Content filling system

Abstract

To achieve a variety of filling actions with respect to a bottle using a first content fluid and a second content fluid after sterilization.SOLUTION: A content filling system 10 includes: a first sterilization line 50A for sterilizing a first content fluid; a second sterilization line 50B for sterilizing a second content fluid; a first filling device 21A connected to the first sterilization line 50A, and for filling a conveyed bottle with a first content; and a second filling device 21B connected to the second sterilization line 50B, and for filling a conveyed bottle with a second content. The first sterilization line 50A is further connected to the second filling device 21B, and the second sterilization line 50B is further connected to the first filling device 21A.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 10

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a content filling system. [Background technology]

[0002] There is known an aseptic filling system in which sterilized contents are filled into a sterilized container (PET bottle) in a sterile environment and then the container is closed with a cap (see, for example, Patent Document 1).

[0003] Specifically, in an aseptic filling system, the molded containers are fed into the system, where an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is sprayed onto the containers as a sterilant. The containers are then sterilized by drying the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution. The heat-sterilized contents are then aseptically filled into the containers at room temperature.

[0004] In recent years, there has been a demand for reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emitted in order to reduce the environmental impact. The contents are sterilized before being filled into the container. Some contents decompose when sterilized at high temperatures, causing metal corrosion in the system's equipment, or precipitate due to heat, degrading the performance of the system's equipment. On the other hand, there is a demand for a content filling system that can realize a variety of filling methods into bottles using the first and second content liquids after sterilization. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Patent No. 4526820 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] The present disclosure has been made in consideration of these points, and aims to provide a content filling system that can realize a variety of filling operations into bottles using a first content liquid and a second content liquid after sterilization. [Means for solving the problem]

[0007] The present disclosure relates to a content filling system comprising a first sterilization line that sterilizes a first content liquid, a second sterilization line that sterilizes a second content liquid, a first filling device connected to the first sterilization line and filling the first content liquid into bottles being transported, and a second filling device connected to the second sterilization line and filling the second content liquid into bottles being transported, wherein the first sterilization line is further connected to the second filling device, and the second sterilization line is further connected to the first filling device.

[0008] The present disclosure is a content filling system in which a first mixing tank is interposed between the first sterilization line and the first filling device, and a second mixing tank is interposed between the second sterilization line and the second filling device.

[0009] The present disclosure is a content filling system, wherein the first sterilization line is further connected to the second mixing tank, and the second sterilization line is further connected to the first mixing tank.

[0010] The present disclosure is a content filling system, wherein the first mixing tank is further connected to the second filling device, and the second mixing tank is further connected to the first filling device.

[0011] The present disclosure relates to a content filling system further comprising a third sterilization line that sterilizes a third content liquid, and a third filling device that is connected to the third sterilization line and fills the third content liquid into a bottle being transported.

[0012] The present disclosure is a content filling system in which the second filling device and the third filling device are arranged in series downstream of the first filling device in the bottle conveying direction.

[0013] The present disclosure is a content filling system in which the second filling device and the third filling device are arranged in parallel downstream of the first filling device in the bottle conveying direction. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] According to the present disclosure, various filling methods can be realized for bottles using the sterilized first and second content liquids. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a schematic system diagram showing a contents filling system according to a first embodiment. [Figure 1B] FIG. 1B is a schematic plan view showing the contents filling system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 1C] FIG. 1C is a schematic diagram showing a filling device. [Figure 2A1] FIG. 2A1 is a schematic diagram showing a sterilization line for raw materials to be mixed according to the first embodiment. [Figure 2A2] FIG. 2A2 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a sterilization line for raw materials to be mixed. [Figure 2A3] FIG. 2A3 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a sterilization line for raw materials to be mixed. [Figure 2A4] FIG. 2A4 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a sterilization line for raw materials to be mixed. [Figure 2A5] FIG. 2A5 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a sterilization line for raw materials to be mixed. [Figure 2A6] FIG. 2A6 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a sterilization line for raw materials to be mixed. [Figure 2A7] FIG. 2A7 is a schematic diagram showing another example of a sterilization line for raw materials to be mixed. [Figure 2B] FIG. 2B is a schematic diagram showing another example of a sterilization line for raw materials to be mixed. [Figure 2C] FIG. 2C is a schematic diagram showing another example of a sterilization line for raw materials to be mixed. [Figure 2D]FIG. 2D is a schematic diagram showing another example of a sterilization line for raw materials to be mixed. [Figure 2E] FIG. 2E is a schematic diagram showing another example of a sterilization line for raw materials to be mixed. [Figure 2F] FIG. 2F is a schematic diagram showing another example of a sterilization line for raw materials to be mixed. [Figure 2G] FIG. 2G is a schematic diagram showing another example of a sterilization line for raw materials to be mixed. [Figure 2H] FIG. 2H is a schematic diagram showing another example of a sterilization line for raw materials to be mixed. [Figure 2I] FIG. 2I is a schematic diagram showing another example of a sterilization line for raw materials to be mixed. [Figure 2J] FIG. 2J is a schematic diagram showing another example of a sterilization line for raw materials to be mixed. [Figure 2K] FIG. 2K is a schematic diagram similar to FIG. 2A1 showing another cleaning step of the sterilizer. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a plan view showing a first sterilizer of the sterilizers in the line for raw materials to be mixed according to the first embodiment. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line IV-IV in FIG. 3) showing a first sterilizer of the sterilizer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5A] FIG. 5A is a plan view showing another example of the first sterilizer of the sterilizer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line VB-VB in FIG. 5A) showing another example of the first sterilizer of the sterilizer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6A] FIG. 6A is a front view showing another example of the first sterilizer of the sterilizer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a cross-sectional view (cross-sectional view taken along line VIB-VIB in FIG. 6A) showing another example of the first sterilizer of the sterilizer according to the first embodiment. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is a cross-sectional view (enlarged view of portion VIC in FIG. 6B) showing another example of the first sterilizer of the water sterilizer according to an embodiment. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram showing a raw material sterilization line according to the first embodiment. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a content filling method using the content filling system according to the first embodiment. [Figure 9A] FIG. 9A is a flowchart showing a sterilization method for a content filling system according to the first embodiment, which is a sterilization method for a sterilizer. [Figure 9B] FIG. 9B is a flowchart showing another example of the sterilization method for the content filling system according to the first embodiment, which is a sterilization method for the sterilizer. [Figure 9C] FIG. 9C is a flowchart showing yet another example of the sterilization method for the content filling system according to the first embodiment, which is a sterilization method for the sterilizer. [Figure 9D] FIG. 9D is a flowchart showing yet another example of the sterilization method for the content filling system according to the first embodiment, which is a sterilization method for the sterilizer. [Figure 9E] FIG. 9E is a flowchart showing yet another example of the sterilization method for the content filling system according to the first embodiment, which is a sterilization method for the sterilizer. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a schematic system diagram showing a contents filling system according to the second embodiment. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an arrangement of a first filling device and a second filling device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an arrangement of a first filling device, a second filling device, and a third filling device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an arrangement of a first filling device, a second filling device, and a third filling device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an arrangement of a first filling device, a second filling device, and a third filling device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an arrangement of a first filling device, a second filling device, and a third filling device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an arrangement of a first filling device, a second filling device, and a third filling device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing an arrangement of a first filling device, a second filling device, and a third filling device according to a second embodiment. [Figure 18A] FIG. 18A is a schematic diagram showing a sterilization line for raw materials to be mixed in a modified content filling system. [Figure 18B] FIG. 18B is a schematic diagram showing a sterilization line for raw materials to be mixed in another example of the modified content filling system. [Figure 18C] FIG. 18C is a schematic diagram showing a sterilization line for raw materials to be mixed in a modified content filling system. [Figure 18D] FIG. 18D is a schematic plan view showing a modified example of the contents filling system. [Figure 18E] FIG. 18E is a schematic diagram showing a sterilization line for raw materials to be mixed in a modified content filling system. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] First Embodiment DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Figures 1 to 10B are diagrams showing a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] (contents filling system) First, a content filling system (aseptic filling system) according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0018] The content filling system 10 shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B is a system for filling a bottle (container) 100 with a content such as a beverage. The content is produced by diluting a product concentrate with water. In this case, the product concentrate may be diluted with water by a ratio of 1.1 to 100, preferably 2 to 10. The product concentrate may also be diluted with water by a ratio of 10 to 80, 20 to 70, or 30 to 50. The bottle 100 can be produced by biaxially stretching blow molding a preform 100a produced by injection molding a synthetic resin material. The bottle 100 may also be produced by direct blow molding. The bottle 100 is preferably made of a thermoplastic resin, particularly PE (polyethylene), PP (polypropylene), PET (polyethylene terephthalate), or PEN (polyethylene naphthalate). In addition, the container may be glass, a can, paper, a pouch, a cup, or a composite container of these. In this embodiment, a case where a synthetic resin bottle is used as the container will be described as an example.

[0019] As shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B, the content filling system 10 includes a mixing line 51A that mixes the target raw materials with water to produce the target raw materials; a sterilization line 50 for non-thermal sterilization of the target raw materials; a sterilization line 70 for thermal sterilization of raw materials other than the target raw materials; a mixing tank 55 connected to the sterilization line 50 and the sterilization line 70 for mixing the target raw materials with the other raw materials to produce the content; and a filling device 21 that fills bottles 100 with the content produced in the mixing tank 55. While FIG. 1B shows a single filling device 21, as shown in FIG. 10, the filling device 21 may be provided with multiple filling fillers, preferably two or three. The filling device 21 may also use a rotary filler or a linear filler. Here, "non-thermal sterilization" refers to a method other than thermal sterilization and includes all sterilization methods that inactivate bacteria. Examples include ultraviolet rays, radiation, pulsed microwaves, ultra-high voltage, ozone, high-voltage ultra-short pulse discharge, electrolytic acid water, light pulses, and shock waves.

[0020] Of these, the mixing line 51A has a water tank 50a that stores water (pure water) supplied from a pure water manufacturing apparatus 50c, a target raw material tank 50b that stores the target raw material among the raw materials of the contents, and a mixing tank 51 that mixes the water in the water tank 50a with the target raw material in the target raw material tank 50b.

[0021] In the mixing tank 51, water and the target raw materials are mixed to produce a raw material to be mixed, and this raw material to be mixed is sterilized without heating in the raw material to be mixed sterilization line 50 as described above.

[0022] On the other hand, among the raw materials contained in the contents, raw materials other than the target raw material are stored in other raw material tank 71, and the other raw materials stored in other raw material tank 71 are heat sterilized in other raw material sterilization line 70 as described above.

[0023] The raw materials to be mixed that have been sterilized without heating in the raw material sterilization line 50 for the raw materials to be mixed and the other raw materials that have been sterilized with heating in the other raw material sterilization lines are mixed in the mixing tank 55 to produce the contents.

[0024] In this embodiment, the target raw materials for the contents are those that, when heated, will thermally decompose, or when heated, will cause metal corrosion in the other raw material sterilization line 70 that performs thermal sterilization in the content filling system 10, or will precipitate and deteriorate the function of the detection device, etc. For this reason, in this embodiment, non-thermal sterilization is used to sterilize the target raw materials.

[0025] On the other hand, the term "other raw materials" refers to raw materials other than the target raw material among the raw materials of the contents. Although it is possible to sterilize the other raw materials without heating, in this embodiment, the other raw materials are sterilized with heating, taking into consideration that the processing amount will decrease due to clogging of the filter, since the non-heat sterilization line has a filter as described below, i.e., to prevent the other raw materials from clogging.

[0026] Next, the target raw material will be described. In this embodiment, when the content is, for example, drinking water, the target raw material is vitamins.

[0027] The vitamins contained in the drinking water include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, vitamin K, vitamin B1, vitamin B2, vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin C, niacin, pantothenic acid, folic acid, biotin, and a mixture of at least one or more of pantothenic acid, folic acid, and derivatives thereof.

[0028] Of these, vitamin A and vitamin D are fat-soluble vitamins that are highly susceptible to thermal decomposition.

[0029] The fat-soluble vitamin is not particularly limited as long as it is a fat-soluble vitamin excluding vitamin A palmitate, α-tocopherol, and vitamin E acetate. Specific examples include vitamin A compounds such as retinol, 3-hydroretinol, retinal, 3-hydroretinal, retinoic acid, 3-dehydroretinoic acid, and vitamin A acetate; carotenoids such as α, β, and γ-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, and echinenone; and provitamin A compounds such as xanthophylls.

[0030] Fat-soluble vitamins include vitamin Ds such as vitamins D2 to D7, esters such as β,γ,δ-tocopherol, α,β,γ,δ-tocotrienol, and nicotinic acid vitamin E, and vitamin Ks such as vitamins K1 to K3. These fat-soluble vitamins can be added alone or in combination of two or more.

[0031] When vitamins contained in drinking water are heated, they are thermally decomposed, which changes their properties and reduces the amount of vitamin itself. For this reason, it is necessary to predict the amount of vitamin that will be lost when heated and add a larger amount of vitamin in advance.

[0032] According to this embodiment, vitamins are treated as target raw materials and sterilized without heating separately from other raw materials, thereby making it possible to prevent deterioration or reduction of vitamins.

[0033] Furthermore, when vitamins are contained in drinking water, other ingredients in the drinking water other than the vitamins, such as sugars and coloring agents, are also included as other ingredients.

[0034] Alternatively, if the contents are, for example, a milk-based drink or a functional drink with added calcium, the target ingredient is calcium.

[0035] The calcium component contained in milk-based beverages and calcium-added functional beverages is preferably a water-soluble calcium salt, and either a water-soluble organic acid salt or an inorganic acid salt can be used. Specific examples include organic acid salts such as calcium lactate, calcium gluconate, calcium citrate, calcium fumarate, and calcium succinate; and inorganic acid salts such as calcium chloride. The amount of calcium component used is preferably such that the resulting concentrated beverage contains 200 to 1,000 mg of calcium, more preferably 300 to 600 mg, per 100 g of the resulting beverage. If the calcium content is less than 200 mg per 100 g, the calcium concentration will be low when the concentrated beverage is diluted 3 to 6 times, thereby weakening the intended calcium enrichment effect. On the other hand, if the calcium content exceeds 1,000 mg per 100 g, the beverage may not have a pleasant flavor and is therefore undesirable.

[0036] Alternatively, the calcium component used as the target raw material is preferably a water-soluble calcium salt, and either a water-soluble organic acid salt or an inorganic acid salt can be used. For example, organic acid salts such as calcium lactate, calcium citrate, calcium fumarate, and calcium succinate; and inorganic acid salts such as calcium chloride are preferred. These can be used alone or as a mixture.

[0037] The calcium contained in dairy-based beverages precipitates at high temperatures (for example, above 40°C), and the amount of calcium precipitated on the surface of the equipment decreases from the components of the beverage. Therefore, when calcium is heated, it is necessary to predict the amount of calcium that will decrease and add more calcium in advance.

[0038] Furthermore, calcium precipitates when heated, impairing the functionality of the measuring devices that control the device.

[0039] According to this embodiment, calcium is treated as a target raw material and is sterilized without heating, separately from other raw materials, thereby making it possible to prevent a decrease in calcium due to precipitation or a deterioration in the functionality of the measuring device.

[0040] Furthermore, when calcium is contained in the dairy drink, other ingredients other than calcium in the dairy drink, such as lactic acid bacteria fermented milk, sugar, pectin aqueous solution, etc., are also included as other ingredients.

[0041] Alternatively, if the content is functional drinking water to which a chloride compound has been added, the target raw material may be a chloride compound that generates chloride ions.

[0042] In addition, functional drinking water, which is intended to replenish electrolytes such as sodium and fluids lost through exercise, etc., contains ingredients such as sodium chloride (table salt), sodium citrate, potassium chloride, sodium phosphate, magnesium chloride, sugars, and flavorings.

