstream circulation path, supply the cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid supply device to the downstream storage tank, open the two-way valve in the pipeline from the outlet of the downstream storage tank to the outlet of the filling machine tank and the two-way valve in the pipeline from the inlet of the filling machine tank to the inlet of the downstream storage tank, close the two-way valve in the pipeline from the outlet of the downstream storage tank to the inlet of the filling machine tank and the two-way valve in the pipeline from the outlet of the filling machine tank to the inlet of the downstream storage tank, and perform a circulation to reverse the flow of the cleaning liquid in the downstream circulation path. This is characterized by the above.

[0019] Also, in the cleaning and sterilization method of the aseptic filling machine according to the present invention, it is preferable to raise the temperature of the cleaning liquid from the initial stage or the middle stage of the CIP in the downstream circulation path to the temperature required for SIP (Sterilizing in Place) for sterilizing the downstream piping section that is performed subsequent to the CIP, and perform the SIP of the downstream piping section.

[0020] Also, in the cleaning and sterilization method of the aseptic filling machine according to the present invention, when performing the SIP by circulating the cleaning liquid in the downstream circulation path, it is preferable to perform a circulation of flowing the cleaning liquid through the filling nozzles separated from the filling machine tank and a circulation of reversing the flow of the cleaning liquid from the separated filling nozzles to the filling machine tank.

[0021] The aseptic filling machine according to the present invention is an aseptic filling machine provided with a beverage supply system pipe for sending a beverage into the filling machine through a heat sterilization device. A downstream return path is provided for a downstream pipe portion from a filling machine tank that stores the beverage supplied from an aseptic surge tank to a filling nozzle. A number of the filling nozzles are divided into a plurality, and a downstream circulation path is formed by the divided filling nozzles from the filling machine tank. A cleaning liquid supply device is provided for supplying a cleaning liquid for performing CIP (Cleaning in Place) of the downstream pipe portion to the downstream circulation path. When the cleaning liquid is circulated in the downstream circulation path, a circulation for flowing the cleaning liquid through the filling nozzles divided from the filling machine tank and a circulation for causing the cleaning liquid to flow backward from the divided filling nozzles to the filling machine tank are performed in the downstream return path, and a downstream storage tank for storing the cleaning liquid is provided in the downstream circulation path. Two-way valves are provided in a pipe line from an outlet of the downstream storage tank to an inlet of the filling machine tank, a pipe line from an outlet of the filling machine tank to an inlet of the downstream storage tank, a pipe line from an outlet of the downstream storage tank to an outlet of the filling machine tank, and a pipe line from an inlet of the filling machine tank to an inlet of the downstream storage tank. corresponding to the first type of pressure tank

[0022] Further, in the aseptic filling machine according to the present invention, it is preferable to include a heat exchange device for heating the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device to a temperature required for SIP (Sterilizing in Place) in the downstream circulation path.

[0023] ​A cleaning and sterilizing method for an aseptic filling machine according to another embodiment of the present invention is a cleaning and sterilizing method for an aseptic filling machine provided with a beverage supply system pipe that sends a beverage into the filling machine through a heat sterilization device. An upstream return path is provided for an upstream pipe portion of the beverage supply system pipe that passes through the heat sterilization device to form an upstream circulation path. An aseptic surge tank return path is provided for an aseptic surge tank piping portion including an aseptic surge tank that stores the beverage sterilized by the heat sterilization device to form an aseptic surge tank circulation path. A downstream return path is provided for a downstream pipe portion that reaches a filling nozzle through a filling machine tank that stores the beverage supplied from the aseptic surge tank to form a downstream circulation path. CIP (Cleaning in Place) and SIP (Sterilizing in Place) of the upstream pipe portion, the aseptic surge tank piping portion, and the downstream pipe portion are performed separately.

[0024] Further, in the cleaning and sterilizing method for an aseptic filling machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, a carbon dioxide gas addition circulation path is formed in a carbon dioxide gas addition piping portion including a carbon dioxide gas addition device that adds carbon dioxide gas to the sterilized beverage supplied from the aseptic surge tank that stores the beverage, and it is preferable to perform CIP and SIP of the carbon dioxide gas addition circulation path separately.

[0025] Also, in the cleaning and sterilization method of the aseptic filling machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, in order to remove residues of the beverage and the like adhering to the upstream piping section, the aseptic surge tank piping section, and the downstream piping section, CIP is performed to circulate the cleaning liquid through the upstream circulation path, the aseptic surge tank circulation path, and the downstream circulation path. From the initial stage or during the CIP of at least any one of the upstream circulation path, the aseptic surge tank circulation path, and the downstream circulation path, the temperature of the cleaning liquid is raised to the temperature required for SIP for sterilizing at least any one of the upstream piping section, the aseptic surge tank piping section, and the downstream piping section, which is performed subsequent to the CIP. Then, SIP is performed on at least any one of the upstream piping section, the aseptic surge tank circulation path, and the downstream piping section. Further, it is preferable to flush the cleaning liquid with sterile water.

[0026] Also, in the cleaning and sterilization method of the aseptic filling machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, in order to remove residues of the beverage and the like adhering to the carbon dioxide gas addition piping section, CIP is performed to circulate the cleaning liquid through the carbon dioxide gas addition circulation path. From the initial stage or during the CIP of the carbon dioxide gas addition circulation path, the temperature of the cleaning liquid is raised to the temperature required for SIP for sterilizing the carbon dioxide gas addition piping section, which is performed subsequent to the CIP. Then, SIP is performed on the carbon dioxide gas addition piping section. Further, it is preferable to flush the cleaning liquid with sterile water.

[0027] Also, in the cleaning and sterilization method of the aseptic filling machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable to perform the SIP of the aseptic surge tank with heated steam.

[0028] In addition, in the cleaning and sterilization method of the aseptic filling machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, perform the CIP for circulating the cleaning liquid in the downstream circulation path, and from the initial stage or during the CIP, raise the temperature of the cleaning liquid to the temperature required for the SIP for sterilizing the downstream piping section performed following the CIP, and then perform the SIP on the downstream piping section. After the SIP, when lowering the temperature of the cleaning liquid or the aseptic water, it is preferable to adjust the back pressure valve provided in the downstream circulation path to maintain the pressure in the downstream circulation path at a pressure equal to or higher than the atmospheric pressure.

[0029] In addition, in the cleaning and sterilization method of the aseptic filling machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, when performing the CIP of the downstream piping section by circulating the cleaning liquid in the downstream circulation path, it is preferable to perform a circulation of flowing the cleaning liquid from the filling machine tank to the filling nozzle and a circulation of flowing the cleaning liquid back from the filling nozzle to the filling machine tank.

[0030] In addition, in the cleaning and sterilization method of the aseptic filling machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, divide the plurality of filling nozzles for filling the beverage into the container provided in the downstream piping section into a plurality of parts, and perform a circulation of flowing the cleaning liquid from the filling machine tank to the divided filling nozzles and a circulation of flowing the cleaning liquid back from the divided filling nozzles to the filling machine tank.

[0031] In addition, in the cleaning and sterilization method of the aseptic filling machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, when performing the SIP by circulating the cleaning liquid in the downstream circulation path, it is preferable to perform a circulation of flowing the cleaning liquid from the filling machine tank to the filling nozzle and a circulation of flowing the cleaning liquid back from the filling nozzle to the filling machine tank.

[0032] A aseptic filling machine according to another embodiment of the present invention is a aseptic filling machine provided with a beverage supply system pipe for sending a beverage into the filling machine through a heat sterilization device, wherein an upstream return path is provided for an upstream pipe portion of the beverage supply system pipe passing through the heat sterilization device to form an upstream circulation path, and an aseptic surge tank return path is provided for an aseptic surge tank pipe portion including an aseptic surge tank for storing the beverage sterilized by the heat sterilization device to form an aseptic surge tank circulation path. A downstream return path is provided for a downstream pipe portion leading from a filling machine tank for storing the beverage supplied from the aseptic surge tank to a filling nozzle to form a downstream circulation path, and CIP (Cleaning in Place) and SIP (Sterilizing in Place) of the upstream pipe portion, the aseptic surge tank pipe portion, and the downstream pipe portion are configured to be performed separately.

[0033] Further, in the aseptic filling machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, a carbon dioxide gas addition circulation path is formed in a carbon dioxide gas addition pipe portion including a carbon dioxide gas addition device for adding carbon dioxide gas to the sterilized beverage supplied from the aseptic surge tank for storing the beverage, and it is preferable that CIP and SIP of the carbon dioxide gas addition circulation path are configured to be performed separately.

[0034] Further, in the aseptic filling machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable to include a cleaning liquid supply device for supplying a cleaning liquid to the circulation paths of the upstream circulation path, the aseptic surge tank circulation path, and the downstream circulation path, and a heat exchange device for heating the cleaning liquid or aseptic water supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device to the temperature required for SIP.

[0035] Further, in the aseptic filling machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, it is preferable to include a cleaning liquid supply device for supplying a cleaning liquid to the carbon dioxide gas addition circulation path, and a heat exchange device for heating the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device to the carbon dioxide gas addition circulation path or the aseptic water supplied to the carbon dioxide gas addition circulation path to the temperature required for SIP.

[0036] Further, it is preferable that the aseptic filling machine according to another embodiment of the present invention is provided with a heating steam supply device for supplying heating steam to the aseptic surge tank.

[0037] Further, in the aseptic filling machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, when the cleaning liquid or the aseptic water is cooled after the SIP performed by heating the cleaning liquid or the aseptic water, it is preferable to provide a back pressure valve in the downstream circulation path to maintain the pressure in the downstream circulation path at a pressure equal to or higher than the atmospheric pressure.

[0038] Further, in the aseptic filling machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, when circulating the cleaning liquid in the downstream circulation path, it is preferable to configure the downstream circulation path to perform a circulation of flowing the cleaning liquid from the filling machine tank to the filling nozzle and a circulation of causing the cleaning liquid to flow back from the filling nozzle to the filling machine tank.

[0039] Further, in the aseptic filling machine according to another embodiment of the present invention, the filling nozzle is divided into a plurality of parts, a downstream divided circulation path is formed by the divided filling nozzles from the filling machine tank, and when circulating the cleaning liquid in the downstream divided circulation path, it is preferable to configure the downstream divided circulation path to perform a circulation of flowing the cleaning liquid from the filling machine tank to the divided filling nozzles and a circulation of causing the cleaning liquid to flow back from the divided filling nozzles to the filling machine tank.

Advantages of the Invention

[0040] According to the cleaning / sterilization method and the aseptic filling machine of the present invention, by dividing the beverage supply system piping of the aseptic filling machine into three parts: an upstream piping part, an aseptic surge tank piping part, and a downstream piping part, and performing CIP and SIP separately, it is possible to reduce the time required for CIP and SIP of the aseptic filling machine, and improve the production efficiency of the aseptic filling machine.

[0041] Also, according to the cleaning and sterilization method of the aseptic filling machine and the aseptic filling machine of the present invention, by dividing the beverage supply system piping of the aseptic filling machine for beverages containing carbon dioxide gas into four parts: an upstream piping section, an aseptic surge tank piping section, a carbon dioxide gas addition piping section, and a downstream piping section, and performing CIP and SIP separately, it becomes possible to reduce the time required for CIP and SIP of the aseptic filling machine, and the production efficiency of the aseptic filling machine can be improved.

[0042] Further, in the CIP and SIP of the upstream piping section and the downstream piping section, by raising the temperature of the cleaning liquid flowing through the upstream circulation path, the aseptic surge tank circulation path, the carbon dioxide gas addition circulation path, and the downstream circulation path to the temperature required for SIP for CIP and performing CIP and SIP continuously or simultaneously, it is possible to further reduce the time required for CIP and SIP, and the production efficiency of the aseptic filling machine can be significantly improved.

[0043] According to the cleaning and sterilization method of the aseptic filling machine and the aseptic filling machine of the present invention, when performing CIP from the filling machine tank to the filling nozzle of the beverage supply system piping of the aseptic filling machine, the cleaning effect can be enhanced by flowing the cleaning liquid backward from the filling nozzle to the filling machine tank, and the time required for CIP can be shortened.

[0044] According to the cleaning and sterilization method of the aseptic filling machine and the aseptic filling machine of the present invention, when performing CIP from the filling machine tank to the filling nozzle of the beverage supply system piping of the aseptic filling machine, by dividing a large number of filling nozzles into a plurality of parts and flowing the cleaning liquid backward from the divided filling nozzles to the filling machine tank, the cleaning effect can be enhanced, and the time required for CIP can be shortened. Also, by dividing a large number of filling nozzles into a plurality of parts and performing CIP, it is not necessary to provide equipment for preparing a large amount of cleaning liquid.

[0045] Regarding the downstream circulation path, when heating the temperature of the cleaning liquid flowing for CIP to the temperature required for SIP and performing CIP and SIP continuously or simultaneously, and then cooling the cleaning liquid, in order to maintain the sterility inside the downstream circulation path, the inside of the downstream circulation path is sealed for cooling, and thus the pressure inside the downstream circulation path decreases. By providing a backpressure valve in the downstream circulation path and adjusting the backpressure valve, it is possible to cool the inside of the downstream circulation path while eliminating the influence of the atmospheric pressure load on the downstream circulation path where the internal pressure decreases due to the cooling of the cleaning liquid.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0046]

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Embodiments for Carrying Out the Invention

[0047] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0048] First, the structure of the aseptic filling machine will be described, and then the cleaning and sterilization methods of this device will be described.

[0049] As shown in Fig. 1, the aseptic filling machine includes a beverage preparation device 1 and a filling machine 2 for filling beverages into bottles 4. The beverage supply system pipe 7 connects the preparation device 1 and the filling nozzle 2a in the filling machine 2. Further, the filling section including the filling machine 2 is shielded by a filling section chamber 3.

[0050] The beverage prepared by the preparation device 1 is sterilized by a heat sterilization device 18, the sterilized beverage is stored in an aseptic surge tank 19, and the stored beverage is sent to and stored in a filling machine tank 11. The beverage stored in the filling machine tank 11 is sent to the filling machine manifold 2b of the filling machine 2, supplied from the filling machine manifold 2b to a number of filling nozzles 2a, and filled into the sterilized bottles 4 from the filling nozzles 2a in an aseptic atmosphere.

[0051] An upstream return path 6a is provided for the upstream pipe section of the beverage supply system pipe 7 passing through the heat sterilization device 18 to form an upstream circulation path, and an aseptic surge tank return path 6b is provided for the aseptic surge tank pipe section 7b including the aseptic surge tank 19 that stores the beverage sterilized by the heat sterilization device 18 to form an aseptic surge tank circulation path. A downstream return path 6c is provided for the downstream pipe section 7c leading from the aseptic surge tank 19 to the filling nozzles 2a through the filling machine tank 11 that stores the beverage supplied from the aseptic surge tank 19 to form a downstream circulation path. The beverage supply system pipe section 7 is divided into an upstream pipe section 7a, an aseptic surge tank pipe section 7b, and a downstream pipe section 7c, and CIP and SIP are performed separately.

[0052] The preparation device 1 is for preparing beverages such as tea beverages and fruit beverages at desired blending ratios respectively, and since it is a known device, its detailed description is omitted.

[0053] The filling machine 2 is configured by arranging a number of filling nozzles 2a around a filling wheel 34 that rotates at high speed in a horizontal plane. While causing the filling nozzles 2a to perform a turning motion along with the rotation of the filling wheel 34, it is a device for quantitatively filling each bottle 4 that travels while synchronizing with the peripheral speed of the filling wheel 34 below the filling nozzles 2a with beverage from the filling nozzles 2a. The filling nozzles 2a of the filling machine 2 are arranged around the filling wheel 34, and the bottles 4 that rotate together with the filling wheel 34 are filled with beverage.

[0054] The beverage supply system piping 7 of the aseptic filling machine includes, in the pipeline from the blending device 1 to the filling machine 2, in order from the upstream side to the downstream side as seen from the flow of the beverage, an upstream piping section 7a up to the balance tank 5, the heat sterilization device (UHT (Ultra High - Temperature)) 18, and the upstream manifold valve 8, the upstream manifold valve 8, the aseptic surge tank 19, an aseptic surge tank piping section 7b up to the downstream manifold valve 23 and the downstream manifold valve 23, the filling machine tank 11, and a downstream piping section 7c up to the filling nozzles 2a.

[0055] As shown in Fig. 6, when carbon dioxide gas is added to the beverage to make a carbonated beverage, the beverage supply system piping 7 of the aseptic filling machine for the beverage containing carbon dioxide gas is provided with a cooling device, a carbon dioxide gas adding device 46 as shown in Fig. 6, and a carbonated beverage surge tank 47. The cooling device, the carbon dioxide gas adding device 46, and the carbonated beverage surge tank 47 are sequentially provided from the upstream to the downstream between the aseptic surge tank 19 and the filling machine tank 11, and are connected to the downstream manifold valve 23 to allow the carbonated beverage to flow into the beverage supply system piping 7.

[0056] To the sterilized beverage supplied from the aseptic surge tank 19 through the downstream manifold valve 23, carbon dioxide gas is added by the carbon dioxide gas adding device 46, and the carbonated beverage with carbon dioxide gas added is stored in the carbonated beverage surge tank 47. The stored carbonated beverage is supplied to the filling machine tank 11 through the downstream manifold valve 23, and the carbonated beverage supplied to the filling machine tank 11 is filled. The beverage supply system pipe 7 that extends from the downstream manifold valve 23 through the carbon dioxide gas adding device 46 and the carbonated beverage surge tank 47 back to the downstream manifold valve 23 is defined as the carbon dioxide gas adding pipe section 45.

[0057] An upstream return path 6a is provided for the upstream pipe section passing through the heat sterilization device 18 of the beverage supply system pipe 7 to form an upstream circulation path. An aseptic surge tank return path 6b is provided for the aseptic surge tank pipe section 7b including the aseptic surge tank 19 that stores the beverage sterilized by the heat sterilization device 18 to form an aseptic surge tank circulation path. A carbon dioxide gas adding circulation path is formed for the carbon dioxide gas adding pipe section 45 including the carbon dioxide gas adding device 46 that adds carbon dioxide gas to the sterilized beverage supplied from the aseptic surge tank 19 before storing the beverage. A downstream return path 6c is provided for the downstream pipe section that extends from the carbonated beverage surge tank 47 through the filling machine tank 11 that stores the carbonated beverage to the filling nozzle 2a to form a downstream circulation path. The beverage supply system pipe section 7 is divided into four parts: the upstream pipe section 7a, the aseptic surge tank pipe section 7b, the carbon dioxide gas adding pipe section 45, and the downstream pipe section 7c, and CIP and SIP are performed separately.

[0058] The filling nozzle 2a for filling the carbonated beverage is provided with a carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 41 for supplying carbon dioxide gas and a carbon dioxide gas discharge pipe 42.

[0059] The heat sterilization device 18 includes a first-stage heating section 12, a second-stage heating section 13, a holding tube 14, a first-stage cooling section 15, a second-stage cooling section 16, etc. inside. It gradually heats the beverage or water supplied from the balance tank 5 while sending it from the first-stage heating section 12 to the second-stage heating section 13, reaches the target temperature at the outlet of the second-stage heating section 13, maintains the sterilization temperature for a certain period of time in the holding tube 14, and then sends it to the first-stage cooling section 15 and the second-stage cooling section 16 for gradual cooling. The number of stages of the heating section and the cooling section can be increased or decreased as needed. Note that the heat sterilization device 18 may also be configured with an automatically cleanable homogenizer. The installation location is preferably between the first-stage heating section where the temperature of the product content becomes about 50°C to 70°C and the second-stage heating section where it becomes about 60°C to 150°C, or between the first-stage cooling section and the second-stage cooling section. In the former case, there is no problem with a general homogenizer, but in the latter case, it is necessary to install a sterile-specification homogenizer. The heat sterilization device 18 may be in any form such as a shell & tube heat exchanger, a plate heat exchanger, etc.

[0060] The beverage is supplied from the filling machine tank 11 through a rotary joint (not shown) to the filling machine manifold 2b provided in the filling machine 2, and the beverage is supplied from the filling machine manifold 2b to the filling nozzle 2a of the filling machine 2. The rotary joint may be located at the upper part, the lower part, or both parts of the filling section chamber 3.

[0061] A sterile air supply device for supplying sterile air to the aseptic surge tank 19, the filling machine tank 11, and the downstream storage tank 25 is provided. The sterile air supply device 28 for supplying sterile air to the filling machine tank 11 is shown in Fig. 9. It is preferable to provide a steam barrier or a sterile water barrier at the upstream manifold valve 8 and the downstream manifold valve 23 to cut the boundary between the sterile state and the non-sterile state of the upstream circulation path, the aseptic surge tank circulation path, and the downstream circulation path, respectively.

[0062] Note that a filtering means for filtering the beverage may be provided in the beverage supply system pipe 7. The filtering means may be provided between the aseptic surge tank 19 and the filling machine tank 11, or may be provided, for example, between the second-stage cooling section 16 of the heat sterilization device 18 and the upstream manifold valve 8. Further, a plurality of filtering means may be installed in parallel. Furthermore, the installation location of the filtering means may be provided, for example, upstream of the balance tank 5 or at the tip of the filling nozzle 2a, in addition to the locations described above.

[0063] When the filtering means are provided in parallel, the first filtering means and the second filtering means are configured to be switchable by a switching means as to which filtering means to use. By providing such a switching means, while filling the product using the first filtering means, a cleaning process for removing foreign matter adhering to the second filtering means can be performed, making it possible to clean and inspect the filtering means during the production of the product. Also, after cleaning and inspecting the filter provided in the filtering means, CIP or SIP may be performed independently. Note that the switching means can also be switched so as to send liquid to both the first filtering means and the second filtering means. In this case, it is also possible to perform CIP and SIP on both the first filtering means and the second filtering means simultaneously.

[0064] As shown by the thick line in Fig. 2, an upstream return path 6a is provided for the upstream pipe section 7a of the beverage supply system pipe 7 that reaches the upstream manifold valve 8 via the balance tank 5 and the heat sterilization device 18, thereby forming an upstream circulation path for performing CIP or SIP or both CIP and SIP simultaneously on the upstream pipe section 7a.

[0065] Also, as shown by the thick line in Fig. 3, an aseptic surge tank return path 6b is provided for the aseptic surge tank pipe section 7b that reaches the upstream manifold valve 8, the aseptic surge tank 19, and the downstream manifold valve 23, thereby forming an aseptic surge tank circulation path, which is a circulation path for performing CIP or SIP or both CIP and SIP simultaneously on the aseptic surge tank pipe section 7b.

[0066] Also, as shown by the thick line in FIG. 4, a downstream return path 6c is provided for a downstream piping portion 7c leading to a manifold valve 23, a filling machine tank 11, and a filling nozzle 2a of the filling machine 2, thereby forming a downstream circulation path that is a circulation path for performing CIP or SIP of the downstream piping portion 7c.

[0067] Also, as shown by the thick line in FIG. 4, a downstream return path 6c is provided for a downstream piping portion 7c leading to a downstream manifold valve 23, a filling machine tank 11, and a filling nozzle 2a of the filling machine 2. As shown in FIG. 11, the filling nozzle 2a is divided into a plurality, and a divided downstream circulation path is formed that reaches the downstream manifold valve 23 via the divided filling nozzles 2a from the filling machine tank 11. By flowing a cleaning liquid through the formed divided downstream circulation path and circulating the cleaning liquid through the divided downstream circulation path, CIP or SIP or both CIP and SIP of the downstream piping portion 7c are performed simultaneously.

[0068] Also, as shown by the thick line in FIG. 7, a carbon dioxide gas addition pipe 7d that leads from a downstream manifold valve 23, passes through a carbon dioxide gas addition device 46 and a carbonated beverage surge tank, and returns to the downstream manifold valve 23 forms a circulation path, and the carbon dioxide gas addition pipe 45 serves as a circulation path for performing CIP or SIP or both CIP and SIP of the carbon dioxide gas addition device 45 and the carbonated beverage surge tank simultaneously.

[0069] FIG. 11 shows a state in which a large number of filling nozzles 2a are arranged around a filling wheel 34 and the large number of filling nozzles 2a are divided. CIP or SIP or both CIP and SIP are sequentially performed simultaneously for a divided group of filling nozzles 2a. Bottles 4 are delivered from a carry-in wheel 39 to the filling wheel 34. The bottles 4 are conveyed by grippers arranged around each wheel gripping a support ring provided at the lower part of the mouth of the bottle 4. In the filling wheel 34, grippers are arranged at positions where the filling nozzles 2a are arranged. The bottles 4 filled with beverage are delivered from the filling wheel 34 to a discharge wheel 40 and conveyed.