[0043] Furthermore, examples of electrolyte chloride ion concentrations in functional drinks intended to replace electrolytes such as sodium lost during exercise and other activities, as well as fluids, are 3 to 30,000 mEq / l (preferably 4 to 1,000 mEq / l for functional drinks to be consumed directly without dilution).

[0044] Chloride compounds that produce chloride ions may also be contained in liquid foods such as noodle soup. In this case, the chloride compounds that produce chloride ions are the target ingredients, and other ingredients that do not produce chloride ions are the other ingredients. Examples of such noodle soup include noodle soup (straight) and noodle soup (3x concentrated). Further examples of the above liquid foods include dark soy sauce and hot pot soup.

[0045] However, functional drinking water and liquid foods are not limited to those mentioned above. For example, functional drinking water or liquid foods with a chlorine concentration of 12 mg / 100 ml or more and a Cl concentration of 3 mEq / l or more may cause metal corrosion over time due to heating temperature, heating time, and metal stress damage. For this reason, these are included in the functional drinking water or liquid foods of this embodiment.

[0046] When chloride ions contained in functional drinking water containing added chloride compounds are heated, they cause metal corrosion in the various lines 50A, 50, 70 of the content filling system 10, or the filling device 21, especially in the raw material sterilization line 70.

[0047] That is, the components of the content filling system 10 are normally made of SUS316L, SUS317L, SUS329J1, SUS890L, super stainless steel, and titanium materials, which have excellent corrosion resistance, but chloride ions become more corrosive when heated, causing metal corrosion in these SUS316L, SUS317L, SUS329J1, SUS890L, super stainless steel, and titanium materials.

[0048] Furthermore, chloride ions are precipitated by heating in the various lines 70 of the content filling system 10, and reduce the functionality of measuring devices and the like.

[0049] According to this embodiment, chloride ions are treated as the target raw material and are sterilized without heating, distinguishing them from other raw materials, thereby making it possible to prevent metal corrosion or deterioration of functionality within the content filling system 10.

[0050] Alternatively, in the case of drinking water to which flavorings, sweeteners, acidifiers, colorings, preservatives, etc. have been added, the target ingredients may be flavorings, sweeteners, acidifiers, colorings, and preservatives.

[0051] When drinking water containing added flavorings, sweeteners, acidulants, coloring agents, preservatives, etc. is heated, it undergoes thermal decomposition, causing its properties to change and the amount and function of the added substances to decrease or deteriorate (including a decrease in stability). For this reason, when additives are heated, it is necessary to predict the amount that will be lost and add more in advance.

[0052] According to this embodiment, flavorings, sweeteners, acidulants, coloring agents, and preservatives are treated as target ingredients and sterilized without heating, separately from other ingredients, thereby preventing deterioration or reduction of the flavorings, sweeteners, acidulants, coloring agents, and preservatives.

[0053] In this embodiment, the fragrance may be aromatic aldehydes of aromatic alcohols, higher aliphatic aldehydes of higher aliphatic alcohols, ketones of esters, or phenol-ether phenols. Specific examples include citrus essential oils such as orange oil, lemon oil, grapefruit oil, lime oil, tangerine oil, mandarin oil, and bergamot oil; essential oils such as peppermint oil, spearmint oil, and cinnamon oil; spice essential oils or oleoresins such as allspice, aniseed, basil, laurel, cardamom, celery, clove, cumin, daikon, garlic, ginger, mace, mustard, onion, paprika, parsley, black pepper, nutmeg, saffron, and rosemary; and limonene, linalool, neroli, and neroli. These include, but are not limited to, known fragrance compounds such as ethanol, citronellol, geraniol, citral, l-menthol, eugenol, cinnamic aldehyde, anethole, perillaldehyde, vanillin, gamma-undecalactone, l-carvone, maltol, furfuryl mercaptan, ethyl propionate, allyl caproate, methyl-n-amyl ketone, diacetyl, acetic acid, and butyric acid; fragrance oils (reaction flavors); and blended fragrances obtained by mixing any combination of these natural essential oils, oleoresins, and fragrance compounds.

[0054] In this embodiment, the sweeteners include natural sweeteners such as stevia extract (stevioside, etc.), monk fruit extract, and thaumatin; and artificial sweeteners such as aspartame, acesulfame potassium, sucralose, saccharin, neotame, and advantame.

[0055] In this embodiment, examples of acidulants include carboxylic acids, amino acids, brewed vinegars, milk fermented foods, and plant-derived acidulants. Examples of the carboxylic acids include acetic acid, lactic acid, malic acid, succinic acid, methylenesuccinic acid, citric acid, ascorbic acid, glutaric acid, α-ketoglutaric acid, and the like. Examples of the amino acids include glutamic acid and aspartic acid. Examples of the brewed vinegars include rice vinegar, grain vinegar, malt vinegar, black vinegar, grape vinegar, plum vinegar, and apple vinegar. Examples of the milk fermented foods include yogurt and whey. Examples of the plant-derived acidulants include citrus fruits such as unshu mandarin oranges, summer mandarin oranges, yuzu citrus, mandarin oranges, sudachi citrus, lemons, and grapefruits; fruit juices of apples, strawberries, grapes, pineapples, peaches, acerola, tomatoes, and plums; grain extracts containing inositol hexaphosphate from rice bran, soybeans, wheat, corn, and the like, and purified products thereof; petals of hibiscus, roses, and the like; crushed products of perilla leaves, lettuce, celery, and extracts thereof; and the like.

[0056] In the present embodiment, examples of coloring agents include carotene pigments (carotenoid pigments), cochineal pigments, anthocyanin pigments, gardenia pigments, and red koji pigments.

[0057] In this embodiment, examples of preservatives include benzoic acid, sodium benzoate, sorbic acid, potassium sorbate, isobutyl parahydroxybenzoate, isopropyl parahydroxybenzoate, ethyl parahydroxybenzoate, butyl parahydroxybenzoate, and propyl parahydroxybenzoate.

[0058] Other ingredients include flavorings, sweeteners, acidulants, coloring agents, and other ingredients other than flavorings, sweeteners, acidulants, coloring agents, and preservatives in beverages containing preservatives, such as acidulants, fruit juice, caffeine, and sugar.

[0059] Alternatively, the contents may be an infusion solution containing a mixture of at least one or two selected from amino acids and electrolytes. When heated, the amino acids in the infusion solution undergo thermal decomposition, resulting in changes in their properties and a decrease in the amount of amino acid itself. Therefore, when the amino acids are heated, it is necessary to add a larger amount of amino acid in advance to account for the decrease. Furthermore, the electrolyte in the infusion solution contains a chloride compound that generates chloride ions.

[0060] When chloride ions contained in the infusion solution are heated, they cause metal corrosion in the various lines 50A, 50, 70 of the content filling system 10, or the filling device 21, particularly in the raw material sterilization line 70.

[0061] That is, the components of the content filling system 10 are usually made of SUS316L, SUS317L, SUS329J1, SUS890L, super stainless steel, and titanium materials, which have excellent corrosion resistance. However, chloride ions become more corrosive when heated, causing metal corrosion even in these SUS316L, SUS317L, SUS329J1, SUS890L, super stainless steel, and titanium materials.

[0062] Furthermore, chloride ions are precipitated by heating in the various lines 70 of the content filling system 10, and reduce the functionality of measuring devices and the like.

[0063] According to this embodiment, a mixture of at least one or two selected from amino acids and electrolytes is used as the target raw material, and is sterilized without heating separately from other raw materials in the infusion, thereby preventing metal corrosion or functional degradation within the content filling system 10.

[0064] Here, other ingredients in the infusion solution other than amino acids and electrolytes are included in the infusion solution, such as sugars, fat emulsions, or trace elements.

[0065] Next, we will discuss each component of the infusion.

[0066] The amino acids may be any of the various amino acids (essential and non-essential) that have been used in amino acid infusions for the purpose of providing nutrition to living organisms, including, for example, L-isoleucine, L-leucine, L-valine, L-lysine, L-methionine, L-phenylalanine, L-threonine, L-tryptophan, L-arginine, L-histidine, glycine, L-alanine, L-proline, L-aspartic acid, L-serine, L-tyrosine, L-glutamic acid, and L-cysteine. These amino acids do not necessarily need to be used in the form of free amino acids, and can also be used in the form of inorganic acid salts (e.g., L-lysine hydrochloride), organic acid salts (e.g., L-lysine acetate, L-lysine malate), esters that are hydrolyzable in vivo (e.g., L-tyrosine methyl ester, L-methionine methyl ester, L-methionine ethyl ester), N-substituted amino acids (e.g., N-acetyl-L-tryptophan, N-acetyl-L-cysteine, N-acetyl-L-proline), dipeptides in which the same or different amino acids are peptide-bonded (e.g., L-tyrosyl-L-tyrosine, L-alanyl-L-tyrosine, L-arginyl-L-tyrosine, L-tyrosyl-L-arginine), or the like.

[0067] As electrolytes, various water-soluble salts conventionally used in infusions such as physiological saline can be used. Examples of such water-soluble salts include water-soluble salts of various inorganic components (e.g., sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, zinc, iron, copper, manganese, iodine, phosphorus, etc.) necessary for maintaining biological functions and the electrolyte balance of body fluids. Specific examples include chlorides, sulfates, acetates, gluconates, lactates, etc. These water-soluble salts may also be hydrates.

[0068] For example, various sugars can be used as sugars in infusions such as 5% glucose injection. Among them, reducing sugars are preferably used. Examples of reducing sugars include glucose, fructose, and maltose. These reducing sugars can be used alone or in combination with two or more. Furthermore, these reducing sugars can also be used in combination with sorbitol, xylitol, etc.

[0069] Trace elements are elements that improve various deficiency symptoms that may occur during hyperalimentation therapy in humans. Specific examples include iron, copper, zinc, manganese, iodine, selenium, molybdenum, chromium, and fluorine. These trace elements may be used alone or in combination depending on the condition of the patient. In the present invention, trace elements are loaded into a compartment separate from components that may undergo chemical changes when coexisting with the trace elements.

[0070] As the fat emulsion, it is preferable to use an oil-in-water emulsion prepared by dispersing fats and oils in water using an emulsifier. The fat emulsion can be prepared by a known method. In the present invention, the fat emulsion is filled in a compartment different from the electrolyte. Depending on the purpose, fat-soluble vitamins such as vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin K may be filled together with the fat emulsion.

[0071] Next, the contents filling system 10 according to this embodiment will be further described with reference to FIGS. 1A and 1B.

[0072] As shown in FIG. 1B , the content filling system 10 includes a control unit 90 that controls the content filling system 10. The content filling system 10 includes a bottle forming unit 30, a sterilizer (container sterilizer) 11, an air-rinse device 14, the filling device 21, a capping device (capper, seaming, and stoppering machine) 16, and a product bottle conveying unit 25. The bottle forming unit 30, the sterilizer 11, the air-rinse device 14, the filling device 21, the capping device 16, and the product bottle conveying unit 25 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the conveyance direction of the bottles 100. A plurality of conveying wheels 12 are provided between the air-rinse device 14, the filling device 21, the capping device 16, etc., to convey the bottles 100 between these devices. Here, the bottle forming unit 30, the sterilizer 11, the air-rinse device 14, the filling device 21, the capping device 16, and the product bottle conveying unit 25 will be described.

[0073] The bottle molding unit 30 is configured to receive preforms 100a from outside and mold the bottles 100. The bottle molding unit 30 is also configured to transport the molded bottles 100 toward the sterilization device 11. This allows the content filling system 10 to continuously perform processes from supplying the preforms 100a, through molding the bottles 100, to filling the bottles 100 with content and closing the bottles 100. In this case, small-volume preforms 100a are transported from outside to the content filling system 10, rather than large-volume bottles 100. This reduces transportation costs.

[0074] Such a bottle molding section 30 is composed of a preform conveying section 31 that conveys the preform 100a, a blow molding section (container molding device) 32 that molds the preform 100a into a bottle 100 by blow molding the preform 100a, and a bottle conveying section 33 that conveys the molded bottle 100.

[0075] Of these, the preform transport section 31 includes a receiving section 34, a heating section 35, and a delivery section 36. Of these, the receiving section 34 is configured to receive the preforms 100a supplied from the preform supply device 1 via the preform supply conveyor 2. This receiving section 34 is provided with a preform sterilizer 34a for sterilizing the preforms 100a, and a preform air-rinse device 34b for air-rinsing the preforms 100a. In the example shown in the figure, the receiving section 34 is provided with one preform sterilizer 34a and one preform air-rinse device 34b. However, the number of preform sterilizers 34a and preform air-rinse devices 34b is not limited to this.

[0076] In the receiving section 34, the preform sterilizer 34a sprays gas or mist of an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution onto the preforms 100a, thereby sterilizing the preforms 100a (pre-sterilization).

[0077] The disinfectant used to sterilize the preform 100a may be any disinfectant that has the property of inactivating microorganisms, and examples thereof include hydrogen peroxide, peracetic acid, acetic acid, pernitric acid, nitric acid, chlorine-based chemicals, sodium hydroxide, potassium hydroxide, alcohols such as ethyl alcohol and isopropyl alcohol, chlorine dioxide, ozone water, acidic water, and surfactants, which may be used alone or in combination of two or more of these.

[0078] In this way, by sterilizing the preforms 100a in advance (pre-sterilization) using the preform sterilization device 34a, it is possible to reduce the amount of bacteria that adhere to the bottles 100 made from the preforms 100a. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of hydrogen peroxide used in the sterilization device 11 that sterilizes the bottles 100, and shorten the sterilization time. Generally, the amount of sterilant used to sterilize the small-volume preforms 100a can be less than the amount of sterilant used to sterilize the bottles 100. Therefore, by pre-sterilizing the preforms 100a, it is possible to reduce the overall amount of sterilant used.

[0079] Furthermore, the amount of hydrogen peroxide used in the sterilizer 11 can be reduced, and the sterilization time can be shortened, thereby enabling the size of the sterilizer 11 to be reduced. Furthermore, the sterilization time required to sterilize the bottles 100 can be shortened, thereby reducing the thermal load on the bottles 100. Therefore, even in the case of lightweight bottles 100 or bottles 100 made from recycled PET, deformation of the bottles 100 due to the heat of the sterilant can be suppressed.

[0080] Furthermore, because pre-sterilizing the preforms 100a reduces the number of bacteria adhering to the bottles 100, the sterilization conditions in the sterilizer 11 may be weakened. Generally, to improve the sterilization effect in the sterilizer 11, the blow molding section 32 heat-sets the body of the bottle 100 by supplying warm water from a mold temperature regulator (not shown) to the mold. This improves the sterilization effect in the sterilizer 11 and reduces the shrinkage of the bottles 100 in the sterilizer 11. However, in this embodiment, as described above, pre-sterilizing the preforms 100a reduces the number of bacteria adhering to the bottles 100. Therefore, the blow molding section (container molding device) 32 may mold the bottles 100 without adjusting the temperature of the bottles 100 with warm water. In other words, the blow molding section 32 does not need to supply warm water to the molds, which was previously supplied to improve the sterilization effect. As a result, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. Furthermore, since there is no need to supply hot water to the molds of the blow molding unit 32, it is possible to simplify the blow molding unit 32. Furthermore, since the blow molding unit 32 can be simplified, it is possible to reduce the amount of heat applied to the bottles 100. Therefore, even if hot water is not supplied to the molds as described above, it is possible to reduce the shrinkage of the bottles 100 in the sterilization apparatus 11.

[0081] Such sterilization may be performed not only in receiving section 34 but also in heating section 35 or delivery section 36. Sterilization may also be performed after the formation of bottle 100, between bottle conveying section 33 and filling device 20. Sterilization may also be performed at multiple locations. In the sterilization process, bacteria may be inactivated by ultraviolet irradiation, electron beam irradiation, or the like, without using a disinfectant.

[0082] 1B, the preform air-rinse device 34b described above is provided downstream of the preform sterilizer 34a. The preforms 100a sprayed with the sterilant are dried with hot air in the preform air-rinse device 34b. At this time, it is preferable to supply hot air to the preforms 100a with the openings of the preforms 100a facing downward. This effectively removes foreign matter from inside the preforms 100a. This eliminates the need to wash the preforms 100a with sterile water, reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10. The receiving section 34 does not necessarily have to be provided with the preform air-rinse device 34b. Furthermore, the receiving section 34 may be provided upstream of the preform sterilizer 34a with a foreign matter removal device (not shown) for removing foreign matter adhering to the preforms 100a.

[0083] The heating section 35 is configured to receive the preform 100a from the receiving section 34 and heat the preform 100a while transporting it. The heating section 35 is provided with a heater 35a that heats the preform 100a. The heater 35a may be, for example, an infrared heater. The heater 35a heats the preform 100a to, for example, a temperature of 90°C or higher and 130°C or lower. The temperature of the mouth of the preform 100a is kept below 70°C to prevent deformation, etc.

[0084] The delivery section 36 is configured to receive the preform 100 a heated by the heating section 35 and deliver it to the blow molding section 32 .

[0085] The blow molding unit 32 includes a mold (not shown). The mold is used to blow mold the preform 100a, thereby molding the bottle 100. The molded bottle 100 is then transported downstream by the bottle transport unit 33.

[0086] Here, a conditioning and conveying unit 5 is provided between the bottle molding unit 30 and the sterilizer 11, which receives bottles 100 from the bottle conveying unit 33 and transfers the bottles 100 to the sterilizer 11. At least a portion of this conditioning and conveying unit 5 is housed inside an atmosphere blocker chamber 70c (described below) provided upstream of a sterilant spray chamber 70d (described below). In the illustrated example, the conditioning and conveying unit 5 is disposed so as to straddle the molding unit chamber 70b (described below) that houses the bottle molding unit 30 and the atmosphere blocker chamber 70c. In this way, by having at least a portion of the conditioning and conveying unit 5 housed inside the atmosphere blocker chamber 70c, it is possible to prevent sterilant gas or mist, or a mixture thereof, generated in the sterilant spray chamber 70d from flowing into the molding unit chamber 70b.

[0087] In the illustrated example, a single conveying wheel 12 is provided between the adjusting and conveying unit 5 and the bottle conveying unit 33 of the bottle molding unit 30. That is, between the blow molding unit 32 of the bottle molding unit 30 and the sterilization device 11, the bottle conveying unit 33 of the bottle molding unit 30, a single conveying wheel 12, and an adjusting and conveying unit 5 are provided. This allows the content filling system 10 to be more compact than when multiple conveying wheels 12 are provided between the adjusting and conveying unit 5 and the bottle conveying unit 33 of the bottle molding unit 30. Although not shown, only the adjusting and conveying unit 5 may be provided between the blow molding unit 32 of the bottle molding unit 30 and the sterilization device 11. In this case, the content filling system 10 can be made even more compact.

[0088] The sterilizer 11 is a device that sterilizes the bottles 100 by spraying a sterilant onto the bottles 100. As a result, the bottles 100 are sterilized by the sterilant before being filled with the contents. For example, an aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is used as the sterilant. In the sterilizer 11, gas or mist of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution is generated and sprayed onto the inner and outer surfaces of the bottles 100. Since the bottles 100 are sterilized with the gas or mist of the aqueous hydrogen peroxide solution in this way, the inner and outer surfaces of the bottles 100 are sterilized evenly.

[0089] The air rinse device 14 is a device that supplies sterile heated air or room temperature air to the bottle 100 to activate the hydrogen peroxide while removing foreign matter, hydrogen peroxide, and the like from inside the bottle 100. At this time, it is preferable that the sterile air is supplied to the bottle 100 with the mouth of the bottle 100 facing downward. This allows foreign matter to be effectively removed from inside the bottle 100. This makes it possible to omit the step of rinsing the bottle 100 with sterile water, thereby reducing the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10. Note that, if necessary, sterilized room temperature air may be mixed with a condensed mist of low-concentration hydrogen peroxide to gasify the hydrogen peroxide and supply it to the bottle 100.

[0090] The filling device 21 is a device that fills water and a product concentrate into bottles 100. That is, the filling device 21 fills the bottles 100 from the mouths thereof with a content liquid consisting of a mixture of the target raw material and water that has been pre-sterilized without heating, and other raw materials that have been pre-sterilized by heating. In this way, the contents produced by mixing the mixture of the target raw material, which is made up of water and the target raw material, with the other raw materials are filled into empty bottles 100. In this filling device 21, the contents are filled into the bottles 100 while a plurality of bottles 100 are rotated and transported.

[0091] The filling device 21 is disposed inside an aseptic chamber 70f (described later). The filling device 21 may be a so-called rotary filler having a plurality of rotatable filling nozzles 21a (see FIG. 1C).

[0092] The filling device 21 fills the sterilized contents into the bottles 100. In this case, the filling device 21 fills the sterilized contents into the empty bottles 100.

[0093] The capping device 16 is a device that seals the bottles 100 by attaching caps 88 to the bottles 100. In the capping device 16, the bottles 100 filled with water, the target raw material, and other raw materials (contents) are closed with the caps 88, sealing the bottles 100 to prevent outside air and microorganisms from entering. In the capping device 16, the caps 88 are attached to the mouths of multiple bottles 100 filled with the contents while they are rotated (revolved). In this way, the caps 88 are attached to the bottles 100, and product bottles 101 are obtained.

[0094] The caps 88 are sterilized in advance by the cap sterilizer 18. The cap sterilizer 18 is disposed, for example, outside the aseptic chamber 70f and near the cap fitting device 16. In the cap sterilizer 18, a large number of caps 88 brought in from outside the content filling system 10 are collected in advance and transported in a line toward the cap fitting device 16. On the way to the cap fitting device 16, hydrogen peroxide gas or mist is sprayed onto the inner and outer surfaces of the caps 88, and then the caps are dried and sterilized with hot air.

[0095] The product bottle carrying section 25 continuously carries out the product bottles 101 to which the caps 88 have been attached by the capping device 16 toward the outside of the content filling system 10.

[0096] The content filling system 10 includes a preform sterilization chamber 70a, a molding section chamber 70b, an atmosphere blocker chamber 70c, a sterilant spray chamber 70d, an air rinse chamber 70e, an aseptic chamber 70f, and an exit chamber 70g. Of these, the air rinse chamber 70e is provided upstream of the aseptic chamber 70f. That is, the preform sterilization chamber 70a, the molding section chamber 70b, the atmosphere blocker chamber 70c, the sterilant spray chamber 70d, the air rinse chamber 70e, the aseptic chamber 70f, and the exit chamber 70g are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the conveyance direction of the preforms 100a and bottles 100.

[0097] Each of the chambers 70a to 70g is separated by a partition wall. The partition wall prevents the sterilant or the like from flowing in an unintended direction between the chambers 70a to 70g and stabilizes the pressure within each of the chambers 70a to 70g. The partition walls have gaps large enough to allow the preforms 100a or bottles 100 to pass through. These gaps are formed to a minimum size, for example, the size of one preform 100a or bottle 100, so as to prevent changes in the pressure within each of the chambers 70a to 70g. The partition walls may also be provided with shutters that close the aforementioned gaps. These shutters may be configured to open and close automatically, for example, in response to a signal from the control unit 90.

[0098] Among the chambers 70a to 70g, the preform sterilization chamber 70a houses the preform sterilization device 34a and the like.

[0099] The blow molding section 32 of the bottle molding section 30 and the like are housed inside the molding section chamber 70b.

[0100] At least a portion of the adjustment and conveyance unit 5 is housed within the atmosphere-blocking chamber 70c. A camera may be installed within the atmosphere-blocking chamber 70c. The camera may be used to inspect whether the bottles 100 are suitable for molding. A thermometer may be installed within the atmosphere-blocking chamber 70c. The thermometer may be used to measure the temperature of the bottles 100 before sterilization. The temperature of the bottles 100 is one of the important factors that determine the sterilization efficiency of the bottles 100. In other words, maintaining the temperature of the bottles 100 at an appropriate temperature can improve the sterilization efficiency of the bottles 100. Therefore, measuring the temperature of the bottles 100 before sterilization with a thermometer can maintain the temperature of the bottles 100 at an appropriate temperature during sterilization, thereby improving the sterilization efficiency of the bottles 100. Furthermore, within the atmosphere-blocking chamber 70c, the pitch between the bottles 100 on the bottle molding unit 30 side can be changed to the pitch between the bottles 100 on the filling device 21 side. Alternatively, an adjustment wheel may be provided inside the atmosphere blocking chamber 70c to align the phases of the bottle forming section 30 and the filling device 21 and synchronize the rotation speeds of the wheels.

[0101] Sterilizer spray chamber 70d houses sterilizer 11. Air rinse chamber 70e houses air rinse device 14.

[0102] The aseptic chamber 70f accommodates the filling device 21, the conveying wheel 12, and the capping device 16. Furthermore, the outlet chamber 70g accommodates the product bottle delivery section 25.

[0103] Pressure gauges (not shown) for measuring the pressure inside the preform sterilization chamber 70a, sterilant spray chamber 70d, air rinse chamber 70e, aseptic chamber 70f, and exit chamber 70g are attached inside the chambers. Note that a pressure gauge for measuring the pressure inside each chamber may also be attached to the molding section chamber 70b and / or the atmosphere cutoff chamber 70c.

[0104] As described above, the content filling system 10 includes a control unit 90 that controls the content filling system 10. This control unit 90 is electrically connected to the filling device 21 and controls the filling device 21. The control unit 90 may be electrically connected to the mixing target raw material sterilization line 50, the other raw material sterilization line 70, the bottle forming unit 30, the sterilizer 11, the air rinse device 14, the capping device 16, the product bottle conveying unit 25, and the cap sterilizer 18, and the control unit 90 may control the mixing target raw material sterilization line 50, etc.

[0105] The control unit 90 may clean and sterilize the inside of each chamber, or may clean and sterilize a sterilizer 60 (described later) of the mixing target raw material sterilization line 50. In this embodiment, the control unit 90 cleans the inside of the aseptic chamber 70f (hereinafter, cleaning of the inside of each chamber will also be referred to as COP). The control unit 90 also cleans the filling device 21 (hereinafter, cleaning of the inside of the filling device 21 will also be referred to as CIP (Cleaning in Place)).

[0106] When producing the product bottles 101, the pressure inside the aseptic chamber 70f is preferably 30 Pa or more and 60 Pa or less.

[0107] Furthermore, it is preferable that the pressure inside the air rinse chamber 70e be equal to or lower than the pressure inside the sterile chamber 70f, thereby preventing the air inside the air rinse chamber 70e from entering the sterile chamber 70f, thereby maintaining a good sterility inside the sterile chamber 70f.

[0108] When cleaning and sterilizing the inside of the aseptic chamber 70f, the pressure inside the air rinse chamber 70e is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. Furthermore, when cleaning and sterilizing the filling device 21, the pressure inside the air rinse chamber 70e is preferably 10 Pa or more and 40 Pa or less. This prevents air from inside the air rinse chamber 70e from entering the aseptic chamber 70f, and further maintains the aseptic state inside the aseptic chamber 70f. Furthermore, when producing the product bottles 101, the pressure inside the air rinse chamber 70e is preferably 10 Pa or more and 30 Pa or less.

[0109] Furthermore, the pressure within the sterilant spray chamber 70d is preferably equal to or lower than the pressure within the atmosphere blocker chamber 70c. This prevents the air within the sterilant spray chamber 70d from entering the atmosphere blocker chamber 70c and the molding section chamber 70b. Since the air within the sterilant spray chamber 70d is prevented from entering the molding section chamber 70b, an increase in humidity within the molding section chamber 70b is prevented. As described above, the blow molding section 32 of the bottle molding section 30 is housed within the molding section chamber 70b. Therefore, by preventing an increase in humidity within the molding section chamber 70b, corrosion of the machinery that constitutes the blow molding section 32 can be prevented.

[0110] When cleaning and sterilizing the inside of the aseptic chamber 70f, the pressure inside the sterilant spray chamber 70d is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. Furthermore, when cleaning and sterilizing the filling device 21, the pressure inside the sterilant spray chamber 70d is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. This prevents air from inside the sterilant spray chamber 70d from entering the atmosphere blockage chamber 70c and the molding section chamber 70b, thereby preventing an increase in humidity inside the molding section chamber 70b. Furthermore, when producing the finished bottles 101, the pressure inside the sterilant spray chamber 70d is preferably -10 Pa or more and 10 Pa or less.

[0111] When cleaning and sterilizing the inside of the sterile chamber 70f, the pressure inside the outlet chamber 70g is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. Furthermore, when cleaning and sterilizing the filling device 21, the pressure inside the outlet chamber 70g is preferably 0 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less. This prevents air from inside the outlet chamber 70g from entering the sterile chamber 70f, and further maintains the sterile state inside the sterile chamber 70f. Furthermore, when producing the product bottles 101, the pressure inside the outlet chamber 70g is preferably 10 Pa or more and 20 Pa or less.

[0112] Such a content filling system 10 may be, for example, a sterile filling system. In this case, the interiors of the sterilant spray chamber 70d, the air rinse chamber 70e, the sterile chamber 70f, and the outlet chamber 70g are maintained in a sterile state. Note that a chamber (not shown) may be provided downstream of the outlet chamber 70g to connect the sterile zone in a sterile state with the non-sterile zone in a non-sterile state.

[0113] Next, the mixing line 51A, the mixing target raw material sterilization line 50, and the other raw material sterilization line 70 of the content filling system 10 will be described.

[0114] Here, we will first explain the mixing line 51A with reference to Figure 2A1. The mixing line 51A mixes the target raw material with water to produce a mixed raw material. This mixing line 51A has a water tank 50a that stores water (pure water) supplied from a pure water production system 50c, a target raw material tank 50b that stores the target raw material among the raw materials contained therein, and a mixing tank 51 that mixes the water in the water tank 50a with the target raw material in the target raw material tank 50b to produce a mixed raw material.

[0115] The water tank 50a stores water (pure water) supplied from a water source (for example, the above-described water purifier 50c). For example, when the contents are drinking water, the Food Sanitation Act requires that water for food production be used. The water for food production is pure water (RO water, ion-exchanged water, or distilled water) produced by the water purifier 50c, which includes activated carbon, a reverse osmosis membrane, or an ion exchange resin (including EDI). Pure water is water from which impurities such as calcium, magnesium, chlorine, iron, and minerals have been removed. In this case, the evaporation residue of the pure water is 20 mg / L or less. Furthermore, the electrical conductivity of the pure water is 0.1 μS / cm or more and 20 μS / cm or less. As will be described later, in this embodiment, water is sterilized by ultraviolet light. Therefore, by ensuring that the electrical conductivity of the water to be sterilized is 20 μS / cm or less, adhesion of inorganic substances (oxides such as calcium) to the surfaces of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., which will be described later, can be suppressed. This prevents a decrease in ultraviolet transmittance. The water supplied from the pure water production system 50c is not limited to pure water, but may be ultrapure water, purified water used for pharmaceuticals, or water for injection.

[0116] The water tank 50a serves to store water and ensure a smooth flow of water. The volume of the water tank 50a is 30 m 3 More than 100m 3 It may be less than 50m, for example. 3 It may be.

[0117] Furthermore, the bacterial count in the water tank 50a is preferably between 0.01 CFU / mL and 10 CFU / mL. If the bacterial count in the water tank 50a exceeds 10 CFU / mL, it is preferable to sterilize the water tank 50a with chlorine, hot water, steam, or the like. The bacterial count in the water tank 50a may be constantly monitored and controlled to remain within the above range. This allows water to be produced while maintaining sterility without installing additional equipment. Therefore, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the sterilizer 60 of the mixing target raw material sterilization line 50, described below, can be reduced without requiring expensive specifications. A pre-stage sterilizer 62A having the same configuration as the first sterilizer 62 may be installed upstream or downstream of the water tank 50a.