[0070] Of the filling nozzles 2a to be divided, the filling nozzle 2a through which the cleaning liquid flows raises the rod 37 shown in FIG. 9 to open the filling nozzle 2a, and the filling nozzle 2a through which the cleaning liquid does not flow lowers the rod to close the filling nozzle 2a.

[0071] A cleaning liquid supply device 22 that supplies the cleaning liquid necessary when performing CIP of the upstream circulation path, the aseptic surge tank circulation path, and the downstream circulation path, a heating steam supply device 21 that supplies heating steam for SIP of the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b, and an aseptic air supply device that supplies aseptic air to the aseptic surge tank 19 are provided. Further, a water supply device or an aseptic water supply device that supplies water or aseptic water for flushing the cleaning liquid flowing through the upstream circulation path, the aseptic surge tank circulation path, and the downstream circulation path is provided. An aseptic water supply device 27 that supplies aseptic water to the downstream circulation path is shown in FIG. 9.

[0072] Pumps and necessary valves are provided in the upstream circulation path, the aseptic surge tank circulation path, and the downstream circulation path to circulate the cleaning liquid or water. As shown in FIGS. 4 and 9, a downstream circulation pump 26 is provided in the downstream circulation path. Further, a downstream storage tank 25 for storing the cleaning liquid or water to be circulated is provided in the downstream circulation path. Aseptic air is supplied to the downstream storage tank 25.

[0073] As shown in FIG. 1, temperature sensors 10 are arranged at various locations including locations where the temperature is difficult to rise during SIP in the upstream piping section 7a. Examples of the locations where the temperature sensors 10 are arranged include the piping from the second-stage heating section 13 in the heat sterilization device 18 to the upstream manifold valve 8, between the respective parts in the heat sterilization device 18, the location where the second-stage cooling section 16 is exited, and the location in front of the upstream manifold valve 8. Temperature sensors 10 are arranged at these locations respectively. Information on the temperatures measured by these temperature sensors 10 is transmitted to the controller 17.

[0074] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, temperature sensors 10 are arranged at various locations including locations where the temperature is less likely to rise during SIP for the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b as well. As locations where the temperature sensors 10 are arranged, for example, inside the aseptic surge tank 19, near the outlet of the aseptic surge tank 19, and near the drain for discharging heating steam when performing SIP with heating steam, the temperature sensors 10 are respectively arranged. Information on the temperatures measured by these temperature sensors 10 is transmitted to the controller 17.

[0075] Also, as shown in FIG. 1, temperature sensors 10 are arranged at various locations including locations where the temperature is less likely to rise during SIP for the downstream piping section 7c as well. As locations where this temperature sensor 10 is arranged, for example, the bent portion in the middle of the pipeline from the downstream manifold valve 23 towards the filling nozzle 2a, near the inlet and outlet of the filling machine tank 11, between the filling machine manifold 2b and the filling nozzle 2a inside the filling machine 2, and inside the filling nozzle 2a can be mentioned, and the temperature sensors 10 are respectively arranged in these pipelines. Information on the temperatures measured by these temperature sensors 10 is transmitted to the controller 17.

[0076] As shown in FIG. 6, temperature sensors 10 are arranged at various locations including locations where the temperature is less likely to rise during SIP for the carbon dioxide gas addition piping section 45. As locations where the temperature is less likely to rise, for example, inside the carbon dioxide gas addition device 21, near the outlet of the carbon dioxide gas addition device 21, among the pipelines from the carbonated beverage surge tank 22 towards the downstream manifold valve 23, near the outlet of the carbonated beverage surge tank 22, and the bent portion in the middle can be mentioned, and the temperature sensors 10 are respectively arranged in these pipelines. Information on the temperatures measured by these temperature sensors 10 is transmitted to the controller 17.

[0077] Note that since the balance tank 5, the aseptic surge tank 19, the carbonated beverage surge tank 47, the filler tank 11, and the downstream storage tank 25 may be subjected to CIP or SIP at temperatures exceeding 100°C, it is preferable that these tanks are tanks corresponding to first-class pressure vessels capable of storing or flowing a heating fluid at a temperature exceeding 100°C. Here, the heating fluid is a cleaning liquid, water, air, or steam to be heated. The water may be sterile water, and the air may be sterile air.

[0078] In order to perform CIP or SIP or both CIP and SIP simultaneously on the downstream piping section 7c, cups 9 that can be respectively attached to and detached from the opening of the filling nozzle 2a of the filler 2 are arranged. When performing CIP or SIP, each cup 9 is joined to the opening at the tip of the filling nozzle 2a of the filler 2 by an actuator (not shown), so that the cup 9 serving as the start end of the downstream return path 6c is connected to the opening of the filling nozzle 2a.

[0079] As shown in FIG. 12, a carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 41 extending from the filler tank 11 to the filling nozzle 2a is provided in the aseptic filler for filling carbonated beverages. The carbon dioxide gas supplied from the filler tank 11 may be distributed from a carbon dioxide gas supply manifold and supplied to the filling nozzle 2a. The outlet of the carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 41 is at the tip of the filling nozzle 2a, and when the cup 9 is joined to the tip of the filling nozzle 2a, the carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 41 is connected to the downstream circulation path. Further, a carbon dioxide gas discharge pipe 42 for discharging carbon dioxide gas from the tip of the filling nozzle 2a is provided, and the carbon dioxide gas discharge pipe 42 is connected to the circulation manifold 43, thereby being connected to the downstream circulation path. The carbon dioxide gas discharge pipes 42 may be aggregated by a carbon dioxide gas discharge manifold and connected to the circulation manifold 43.

[0080] Generally, when filling a carbonated beverage during the operation of an aseptic filling machine, the carbon dioxide gas supplied from the carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 41 is supplied to the bottle 4, and when the beverage is filled, the carbon dioxide gas in the bottle 4 flows backward and once returns to the filling machine tank 11. When the beverage is filled, the carbon dioxide gas remaining in the headspace between the tip of the filling nozzle 2a and the bottle 4 is discharged from the carbon dioxide gas discharge pipe 42. When discharging excess carbon dioxide gas, the carbon dioxide gas discharge pipe 42 discharges the carbon dioxide gas into the filling section chamber 3 before reaching the circulation manifold 43 by operating a three-way valve 44 provided midway.

[0081] Note that the beverage supply system pipe 7 is provided with an upstream manifold valve 8, a downstream manifold valve 23, a heating steam supply device 21, a cleaning liquid supply device 22, a sterile water supply device 27, a sterile air supply device 28, an actuator (not shown), a pump for flowing a fluid, a valve for controlling the flow of the fluid, etc., and these are controlled by the output from the controller 17 shown in FIG. 1.

[0082] Next, a method for shifting from CIP to SIP, a rinsing method, and a beverage product manufacturing process in the cleaning and sterilization method of the aseptic filling machine will be described with reference to FIGS. 2 to 12.

[0083] (CIP) When an operation button on a panel (not shown) of the controller 17 is operated, CIP is executed for the upstream circulation path, the aseptic surge tank circulation path, the carbon dioxide gas addition pipe section 45, and the downstream circulation path of the aseptic filling machine in respective predetermined procedures. At this time, the upstream manifold valve 8 and the downstream manifold valve 23 block the spaces between the upstream pipe section 7a, the aseptic surge tank pipe section 7b, the carbon dioxide gas addition pipe section 45, and the downstream pipe section 7c. CIP is performed by supplying a cleaning liquid from the cleaning liquid supply device 22 to each circulation path and circulating the supplied cleaning liquid through each circulation path. By circulating the cleaning liquid, the residue of the beverage that flowed through the beverage supply system pipe 7 when the aseptic filling machine was operated last time is removed.

[0084] The cleaning liquid is an alkaline cleaning liquid added with an alkaline agent obtained by mixing an alkaline agent such as caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate, sodium phosphate, sodium hypochlorite, a surfactant, and a chelating agent (metal sequestering agent) such as sodium gluconate or ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in water, or an acidic cleaning liquid added with an acidic agent such as nitric acid or phosphoric acid. The water can be any water that does not contain foreign substances such as ion-exchanged water, distilled water, or tap water.

[0085] The alkaline cleaning liquid contains, but is not limited to, lithium carbonate, ammonium carbonate, magnesium carbonate, calcium carbonate, propylene carbonate, and mixtures thereof. Also, it may contain sodium bicarbonate, potassium bicarbonate, lithium bicarbonate, ammonium bicarbonate, magnesium bicarbonate, calcium bicarbonate which are bicarbonates, and sodium sesquicarbonate, potassium sesquicarbonate, lithium sesquicarbonate and mixtures thereof which are sesquicarbonates.

[0086] The acidic cleaning liquid contains, but is not limited to, hydrochloric acid, sulfuric acid, acetic acid, citric acid, lactic acid, formic acid, glycolic acid, methanesulfonic acid, sulfamic acid, and mixtures thereof, in addition to the above-mentioned nitric acid-based and phosphoric acid-based ones.

[0087] The cleaning liquid may contain various bleaching agents such as hypochlorite, hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, peroctanoic acid, persulfate, perborate, hydrosulfite, thiourea dioxide, and percarbonate. Furthermore, the cleaning liquid may contain a water softening agent such as aluminosilicate or polycarboxylate, and may also contain an anti-redeposition agent such as sodium phosphate, sodium polyacrylate, or sodium carboxylate. Additionally, enzymes, solvents, fatty acids, foam regulators, active oxygen sources, etc. may be added to the cleaning liquid.

[0088] In the CIP, it is not limited to flowing the acidic cleaning liquid after flowing the alkaline cleaning liquid. For example, the alkaline cleaning liquid may be flowed after flowing the acidic cleaning liquid, or the acidic cleaning liquid and the alkaline cleaning liquid may be alternately flowed a plurality of times. Also, CIP may be performed by flowing only either the acidic cleaning liquid or the alkaline cleaning liquid.

[0089] The CIP of the upstream circulation path is performed by circulating the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 22 through the upstream circulation path via the balance tank 5, the heat sterilization device 18, and the upstream manifold valve 8 provided in the upstream piping section 7a of the beverage supply system piping 7 as shown by the solid line in FIG. 2. A certain amount of cleaning liquid is always or intermittently supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 22 to remove the residue of the previous beverage adhering in the upstream piping section 7a while circulating. In order to activate the cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid may be heated to a predetermined temperature by the heat sterilization device 18 provided in the upstream piping section 7a. The temperature for heating is 60°C to 140°C. By heating, the cleaning effect is enhanced and the sterilization effect can also be exerted. Also, the circulated cleaning liquid may be appropriately discharged outside the device. After circulating the cleaning liquid in the upstream circulation path at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, water or sterile water is supplied to the upstream circulation path to wash away the cleaning liquid. CIP is terminated by washing away the cleaning liquid. The start to the end of CIP is managed by the controller 17.

[0090] CIP of the aseptic surge tank circulation path is performed by circulating the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 22 through the upstream manifold valve 8 provided in the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b, the aseptic surge tank 19, and the downstream manifold valve 23 via the aseptic surge tank circulation path as shown by the solid line in Fig. 3. A certain amount of cleaning liquid is always or intermittently supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 22 to remove the residue of the previous beverage adhering in the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b while circulating. In order to activate the cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid may be heated to a predetermined temperature by a heat exchange device provided in the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b. Also, the circulated cleaning liquid may be appropriately discharged outside the device. Then, after circulating the cleaning liquid in the aseptic surge tank circulation path at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, water or sterile water is supplied to the aseptic surge tank circulation path to wash away the cleaning liquid. The CIP is terminated by washing away the cleaning liquid. The start to the end of the CIP is managed by the controller 17.

[0091] Since the aseptic surge tank 19 has a large capacity and it is difficult to fill it with the cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid is sprayed onto the inner surface of the aseptic surge tank 19. The spraying of the cleaning liquid is performed by a rotating spray ball or the like at the upper part of the tank.

[0092] For the CIP of the carbon dioxide addition piping section 45, as shown by the thick line in Fig. 7, the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 22 is made to flow from the downstream manifold valve 23 to the carbon dioxide addition device 46 and the carbonated beverage surge tank 47, and is circulated through the carbon dioxide addition piping section 45 that forms a circulation path leading to the downstream manifold valve 23. A fixed amount of cleaning liquid is constantly or intermittently supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 22, and the residue of the previous beverage adhering to the inside of the carbon dioxide addition piping section 45 is removed while being circulated. In order to activate the cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid may be heated to a predetermined temperature by a heat exchange device provided in the carbon dioxide addition piping section 45. Also, the circulated cleaning liquid may be appropriately discharged outside the device. Then, after circulating the cleaning liquid in the carbon dioxide addition piping section 45 at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, water or sterile water is supplied to the carbon dioxide addition piping section 45 to wash away the cleaning liquid. The CIP is terminated by washing away the cleaning liquid. The start to the end of the CIP is managed by the controller 17.

[0093] For the CIP of the downstream circulation path, the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 22 is circulated through the downstream circulation path passing through the downstream manifold valve 23, the filling machine tank 11, and the filling machine 2, as shown by the solid line in Fig. 4. A fixed amount of cleaning liquid is constantly or intermittently supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 22, and the residue of the previous beverage adhering to the inside of the downstream piping section 7c is removed while being circulated. In order to activate the cleaning liquid, the cleaning liquid may be heated to a predetermined temperature by a heat exchange device 24 provided in the downstream circulation path. The temperature for heating is 60°C to 140°C, and by heating, the cleaning effect is enhanced and the sterilization effect can also be exhibited. After circulating the cleaning liquid in the downstream circulation path at a predetermined temperature for a predetermined time, water or sterile water is supplied to the downstream circulation path to wash away the cleaning liquid. The CIP is terminated by washing away the cleaning liquid. The start to the end of the CIP is managed by the controller 17.

[0094] Before performing CIP on the downstream circulation path, the cup 9 is joined to the opening of the filling nozzle 2a, and a drain pipe 20 connected to the downstream return path 6c is connected to the filling nozzle 2a, so that the cleaning liquid can circulate through the downstream return path 6c. The drain pipe 20 of each filling nozzle 2a is connected to the circulation manifold 43, and the cleaning liquid is aggregated.

[0095] As shown in FIG. 4, the downstream circulation path circulates the cleaning liquid by the downstream circulation pump 26. From the filling nozzle 2a through the cup 9, the cleaning liquid reaches the downstream circulation pump 26 through the drain pipe 20, passes through the downstream storage tank 25, and circulates. FIG. 9 shows the details of the circulation path of the downstream circulation path. The cleaning liquid is stored in the downstream storage tank 25 and circulated to the downstream circulation path by the downstream circulation pump 26. A pipe provided with downstream circulation valves 29a, 29b, 29c, and 29d is provided. By opening the downstream circulation valves 29a and 29d and closing 29b and 29c, the cleaning liquid stored in the downstream storage tank 25 passes through the downstream circulation pump 26, the heat exchanger 24, the valve 29a, the manifold valve 23, the filling machine tank 11, the filling machine 2, the filling nozzle 2a, the cup 9, the drain pipe 20, the valve 29d, and the downstream storage tank 25, and reaches the downstream circulation pump 26 and circulates.

[0096] FIG. 10 shows a state in which CIP for causing the cleaning liquid to flow backward is being performed on the downstream piping section 7c from the filling machine tank 11 to the filling nozzle 2a, which is different from the case of FIG. 9. The cleaning liquid is stored in the downstream storage tank 25 and circulated to the downstream circulation path by the downstream circulation pump 26. By opening the downstream circulation valves 29b and 29c and closing 29a and 29d, the cleaning liquid stored in the downstream storage tank 25 passes through the heat exchanger 24 from the downstream circulation pump 26, passes through the valve 29c, the drain pipe 20, the cup 9, the filling nozzle 2a, the filling machine 2, the filling machine tank 11, the manifold valve 23, passes through the valve 29b, passes through the downstream storage tank 25, and reaches the downstream circulation pump 26 and circulates.

[0097] The flow in Fig. 9 is the flow direction for actually filling the beverage. If this is set as the normal flow direction, the cleaning liquid is flowed in this direction to perform CIP. However, in the location where the beverage in the downstream piping section 7c stagnates, especially the filling valve, there are cases where the residues of the beverage cannot be completely removed by the CIP in the normal flow direction. In this case, as shown in Fig. 7, by reversing the flow of the cleaning liquid, it may be possible to completely remove the residues of the beverage by the CIP in the normal flow direction. When the beverage remains due to the CIP in the normal flow direction, CIP may be performed by flowing the cleaning liquid in the reverse flow direction in the downstream circulation path. It may flow in the normal flow direction and then in the reverse flow direction, and this may be repeated. Although it takes a long time to remove the residues of the filling nozzle 2a only in the normal flow direction, by flowing the cleaning liquid in the reverse flow direction, it can be removed in a short time.

[0098] The multiple filling nozzles 2a are divided into a plurality of groups, and the cleaning liquid may be flowed through the divided group of filling nozzles 2a. Fig. 11 shows a state where the filling nozzle 2a is divided into three, but any number may be used as long as it is plural. The number of divisions is preferably 2 to 5, and if it is 6 or more, it will rather require a long time for CIP.

[0099] By raising the rod 37 shown in Fig. 12 to open the filling nozzle 2a, the cleaning liquid flows through the divided group of filling nozzles 2a. The filling nozzles 2a through which the cleaning liquid does not flow are closed by lowering the rod 37.

[0100] As shown by the solid line in Fig. 4, in the downstream circulation path, the cleaning liquid is circulated by the downstream circulation pump 26. From the downstream manifold valve 23, through the filling machine tank 11, the filling machine manifold 2b, the divided filling nozzles 2a, through the cup 9, the cleaning liquid reaches the downstream circulation pump 26 through the drain pipe 20, the circulation manifold 43, and the downstream storage tank 25 and circulates.

[0101] Fig. 9 shows the details of the circulation path of the downstream circulation path. The cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 22 and stored in the downstream storage tank 25. The cleaning liquid stored in the downstream storage tank 25 is circulated through the downstream circulation path by the downstream circulation pump 26. A pipe equipped with downstream circulation valves 29a, 29b, 29c, and 29d is provided. By opening the downstream circulation valves 29a and 29d and closing 29b and 29c, the cleaning liquid stored in the downstream storage tank 25 passes through the downstream circulation pump 26, the heat exchanger 24, the valve 29a, the downstream manifold valve 23, the filling machine tank 11, the filling machine manifold 2b, the divided filling nozzle 2a, the cup 9, the drain pipe 20, the circulation manifold 43, the valve 29d, and the downstream storage tank 25, and reaches the downstream circulation pump 26 and circulates.

[0102] Fig. 10 shows a state in which, unlike the case of Fig. 9, CIP for causing the cleaning liquid to flow backward is being performed on the downstream piping section 7c from the downstream manifold valve 23 to the filling nozzle 2a from the filling machine tank 11. The cleaning liquid is stored in the downstream storage tank 25 and circulated through the downstream circulation path by the downstream circulation pump 26. By opening the downstream circulation valves 29b and 29c and closing 29a and 29d, the cleaning liquid stored in the downstream storage tank 25 passes from the downstream circulation pump 26 through the heat exchanger 24, the valve 29c, the circulation manifold 43, the drain pipe 20, the cup 9, the divided filling nozzle 2a, the filling machine manifold 2b, the filling machine tank 11, the downstream manifold valve 23, through the valve 29b, through the downstream storage tank 25, and reaches the downstream circulation pump 26 and circulates.

[0103] The flow in Fig. 9 is the flow direction for actually filling the beverage. If this is set as the forward flow direction, the cleaning liquid is made to flow in this direction for CIP. However, in the location where the beverage in the downstream piping section 7c stagnates, particularly the filling nozzle 2a, there are cases where the residues of the beverage cannot be completely removed by the CIP in the forward flow direction. In this case, as shown in Fig. 10, by reversing the flow of the cleaning liquid, there are cases where the residues of the beverage by the CIP in the forward flow direction can be completely removed. Not only the CIP in the forward flow direction, but also a CIP is performed in which the cleaning liquid is made to flow in the reverse direction in the downstream circulation path. After the cleaning liquid is made to flow in the forward flow direction, it is made to flow in the reverse direction, and this may be repeated. The residues of the divided filling nozzle 2a require a long time to be removed only by the forward flow direction, but can be removed in a short time by making the cleaning liquid flow in the reverse direction.

[0104] The CIP of the divided filling nozzle 2a is completed by circulating the cleaning liquid in the downstream circulation path including the divided filling nozzle 2a in the forward flow direction and the reverse flow direction for a predetermined time. The divided group of filling nozzles 2a for which the CIP has been completed is closed, another divided group of filling nozzles 2a is opened, a downstream circulation path including the other divided group of filling nozzles 2a is formed, and the cleaning liquid is circulated in this in the forward flow direction and the reverse flow direction for a predetermined time. Thereafter, CIP is sequentially performed for the downstream circulation path including the other divided group of filling nozzles 2a.

[0105] Fig. 12 shows the filling nozzle 2a. The filling nozzle 2a is arranged around the filling wheel 34. The filling machine manifold 2b and the filling nozzle 2a are connected by a beverage supply pipe 35, and the beverage is supplied from the filling machine manifold 2b to the filling nozzle 2a via the beverage supply pipe 35. The beverage supplied to the filling nozzle 2a passes between the filling liquid flow path pipe 38 and the rod 37 by raising the rod 37 by the opening and closing piston 36, and the beverage flows out from the tip of the opening filling nozzle 2a. When the cleaning liquid is made to flow in the forward flow direction or the reverse flow direction, the filling nozzle 2a has the rod 37 in the raised position, and the cleaning liquid flows forward or backward in the filling nozzle 2a. By making the cleaning liquid flow forward or backward, the residues adhering to the inside of the beverage supply pipe 35, the outer wall of the rod 37, and the inner wall of the filling liquid flow path pipe 38 are removed.

[0106] The filling nozzle 2a for filling carbonated beverages is provided with a carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 41 for supplying carbon dioxide gas and a carbon dioxide gas discharge pipe 42 for discharging carbon dioxide gas. When flowing the cleaning liquid through the downstream circulation path, the cleaning liquid is also made to flow through the carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 41 and the carbon dioxide gas discharge pipe 42. It is possible to simultaneously flow the cleaning liquid through the carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 41 and the carbon dioxide gas discharge pipe 42 provided in the divided filling nozzle 2a through which the cleaning liquid flows, but it is also possible to flow the cleaning liquid through the carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 41 and the carbon dioxide gas discharge pipe 42 provided in the filling nozzle 2a through which the cleaning liquid does not flow. In this case, the filling nozzle 2a is closed, but the valves of the carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 41 and the carbon dioxide gas discharge pipe 42 are opened.

[0107] Since the carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 41 is provided between the filling machine tank 11 and the filling nozzle 2a, the cleaning liquid can be made to flow in the forward or reverse direction. A carbon dioxide gas supply manifold is provided between the filling machine tank 11 and the filling nozzle 2a. Also, the carbon dioxide gas discharge pipe 42 can make the cleaning liquid flow in the forward or reverse direction between the filling nozzle 2a and the circulation manifold 43. A carbon dioxide gas discharge manifold is provided between the filling nozzle 2a and the circulation manifold 43.

[0108] (SIP) When CIP is completed, SIP is executed for each of the upstream pipe section 7a, the aseptic surge tank pipe section 7b, the carbon dioxide gas addition pipe section 45, and the downstream pipe section 7c in respective predetermined procedures. Similar to CIP, SIP shuts off between the upstream pipe section 7a, the aseptic surge tank pipe section 7b, the carbon dioxide gas addition pipe section 45, and the downstream pipe section 7c by the upstream manifold valve 8 and the downstream manifold valve 23. The SIPs of the upstream pipe section 7a, the aseptic surge tank pipe section 7b, the carbon dioxide gas addition pipe section 45, and the downstream pipe section 7c can be performed in parallel with each other. Even if there is a pipe section where CIP is still being performed, it is also possible to perform SIP in parallel. When performing the SIPs of the upstream pipe section 7a, the aseptic surge tank pipe section 7b, the carbon dioxide gas addition pipe section 45, and the downstream pipe section 7c, the pipelines within the upstream manifold valve 8 and the downstream manifold valve 23 are also subjected to SIP with heated steam.