[0118] The target raw material tank 50b stores the target raw material among the above-mentioned contents, and the water from the water tank 50a and the target raw material from the target raw material tank 50b are mixed in the mixing tank 51 to produce a mixed target raw material.

[0119] A pump P1 for transporting water and a flow meter F for measuring the flow rate of water may be provided downstream of the mixing line 51A configured as above. The pump P1 and the flow meter F may be provided in this order from upstream to downstream along the water transport direction. In addition, downstream of the flow meter F, the mixing target raw material sterilization line 50, which is composed of the sterilizer 60 described above, is provided.

[0120] The mixing target raw material sterilization line 50, which is made up of a sterilizer 60, is a sterilizer that sterilizes, without heating, the mixing target raw materials obtained by mixing water and the target raw materials in a mixing tank 51. Details of the sterilizer 60 will be described later.

[0121] A tank 52 is provided downstream of the sterilizer 60. This tank 52 is a tank (a so-called aseptic tank) that stores the raw materials to be mixed that have been sterilized by the sterilizer 60. By storing the sterilized raw materials to be mixed, this tank 52 plays a role in smoothing the flow of the raw materials to be mixed. The volume of the tank 52 is 5 m 3 More than 50m3 It may be less than 10m, for example. 3 It may be.

[0122] In addition, a mixing tank 55 is provided downstream of the tank 52, and in this mixing tank 55, the raw materials to be mixed are mixed with other raw materials that have been sterilized in the other raw material sterilization line 70 to produce the contents.

[0123] 2A2, a circulation line 59 may be connected upstream of the tank 52. This circulation line 59 may be connected to the mixing tank 51. As a result, the foreign matter removal filter 61 of the sterilizer 60, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterilizing filter 63, the second sterilizer 64, the second sterilizing filter 65, the circulation line 59, and the mixing tank 51 may form a circulation system 59A that circulates water.

[0124] (Mixed material sterilization line and sterilizer) Next, the sterilizer 60 of the mixing target raw material sterilization line 50 will be described. This sterilizer 60 is a sterilizer that sterilizes the mixing target raw materials used in the content filling system 10. In this embodiment, the sterilizer 60 sterilizes the mixing target raw materials without heating. As described above, the sterilizer 60 sterilizes the mixing target raw materials stored in the mixing tank 51. For this reason, the sterilizer 60 sterilizes the mixing target raw materials having an electrical conductivity of 0.1 μS / cm or more and 20 μS / cm or less.

[0125] As shown in Figures 2A1 and 2A2, the sterilizer 60 is equipped with at least one sterilization filter (first sterilization filter 63 and second sterilization filter 65). The sterilizer 60 also has at least one sterilizer (first sterilizer 62 and second sterilizer 64). Because the sterilizer 60 is equipped with at least one sterilization filter and at least one sterilizer, even if one of the sterilization filter and the sterilizer stops, the sterility of the water can be guaranteed by the other of the sterilization filter and the sterilizer. Furthermore, as shown in Figure 2A2, the sterilizer 60 has a circulation system 95A, which will be described later.

[0126] In the example shown in FIGS. 2A1 and 2A2, the sterilizer 60 includes a foreign matter removal filter 61, a first sterilizer 62, a first sterilizing filter 63, a second sterilizer 64, and a second sterilizing filter 65. The foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterilizing filter 63, the second sterilizer 64, and the second sterilizing filter 65 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the direction of conveyance of the contents. In this way, by arranging the sterilizer (in this case, the second sterilizer 64) downstream of the sterilizing filter (in this case, the first sterilizing filter 63), even if bacteria pass through the sterilizing filter, the sterilizer can sterilize the bacteria. In this case, as shown in FIG. 2A3, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, the first sterilizing filter 63, and the second sterilizing filter 65 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the direction of conveyance of the contents. As shown in Figures 2A1 to 2A3, the sterilizer 60 is provided with multiple sterilizing filters (first sterilizing filter 63 and second sterilizing filter 65), so that even if one sterilizing filter stops working, the sterility of the water can be ensured by the other sterilizing filter. Also, because the sterilizer 60 is provided with multiple sterilizers (first sterilizer 62 and second sterilizer 64), even if one sterilizer stops working, the sterility of the contents can be ensured by the other sterilizer. The foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterilizing filter 63 are provided with drain lines 95c.

[0127] 2A4, the sterilizer 60 may include a foreign matter removal filter 61, a first sterilizer 62, a first sterilizing filter 63, and a second sterilizing filter 65. The foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterilizing filter 63, and the second sterilizing filter 65 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the direction of conveyance of the contents. In this case, the sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterilizer 64 provided between the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65.

[0128] 2A5, the sterilizer 60 may include a first sterilizer 62, a first sterilizing filter 63, and a second sterilizing filter 65. The first sterilizer 62, the first sterilizing filter 63, and the second sterilizing filter 65 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the water transport direction. In this case, the sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterilizer 64 provided between the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65. As shown in FIG. 2A6, the first sterilizing filter 63, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizing filter 65, and the second sterilizer 64 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the content transport direction. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 2A7, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterilizing filter 63, the second sterilizing filter 65, and the second sterilizer 64 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the content transport direction.

[0129] 2B, the sterilizer 60 may include a first sterilizer 62 and a first sterilizing filter 63. The first sterilizer 62 and the first sterilizing filter 63 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the direction of conveyance of the contents. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2C, the first sterilizing filter 63 and the first sterilizer 62 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the direction of conveyance of the contents. In these cases, the sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterilizer 64 provided between the first sterilizing filter 63 and a valve V1 described below.

[0130] 2D, the sterilizer 60 may include a first sterilizer 62, a second sterilizer 64, and a first sterilizing filter 63. The first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, and the first sterilizing filter 63 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the conveyance direction of the contents. In this case, the sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterilizing filter 65 provided downstream of the first sterilizing filter 63. Furthermore, a pre-stage sterilizer 62A is provided upstream of the first sterilizer 62.

[0131] 2E, the sterilizer 60 may include a first sterilizing filter 63, a second sterilizing filter 65, and a first sterilizer 62. The first sterilizing filter 63, the second sterilizing filter 65, and the first sterilizer 62 may be arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the conveyance direction of the contents. In this case, the sterilizer 60 may further include a second sterilizer 64 provided downstream of the first sterilizer 62.

[0132] Furthermore, the sterilizer 60 does not necessarily have to be equipped with a sterilizing filter. That is, depending on the sterilization quality level of the contents produced by diluting the undiluted product with water and / or the growth characteristics of bacteria in the contents, the sterilizer 60 may not necessarily have to be equipped with a sterilizing filter. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 2F, the sterilizer 60 may only have a first sterilizer 62. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2G, the sterilizer 60 may have a first sterilizer 62 and a second sterilizer 64. In this way, if the sterilizer 60 does not have a sterilizing filter, the manufacturing cost of the sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

[0133] Furthermore, the sterilizer 60 does not necessarily have to be equipped with a sterilizer. That is, depending on the sterilization quality level of the contents produced by diluting the undiluted product with water and / or the growth characteristics of bacteria in the contents, the sterilizer 60 may not necessarily have to be equipped with a sterilizer. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 2H, the sterilizer 60 may be equipped with only a first sterilizing filter 63. Alternatively, as shown in FIG. 2I, the sterilizer 60 may be equipped with a first sterilizing filter 63 and a second sterilizing filter 65. In this way, even when the sterilizer 60 does not have a sterilizer, the manufacturing cost of the sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

[0134] Next, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterilizing filter 63, the second sterilizer 64, and the second sterilizing filter 65 will be described. Note that in the following description, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, the first sterilizing filter 63, the second sterilizer 64, and the second sterilizing filter 65 will be described mainly using the sterilizer 60 shown in Fig. 2A1 as an example. Here, the foreign matter removal filter 61 will be described first.

[0135] The foreign matter removal filter 61 is a filter that removes foreign matter from water. In the illustrated example, the sterilizer 60 is equipped with a single foreign matter removal filter 61. However, this is not limited thereto, and the sterilizer 60 may be equipped with multiple foreign matter removal filters 61. The mesh size (filtration accuracy) of the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be, for example, 0.20 μm to 10 μm, or 0.45 μm to 10 μm. Furthermore, the mesh size of the foreign matter removal filter 61 is preferably large enough to remove fungi (mold, yeast, etc.). As will be described later, the first sterilizer 62 and the like provided downstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61 irradiates the water with ultraviolet light. For this reason, the mesh size of the foreign matter removal filter 61 is preferably large enough to remove ultraviolet-resistant molds, and is preferably 0.45 μm to 1.0 μm. To enhance the sterility of the water that has passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61, the mesh size of the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be 0.2 μm or more and 1.0 μm or less. This makes it possible to capture almost all bacteria remaining in the water. Furthermore, to enhance the sterility of the water that has passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61, a sterile-grade filter with a mesh size of 0.1 μm or more and 0.22 μm or less may be used as the foreign matter removal filter 61.

[0136] The first sterilizer 62 is located downstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61. The first sterilizer 62 is located upstream of the first sterilizing filter 63. The first sterilizer 62 sterilizes the raw materials to be mixed using ultraviolet light. This sterilizes bacteria (bacteria other than mold and yeast) that have passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61. Furthermore, by using ultraviolet light to sterilize the raw materials to be mixed using the first sterilizer 62, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system can be reduced compared to sterilizing the raw materials to be mixed by heating them. In particular, as described above, when producing the content, the product ingredients can be diluted with water by a ratio of 1.1 to 100, preferably 2 to 10. When the product ingredients are diluted with water by a ratio of 2 to 10, 50% to 90% of the content is water. Therefore, by sterilizing the raw materials to be mixed containing water without heating them, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted when producing the content can be significantly reduced.

[0137] However, if the bacterial concentration of the water supplied from the pure water production system 50c is high (for example, 1 CFU / ml or more) and the foreign matter removal filter 61 has a sterilization filter pore size (0.1 to 1 μm), the foreign matter removal filter 61 will become contaminated with bacteria in a short period of time. If a large amount of bacteria is captured by the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the bacteria multiply, this may affect the quality of the water. Therefore, it is recommended to install a first sterilizer 62 upstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61 (see 62A in FIG. 2B). This makes it possible to produce high-quality sterile water for a long period of time.

[0138] As described above, in this embodiment, the first sterilizer 62 sterilizes water by ultraviolet rays. In this case, as shown in Figures 3 and 4, the first sterilizer 62 may have a main body 66 and an ultraviolet irradiator 67 provided within the main body 66.

[0139] The main body 66 is hollow. The main body 66 has a truncated cone shape. Specifically, the main body 66 has a truncated cone-shaped inner surface, with the smaller diameter end positioned higher than the larger diameter end. An inlet 68 for introducing the materials to be mixed into the main body 66 may be formed at the bottom of the main body 66, and an outlet 69 for discharging the sterilized materials to be mixed from the main body 66 may be formed at the top of the main body 66. An inlet pipe 68a may be connected to the inlet 68 formed in the main body 66, and the inlet pipe 68a may be arranged to extend tangentially to the inner surface of the main body 66 in a plan view. In this case, the tangential direction of the inner surface refers to the tangential direction of the circle formed by the inner surface of the main body 66 in a horizontal cross section including the inlet 68, at the portion where the introduced materials to be mixed collide with the inner surface of the main body 66.

[0140] The raw materials to be mixed introduced into the main body 66 through the introduction section 68 are guided along the inner surface of the main body 66, causing them to swirl in the circumferential direction. The raw materials to be mixed then move upward while swirling, and are discharged from the discharge section 69. This makes it possible to prevent uneven flow of the raw materials to be mixed introduced into the main body 66. This makes it possible to prevent a portion of the raw materials to be mixed introduced into the main body 66 from being discharged from the discharge section 69 in a short time (so-called short pass).

[0141] 4, a baffle 66a that regulates the flow of the materials to be mixed may be provided within the main body 66. The baffle 66a may protrude radially from the inner surface of the main body 66 so as to spirally circumferentially. By providing such a baffle 66a within the main body 66, the materials to be mixed introduced into the main body 66 through the introduction portion 68 can be prevented from moving upward without circumferentially circulating. This more reliably prevents so-called short-pass flow. Although not shown, the baffle 66a does not have to spirally circumferentially within the main body 66. In this case, for example, a plurality of baffles 66a, each having a circular shape in a plan view, may be provided within the main body 66, and may be configured so that water passes through a central opening.

[0142] Furthermore, a fixing member 66b for fixing a first ultraviolet lamp 67a and a second ultraviolet lamp 67b (described later) of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 may be provided within the main body 66. The fixing member 66b may have, for example, a cross shape in a plan view. This prevents the fixing member 66b from interfering with the upward movement of the water. Alternatively, the fixing member 66b may have, for example, a disk shape or a circle in a plan view. In this case, the fixing member 66b may have a through-hole (not shown) formed therein, and may be configured so that the raw materials to be mixed pass through the through-hole.

[0143] The main body 66 may be provided with an illuminance meter that measures the illuminance of ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67. An output meter that measures the output of a first ultraviolet lamp 67a and a second ultraviolet lamp 67b (described later) of the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 may also be provided. The flow meter F described above may also be used to constantly monitor the time (residence time) that the materials to be mixed pass through the inside of the main body 66. Furthermore, the temperature, turbidity, and / or chromaticity of the materials to be mixed passing through the main body 66 may be constantly or appropriately measured to confirm that there are no abnormalities in the amount of ultraviolet light irradiation and / or transmittance.

[0144] Sterilization of the raw materials to be mixed is guaranteed by constantly monitoring the readings of the illuminance meter. If the illuminance rises or falls from the set value, the output of ultraviolet light can be automatically adjusted to bring it closer to the set value. Alternatively, the frequency of pump P1 can be varied to change the liquid delivery flow rate, bringing the illuminance closer to the set value. It is also possible to set only a lower limit for the illuminance, without setting an upper limit. Furthermore, if the illuminance during delivery falls below the lower limit, the flow of the raw materials to be mixed is immediately switched to the circulation line 59 to maintain sterility from the tank (aseptic tank) 52 onwards. After that, the sterilizer 60 can be cleaned and sterilized, or sterilized only, before production can be resumed.

[0145] Next, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 will be described. The ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 may include a first ultraviolet lamp 67a provided at the radial center of the main body 66 and a plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b provided around the first ultraviolet lamp 67a. In the illustrated example, four second ultraviolet lamps 67b are provided around one first ultraviolet lamp 67a.

[0146] Each of the second ultraviolet lamps 67b is arranged along the inner surface of the main body 66. That is, each of the second ultraviolet lamps 67b is provided so as to be inclined radially inward as it goes upward. In this case, it is preferable that the second ultraviolet lamps 67b are arranged at equal intervals along the circumferential direction. This allows the integrated irradiation amount of ultraviolet light (mJ / cm 2 The first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may each be an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates ultraviolet light having a wavelength of 200 nm or more and 450 nm or less.

[0147] The first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may each be a low-pressure mercury lamp, a medium-pressure mercury lamp, or a UV-LED. In this case, the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are preferably a low-pressure mercury lamp or a medium-pressure mercury lamp. A low-pressure mercury lamp is a mercury lamp whose mercury vapor pressure during lighting is less than 10 Pa. This low-pressure mercury lamp can efficiently irradiate ultraviolet light with a wavelength (253.7 nm) that has a high sterilizing effect. Therefore, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are each a low-pressure mercury lamp, the sterilization effect in the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 can be improved. The low-pressure mercury lamp may also be an amalgam lamp (low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) in which amalgam, an alloy of mercury and other metals, is enclosed in the arc tube.