[0109] The case of performing SIP on the upstream-side piping section 7a will be described. When performing CIP, while circulating the cleaning liquid used in CIP through the upstream-side circulation path without stopping the liquid feed pump that was operating during CIP, the cleaning liquid is heated to the temperature required for SIP by the heat sterilizer 18, and SIP is performed by circulating the heated and temperature-increased cleaning liquid through the upstream-side circulation path. At this time, since the liquid feed pump is not stopped, the temperature is increased to the temperature for performing SIP without decreasing the set temperature of the heat sterilizer 18 that was temperature-increased during CIP, so the temperature inside the upstream-side piping section 7a including the heat sterilizer 18 does not decrease when shifting from CIP to SIP.

[0110] After the completion of CIP, the cleaning liquid used in CIP may be heated to the temperature required for SIP by the heat sterilizer 18 while being circulated, or the cleaning liquid may be heated to the temperature required for SIP from the initial stage of CIP, and CIP and SIP may be performed simultaneously.

[0111] Water may be introduced from the balance tank 5 in the upstream-side circulation path, the cleaning liquid used in CIP may be flushed out from the upstream-side circulation path, and then the water may be heated to the temperature required for SIP by the heat sterilizer 18 and circulated through the upstream-side circulation path to perform SIP on the upstream-side piping section 7a.

[0112] When the heated cleaning liquid or water flows through the upstream-side circulation path, the temperature measured by the temperature sensors 10 arranged at various locations in the upstream-side piping section 7a is sent to the controller 17 at regular time intervals.

[0113] When the pH of the beverage, which is the product liquid filled in the bottle 4, is 4.6 or higher, the sterilization temperature conditions may be determined with the reference temperature Tr being 121.1°C and the Z value being 10°C. After heating the cleaning liquid used last in CIP or the water after flushing out the cleaning liquid to the temperature required for SIP in the heat sterilizer 18, when the temperature at each location in the upstream-side piping section 7a reaches 121.1°C, the F value at each location is calculated by the controller 17 from that point. The calculation formula is as follows.

[0114]

Number

[0115] Among the respective F values calculated based on the above calculation formula, when the minimum F value reaches the target value, the upstream piping section 7a is considered to have completed sterilization. Note that the sterilization method is not limited to the method of calculating the F value and determining the completion of sterilization. For example, as is conventionally known, sterilization may be completed by a method using temperature and time.

[0116] When the minimum value of the calculated F value reaches the target value, the upstream piping section 7a finishes the SIP with the sterilization completed. However, the minimum value of the temperature measured by the temperature sensors 10 arranged at various locations of the upstream piping section 7a can be selected, and the F value calculated based on the minimum value can be integrated. It is also acceptable to consider the sterilization completed when the integrated F value reaches the target value. The arithmetic unit can be simplified compared to calculating the F value for all measured temperatures.

[0117] Note that in the F value calculation formula, the reference temperature Tr and the Z value can be changed according to the type of the beverage which is the product liquid. For example, when the pH of the product liquid is less than 4 to 4.6, the reference temperature Tr = 85°C and the Z value = 7.8°C can be set. When the pH of the product liquid is less than 4, the reference temperature Tr = 65°C and the Z value = 5°C can be set. That is, it is also possible to appropriately change the values substituted into the above calculation formula according to the microbial growth characteristics of the product liquid, such as green tea beverages, mineral water, chilled beverages, etc., and the distribution temperature. Therefore, the temperature required for SIP changes depending on the type of beverage to be filled next. Thus, regarding the transition from CIP treatment to SIP treatment, CIP may be performed at a higher temperature than SIP.

[0118] The case of performing SIP on the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b will be described. Without stopping the liquid feed pump that was operating during CIP, while circulating the cleaning liquid used in CIP through the aseptic surge tank circulation path, the cleaning liquid is heated to the temperature required for SIP by the heat exchanger, and SIP is performed by the heated cleaning liquid circulating through the aseptic surge tank circulation path. When the cleaning liquid is sprayed with a rotating spray ball, the cleaning liquid to be sprayed is heated to the temperature required for SIP and sprayed into the aseptic surge tank 19 to perform SIP on the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b.

[0119] After the completion of CIP, it is also possible to heat the cleaning liquid used in CIP to the temperature required for SIP while circulating it, but it is also possible to heat the cleaning liquid to the temperature required for SIP from the initial stage of CIP and perform CIP and SIP simultaneously.

[0120] It is also possible to introduce water from the aseptic water supply device, wash out the cleaning liquid used in CIP from the aseptic surge tank circulation path, then heat the water to the temperature required for SIP with the heat exchanger, and perform SIP on the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b by circulating the heated water through the aseptic surge tank circulation path.

[0121] It is also possible to perform SIP by flowing heated steam through the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b. By performing SIP on the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b with heated steam, the cleaning liquid remaining in the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b is washed out. At the beginning of SIP, it is also possible to flow heated steam from the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b to the aseptic surge tank return path 6b to wash out the cleaning liquid remaining in the aseptic surge tank return path 6b.

[0122] Heated steam is supplied from the heated steam supply device 21 to the upstream manifold valve 8, the heated steam supplied to the upstream manifold valve 8 is supplied to the aseptic surge tank 19, and the heated steam supplied to the aseptic surge tank 19 is discharged from the steam drain through the downstream manifold valve 23. The supplied heated steam is obtained by heating and vaporizing water that does not contain foreign substances such as ion-exchanged water, distilled water, or tap water, and is usually at 121.1 °C or higher, but may be at 100 °C or higher in some cases. Although water is directly heated and vaporized, water may also be indirectly heated and vaporized using steam generated by a boiler as a heat source.

[0123] When performing SIP in the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b, the temperature measured by the temperature sensors 10 arranged at various locations in the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b is sent to the controller 17 at regular time intervals.

[0124] When the pH of the beverage, which is the product liquid filled in the bottle 4, is 4.6 or higher, the sterilization temperature conditions may be determined with the reference temperature Tr being 121.1 °C and the Z value being 10 °C. When the temperature at each location in the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b reaches 121.1 °C, the F value at each location is calculated by the controller 17 according to the above-mentioned formula (1) from that point on.

[0125] When the minimum F value among the F values calculated based on the calculation formula reaches the target value, the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b is considered to have completed sterilization and the SIP ends. Note that the sterilization method is not limited to the method of calculating the F value and determining the completion of sterilization as described above. For example, the sterilization may be considered complete by a method using temperature and time as known conventionally.

[0126] When the minimum value of the calculated F value reaches the target value, the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b is considered to have completed sterilization. However, it is also acceptable to select the minimum value of the temperature measured by the temperature sensors 10 arranged at various locations in the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b, integrate the F value calculated based on the minimum value, and consider the sterilization completed when the integrated F value reaches the target value. This can simplify the arithmetic unit compared to calculating the F value for all measured temperatures.

[0127] In the above F value calculation formula, the reference temperature Tr and Z value can be changed according to the type of beverage, which is the product liquid. For example, when the pH of the product liquid is less than 4 to 4.6, the reference temperature Tr = 85°C and the Z value = 7.8°C can be set. When the pH of the product liquid is less than 4, the reference temperature Tr = 65°C and the Z value = 5°C can be set. That is, it is also possible to appropriately change the values substituted into the calculation formula according to the microbial growth characteristics, distribution temperature, etc. of the product liquid, such as green tea beverages, mineral waters, chilled beverages, etc. Therefore, the temperature required for SIP changes depending on the type of beverage to be filled next.

[0128] The case of performing SIP on the carbon dioxide gas addition piping section 45 will be described. Without stopping the liquid transfer pump that was operating during CIP, while circulating the cleaning liquid used in CIP through the carbon dioxide gas addition piping section 45, the cleaning liquid is heated to the temperature required for SIP by the heat exchanger, and SIP is performed by circulating the heated and temperature - raised cleaning liquid through the carbon dioxide gas addition piping section 45.

[0129] After the end of CIP, it is also acceptable to heat the cleaning liquid to the temperature required for SIP by the heat exchanger while circulating the cleaning liquid used in CIP. However, it is also acceptable to heat the cleaning liquid to the temperature required for SIP from the initial stage of CIP and perform CIP and SIP simultaneously.

[0130] It is also acceptable to introduce water from the aseptic water supply device, flush it out from the inside of the carbon dioxide gas addition piping section 45 used in CIP, then heat the water to the temperature required for SIP by the heat exchanger, and perform SIP on the carbon dioxide gas addition piping section 45 by circulating the heated water through the carbon dioxide gas addition piping section 45.

[0131] Heating steam may be passed through the carbon dioxide addition pipe section 45 to perform SIP. By performing SIP on the carbon dioxide addition pipe section 45 with heating steam, the cleaning liquid remaining in the carbon dioxide addition pipe section 45 is washed away. At the beginning of SIP, heating steam may be passed through the carbon dioxide addition pipe section 45 to wash away the cleaning liquid remaining in the carbon dioxide addition pipe section 45.

[0132] When performing SIP inside the carbon dioxide addition pipe section 45, the temperature measured by the temperature sensors 10 arranged at various locations of the carbon dioxide addition pipe section 45 is sent to the controller 17 at regular time intervals.

[0133] When the pH of the beverage, which is the product liquid filled in the bottle 4, is 4.6 or higher, the sterilization temperature conditions may be determined with the reference temperature Tr being 121.1°C and the Z value being 10°C. When the temperature at each location of the aseptic surge tank pipe section 7b reaches 121.1°C, from that point on, the F value at each location is calculated by the controller 17 according to the aforementioned formula (1).

[0134] Among the F values calculated based on the calculation formula, when the minimum F value reaches the target value, the carbon dioxide addition pipe section 45 is considered to have completed sterilization and SIP ends. Note that the sterilization method is not limited to the method of calculating the F value as described above to determine the completion of sterilization. For example, as is conventionally known, the sterilization may be considered complete by using a method that involves temperature and time.

[0135] When the minimum value of the calculated F value reaches the target value, the carbon dioxide addition pipe section 45 is considered to have completed sterilization. However, the minimum value of the temperature measured by the temperature sensors 10 arranged at various locations of the carbon dioxide addition pipe section 45 may be selected, the F value calculated from the minimum value may be integrated, and the sterilization may be considered complete when the integrated F value reaches the target value. The arithmetic unit can be simplified compared to calculating the F value for all measured temperatures.

[0136] In the calculation formula of the above F value, the reference temperature Tr and 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 to 4.6, the reference temperature Tr = 85°C and the Z value = 7.8°C can be set, and when the pH of the product liquid is less than 4, the reference temperature Tr = 65°C and the Z value = 5°C can be set. That is, it is also possible to appropriately change the values substituted into the calculation formula according to the microbial growth characteristics, distribution temperature, etc. of the product liquid, such as green tea beverages, mineral water, chilled beverages, etc. Therefore, the temperature required for SIP changes depending on the type of beverage to be filled next.

[0137] Next, the SIP for the downstream piping section 7c will be described. Without stopping the downstream circulation pump 26 that was operating during CIP, while circulating the cleaning liquid used in CIP through the downstream circulation path, the cleaning liquid is heated to the temperature required for SIP by the heat exchanger 24 provided in the downstream return path 6c, and SIP is performed by circulating through the downstream circulation path. At this time, since the downstream circulation pump 26 is not stopped and the cleaning liquid is heated to the temperature required for SIP without lowering the temperature inside the downstream piping section 7c that was heated during CIP, when shifting from CIP to SIP, the temperature inside the downstream piping section 7c including the filling machine 2 does not decrease.

[0138] As described above, for CIP, the cleaning liquid may flow in the forward direction and further in the reverse direction, but when heating the cleaning liquid to the temperature required for SIP and performing SIP, the cleaning liquid may also be made to flow in the reverse direction.

[0139] After the completion of CIP, while circulating the cleaning liquid used in CIP, the cleaning liquid may be heated to the temperature required for SIP by the heat exchanger 24, but the cleaning liquid may be heated to the temperature required for SIP from the initial stage of CIP, and CIP and SIP may be performed simultaneously. The cleaning liquid heated to the temperature required for SIP may flow in the reverse direction. By flowing the cleaning liquid heated to the temperature required for SIP in the forward direction and then in the reverse direction, the effect of CIP is improved. The effect of SIP is that the cleaning effect is enhanced compared to the case of only flowing in the forward direction, and it is improved by completely removing the residues.

[0140] Supply sterile water from the sterile water supply device 27 shown in Fig. 9 to the downstream storage tank 25 of the downstream circulation path, wash away the cleaning liquid in the downstream circulation path with the supplied sterile water, and discharge the cleaning liquid washed away from the discharge valve 31 connected to the drain pipe 20.