[0148] A medium-pressure mercury lamp is a mercury lamp whose mercury vapor pressure during lighting is 40 kPa or more. Generally, medium-pressure mercury lamps are higher-output mercury lamps than low-pressure mercury lamps. Therefore, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are medium-pressure mercury lamps, the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 can sterilize a large amount of water. Furthermore, because medium-pressure mercury lamps are high-output mercury lamps, when the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b are medium-pressure mercury lamps, the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 can be made smaller.

[0149] Here, the sterilization effect of ultraviolet light is calculated by the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet light (mJ / cm 2 ) changes depending on the irradiance (mW / cm). In other words, the greater the cumulative dose of ultraviolet light, the greater the sterilizing effect of ultraviolet light. This cumulative dose is determined by the irradiance (mW / cm 2) and the irradiation time (sec). Therefore, in order to enhance the sterilization effect of ultraviolet light on bacteria, it is necessary to shorten the distance between the light source (first ultraviolet lamp 67a and second ultraviolet lamp 67b) and the raw materials to be mixed, and to extend the irradiation time of ultraviolet light. In particular, the illuminance is inversely proportional to the square of the distance from the light source that irradiates ultraviolet light. For example, if the distance from the light source is doubled, the illuminance will be 1 / 4, and if the distance from the light source is tripled, the illuminance will be 1 / 9. Therefore, the sterilization effect of ultraviolet light on bacteria can be enhanced by having water pass near the light source.

[0150] As described above, in this embodiment, the lower part of the main body 66 is provided with an inlet 68 for introducing the raw materials to be mixed into the main body 66, and the upper part of the main body 66 is provided with an outlet 69 for discharging the sterilized raw materials to be mixed from the main body 66. This prevents short-path mixing and increases the time the raw materials to be mixed remain inside the main body 66. This increases the time the raw materials to be mixed are irradiated with ultraviolet light, thereby increasing the cumulative amount of ultraviolet light irradiation. Furthermore, by introducing the raw materials to be mixed from the lower part of the main body 66, even when the raw materials to be mixed are introduced into the water at the beginning of operation of the first sterilizer 62, i.e., the main body 66 is empty, this ensures that the raw materials to be mixed remain inside the main body 66 for a sufficient period of time. This increases the time the water is irradiated with ultraviolet light.

[0151] The main body 66 is shaped like a truncated cone. This shortens the distance between the first and second ultraviolet lamps 67a and 67b and the raw materials to be mixed at the top of the main body 66. This enhances the sterilization effect of ultraviolet light on bacteria. The ultraviolet light irradiation unit 67 includes a first ultraviolet lamp 67a located at the center of the main body 66 in the radial direction and a plurality of second ultraviolet lamps 67b located around the first ultraviolet lamp 67a. This allows ultraviolet light to be irradiated evenly onto the raw materials to be mixed, which move upward while rotating in the circumferential direction. This reduces variations in the cumulative amount of ultraviolet light irradiation.

[0152] Here, the cumulative dose of ultraviolet light on water is 10 mJ / cm 2 More than 10000mJ / cm 2 Preferably, it is 100 mJ / cm or less. 2 More than 1000mJ / cm 2 More preferably, the cumulative dose of ultraviolet light irradiated onto the contents when passing through the main body 66 is 10 mJ / cm at a wavelength of 254 nm. 2 More than 10000mJ / cm 2 Preferably, it is 100 mJ / cm or less. 2 More than 1000mJ / cm 2 More preferably, it is 130 mJ / cm or less. 2 More than 500mJ / cm 2 The cumulative dose of ultraviolet light is 10 mJ / cm 2 This makes it possible to effectively sterilize aquatic bacteria (gram-negative bacteria such as Pseudomonas or Methylobacterium that can grow in water in a nutrient-poor environment) that may pass through the second sterilization filter 65. In addition, the cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet light is 100 mJ / cm 2 By using a UV light source with a cumulative dose of 10,000 mJ / cm2 or more, bacterial spores can also be sterilized. 2By setting the wavelength of the ultraviolet light to 250 nm or less, electricity consumption can be reduced, and the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced. The wavelength of the ultraviolet light may be 250 nm or more and 260 nm or less, for example, 253.7 nm (254 nm). By setting the wavelength of the ultraviolet light to 250 nm or more and 260 nm or less, particularly 253.7 nm, the sterilization effect of the ultraviolet light on bacteria can be enhanced. In this specification, "aquatic bacteria" refers to bacteria that can pass through a sterilization filter with a mesh size of 0.2 μm, and may also be referred to as "sterilization filter-passing bacteria." The dose of ultraviolet light emitted by the ultraviolet light irradiation unit 67 may be set based on the RED (Reduction Equivalent UV Dose) determined by an actual chemical dosimeter or biological dosimeter. For more information, please refer to "ULTRAVIOLET DISINFECTION GUIDANCE MANUAL FOR THE FINAL LONG TERM 2 ENHANCED SURFACE WATER TREATMENT RULE, United States Environmental Protection Agency, EPA 815-R-06-007, November 2006."

[0153] Such a first sterilizer 62 is preferably capable of being sterilized (SIP). This allows the first sterilizer 62 to be sterilized periodically. When sterilizing the first sterilizer 62, the above-mentioned control unit 90 may sterilize the first sterilizer 62 with steam or hot water. Alternatively, if the first sterilizer 62 is heat-sensitive, the control unit 90 may sterilize the first sterilizer 62 by circulating a sterilizing agent containing, for example, peracetic acid in the circulation system 59A including the sterilizer 60. In this case, the control unit 90 may circulate the sterilizing agent in the circulation system 59A for at least 10 seconds to 60 minutes.

[0154] As shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B, the main body 66 of the first sterilizer 62 may be cylindrical. In this case, a discharge pipe 69a may be connected to the discharge port 69 formed in the main body 66, and the discharge pipe 69a may be arranged to extend in a tangential direction to the inner surface of the main body 66 in a plan view. In this case, the tangential direction to the inner surface refers to the tangential direction of the circle formed by the inner surface of the main body 66 in a horizontal cross section including the discharge port 69, in which the raw materials to be mixed that have circulated while contacting the inner surface move away from the inner surface of the main body 66. When the main body 66 is cylindrical, the raw materials to be mixed can be retained within the main body 66 for a longer period of time. This allows for longer irradiation time of the raw materials to be mixed with ultraviolet light, thereby increasing the cumulative dose of ultraviolet light. In this case, although not shown, the second ultraviolet lamps 67b may be arranged to be inclined radially inward as they extend upward.

[0155] 6A and 6B, the main body 66 may be cylindrical, with an inlet 68 formed at one end of the main body 66 for introducing the ingredients to be mixed into the main body 66. The other end of the main body 66 may be formed with a discharge 69 for discharging the sterilized ingredients to be mixed from the main body 66. In this case, the main body 66 may be arranged so that the longitudinal direction of the main body 66 (the direction in which the water flows) is horizontal, or so that the longitudinal direction of the main body 66 (the direction in which the water flows) is vertical.

[0156] In this modification, the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67 may include a plurality of third ultraviolet lamps 67c arranged along the direction of travel of the raw materials to be mixed. This allows ultraviolet light to be irradiated evenly onto the water. This makes it possible to suppress variations in the cumulative amount of ultraviolet light irradiation.

[0157] Furthermore, the third ultraviolet lamps 67c adjacent to each other in the direction of travel of the raw materials to be mixed may extend in different directions when viewed from the direction of travel of the raw materials to be mixed. This more effectively reduces variations in the cumulative amount of ultraviolet radiation. In the illustrated example, each third ultraviolet lamp 67c is arranged regularly. That is, when viewed from the upstream side of the direction of travel of the raw materials to be mixed (the left side of FIG. 6B), each third ultraviolet lamp 67c rotates clockwise by 45° around the central axis X of the main body 66 as it moves downstream of the direction of travel of the raw materials to be mixed (the right side of FIG. 6B). Note that each third ultraviolet lamp 67c may also be arranged irregularly.

[0158] The third ultraviolet lamp 67c may be an ultraviolet lamp similar to the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b. That is, the third ultraviolet lamp 67c may be an ultraviolet lamp that irradiates ultraviolet light with a wavelength of 200 nm or more and 450 nm or less. The third ultraviolet lamp 67c may also be a low-pressure mercury lamp (including a low-pressure high-output amalgam lamp) or a medium-pressure mercury lamp. Although not shown, a baffle plate 66a that regulates the flow of water may be provided within the main body 66.

[0159] Furthermore, in the first sterilizer 62 shown in FIGS. 3 to 6B, ultraviolet light may be reflected within the main body 66 to improve the sterilization efficiency of the first sterilizer 62. For example, taking the first sterilizer 62 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B as an example, the main body 66 may include an outer member 660 and an inner member 661 provided inside the outer member 660, as shown in FIG. 6C. The outer member 660 may be made of, for example, a polished stainless steel tube. The inner member 661 may be made of a glass tube. An air layer 662 may be interposed between the outer member 660 and the inner member 661. In this case, if glass with high ultraviolet transmittance (e.g., quartz glass or fluoride glass) is used as the glass tube of the inner member 661, ultraviolet light UV can be reflected at the interface between the inner member 661 and the air layer 662, as shown in FIG. 6C. The material of the inner member 661 may be selected from materials with high UV transmittance according to the wavelength of the UV light emitted by the third ultraviolet lamp 67c and the like. Materials other than glass may also be used for the inner member 661, such as plastics with similar properties to glass. Furthermore, the inner surface of the outer member 660 and / or the outer surface of the inner member 661 may be coated with a highly reflective material. In particular, when the main body 66 is elongated, as in the first sterilizer 62 shown in FIGS. 6A and 6B , coating the inner surface of the outer member 660 with a highly reflective material allows the UV light to be repeatedly reflected while suppressing attenuation of the UV light. This allows for efficient sterilization of water. It is preferable that the UV light be reflected at least once within the main body 66. In this case, it is more preferable to shorten the distance between the outer member 660 and the third ultraviolet lamp 67c and the like to allow the UV light to be reflected at least twice. Here, the ultraviolet light emitted from the medium-pressure mercury lamp can maintain its illuminance for a longer distance than the ultraviolet light emitted from the low-pressure mercury lamp. Therefore, when the third ultraviolet lamp 67c etc. is a medium-pressure mercury lamp, even if the ultraviolet light UV is reflected multiple times inside the main body 66, the sterilization effect of the ultraviolet light UV can be effectively prevented from decreasing.

[0160] The time it takes for water to pass through the first sterilizer 62 may be 0.1 seconds or more and less than 10 seconds, and is preferably 0.5 seconds or more and less than 5 seconds. The time it takes for water to be introduced into the main body 66 from the introduction section 68 until it is discharged from the discharge section 69. A time it takes for water to pass through the first sterilizer 62 is 0.1 seconds or more, which can prevent variations in the sterilizing effect of the water. Therefore, a sufficient sterilizing effect can be obtained. A time it takes for water to pass through the first sterilizer 62 is less than 10 seconds, which can reduce the size of the first sterilizer 62. The time it takes for water to pass through the first sterilizer 62 may be changed as appropriate based on the flow rate of water to be treated (sterilized) by the first sterilizer 62.

[0161] Referring again to FIG. 2A1, the first sterilizing filter 63 is provided downstream of the first sterilizer 62. This first sterilizing filter 63 is a micro-filtration filter (MF) that sterilizes the raw materials to be mixed by capturing bacteria remaining in the raw materials to be mixed. The mesh size of the first sterilizing filter 63 may be 0.1 μm or more and 0.45 μm or less, and is preferably 0.1 μm or more and 0.22 μm or less. By having the mesh size of the first sterilizing filter 63 be 0.1 μm or more, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the sterilization efficiency of the raw materials to be mixed. Furthermore, by having the mesh size of the first sterilizing filter 63 be 0.45 μm or less, it is possible to suppress a decrease in the sterilization efficiency of the raw materials to be mixed. Bacteria remaining in the target raw material can be effectively captured by the first sterilization filter 63. A filter with a mesh size of 0.02 μm or more and 0.1 μm or less, which can also remove some viruses, may be used as the sterilization filter 63. The material of the filtration membrane of the first sterilization filter 63 is preferably polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF), polyethersulfone (PES), mixed cellulose acetate (SCWP), polycarbonate (PC), polypropylene (PP), polyamide, or the like. Depending on the suitability of the contents, it may be, for example, a reverse osmosis membrane (RO membrane) or an ultrafiltration membrane (UF membrane).

[0162] The first sterilization filter 63 is preferably capable of sterilization (SIP). This allows the first sterilization filter 63 to be sterilized periodically. Here, as described above, the first sterilization filter 63 passes through the first sterilizer 62 and captures bacteria remaining in the raw materials to be mixed. For this reason, if water is continuously sterilized in the sterilizer 60 for a long period of time, the captured bacteria may grow within the first sterilization filter 63. Furthermore, if organic bacterial carcasses adhere to the first sterilization filter 63, the bacterial carcasses may become a substrate. In this case, the bacteria may further grow within the first sterilization filter 63. If bacteria grow within the first sterilization filter 63 in this way, they may enter the raw materials to be mixed that pass through the first sterilization filter 63. In contrast, since the first sterilization filter 63 is sterilizable, it is possible to prevent bacteria adhering to the first sterilization filter 63 from entering the raw materials to be mixed that pass through the first sterilization filter 63. As a result, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the filtering performance of the first sterilization filter 63. When sterilizing the first sterilizing filter 63, sterilizing steam or the like may be supplied to the first sterilizing filter 63 from a sterile air supply port 60a, which will be described later.

[0163] Here, the degree of sterilization of the first sterilizing filter 63 may be managed by the F-value. In other words, when sterilizing the sterilizer 60 having the first sterilizing filter 63, the degree of sterilization of the sterilizer 60 may be managed by the F-value. In this case, for example, the control unit 90 may measure the temperature of the heated steam (fluid) or hot water (fluid) flowing through the flow path of the first sterilizing filter 63 and calculate the F-value based on the measured temperature. Then, when the F-value becomes equal to or greater than a target value, the control unit 90 may terminate sterilization of the first sterilizing filter 63. When measuring the temperature of the heated steam or hot water, the control unit 90 may measure the temperature using temperature sensors arranged at various locations in the flow path where the temperature is less likely to rise, while flowing the heated steam or hot water through the flow path of the first sterilizing filter 63. Then, the control unit 90 may terminate heating of the flow path with heated steam or the like when the time it takes for the temperatures from the temperature sensors to reach a predetermined temperature becomes equal to or greater than a predetermined time. This makes it possible to sterilize the first sterilizing filter 63 without applying more heat than necessary to the first sterilizing filter 63. Here, the F value is the heating time required to kill all bacteria when bacteria are heated for a certain period of time, and is expressed as the lethal time of bacteria at 121.1°C, and is calculated by the following formula.

number

[0164] (where T is the sterilization temperature (°C), 10^{(T-Tr) / Z} is the lethality rate at the sterilization temperature T, Tr is the reference temperature (°C), and Z is the Z value (°C).) Furthermore, it is preferable that the first sterilizing filter 63 be capable of undergoing an integrity test (described later) for the mesh size of the first sterilizing filter 63. Here, the integrity test can be performed as follows. For example, first, water is filled into a housing (not shown) inside the first sterilizing filter 63. Next, sterile air is injected into the first sterilizing filter 63 filled with water, for example, through the sterile air supply port 60a. Next, the pressure of the sterile air is increased until the sterile air is released from the first sterilizing filter 63. Then, the size of the mesh size of the first sterilizing filter 63 is determined based on the pressure of the sterile air (bubble point) when the sterile air is released from the first sterilizing filter 63. In this way, since the first sterilizing filter 63 is capable of undergoing an integrity test for the mesh size of the first sterilizing filter 63, the degree of deterioration of the first sterilizing filter 63 can be easily determined. Note that a pressure gauge P2 may be provided near the sterile air supply port 60a to measure the pressure inside the first sterilizing filter 63. The integrity test may be performed by a diffusion flow test, a pressure hold test, or the like, in addition to the bubble point test described above.

[0165] The second sterilizer 64 is provided downstream of the first sterilizing filter 63. The configuration of this second sterilizer 64 may be substantially the same as the configuration of the first sterilizer 62 shown in Figures 3 to 6B. That is, the second sterilizer 64 may be a sterilizer that sterilizes water using ultraviolet rays.

[0166] The second sterilization filter 65 is provided downstream of the second sterilizer 64. This second sterilization filter 65 is a filter that sterilizes the raw materials to be mixed by passing through the second sterilizer 64 and capturing bacteria remaining in the raw materials to be mixed. The mesh size of the second sterilization filter 65 is preferably smaller than that of the first sterilization filter 63. This allows the second sterilization filter 65 to capture bacteria even in the unlikely event that bacteria in the raw materials to be mixed pass through the first sterilization filter 63. This ensures sufficient sterility of the raw materials to be mixed. Furthermore, if the mesh size of the second sterilization filter 65 is the same as that of the first sterilization filter 63, two sterilization sets, each consisting of a sterilizer and a sterilization filter, can be arranged along the conveying direction of the raw materials to be mixed. That is, a first sterilization set consisting of a first sterilizer 62 and a first sterilizing filter 63, and a second sterilization set consisting of a second sterilizer 64 and a second sterilizing filter 65 can be arranged in series along the conveyance direction of the raw materials to be mixed. Therefore, even if an abnormality occurs in one of the sterilization sets, the sterility of the raw materials to be mixed can be guaranteed. Note that multiple sterilization sets may be provided according to the Sterility Assurance Level (SAL) of the raw materials to be mixed or the final product (contents) (see FIGS. 2A1, 2A2, 2A4 to A7). Also, as shown in FIG. 2B etc., the number of sterilization sets may be one, or, although not shown, the number of sterilization sets may be three or more.

[0167] The mesh size of the second sterilization filter 65 may be 0.1 μm or more and 0.45 μm or less, and preferably 0.1 μm or more and 0.22 μm or less. When the mesh size of the second sterilization filter 65 is 0.1 μm or more, a decrease in the sterilization efficiency of the raw materials to be mixed can be suppressed. Furthermore, when the mesh size of the second sterilization filter 65 is 0.45 μm or less, bacteria remaining in the raw materials to be mixed can be more effectively captured by the second sterilization filter 65. The filtration membrane of the second sterilization filter 65 may be, for example, a reverse osmosis membrane (RO membrane) or an ultrafiltration membrane (UF membrane).

[0168] Other configurations of the second sterilization filter 65 may be substantially the same as those of the first sterilization filter 63. That is, the second sterilization filter 65 may be sterilizable (SIP). Furthermore, the second sterilization filter 65 may be capable of undergoing an integrity test on the mesh size of the second sterilization filter 65.

[0169] Here, in the sterilizer 60, the sterilization strength of the water may be adjusted based on the target value of the bacteria count level (FSO (Food Safety Objective / ISO13409-1996) (=logN)).

[0170] In this case, the initial bacterial count level in the raw materials to be mixed before entering a filter (e.g., the first sterilization filter 63) is defined as H0 (=logN0). In this case, the initial bacterial count level H0 of the filter is reduced by the sterilization effect of the filter (e.g., the first sterilization filter 63) (the level of bacterial reduction in the water: ΣR1 (=log(N0 / NR1)>0). Note that "N0" refers to the initial bacterial count in the water, and "NR1" refers to the number of bacteria in the raw materials to be mixed after being sterilized by the filter (e.g., the first sterilization filter 63).

[0171] On the other hand, it is also possible that the bacteria in the raw materials to be mixed may increase at a certain rate while passing through the filter (bacterial increase level in the raw materials to be mixed: ΣI(=log(N I )≧0)). Note that "N I " means the increase in the number of bacteria while passing through the filter.

[0172] In addition, the bacteria in the raw materials to be mixed are reduced by the sterilization effect of the sterilizer (for example, the second sterilizer 64) (the level of reduction in the number of bacteria in the raw materials to be mixed: ΣR2(=log(N I / NR2)>0)). If the bacterial count level in the raw materials to be mixed after passing through the sterilizer 60 is below the target value (FSO (Food Safety Objective / ISO13409-1996) (=logN)), it can be considered that there is no problem with the sterility of the raw materials to be mixed sterilized by the raw material to be mixed sterilization line 50. Note that "NR2" refers to the number of bacteria in the raw materials to be mixed after being sterilized by a sterilizer (e.g., the second sterilizer 64), and "N" refers to the target value for the number of bacteria in the raw materials to be mixed after being sterilized by a sterilizer (e.g., the second sterilizer 64).

[0173] The above-mentioned relationship between H0, ΣR1, ΣI, ΣR2 and FSO can be expressed as the following equation:

[0174] H0-ΣR1+ΣI-ΣR2≦FSO··· (Equation 1) Therefore, by setting the sterilization capacity of the sterilizer (e.g., the second sterilizer 64) so ​​that the value of ΣR2 is greater than or equal to (H0-ΣR1+ΣI)-FSO, it is possible to keep the sterility of the raw materials to be mixed below the target value (FSO).

[0175] Sampling points SP1 to SP6 (SP) for aseptically sampling the raw materials to be mixed may be provided at the inlet of the sterilizer 60, the outlet of the sterilizer 60, and between the foreign matter removal filter 61 and the first sterilizer 62. A sampling line SL may be connected to at least some of the sampling points SP1 to SP6 via a valve (not shown). This allows the number of bacteria in the water to be easily measured by aseptically sampling water from the sampling points SP1 to SP6 or the sampling line SL. A thermometer T may be provided in the sampling line SL, and the temperature of the steam may be monitored using the thermometer T when the first sterilization filter 63 and the second sterilization filter 65 are sterilized with steam. To measure the number of bacteria in the raw materials to be mixed and / or to check for changes in the state, such as bacterial growth, the liquid may be sampled and the number of bacteria may be counted using a plate culture medium, for example. Furthermore, for example, the number of bacteria and / or changes in the state of bacteria in the raw materials to be mixed may be measured and / or confirmed using a microorganism measuring device (e.g., Azbil Corporation's Real-Time Microorganism Detector, IMD-W (registered trademark)) or a particle measuring device (liquid particle counter).

[0176] The processing capacity of such a sterilizer 60 is preferably 105% or more of the maximum processing capacity required for the production of the product bottles 101, and more preferably 110% or more of the maximum processing capacity required for the production of the product bottles 101. For example, the processing capacity of the sterilizer 60 is 5 m 3 / h or more 50m 3 / h or less, for example, 24m 3 / h. Furthermore, if the processing capacity of the sterilizer 60 is 105% or more of the maximum processing capacity required for producing the product bottles 101, a predetermined amount of water can be stored in the tank 52 during production of the product bottles 101. In this case, by appropriately designing the volume of the tank 52, it is possible to produce the product bottles 101 and perform the sterilization (SIP) or integrity test of the first sterilization filter 63, etc. without running short of the raw materials to be mixed, even during the sterilization (SIP) or integrity test of the first sterilization filter 63, etc. Note that the time required for the sterilization (SIP) of the first sterilization filter 63, etc. and the integrity test are each approximately 30 minutes to approximately 1 hour. For this reason, the volume of the tank 52 may be equal to or greater than the amount of raw materials to be mixed used in the content filling system 10 when producing the product bottles 101 for one hour.

[0177] The processing capacity of the sterilizer 60 may also be controlled by the control unit 90. For example, the control unit 90 may determine the amount of water to be used to clean and sterilize the content filling system 10, and may also determine the amount of the raw materials to be mixed that the sterilizer 60 of the raw material to be mixed sterilizes during the production of the product bottles 101 based on the determined amount of the raw materials to be mixed. Here, the amount of sterile water required to clean and / or sterilize the interior of each chamber after the production of the product bottles 101 can be determined for each chamber. Therefore, the processing capacity of the sterilizer 60 may be controlled by the control unit 90 so that the sterile water to be used after the production of the product bottles 101 can be stored during the production of one lot of product bottles 101. This allows the interior of each chamber to be cleaned and / or sterilized immediately after the production of the product bottles 101. This reduces downtime.

[0178] It is preferable that such a sterilizer 60 continues to sterilize the raw materials to be mixed without stopping the sterilization of the raw materials to be mixed while the product bottles 101 are being produced by filling the bottles 100 with the contents in the content filling system 10. This makes it possible to suppress the growth of bacteria in the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65. In other words, if the flow of the raw materials to be mixed stops in the sterilizer 60, bacteria may grow in the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65. In contrast, by continuing to sterilize the raw materials to be mixed without stopping the pump P1 while the product bottles 101 are being produced in the content filling system 10, it is possible to suppress the growth of bacteria in the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65. Note that if the tank 52 becomes full while the product bottles 101 are being produced in the content filling system 10, the sterilized raw materials to be mixed may be circulated in a circulation system 59A (see FIG. 2A, etc.). This prevents the flow of the raw materials to be mixed from stopping in the sterilizer 60, even when the tank 52 is full of water. This prevents bacteria from multiplying in the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65. If the circulation time of the sterilized raw materials to be mixed is long, the temperature of the sterilized raw materials to be mixed may rise due to the irradiation energy of the ultraviolet light irradiated from the ultraviolet irradiation unit 67. In this case, the raw materials to be mixed flowing through the circulation line 59 may be discharged from the circulation line 59 without being returned to the mixing tank 51. The rise in temperature of the circulating raw materials to be mixed may be prevented by supplying new pure water from the pure water production system 50c to the mixing tank 51 via the water tank 50a.

[0179] 2J, the mixing target raw material sterilization line 50 is divided into a non-sterile zone Z1, a first gray zone Z2, a second gray zone Z3, and a sterile zone Z4. The non-sterile zone Z1, the first gray zone Z2, the second gray zone Z3, and the sterile zone Z4 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the conveying direction of the contents.

[0180] Of these, the non-sterile zone Z1 is a zone under a non-sterile atmosphere and is a zone where bacteria may exist. In the illustrated example, the non-sterile zone Z1 is an area upstream of the pre-stage sterilizer 62A. In the non-sterile zone Z1, the mixing tank 51 and the flow path downstream of the mixing tank 51 are sterilized before the production of the product bottles 101. However, after the start of production of the product bottles 101, bacteria may be introduced from the upstream side of the mixing tank 51, which may contaminate the mixing tank 51 and the like.

[0181] The first gray zone Z2 and the second gray zone Z3 are zones for separating a non-sterile atmosphere from a sterile atmosphere, respectively. The first gray zone Z2 is a zone for sterilizing bacteria that pass through the sterilization filter. The second gray zone Z3 is a zone for maintaining a state in which bacteria that pass through the sterilization filter are not present during the production of the product bottle 101. In the illustrated example, the first gray zone Z2 is the region from the pre-stage sterilizer 62A to the outlet of the second sterilizer 64. The second gray zone Z3 is the region from the outlet of the second sterilizer 64 to the inlet of the first sterilization filter 63. The pure water production apparatus 50c that supplies water to the mixing target raw material sterilization line 50 is sterilized (SIP) before sterilizing the water to the mixing target raw material sterilization line 50. Sterilization is performed under conditions that can at least sterilize bacteria that pass through the sterilization filter. The temperature and sterilization time of the steam or hot water used for sterilization may be at least 60°C or higher and 5 minutes or longer, and preferably 85°C or higher and 30 minutes or longer. The temperature and sterilization time of the steam or hot water used for sterilization may be 90°C and 3 minutes, which are conditions equivalent to a sterilization value of Z=5°C. Alternatively, the sterilization conditions may be high-temperature and short-time conditions, such as a temperature of 95°C and a sterilization time of 0.3 minutes. However, the sterilization value under these sterilization conditions generally does not sterilize bacterial spores. Therefore, bacterial spores may be present in the area just before the first sterile filter 63. For this reason, the area from the pre-stage sterilizer 62A to just before the first sterile filter 63 is referred to as the gray zone. After sterilization of the pure water production apparatus 50c, the second gray zone Z3 is maintained under positive pressure by continuously supplying water to the second gray zone Z3. This maintains a state in which bacteria that pass through the sterilization filter are absent in the second gray zone Z3. The positive pressure state of the second gray zone Z3 is managed using a pressure gauge (not shown). The method for sterilizing bacteria that pass through the sterilization filter is not limited to steam or hot water. It may also be a drug that inactivates bacteria that pass through the sterilization filter.

[0182] The sterile zone Z4 is a zone under a sterile atmosphere. That is, the sterile zone Z4 is a zone maintained in a sterile state. In the illustrated example, the sterile zone Z4 is the area downstream of the first sterile filter 63. Sterile air or sterile water is supplied to the sterile zone Z4 after all bacteria, including bacterial spores, have been sterilized by sterilizing each device with steam or hot water (SIP / F0≧3 or more, Z=10°C). The SIP of the sterile zone Z4 is performed at least up to the interface with the second gray zone Z3. When sterilizing the sterile zone Z4, the piping of the second gray zone Z3 may also be SIP-ed along with the sterile zone Z4. This maintains the sterile zone Z4 in a positive pressure state, maintaining the sterile zone Z4 in a sterile state.

[0183] Among these non-sterile zone Z1, first gray zone Z2, second gray zone Z3, and sterile zone Z4, ultraviolet rays can be irradiated onto the contents in the first gray zone Z2. In the first gray zone Z2, the cumulative irradiation dose of ultraviolet rays onto the water by the pre-stage sterilizer 62A is at least 10 mJ / cm. 2 or more, preferably 100 mJ / cm 2 In this case, the pre-stage sterilizer 62A may include a low-pressure mercury lamp. In addition, in the first gray zone Z2, the total cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet light on the water by the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 is 100 mJ / cm 2 or more. 2 In this way, the total cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet light to the water by the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 is 100 mJ / cm 2 or more. 2 As a result, bacteria that pass through the sterilization filter can be sterilized in the first gray zone Z2, thereby ensuring the sterility of water in the second gray zone Z3. In this case, the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 may each include a medium-pressure mercury lamp.

[0184] In the first gray zone Z2, when the total cumulative irradiation amount of ultraviolet light on the contents by the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 is less than 100 mJ / cm2, the contents may be circulated through the circulation line 95 before being supplied to the first removal filter 63. This prevents contents that may contain bacteria that pass through the sterilization filter from being supplied to the first sterilization filter 63. This ensures the sterility of the contents in the sterile zone Z4. In this case, the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the foreign matter removal filter 61, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 may be sterilized (SIP) before the contents are supplied to the sterile zone Z4 (first sterilization filter 63).

[0185] Furthermore, it is preferable that at least one of the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65 pass the integrity tests (first integrity test and second integrity test) before and after production, which will be described later. This allows at least one of the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65 to filter-sterilize bacteria other than those that pass the sterilizing filters. This ensures the sterility of the contents in the sterile zone Z4. Note that if the integrity tests before and after production for the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65 fail, a sterile-grade filter with a mesh size of 0.1 μm or more and 0.22 μm or less may be used as the foreign matter removal filter 61. In this case, it is preferable that the integrity tests before and after production for the foreign matter removal filter 61 pass. This allows the foreign matter removal filter 61 to filter-sterilize bacteria other than those that pass the sterilizing filters, ensuring the sterility of the contents in the sterile zone Z4.

[0186] In this way, in the sterilizer 60 of the mixing target raw material sterilization line 50 according to this embodiment, the sterility of the water is guaranteed by ensuring that the amount of ultraviolet radiation is equal to or greater than a predetermined value or within a predetermined range during production, and by passing the integrity test results before and after the start of production.

[0187] (Other raw material sterilization lines 70) Next, we will explain the other raw material sterilization line 70. The other raw material sterilization line 70 is a sterilization line that heat-sterilizes raw materials other than the target raw material among the raw materials of the contents.