[0141] After that, it is also possible to perform SIP on the downstream piping section 7c by heating the sterile water to the temperature required for SIP in the heat exchanger 24 and circulating the heated sterile water through the downstream circulation path. Since the sterile water supplied to the downstream storage tank 25 of the downstream circulation path is heat-sterilized in the heat exchanger 24, it may be non-sterile water instead of sterile water as long as the required sterilization value for the product is obtained. The heated sterile water may flow in the reverse direction. The effect of SIP is the same as when flowing in the forward direction.

[0142] When the cleaning liquid flows through the downstream circulation path, the temperature measured by the temperature sensors 10 arranged at various locations of the downstream piping section 7c including the filling nozzle 2a is sent to the controller 17 at regular time intervals.

[0143] When the pH of the beverage, which is the product liquid to be filled in the bottle 4, is 4.6 or higher, the sterilization temperature conditions may be determined with the reference temperature Tr being 121.1°C and the Z value being 10°C. Heat the cleaning liquid used last in CIP to the temperature required for SIP in the heat exchanger 24. When the temperature at each location of the downstream piping section 7c reaches 121.1°C, the F value at each location is calculated by the controller 17 according to the aforementioned formula 1 from that point.

[0144] When the minimum F value among the F values calculated based on the calculation formula reaches the target value, the downstream piping section 7c is considered to have completed sterilization and the SIP ends. Note that the sterilization method is not limited to the method of calculating the F value and determining the completion of sterilization as described above, and the sterilization may be considered complete by a method using temperature and time as known in the art.

[0145] When the minimum value of the calculated F value reaches the target value, the sterilization of the downstream pipe section 7c is completed. However, the minimum value of the temperature measured by the temperature sensors 10 arranged at various locations of the downstream pipe section 7c can be selected, and the F value calculated based on the minimum value can be integrated. It is also acceptable to consider the sterilization completed when the integrated F value reaches the target value. The arithmetic unit can be simplified compared to calculating the F value for all measured temperatures.

[0146] In the calculation formula of the F value, the reference temperature Tr and the Z value can be changed according to the type of the beverage which is the product liquid. For example, when the pH of the product liquid is less than 4 to 4.6, the reference temperature Tr = 85°C and the Z value = 7.8°C can be set. When the pH of the product liquid is less than 4, the reference temperature Tr = 65°C and the Z value = 5°C can be set. That is, it is also possible to appropriately change the values substituted into the above calculation formula according to the microbial growth characteristics, distribution temperature, etc. of the product liquid, such as green tea beverages, mineral water, chilled beverages, etc. Therefore, the temperature required for SIP changes depending on the type of beverage to be filled next. Thus, regarding the transition from CIP treatment to SIP treatment, CIP may be performed at a higher temperature than SIP.

[0147] Furthermore, the SIP for the downstream piping section 7c including the divided filling nozzle 2a will be described. When performing CIP on the downstream piping section 7c including the divided filling nozzle 2a, without stopping the downstream circulation pump 26 that was operating, while circulating the cleaning liquid used for CIP of the divided filling nozzle 2a in the downstream circulation path, the cleaning liquid is heated to the temperature required for SIP of the divided filling nozzle 2a by the heat exchanger 24 provided in the downstream return path 6c, and SIP is performed on the downstream piping section 7c including the divided filling nozzle 2a by circulating through the downstream circulation path. At this time, the downstream circulation pump 26 is not stopped, and without lowering the temperature inside the downstream piping section 7c that increased during CIP of the downstream piping section 7c including the divided filling nozzle 2a, the cleaning liquid is heated to the temperature required for SIP of the downstream piping section 7c including the divided filling nozzle 2a. Therefore, when transitioning from CIP of the divided filling nozzle 2a to SIP of the divided filling nozzle 2a, there is no decrease in the temperature inside the downstream piping section 7c including the filling machine 2.

[0148] As described above, for CIP of the downstream circulation path formed including the divided filling nozzle 2a, the cleaning liquid may flow in the forward direction and may also flow in the reverse direction. However, even when performing SIP on the downstream piping section 7c including the divided filling nozzle 2a by heating the cleaning liquid to the temperature required for SIP of the downstream piping section 7c including the divided filling nozzle 2a, the cleaning liquid may be made to flow in the reverse direction.

[0149] After the completion of CIP for the downstream piping section 7c including the divided filling nozzle 2a, the cleaning liquid used in CIP may be circulated and heated to the temperature required for SIP of the downstream piping section 7c including the divided filling nozzle 2a by the heat exchanger 24. However, the cleaning liquid may be heated to the temperature required for SIP of the downstream piping section 7c including the divided filling nozzle 2a from the initial stage of CIP of the downstream piping section 7c including the divided filling nozzle 2a, and CIP of the downstream piping section 7c including the divided filling nozzle 2a and SIP of the downstream piping section 7c including the divided filling nozzle 2a may be performed simultaneously. The cleaning liquid heated to the temperature required for SIP of the downstream piping section 7c including the divided filling nozzle 2a may be flowed in the reverse direction. The cleaning effect of CIP is improved by flowing the cleaning liquid heated to the temperature required for SIP of the downstream piping section 7c including the divided filling nozzle 2a in the forward direction and then in the reverse direction. The effect of SIP is that the cleaning effect is enhanced compared to the case of flowing only in the forward direction, and it is improved by completely removing the residues.

[0150] By raising the temperature of the cleaning liquid flowing for CIP in the downstream circulation path including the divided filling nozzle 2a to the temperature required for SIP and performing CIP and SIP continuously or simultaneously, it is possible to reduce the time required for CIP and SIP. Furthermore, by flowing the cleaning liquid for performing SIP in the reverse direction from the filling nozzle 2a to the filling machine tank 11, the cleaning effect is enhanced, and since the residues can be completely removed, the sterilization effect can be enhanced.

[0151] Supply sterile water from the sterile water supply device 27 shown in Fig. 9 to the downstream storage tank 25 of the downstream circulation path, wash away the cleaning liquid in the downstream circulation path including the divided filling nozzle 2a with the supplied sterile water, and discharge the cleaning liquid washed away from the discharge valve 31 via the circulation manifold 43 connected to the drain pipe 20.

[0152] Thereafter, the aseptic water may be heated to the temperature required for SIP by the heat exchanger 24, and the heated aseptic water may be circulated through the downstream circulation path to perform SIP on the downstream piping section 7c including the divided filling nozzles 2a. The aseptic water supplied to the downstream storage tank 25 of the downstream circulation path is heat-sterilized by the heat exchanger 24, so even if it is unsterilized water instead of aseptic water as long as the sterilization value required for the product can be obtained. The heated aseptic water may be flowed in the reverse direction. The effect of SIP is the same as when flowing in the forward direction.

[0153] When the cleaning liquid flows through the downstream circulation path, the temperature measured by the temperature sensors 10 arranged at various locations in the downstream piping section 7c including the filling nozzles 2a is sent to the controller 17 at regular time intervals.

[0154] When the pH of the beverage, which is the product liquid filled in the bottle 4, is 4.6 or higher, the sterilization temperature conditions may be determined with the reference temperature Tr being 121.1°C and the Z value being 10°C. When the cleaning liquid used last in CIP is heated to the temperature required for SIP in the heat exchanger 24 and the temperature at each location in the downstream piping section 7c including the divided filling nozzles 2a reaches 121.1°C, the F value at each location is calculated by the controller 17 according to the above-mentioned formula 1 from that point.

[0155] When the minimum F value among the F values calculated based on the calculation formula reaches the target value, the downstream piping section 7c including the divided filling nozzles 2a is considered to have completed sterilization and the SIP ends. Note that the sterilization method is not limited to the method of calculating the F value and determining the completion of sterilization as described above, and the sterilization may be considered completed by a method using temperature and time as known in the art.

[0156] When the minimum value of the calculated F value reaches the target value, the downstream pipe section 7c including the filling nozzle 2a that has been divided is considered to have completed sterilization. However, it is also acceptable to select the minimum value of the temperature measured by the temperature sensors 10 arranged at various locations in the downstream pipe section 7c including the divided filling nozzle 2a, calculate the F value based on the minimum value, and consider the sterilization to be complete when the integrated F value reaches the target value. This can simplify the arithmetic unit compared to calculating the F value for all measured temperatures.

[0157] In the formula for calculating the F value, the reference temperature Tr and the Z value can be changed according to the type of beverage, which is the product liquid. For example, when the pH of the product liquid is less than 4 to 4.6, the reference temperature Tr = 85°C and the Z value = 7.8°C can be set. When the pH of the product liquid is less than 4, the reference temperature Tr = 65°C and the Z value = 5°C can be set. That is, it is also possible to appropriately change the values substituted into the above calculation formula according to the microbial growth characteristics of the product liquid, such as green tea beverages, mineral water, chilled beverages, etc., and the distribution temperature. Therefore, the temperature required for SIP changes depending on the type of beverage to be filled next. Thus, regarding the transition from CIP processing to SIP processing, CIP can be performed at a higher temperature than SIP.

[0158] Circulate the cleaning liquid heated to the temperature required for SIP in the forward and reverse directions in the downstream circulation path including the divided filling nozzle 2a. When a predetermined time has passed or the minimum F value reaches the target value, end the SIP of the divided filling nozzle 2a. By lowering the rod 37, close the divided filling nozzle 2a for which the SIP has ended. By raising the rod 37, open the other divided filling nozzles 2a, and circulate the cleaning liquid heated to the temperature required for SIP in the forward and reverse directions in the downstream circulation path including the other divided filling nozzles 2a. Then, perform SIP sequentially for the downstream circulation paths including the divided filling nozzles 2a.

[0159] The filling nozzle 2a for filling carbonated beverages is provided with a carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 41 for supplying carbon dioxide gas and a carbon dioxide gas discharge pipe 42 for discharging carbon dioxide gas. When flowing the cleaning liquid through the downstream circulation path, the cleaning liquid is also flowed through the carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 41 and the carbon dioxide gas discharge pipe 42. It is possible to flow the cleaning liquid heated to the temperature required for SIP simultaneously through the carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 41 and the carbon dioxide gas discharge pipe 42 provided in the divided filling nozzle 2a through which the cleaning liquid is flowed, but it is also possible to flow the cleaning liquid heated to the temperature required for SIP through the carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 41 and the carbon dioxide gas discharge pipe 42 provided in the filling nozzle 2a through which the cleaning liquid is not flowed. In this case, the filling nozzle 2a is closed, but the valves of the carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 41 and the carbon dioxide gas discharge pipe 42 are opened.

[0160] Since the carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 41 is provided between the filling machine tank 11 and the filling nozzle 2a, the cleaning liquid heated to the temperature required for SIP can be made to flow in the forward or reverse direction. Further, since the carbon dioxide gas discharge pipe 42 is provided between the filling nozzle 2a and the circulation manifold 43, the cleaning liquid heated to the temperature required for SIP can be made to flow in the forward or reverse direction.

[0161] (Rinsing) After completing the SIP, the cleaning liquid used for the SIP is discharged from the upstream circulation path, and rinsing is performed to wash away the cleaning liquid remaining in the upstream piping section 7a and the upstream return path 6a with sterile water. The water supplied to the balance tank 5 is heated by the heat sterilization device 18 to produce sterile water, and the produced sterile water is flowed through the upstream circulation path and discharged to wash away the cleaning liquid. At this time, a refrigerant is flowed through the first-stage cooling section 15 and the second-stage cooling section 16 of the heat sterilization device 18, and the cleaning liquid is washed away while cooling the sterile water sterilized in the holding tube 14. The cooling may start at any time after the completion of the SIP. When the cleaning liquid is heated to the temperature required for SIP and SIP is performed, the cleaning liquid is cooled while being circulated. After CIP, when the cleaning liquid is washed away, the water is heated to the temperature required for SIP, and when SIP is performed by circulating the heated water, the water is cooled while being circulated.

[0162] Alternatively, a heat exchanger may be provided between the balance tank 5 and the heat sterilization device 18 or upstream of the balance tank 5 as needed, and when rinsing in the upstream piping section 7a, the heat of the cleaning liquid or water used for rinsing that has been raised by the heat sterilization device 18 during CIP or SIP use in the upstream piping section 7a is exchanged with the low-temperature general water or pure water supplied from the balance tank 5, thereby raising the temperature of the general water or pure water supplied from the balance tank 5 to the heat sterilization device 18 and reducing the burden on the heat sterilization device 18 when raising the temperature of the general water or pure water by the heat sterilization device 18, and the heat efficiency may be improved.

[0163] The production of sterile water in the heat sterilization device 18 is carried out by supplying general water or pure water to the balance tank 5 and heat sterilizing the general water or pure water under sterilization conditions equal to or higher than the sterilization conditions of the beverage to be filled next in the heat sterilization device 18. By setting the sterile water production conditions to the sterilization conditions suitable for the beverage to be filled next, the sterilization conditions of the heat sterilization device 18 are stabilized during rinsing. When the cooling of the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b and the downstream piping section 7c is completed after the rinsing is finished, the beverage can be immediately sterilized to produce the product.

[0164] Immediately after the start of rinsing, the first-stage heating section 12 and the second-stage heating section 13 of the heat sterilization device 18 were heating the cleaning liquid for SIP of the upstream circulation path, so the general water or pure water can be heated to the set temperature. However, the first-stage cooling section 15 and the second-stage cooling section 16 are not operating, and the flow path is also at the temperature conditions of SIP, so it takes time to stabilize the cooling. But it stabilizes during rinsing. After completely removing the cleaning liquid, the rinsing process is completed, and immediately, the beverage to be produced next can be sterilized, cooled, and filled into the bottle 4.

[0165] As described above, the rinsing of the cleaning liquid used for CIP remaining in the aseptic surge tank circulation path can be performed with heated sterile water or heated steam when performing SIP. When rinsing the aseptic surge tank circulation path with only heated sterile water or heated steam is insufficient, the aseptic water produced by the heat sterilizer 18 may be used to rinse the aseptic surge tank circulation path. First, rinse the upstream circulation path, wait in a state of aseptic water circulation, and after the SIP of the aseptic surge tank circulation path is completed, connect the upstream piping section 7a and the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b with the upstream manifold valve 8, and flow the aseptic water produced by the heat sterilizer 18 into the aseptic surge tank circulation path to rinse the aseptic surge tank circulation path.

[0166] When SIP is used for CIP and performed with a cleaning liquid, rinsing is performed by flowing sterile water.

[0167] The cooling of the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b after the completion of SIP is performed by supplying aseptic air. After the temperature of the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b becomes less than 100°C by the supply of aseptic air, a refrigerant such as water may be supplied to the jacket of the aseptic surge tank 19 and cooled in parallel with the supply of aseptic air. The aseptic surge tank piping section 7b may be cooled by flowing aseptic water or product through it.

[0168] The rinsing of the cleaning liquid used for CIP remaining in the carbon dioxide addition pipe section 45 can be performed with heated sterile water or heated steam when performing SIP, as described above. When the rinsing of the aseptic surge tank circulation path is insufficient with only heated sterile water or heated steam, sterile water produced by the heat sterilizer 18 may be used to rinse the carbon dioxide addition pipe section 45. First, rinse the upstream circulation path and the aseptic surge tank circulation path, keep the carbon dioxide addition pipe section 45 on standby in a state of sterile water circulation, and after the SIP of the carbon dioxide addition pipe section 45 is completed, connect the carbon dioxide addition pipe section 45 through the upstream pipe section 7a and the aseptic surge tank pipe section by the downstream manifold valve 23, and flow the sterile water produced by the heat sterilizer 18 into the carbon dioxide addition pipe section 45 to rinse the carbon dioxide addition pipe section 45.

[0169] When SIP is used for CIP and performed with a cleaning liquid, rinsing is performed by flowing sterile water.

[0170] The cooling of the carbon dioxide addition pipe section 45 after the completion of SIP is performed by supplying sterile air. After the temperature of the carbon dioxide addition pipe section 45 becomes less than 100°C due to the supply of sterile air, sterile water may be flowed in parallel with the supply of sterile air to the carbon dioxide addition pipe section 45 for cooling.

[0171] In the carbon dioxide addition pipe section 45, the sterile water is further cooled with chiller water (1 to 5°C), whereby the residual heat after SIP can be completely removed, and foaming due to carbon dioxide during filling can be suppressed.

[0172] When performing CIP on the downstream circulation path, without stopping the downstream circulation pump 26 that was operating at the time, while circulating the cleaning liquid used in CIP in the downstream circulation path, the cleaning liquid is heated to the temperature required for SIP by the heat exchanger 24 provided in the downstream return path 6c. After performing SIP on the downstream circulation path by circulating the heated cleaning liquid in the downstream circulation path, the cleaning liquid is cooled. Cooling is performed by flowing a refrigerant through the heat exchanger 24. The heat exchanger 24 heats the cleaning liquid by flowing a heat medium and cools the cleaning liquid by flowing a refrigerant. When cooling the cleaning liquid heated to 100°C or higher, for example, 140°C, if the inside of the sealed downstream circulation path becomes less than 100°C, the pressure inside the downstream circulation path becomes lower than the atmospheric pressure of the outside air, and a load is applied to the piping by the outside air pressure, which may damage the piping.

[0173] It is also conceivable to supply sterile air to the filling machine tank 11 to prevent the pressure inside the downstream circulation path from becoming less than atmospheric pressure. However, when the pressure inside the downstream circulation path exceeds atmospheric pressure, sterile air must be supplied. At this time, if a valve (not shown) is opened and sterile air is supplied from the sterile air supply device 28 into the filling machine tank 11, there is a risk that droplets of the cleaning liquid or components of the vaporized cleaning liquid will flow into the valve of the sterile air supply piping. The cleaning liquid and components of the cleaning liquid adhering to the sterile air supply piping and valve must be cleaned because they may mix into the beverage. It is possible to supply heating steam and flush the cleaning liquid and components of the cleaning liquid adhering to the sterile air supply piping and valve with the condensed water of the heating steam. Alternatively, a method of directly supplying heating steam and increasing the pressure is also conceivable. However, these methods are not easy and will complicate the device.

[0174] As shown in Fig. 9, a back pressure valve 30 is provided in the path from the drain pipe 20 of the downstream return path 6c to the downstream storage tank 25. The position where the back pressure valve 30 is provided may be anywhere in the downstream return path 6c, but it is preferably closer to the filling machine because the pressure on the upstream side of the back pressure valve 30 is equal to or higher than the atmospheric pressure. When performing CIP or SIP, the back pressure valve 30 is fully open. After the SIP is completed, when cooling while circulating the cleaning liquid, the volume of the liquid circulating in the pipe shrinks and the pressure drops rapidly. When cooling to a temperature exceeding 100°C, for example, 105°C, near 100°C, the back pressure valve 30 is adjusted to increase the pressure in the downstream circulation path. When the temperature exceeds 100°C and becomes less than 100°C, the back pressure is further increased so that the pressure in the downstream circulation path does not become less than the atmospheric pressure. When cooling further and reaching less than 90°C, sterile air is supplied to either the filling machine tank 11 or a location in the downstream pipe section 7c to make the pressure in the downstream circulation path equal to or higher than the atmospheric pressure. When the temperature is less than 90°C, the cleaning liquid or the components of the cleaning liquid will not flow into the supply pipe of the sterile air supplied under pressure.

[0175] Although it depends on the amount of stagnant liquid and the degree of temperature drop in the downstream return path 6c and the downstream pipe section 7c, when the pressure in the pipe cannot be made equal to or higher than the atmospheric pressure by the back pressure valve 30, the pressure in the downstream circulation path may be increased by supplying heating steam into the pipe. The heating steam pressure is 0.05 - 0.5 MPa, preferably 0.1 - 0.3 MPa. In this case, as described above, since the cleanability of the heating steam supply valve after supplying the heating steam becomes complicated, it is preferable to install the heating steam supply valve in the downstream return path 6c where the product liquid does not flow (not shown).

[0176] After the cleaning liquid in the downstream circulation path is cooled to less than 100°C, preferably less than 90°C, the cleaning liquid is flushed out. Sterile water is supplied from the sterile water supply device 27 to the manifold valve 23, the supplied sterile water is made to flow into the downstream circulation path, and the cleaning liquid is discharged from the discharge valve 31 via the back pressure valve 30 to flush out the cleaning liquid. Sterile water produced by the heat sterilization device 18 may be used. When flushing out the cleaning liquid with sterile water, the back pressure valve 30 is adjusted so that the tank internal pressure does not become below atmospheric pressure due to the temperature of the filling machine tank 11 dropping from 100°C. First, rinse the upstream circulation path, wait in a state where sterile water is circulated through the upstream circulation path, and after the SIP of the downstream circulation path is completed, connect the upstream piping section 7a and the downstream circulation path 7c via the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b, and flow the sterile water produced by the heat sterilization device 18 into the downstream circulation path to rinse the downstream circulation path if desired.

[0177] The cleaning liquid may be cooled while flowing the cleaning liquid in the reverse flow direction. At this time, as shown in FIG. 10, a back pressure valve 33 for reverse flow is provided between the manifold valve 23 and the downstream storage tank 25. When performing CIP or SIP in which the cleaning liquid flows in the reverse flow direction, the back pressure valve 33 for reverse flow is fully open. After the SIP is completed, when cooling while circulating the cleaning liquid, the volume of the liquid circulating in the piping contracts and the pressure drops rapidly. When cooling to a temperature exceeding 100°C in the vicinity of 100°C, for example, up to 105°C, the back pressure valve 33 for reverse flow is adjusted to increase the pressure in the downstream circulation path. When the temperature exceeds 100°C and becomes less than 100°C, the back pressure is further increased so that the pressure in the downstream circulation path does not become less than atmospheric pressure. Cooling is continued as it is, and when it becomes less than 90°C, sterile air is supplied to either the filling machine tank 11 or the downstream piping section 7c so that the inside of the downstream circulation path is at atmospheric pressure or higher.

[0178] After the SIP of both the upstream piping section 7a and the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b connected to the upstream manifold valve 8 is completed, the SIP of the steam barrier of the upstream manifold valve 8 is completed, and it is cooled with sterile air and enters the standby state. Similarly, for the downstream manifold valve 23, after the SIP of the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b, the carbon dioxide addition piping section 45, and the downstream piping section 7c is completed, the SIP of the steam barrier of the downstream manifold valve 23 is completed, and it is cooled with sterile air and enters the standby state (not shown).

[0179] It is preferable to perform a SIP that also serves as a CIP with a cleaning liquid, cool the inside of the downstream circulation path to less than 100 °C, and then supply sterile water from the manifold valve 23. The reason is that, without passing through the downstream return path 6c, which may become non-sterile due to the inflow of outside air after the SIP, the cleaning liquid remaining in the downstream piping section 7c can be rinsed while maintaining the sterile state of the downstream piping section 7c. The supplied sterile water passes from the manifold valve 23 through the filling machine tank 11, the filling nozzle 2a, and the drain pipe 20, and is blown from the discharge valve 31. At this time, the back pressure valve 30 or the valve near the back pressure valve 30 is closed. A concentration meter for the cleaning agent is provided upstream of the discharge valve 31 (not shown). When the concentration of the cleaning agent is no longer detected, it is considered that the cleaning agent has been removed from the piping, the rinsing process is completed, and the discharge valve 31 is closed. Instead of the concentration meter, a conductivity meter may be provided, and the rinsing may be considered complete when the conductivity of the rinsing water becomes 10 μS / cm or less, which is the value of pure water. As a precaution against the failure of the conductivity meter, two conductivity meters may be provided, and the rinsing process may be automatically completed when both reach the conductivity of pure water.

[0180] The cleaning liquid in the upstream circulation path, aseptic surge tank circulation path, carbon dioxide addition pipe 45, and downstream circulation path is removed with sterile water. When the cleaning liquid in all the filling nozzles 2a of the filling machine 2 has been replaced with sterile water, the feeding of the sterile water is stopped. Further, simultaneously or thereafter, sterile air supplied from the sterile air supply device 28 is blown from the filling machine tank 11 to the filling nozzles 2a to remove the remaining sterile water in the downstream piping section 7c, while supplying sterile air into the beverage supply system piping 7 and maintaining a positive pressure in the beverage supply system piping 7 to maintain sterility. When it is difficult to discharge the sterile water in the beverage supply system piping 7, beverage may be fed into the beverage supply system piping 7, and only the diluted beverage may be discharged from the filling machine 2 before the start of production. Also, after the rinsing is completed, the cup 9 is removed from the opening of each filling nozzle 2a by an actuator (not shown).