[0188] As shown in Figure 7, other raw material sterilization line 70 has raw material sterilizer 80 that heats and sterilizes other raw materials from other raw material tank 71, with raw material tank 72 installed downstream of raw material sterilizer 80. Other raw material tank 71, raw material sterilizer 80, and raw material tank 72 are arranged in this order from upstream to downstream along the direction of transport of the other raw materials. A circulation line 89 may be connected that returns the other raw materials to other raw material tank 71 without sending them from third-stage cooling section 86 to raw material tank 72.

[0189] The other raw material tank 71 is a tank for storing other raw materials supplied from a supply source (not shown). By storing other raw materials, this other raw material tank 71 plays a role in smoothing the flow of other raw materials. The volume of the other raw material tank 71 is 0.3 m 3 More than 3m 3 It may be less than 1m, for example. 3 It may be.

[0190] A pump P3 for transporting other raw materials may be provided downstream of this other raw material tank 71. Furthermore, a raw material sterilizer 80 constituting the above-mentioned other raw material sterilization line 70 is provided downstream of pump P3.

[0191] The raw material sterilizer 80 heats and sterilizes the other raw materials stored in the other raw material tank 71. In this embodiment, the raw material sterilizer 80 may be an ultra-high-temperature (UHT) sterilizer that sterilizes the other raw materials using an ultra-high-temperature heat treatment method. The UHT 80 has a first-stage heating section 81, a second-stage heating section 82, a holding tube 83, a first-stage cooling section 84, a second-stage cooling section 85, and a third-stage cooling section 86. The other raw materials supplied to the UHT 80 are gradually heated by the first-stage heating section 81 and the second-stage heating section 82 and heated to a target temperature within the holding tube 83. In this case, for example, the other raw materials may be heated to a temperature of 60°C to 80°C within the first-stage heating section 81 and then to a temperature of 80°C to 150°C within the second-stage heating section 82. The temperature of the other raw materials is maintained within the holding tube 83 for a certain period of time. The other raw materials that have passed through the holding tube 83 are gradually cooled by a first-stage cooling section 84, a second-stage cooling section 85, and a third-stage cooling section 86. The number of heating sections and cooling sections may be increased or decreased as necessary. In addition, the pressure loss of the other raw materials may be high between the first-stage heating section 81 and the second-stage heating section 82. For this reason, an additional pump (not shown) may be provided between the first-stage heating section 81 and the second-stage heating section 82. In addition, a homogenizer for homogenizing the other raw materials may be provided between the first-stage heating section 81 and the second-stage heating section 82, or between the first-stage cooling section 84 and the second-stage cooling section 85, or the like.

[0192] The processing capacity of such a UHT80 is 3m 3 / h or more 30m 3 / h or less, for example, 6m 3 / h is also acceptable.

[0193] Furthermore, scale (deposits of calcium and the like) adhering to the UHT 80 may be monitored by monitoring the temperature of the hottest location of the UHT 80 (for example, the second-stage heating section 82). Then, when cleaning the UHT 80 (CIP), the state of scale removal may be monitored. This makes it possible to optimize the cleaning process for cleaning the UHT 80. This reduces the cleaning time and the amounts of water, steam, and cleaning agent used in cleaning. As a result, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can be reduced.

[0194] The UHT80 may be of either an injection type or an infusion type. Furthermore, the heat exchanger used for heat exchange in the content filling system 10, such as the heat exchanger for the UHT80, may be of either a plate type or a shell-and-tube type. Furthermore, when a shell-and-tube type heat exchanger is used, it may be of a type that heats and cools the medium side of the shell by circulating water or hot water, or it may be of a type that exchanges heat between different raw materials (products) (liquid-liquid exchange).

[0195] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, an example was described in which the raw material sterilizer 80 that heats and sterilizes the other raw materials is a UHT, but this is not limited to this. For example, the raw material sterilizer 80 may be an ohmic (Joule-type) heating sterilizer that directly applies electricity to the other raw materials to cause them to self-heat. Furthermore, the raw material sterilizer 80 may be a sterilizer that sterilizes the other raw materials using microwaves (915 MHz, 2450 MHz). In this case, the microwaves may be irradiated from outside the piping through which the raw material liquid or solid matter in the other raw materials passes. This can raise the temperature of the raw material liquid or solid matter in the other raw materials, thereby sterilizing the raw material liquid or solid matter in the other raw materials. In these cases, the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10 can also be reduced.

[0196] The raw material tank 72 is a tank (a so-called aseptic tank) that stores other raw materials that have been sterilized by the raw material sterilizer 80. By storing the sterilized other raw materials, the raw material tank 72 plays a role in facilitating the flow of the other raw materials. The volume of the raw material tank 72 is 1 m 3 More than 20m 3 It may be less than 2m, for example. 3 It may be.

[0197] Furthermore, the raw material tank 72 may not be provided, and only the mixing tank 55 may be provided. Also, one more tank 52 and one more raw material tank 72 may be provided.

[0198] Furthermore, downstream of the mixing tank 55, an auxiliary filter 53 for filtering out foreign matter and a filling machine tank 57 for storing the final product liquid that has passed through the auxiliary filter 53 may be provided. The auxiliary filter 53 may be provided at the tip of the filling device 21 (not shown). The filling machine tank 57 serves as a so-called cushion tank that prevents liquid shortages even when the capacity of the filling device 21 varies, ensuring the filling amount and filling accuracy. The volume of the filling machine tank 57 is 0.1 m 3 More than 1m 3 It may be less than 0.3 m, for example. 3 It may be.

[0199] An addition unit 75 that adds solid materials to other ingredients may be connected. This allows the content filling system 10 to fill the bottle 100 with content containing solid materials. In this case, the solid materials that the addition unit 75 adds to the other ingredients may be, for example, canola, nata de coco, tapioca, or aloe. The solid materials may also be pre-sterilized, sterile solid materials. Furthermore, in addition to solid materials, sterile or non-sterile flavorings, acidulants, and coloring agents may be quantitatively added to the other ingredients from the addition unit 75.

[0200] <Content filling method> Next, a content filling method using the above-described content filling system 10 (FIGS. 1A and 1B) will be described with reference to FIG.

[0201] First, the preform supply device 1 sequentially supplies a plurality of preforms 100a to the receiving section 34 of the preform transport section 31 via the preform supply conveyor 2 (preform supply step, reference numeral S1 in FIG. 8). At this time, the preforms 100a are sterilized in the preform sterilizer 34a by spraying hydrogen peroxide gas or mist onto the preforms 100a, and then dried with hot air.

[0202] Next, the preform 100a is sent to the heating section 35, where it is heated by the heater 35a to, for example, a temperature of about 90° C. to 130° C. Next, the preform 100a heated by the heating section 35 is sent to the delivery section 36. Then, the preform 100a is sent from the delivery section 36 to the blow molding section 32.

[0203] Next, the preform 100a sent to the blow molding unit 32 is blow-molded using a mold (not shown) to form a bottle 100 (bottle molding step, reference numeral S2 in FIG. 8). The blow-molded bottle 100 is then sent to the bottle conveying unit 33.

[0204] Next, in the sterilization device 11, the bottle 100 is sterilized using a hydrogen peroxide solution as a sterilant (container sterilization step, reference symbol S3 in FIG. 8). In this case, the sterilant may be a gas or mist obtained by vaporizing a hydrogen peroxide solution at a temperature above its boiling point. The hydrogen peroxide solution gas or mist adheres to the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100, sterilizing the inner and outer surfaces of the bottle 100.

[0205] Next, the bottle 100 is sent to the air rinse device 14. In the air rinse device 14, sterile heated air or room temperature air is supplied to the bottle 100 to activate the hydrogen peroxide and remove foreign matter, hydrogen peroxide, and the like from the bottle 100 (air rinse process, reference numeral S4 in FIG. 8). In the air rinse process, if necessary, a condensed mist of low-concentration hydrogen peroxide may be mixed with the sterile heated air or sterilized room temperature air. In this case, the hydrogen peroxide is gasified by the sterile air. Then, in the air rinse process, the gasified hydrogen peroxide may be supplied to the bottle 100.

[0206] The bottle 100 is then transported to the filling device 21.

[0207] During this time, the raw materials to be mixed that have been sterilized without heating in the raw material sterilization line 50 for raw materials to be mixed and the other raw materials that have been sterilized with heat in the other raw material sterilization line 70 are mixed in the mixing tank 55 to generate a content (content generation process, reference numeral S5 in FIG. 8). A method for mixing the raw materials to be mixed that have been sterilized without heating and the other raw materials in the mixing tank 55 will be described. The raw materials to be mixed that have been sterilized without heating are first received in the mixing tank 55, followed by the other raw materials that have been sterilized with heat. The order in which the liquids are received in the mixing tank 55 may be either the raw materials to be mixed that have been sterilized without heating or the other raw materials that have been sterilized with heat. Alternatively, the readings of the flow meters in the raw material sterilization line 50 for raw materials to be mixed and the other raw material sterilization line 70 may be used to simultaneously receive the respective liquids into the mixing tank 55 at a fixed ratio (appropriate flow rate ratio). When receiving the liquids, it is recommended to agitate them using an agitator (not shown) in the mixing tank 55. It is also advisable to monitor whether the blending ratio of the saccharometer, hydrometer, etc. in the mixing tank 55 is within a predetermined range and reflect this in the flow rate of each liquid sent and the tank capacity. By installing multiple mixing tanks 55, the thermally sterilized and non-thermally sterilized liquids can be sent to the mixing tank 55 one after another without having to wait in the circulation line 59, thereby improving the yield of the product liquid (see the second embodiment shown in Figure 10). Furthermore, even when multiple filling machines are installed downstream of the mixing tank 55 or when the capacity of the filling machines is variable, the multiple mixing tanks act as buffers and can prevent a decrease in operation rate. Next, in the filling device 21, the bottle 100 is rotated (revolved) while the contents produced in the mixing tank 55 are filled into the bottle 100 from its opening (contents filling step, reference numeral S6 in FIG. 8).

[0208] The heating temperature for heating the other raw materials in the other raw material sterilization line 70 may generally be approximately 60°C to 120°C when the acidity of the contents is less than pH 4.5, and the heating time may be approximately 30 seconds to 120 seconds. Furthermore, when the acidity of the contents is pH 4.5 or higher, the heating temperature for heating the other raw materials may be approximately 115°C to 150°C. Furthermore, the heating time may be approximately 30 seconds to 120 seconds. This sterilizes all microorganisms in the contents before filling that may grow in the product bottle 101. The heat-sterilized other raw materials are cooled to a temperature of approximately 3°C to 40°C.

[0209] In filling device 21, bottles 100 are filled at room temperature with the contents that have been sterilized and cooled to room temperature in mixing tank 55. The temperature of the contents during filling is, for example, about 3° C. or higher and 40° C. or lower. In filling device 21, the filling speed of the contents may be 30 mL / sec or higher and 400 mL / sec or lower.

[0210] The bottles 100 filled with the contents are then transported by the transport wheel 12 to the capping device 16 .

[0211] Meanwhile, the caps 88 are sterilized in advance by the cap sterilizer 18 (cap sterilization step, reference numeral S7 in FIG. 8). During this process, the caps 88 are first carried into the cap sterilizer 18 from outside the content filling system 10. Next, in the cap sterilizer 18, hydrogen peroxide gas or mist is sprayed onto the caps 88 to sterilize their inner and outer surfaces, after which they are dried with hot air and sent to the cap fitting device 16.

[0212] Next, in the capping device 16, a sterilized cap 88 is attached to the mouth of the bottle 100 transported from the filling device 20, thereby closing the bottle 100 and obtaining a product bottle 101 (capping process, symbol S8 in Figure 8).

[0213] Thereafter, the product bottle 101 is transported from the capping device 16 to the product bottle discharge unit 25 and transported to the outside of the content filling system 10 (bottle discharge process, reference numeral S9 in FIG. 8). Then, the product bottle 101 is transported to a packaging line (not shown) and packaged.

[0214] The container sterilization process, air rinse process, content filling process, capping process, and bottle discharging process are all performed in a sterile atmosphere surrounded by sterilant spray chamber 70d, air rinse chamber 70e, aseptic chamber 70f, and outlet chamber 70g, i.e., in a sterile environment. The cap sterilization process is performed by cap sterilizer 18. In this case, sterilant spray chamber 70d, air rinse chamber 70e, aseptic chamber 70f, outlet chamber 70g, and cap sterilizer 18 have been sterilized in advance by spraying hydrogen peroxide or peracetic acid, or by spraying warm water, etc.

[0215] After the sterilization process of each chamber, sterile air at positive pressure is supplied to sterilant spray chamber 70d, air rinse chamber 70e, sterile chamber 70f, and exit chamber 70g so that the sterile air is constantly blown out of sterilant spray chamber 70d, air rinse chamber 70e, sterile chamber 70f, and exit chamber 70g. In addition, sterile air at positive pressure is constantly supplied to cap sterilizer 18 so that the sterile air is constantly blown out of cap sterilizer 18.

[0216] When positively pressurized sterile air is supplied to each of chambers 70d through 70g, the sterile air and the sterilant used in bottle sterilization are exhausted from atmospheric isolation chamber 70c, sterilant spray chamber 70d, and outlet chamber 70g. The pressures in sterilant spray chamber 70d, air rinse chamber 70e, sterile chamber 70f, and outlet chamber 70g may be adjusted so that the pressures in these chambers are positive. In this case, as described above, the pressure in sterilant spray chamber 70d may be between -10 Pa and 10 Pa. The pressure in air rinse chamber 70e may be between 10 Pa and 30 Pa. The pressure in sterile chamber 70f may be between 30 Pa and 60 Pa. The pressure in outlet chamber 70g may be between 10 Pa and 20 Pa.

[0217] The production (transport) speed of the bottles 100 in the content filling system 10 is preferably 100 bpm or more and 1500 bpm or less. Here, bpm (bottle per minute) refers to the transport speed of the bottles 100 per minute.

[0218] Next, the sterilization method of the sterilizer 60 will be described with reference to FIG. 9A.

[0219] (Sterilization method of sterilizer) First, after the filling of the beverage in the content filling system 10 is completed, for example, an operation button of the control unit 90 is operated. This starts sterilization (SIP) in the sterilizer 60. Note that sterilization in the sterilizer 60 may be performed while the product bottles 101 are being produced.

[0220] Specifically, first, the filling (production) of the contents by the content filling system is completed ("End of Production" in FIG. 9A). Then, as shown in FIG. 2A, a post-production integrity test is performed on the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65 of the sterilizer 60 (reference numeral S20A in FIG. 9A). If the foreign body removal filter 61 is also a sterile filter, an integrity test is performed on at least two of the three filters. This post-production integrity test ensures that the integrity test results before and after the start of production are pass (no leaks are detected) and that the ultraviolet radiation dose during production is above or within a specified value, thereby ensuring the sterility of the raw materials to be mixed. Next, a CIP process is performed on the first sterilizer 62 and / or the second sterilizer 64 (hereinafter simply referred to as the first sterilizer 62, etc.) (sterilizer cleaning and sterilization step, reference numeral S20 in FIG. 9A). CIP treatment is performed by flowing an alkaline cleaning solution (water containing alkaline chemicals such as caustic soda (sodium hydroxide), potassium hydroxide, sodium carbonate, sodium silicate, sodium phosphate, sodium hypochlorite, surfactants, and chelating agents) into the flow path after the alkaline cleaning solution is added, or before the alkaline cleaning solution is added, an acidic cleaning solution (water containing acidic chemicals such as nitric acid or phosphoric acid) is added into the flow path. The alkaline cleaning process using the alkaline cleaning solution and the acidic cleaning process using the acidic cleaning solution can be freely combined. This removes residues from the previous mixing of ingredients that adhere to the flow path through which the drinking water passes. Furthermore, if the amount of ingredients to be mixed is small or if the ingredients contain highly detergency components, CIP treatment using only warm or hot water without the addition of detergents is acceptable. Alternatively, CIP treatment can be omitted.