[0181] For the blow of the downstream piping section 7c upstream of the filling machine tank 11, the drain blow valve 32 provided in the downstream piping section 7c shown in Fig. 9 is opened, and the remaining water in the downstream piping section 7c is blown by supplying sterile air from the sterile air supply device 28. Also, before opening the drain blow valve 32, SIP is performed on the downstream of the drain blow valve 32 with heated steam to prevent the intrusion of bacteria when the drain blow valve 32 is opened. The conditions for SIP with heated steam downstream of the drain blow valve 32 may be equal to or higher than the sterilization value of the product liquid. A pressure gauge is installed in the downstream piping section 7c from the downstream manifold valve 23 to the filling machine 2, and while monitoring the indicated value of the pressure gauge during the drain blow process, the drain blow valve 32 is opened / closed or the valve opening degree is adjusted, it is possible to quickly remove the remaining water while preventing bacterial contamination. The monitored pressure is equal to or higher than atmospheric pressure, preferably 0.01 MPa or higher. The drain blow of the remaining water that did not escape in the downstream piping section 7c and the remaining water in the filling machine tank 11 and filling nozzles 2a is performed while maintaining the aseptic state in the filling section chamber 3. Thereafter, the beverage is received and production is started. If production is started without performing the drain blow, at the start of production, the beverage is diluted and the yield is deteriorated.

[0182] The flushing of the downstream piping section 7c including the divided filling nozzles 2a of the downstream circulation path is the same as when the filling nozzles 2a are not divided.

[0183] The filling nozzle 2a for filling carbonated beverages is provided with a carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 41 for supplying carbon dioxide gas and a gas discharge pipe 42 for discharging carbon dioxide gas. When flushing water is flowed through the downstream circulation path, flushing water is also flowed through the carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 41 and the gas discharge pipe 42.

[0184] (CIP, SIP, Flushing, and Cooling of the Downstream Piping Section) So far, the CIP, SIP, and flushing processes have been described. Here, the CIP, SIP, flushing, and cooling of the downstream piping section 7c will be specifically described together.

[0185] FIG. 13 is a graph showing the temperature of the filling nozzle 2a when performing SIP with a cleaning liquid from the middle of CIP in the downstream piping section 7c of the aseptic filling machine. The cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 22 to the downstream circulation path and circulated in the downstream circulation path. The cleaning liquid is heated to a temperature suitable for CIP, for example, 70°C to 90°C, by the heat exchange device 24 and circulated for a predetermined time. In the middle of CIP, the cleaning liquid is heated to the temperature required for SIP, for example, 140°C, and circulated for a predetermined time. Then, the cleaning liquid is cooled by the heat exchange device 24. When the temperature of the cleaning liquid drops below 100°C, sterile water is supplied from the sterile water supply device 27, and while the downstream piping section 7c is cooled, the cleaning liquid is flushed away.

[0186] Figure 14 is a graph showing the temperature of the filling nozzle 2a when performing SIP with a cleaning liquid from the initial stage of CIP in the downstream piping section 7c of the aseptic filling machine. The cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 22 to the downstream circulation path, and the cleaning liquid is circulated in the downstream circulation path. The cleaning liquid is heated to a temperature suitable for CIP and up to the temperature required for SIP, for example, from 70°C to 140°C, by the heat exchanger 24, and circulated for a predetermined time. Thereafter, when the cleaning liquid is cooled by the heat exchanger 24 and the temperature of the cleaning liquid drops below 100°C, sterile water is supplied from the sterile water supply device 27, and while the downstream piping section 7c is cooled, the cleaning liquid is flushed away.

[0187] Figure 15 is a graph showing the temperature of the filling nozzle 2a when performing SIP with a cleaning liquid and rinsing water from the initial stage of CIP in the downstream piping section 7c of the aseptic filling machine. The cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 22 to the downstream circulation path, and the cleaning liquid is circulated in the downstream circulation path. The cleaning liquid is heated to a temperature suitable for CIP and SIP, for example, from 70°C to 140°C, by the heat exchanger 24, and circulated for a predetermined time. Thereafter, while sterile water is supplied from the sterile water supply device 27 to the downstream circulation path, the cleaning liquid is flushed away. At this time, the supplied sterile water is supplied while being heated to the same temperature as the cleaning water that has been circulated so far. While being heated to the temperature required for SIP, the cleaning liquid is replaced by sterile water, and SIP is also performed during that time. The inside of the downstream circulation path is replaced with sterile water, and the sterile water is circulated for a predetermined time. Thereafter, the sterile water is cooled by the heat exchanger 24.

[0188] FIG. 16 is a graph showing the temperature of the filling nozzle 2a when performing SIP after CIP in the downstream piping section 7c of the aseptic filling machine. A cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device 22 to the downstream circulation path, and the cleaning liquid is circulated in the downstream circulation path. The cleaning liquid is heated to a temperature suitable for CIP, for example, 70° C. to 80° C., by the heat exchanger 24 and circulated for a predetermined time. Then, while sterile water is supplied from the sterile water supply device 27 to the downstream circulation path, the cleaning liquid is flushed away. At this time, the supplied sterile water is circulated while being heated to the temperature required for SIP by the heat exchanger 24. While being heated to the temperature required for SIP, the cleaning liquid is replaced by sterile water, and then the sterile water heated to the temperature required for SIP circulates through the downstream circulation path. Sterile water is circulated for a predetermined time, and then the sterile water is cooled by the heat exchanger 24.

[0189] In the SIP in the above specific example, it is terminated when the minimum value of the calculated F value reaches the target value.

[0190] (Manufacturing process) After the rinsing is completed, the beverage is stored in the aseptic surge tank 19 through the upstream piping section 7a from the heat sterilization device 18, and a manufacturing process for filling the beverage into the bottle 4 through the downstream piping section 7c is started.

[0191] As shown by the thick line in FIG. 5, in the manufacturing process, the beverage prepared by the preparation device 1 reaches the filling machine 2 through the upstream piping section 7a, the aseptic surge tank piping section 7b, and the downstream piping section 7c of the beverage supply system piping 7 that has been sterilized, and is filled into the bottle 4, which is a container, from the filling nozzle 2a of the filling machine 2. The bottle 4 filled with the beverage is capped by a capper (not shown) and then sent out of the aseptic filling machine.

[0192] As shown by the thick line in Fig. 8, in the manufacturing process, the beverage containing carbon dioxide gas reaches the filling machine 2 through the upstream pipe section 7a, the aseptic surge tank pipe section 7b, the carbon dioxide gas addition pipe section 45, and the downstream pipe section 7c of the beverage supply system pipe 7 where the beverage prepared in the preparation device 1 has been sterilized, and is filled into the bottle 4 which is a container from the filling nozzle 2a of the filling machine 2. The bottle 4 filled with the carbonated beverage is capped by a capper (not shown) and then sent out of the aseptic filling machine.

[0193] As described above, the present invention is configured as such, but it is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the gist of the present invention. Also, the container into which the aseptic filling machine fills the beverage is not limited to a bottle, and may have any shape such as a cup, a tray, a can, etc. Further, the material of the container may be not only plastic, but also composed of any material such as a composite of paper and plastic, glass, metal, etc.

Explanation of Reference Numerals

[0194] 2... filling machine 2a... filling nozzle 2b... filling machine manifold 6a... upstream return path 6b... aseptic surge tank return path 6c... downstream return path 7... beverage supply system pipe 7a... upstream pipe section 7b... aseptic surge tank pipe section 7c... downstream pipe section 8... upstream manifold valve 10... temperature sensor 17... controller 18... heat sterilization device 19... aseptic surge tank 21... heating steam supply device 22... cleaning liquid supply device 23... downstream manifold valve 24... heat exchanger 25... downstream storage tank 26... downstream circulation pump 27…Sterile water supply device 28…Sterile air supply device 30…Back pressure valve 33…Back pressure valve for backflow prevention 34…Filling wheel 41…Carbon dioxide gas supply pipe 42…Carbon dioxide gas discharge pipe 45…Carbon dioxide gas addition pipe section 46…Carbon dioxide gas addition device 47…Carbonated beverage surge tank

Claims

1. A method for cleaning and sterilizing an aseptic filling machine equipped with a beverage supply system pipe that sends beverages into a filling machine through a heat sterilization device, comprising: A downstream return path is provided for the downstream pipe section from the filling machine tank that stores the beverage supplied from the aseptic surge tank to the filling nozzles. A number of the filling nozzles are divided into a plurality, and a downstream circulation path is formed by the divided filling nozzles from the filling machine tank. When performing CIP (Cleaning in Place) of the downstream pipe section by circulating a cleaning liquid through the downstream circulation path, circulation is performed to flow the cleaning liquid through the filling nozzles divided from the filling machine tank, and circulation is performed to cause the cleaning liquid to flow backward from the divided filling nozzles to the filling machine tank. The cleaning liquid is supplied from a cleaning liquid supply device to a downstream storage tank corresponding to a first type pressure tank provided in the downstream return path. A two-way valve in the pipe from the outlet of the downstream storage tank toward the inlet of the filling machine tank and a two-way valve in the pipe from the outlet of the filling machine tank toward the inlet of the downstream storage tank are opened, and a two-way valve in the pipe from the outlet of the downstream storage tank toward the outlet of the filling machine tank and a two-way valve in the pipe from the inlet of the filling machine tank toward the inlet of the downstream storage tank are closed, and the cleaning liquid is circulated through the downstream circulation path. The cleaning liquid is supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device to the downstream storage tank. A two-way valve in the pipe from the outlet of the downstream storage tank toward the outlet of the filling machine tank and a two-way valve in the pipe from the inlet of the filling machine tank toward the inlet of the downstream storage tank are opened, and a two-way valve in the pipe from the outlet of the downstream storage tank toward the inlet of the filling machine tank and a two-way valve in the pipe from the outlet of the filling machine tank toward the inlet of the downstream storage tank are closed, and a circulation is performed to cause the cleaning liquid to flow backward through the downstream circulation path. A method for cleaning and sterilizing an aseptic filling machine, characterized by this.

2. In the method for cleaning and sterilizing an aseptic filling machine according to Claim 1, From the initial stage or during the CIP of the downstream circulation path, the temperature of the cleaning liquid is raised to a temperature required for SIP (Sterilizing in Place) for sterilizing the downstream pipe section that is performed following the CIP, and the SIP of the downstream pipe section is performed. A method for cleaning and sterilizing an aseptic filling machine, characterized by this.

3. In the method for cleaning and sterilizing an aseptic filling machine according to Claim 2, When performing the circulation of the cleaning liquid in the downstream circulation path with the SIP, a circulation for flowing the cleaning liquid from the filling machine tank to the divided filling nozzles and a circulation for causing the cleaning liquid to flow back from the divided filling nozzles to the filling machine tank are carried out. A method for cleaning and sterilizing an aseptic filling machine, characterized by this.

4. An aseptic filling machine equipped with a beverage supply system pipe that sends a beverage into the filling machine through a heat sterilization device, A downstream return path is provided for the downstream pipe section from the filling machine tank that stores the beverage supplied from the aseptic surge tank to the filling nozzles. A number of the filling nozzles are divided into a plurality, and a downstream circulation path is formed by the divided filling nozzles from the filling machine tank. A cleaning liquid supply device for supplying the cleaning liquid for performing CIP (Cleaning in Place) of the downstream pipe section to the downstream circulation path is provided. When circulating the cleaning liquid in the downstream circulation path, the downstream circulation path is configured to perform a circulation for flowing the cleaning liquid from the filling machine tank to the divided filling nozzles and a circulation for causing the cleaning liquid to flow back from the divided filling nozzles to the filling machine tank. In the downstream return path, a downstream storage tank corresponding to a first type pressure tank for storing the cleaning liquid is provided. A two-way valve is provided in the pipeline from the outlet of the downstream storage tank to the inlet of the filling machine tank, the pipeline from the outlet of the filling machine tank to the inlet of the downstream storage tank, the pipeline from the outlet of the downstream storage tank to the outlet of the filling machine tank, and the pipeline from the inlet of the filling machine tank to the inlet of the downstream storage tank. An aseptic filling machine, characterized by this.

5. In the aseptic filling machine according to Claim 4, The aseptic filling machine is characterized by comprising a heat exchange device for heating the cleaning liquid supplied from the cleaning liquid supply device to the temperature required for SIP (Sterilizing in Place) in the downstream circulation path.

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