[0221] Next, the SIP process is performed. In the SIP process, for example, steam or hot water is supplied to the circulation system 59A, including the sterilizer 60 (sterilizer cleaning and sterilization process, S20 in FIG. 9A). This heats and sterilizes the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, the second ultraviolet lamp 67b, and the third ultraviolet lamp 67c (hereinafter simply referred to as the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc.) of the first sterilizer 62, etc., and the piping of the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64, respectively. The first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 and the foreign matter removal filter 61, the sterilization filter 63, and the sterilization filter 65 may be sterilized simultaneously. Alternatively, bacteria may be inactivated simultaneously (SIP process) by adjusting the temperature, concentration, and time of the cleaning agent used in the CIP process, without performing the subsequent SIP process (CSIP process). After the CIP process, SIP process, or CSIP process is completed, the cleaning agent is discharged. The process then proceeds to the rinsing process to completely remove the cleaning agent. Rinsing is performed by supplying pure water from a 50a pure water tank.

[0222] Furthermore, if the first sterilizer 62 or the like is heat-sensitive, the first sterilizer 62 or the like may be sterilized with a sterilant or cleaning agent (see FIG. 2K). In this case, a sterilant is first supplied to the sterilizer 60 (sterilant supply step, reference numeral S201 in FIG. 9B). The sterilant or cleaning agent is delivered from a sterilant supply unit 96 including a tank, pump, heater, concentration meter, etc. (not shown) and delivered to the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, etc., provided in the sterilizer 60. It may also be supplied from sampling point SP2 or sampling point SP4. This sterilant may contain peracetic acid. Furthermore, if the sterilant contains peracetic acid, the concentration of the sterilant may be 1000 ppm or more and 3000 ppm or less. By providing a sterilant concentration of 1000 ppm or more, the sterilization effect of the sterilant on the first sterilizer 62 or the like can be enhanced. Furthermore, since the concentration of the sterilizing agent is 3000 ppm or less, the amount of peracetic acid used can be reduced, and the cost of sterilizing the sterilizer 60 can be reduced.

[0223] The temperature of the sterilant or cleaner supplied to the circulation system 59A may be 50°C or higher and 150°C or lower. When the temperature of the sterilant or cleaner is 50°C or higher, the sterilizing and cleaning effects of the sterilant on the first sterilizer 62, etc. can be improved. When the temperature of the sterilant or cleaner is 150°C or lower, the first sterilizer 62, etc. can be manufactured at low cost without using special materials.

[0224] Next, as shown by the bold line in FIG. 2K, a disinfectant or cleaning agent is circulated in a circulation system 95A (alternatively, a circulation system 59A including the mixing tank 51 and pump P1) provided in the sterilizer 60, which includes the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, and the circulation line 95 (a disinfectant circulation step, reference numeral S202 in FIG. 9B). In this case, the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 may be sterilized by circulating the disinfectant in the circulation system 95A including the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the first sterilizer 62, and the second sterilizer 64 for at least 10 seconds to 60 minutes. By setting the circulation time to 10 seconds or more, the disinfection effect of the disinfectant on the first sterilizer 62, etc. can be enhanced. Furthermore, by setting the circulation time to 60 minutes or less, the sterilization time of the first sterilizer 62, etc. can be shortened. This reduces downtime.

[0225] Furthermore, if the next raw material to be mixed has a pH below 4.5, hot water of 70°C or higher, preferably 85°C or higher but lower than 100°C, is circulated through the circulation system 95A for at least 3 minutes but less than 60 minutes, and SIP is performed in this manner in the sterilization line 50 for raw materials to be mixed. If the first sterilizer 62 or the like has an ultraviolet lamp, the ultraviolet lamp may be left on during SIP. If the ultraviolet lamp is not heat-resistant, it is recommended that after SIP, the liquid is cooled to a temperature at which the ultraviolet lamp can be turned on while circulating. It is also recommended that a heat exchanger 97 and a pump (not shown) be installed in the circulation line 95 of the circulation system 95A.

[0226] The disinfectant is then discharged from sampling point SP3 or sampling point SP5 (reference numeral S203 in FIG. 9B), followed by a rinsing step (reference numeral S204 in FIG. 9B). During discharge, sterile air (not shown) may be supplied to prevent bacterial contamination within the sterilized piping, allowing for quick discharge. The rinsing step may be skipped over the discharge step from sampling point SP3 or SP5. In the rinsing step, the pre-stage sterilizer 62A is first thoroughly rinsed with rinsing liquid to prevent the disinfectant from adhering to the foreign matter removal filter 61, and the rinsing liquid is then passed through the foreign matter removal filter 61. Next, any disinfectant remaining in the first sterilizer 62 is thoroughly rinsed with rinsing liquid, and the rinsing liquid is then passed through the first sterilization filter 63. Similar operations are then performed sequentially downstream.

[0227] Next, the first sterilizing filter 63 and / or the second sterilizing filter 65 (hereinafter also simply referred to as the first sterilizing filter 63, etc.) are sterilized (filter sterilization step, reference symbol S21 in FIG. 9A). At this time, heated steam (fluid) or hot water (fluid) is first supplied to the flow path of the first sterilizing filter 63, etc. (fluid supply step, reference symbol S211 in FIG. 9A). At this time, sterilizing steam is supplied to the first sterilizing filter 63, etc. from the sterile air supply port 60a, for example.

[0228] Next, the temperature of the heated steam or hot water supplied to the flow path of the first sterilization filter 63 etc. is measured, and the F value is calculated based on the measured temperature (F value calculation step, reference numeral S212 in FIG. 9A).

[0229] Thereafter, when the F value becomes equal to or greater than a target value, sterilization of the first sterilization filter 63, etc. is terminated. In this way, the first sterilization filter 63, etc. is sterilized. By performing heat sterilization of the first sterilization filter 63, etc. using the F value in this way, the first sterilization filter 63, etc. can be sterilized without applying more heat than necessary to the first sterilization filter 63, etc. This makes it possible to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide emitted by the content filling system 10. Furthermore, since the first sterilization filter 63, etc. can be sterilized without applying more heat than necessary to the first sterilization filter 63, etc., damage to the membrane of the first sterilization filter 63, etc. can be suppressed. This makes it possible to extend the life of the first sterilization filter 63, etc., and the first sterilization filter 63, etc. can be used for a long period of time without replacement.

[0230] When sterilizing the first sterilizing filter 63 etc., the area to be sterilized by steam may be partitioned by opening and closing valves (not shown) provided at sampling points SP1 to SP6. For example, the steam for sterilizing the first sterilizing filter 63 may be supplied to the area between sampling points SP3 and SP4 to sterilize this area. Furthermore, the steam for sterilizing the second sterilizing filter 65 may be supplied to the area between sampling points SP5 and SP6 to sterilize this area. The foreign matter removal filter 61 (or a sterilizing filter) may be sterilized together with the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65.

[0231] In this way, the SIP treatment is performed on the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65, after which the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65 are cooled (reference numeral S213 in FIG. 9A), and an integrity test is performed on the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65 in the sterilizer 60 (reference numeral 22 in FIG. 9A). Thereafter, filling (production) of the contents by the contents filling system is started again.

[0232] The order of the sterilizer cleaning and sterilizing step (S20 in FIG. 9A) and the filter cleaning and sterilizing step (S21 in FIG. 9A) may be reversed (see FIG. 9D). Furthermore, it is preferable to perform the cleaning and sterilizing steps of the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 in parallel during the SIP cooling step of the filters 61, 63, and 65 (see FIG. 9E). In this case, the piping and valves in contact with the front and rear of the filters 61, 63, and 65 come into contact with the sterilant, thereby shortening the cooling time. Specifically, it is preferable to start supplying the sterilant once the filters 61, 63, and 65 have cooled to below 110°C. This allows the sterilizer cleaning and sterilizing step to be completed during the cooling step of the filters 61, 63, and 65.

[0233] Furthermore, in the first sterilizer 62, etc., ultraviolet light is irradiated by the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. when the product bottles 101 are produced. This reduces the possibility that the first sterilizer 62, etc. will be contaminated with bacteria. Therefore, when the sterilizer 60 is sterilized, the first sterilizer 62, etc. does not need to be sterilized.

[0234] In another embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9C, the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65 of the sterilizer 60 and the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64 may be cleaned and sterilized simultaneously. As shown in FIG. 9C, first, filling (production) is completed. Then, a post-production integrity test is performed on the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65 (reference numeral S30 in FIG. 9C). Next, a cleaning (CIP) process is performed for a predetermined time while supplying a cleaning agent and a sterilizing agent before the foreign matter removal filter 61 and circulating them using the circulation line 59 (reference numeral S31 in FIG. 9C). After the CIP process, a sterilization (SIP) process may be performed (reference numeral S32 in FIG. 9C). Alternatively, instead of the CIP process and the SIP process, cleaning and sterilization may be performed simultaneously (CSIP process) (reference numeral S33 in FIG. 9C).

[0235] The cleaning agents and disinfectants used in CIP, SIP, or CSIP treatments may be acidic agents such as peracetic acid, acetic acid, hydrogen peroxide, pernitric acid, nitric acid, or phosphoric acid; alkaline agents such as sodium hydroxide or potassium hydroxide; chlorine-based agents such as sodium hypochlorite or chlorine dioxide; alcohols such as ethyl alcohol or isopropyl alcohol; or ozone water, acidic water, or surfactants, which may be used alone or in combination. The temperature of the cleaning agent and disinfectant is raised by a heater (not shown), and cleaning or disinfection or cleaning-sterilization is performed under predetermined conditions (temperature, concentration, time) based on the values ​​of thermometers 59b and concentration meters 59c installed at various locations in sterilizer 60 and circulation line 59.

[0236] The cleaning agent and sterilizing agent may be discharged by supplying pure water from the water tank 50a and replacing the sterilizing agent with pure water using the pump P1. The sterilizing agent may also be discharged by supplying water from another device (not shown). The sterilizing agent may be discharged by monitoring the value of a concentration meter 59c installed downstream of the circulation line 59 and rinsing until this value matches the value of the pure water production device 50c. The rinsing time may be set using a timer, and the rinsing process may be completed when the specified value is reached. The first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b may or may not be lit during the cleaning process, the sterilizing process, or the cleaning and sterilizing process. Alternatively, they may be lit only during the rinsing process. After cleaning and sterilization are completed, a pre-production integrity test is performed on the first sterilizing filter 63 and the second sterilizing filter 65 (reference numeral S34 in FIG. 9C).

[0237] Next, if no filter leaks are found in the integrity test, the process moves to the first production preparation step, in which the product liquid is replaced (reference numeral S35 in FIG. 9C). In the first production preparation step, it is confirmed that the first ultraviolet lamp 67a and the second ultraviolet lamp 67b have a specified illuminance or higher while circulating pure water through the piping of the circulation line 59. If there are multiple ultraviolet lamps 67a and 67b, for example, if the total irradiation amount is 10 mJ / cm 2 or more, preferably 100 mJ / cm 2Next, raw materials (liquid product) to be sterilized without heat (non-thermal sterilization) are supplied from the target raw material sterilization line 50B, and the pure water is replaced with the liquid product. After the sterilizer 60 has been sufficiently replaced with the liquid product (measured by a flow meter and timer, after a predetermined time has elapsed), the pipeline is switched from the circulation line 59 to the tank 52 side, the liquid product is stored in the tank 52, and the process proceeds to the second production preparation step in which the liquid product is blended (reference numeral S36 in FIG. 9C).

[0238] As described above, according to this embodiment, among the ingredients of the contents, ingredients that, when heated, may decompose thermally, or may cause metal corrosion in the other ingredient sterilization lines 70 that perform thermal sterilization in the content filling system 10, or may precipitate and impair the function of detection devices, etc., are treated as target ingredients and sterilized with water without heating, separately from other ingredients. This prevents the target ingredients from being thermally decomposed or reduced in quality due to deterioration, and also prevents metal corrosion or precipitation due to heating within the content filling system 10. This prevents the supply of more target ingredients than necessary, prevents material deterioration of the target ingredients, and extends the interval between repairs and replacements of the content filling system 10. Furthermore, it also prevents performance degradation of the content filling system 10.

[0239] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the raw material to be mixed, which is made up of water and the target raw material, and the other raw materials as a whole are not subjected to non-heat sterilization, so that it is possible to prevent blockage of the filter of the non-heat sterilization line, which may occur when other raw materials are passed through the non-heat sterilization line.

[0240] <Second embodiment> The second embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to the drawings.

[0241] Here, FIG. 10 is a schematic system diagram showing a contents filling system according to the second embodiment, and corresponds to FIG. 1A showing the first embodiment.

[0242] The second embodiment shown in Figure 10 differs in that a water sterilization line 50A for non-thermal sterilization of water and a target raw material sterilization line 50B for non-thermal sterilization of target raw materials are provided independently, but other configurations are substantially the same as those of the first embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 9B. In the second embodiment shown in Figure 10, the same parts as those in the first embodiment shown in Figures 1A to 9B are given the same reference numerals and detailed explanations will be omitted.

[0243] As shown in FIG. 10, the content filling system 10 includes a water sterilization line (first sterilization line) 50A that sterilizes water (first content liquid) without heating, a target raw material sterilization line (second sterilization line) 50B that sterilizes a target raw material (second content liquid) without heating, an other raw material sterilization line (third sterilization line) 70 that sterilizes raw materials (third content liquid) other than the target raw material with heating, a first mixing tank 55A, a second mixing tank 55B, and a third mixing tank 55C connected to the water sterilization line 50A, the target raw material sterilization line 50B, and the other raw material sterilization line 70, respectively, and a first filling device 21A, a second filling device 21B, and a third filling device 21C connected to the first mixing tank 55A, the second mixing tank 55B, and the third mixing tank 55C, respectively.

[0244] Of these, the water sterilization line 50A for sterilizing water without heating, the target raw material sterilization line 50B for sterilizing target raw materials without heating, and the other raw material sterilization line 70 for sterilizing other raw materials with heating are installed in parallel and independently of each other.

[0245] In FIG. 10, water (pure water) supplied from a pure water production system 50c is stored in a water tank 50a, and water supplied from the water tank 50a is sterilized without heating by a water sterilization line 50A.

[0246] Among the raw materials contained in the container, the above-mentioned target raw materials are stored in the target raw material tank 50b, and the target raw materials supplied from the target raw material tank 50b are sterilized without heating by the target raw material sterilization line 50B.

[0247] On the other hand, among the raw materials contained in the container, raw materials other than the target raw material are stored in other raw material tank 71, and the other raw materials stored in other raw material tank 71 are heat sterilized in other raw material sterilization line 70 as described above.

[0248] The water sterilized without heating by the water sterilization line 50A, the target raw materials sterilized without heating by the target raw material sterilization line 50B, and the other raw materials sterilized with heat by the other raw material sterilization line 70 are sent to the first mixing tank 55A, the second mixing tank 55B, and the third mixing tank 55C, respectively. In this case, for example, the water sterilized without heating by the water sterilization line 50A may be sent uniformly to the first mixing tank 55A, the second mixing tank 55B, and the third mixing tank 55C, respectively, or a large amount of water may be sent to the first mixing tank 55A and a small amount of water may be sent to the second mixing tank 55B and the third mixing tank 55C. Similarly, the target raw materials sterilized without heating by the target raw material sterilization line 50B may be sent uniformly to the first mixing tank 55A, the second mixing tank 55B, and the third mixing tank 55C, respectively, or a large amount of the target raw materials may be sent to the first mixing tank 55A and a small amount of the target raw materials may be sent to the second mixing tank 55B and the third mixing tank 55C. Similarly, the other raw materials that have been heat-sterilized in the other raw material sterilization line 70 may be uniformly sent to the first mixing tank 55A, the second mixing tank 55B, and the third mixing tank 55C, respectively, or a large amount of the other raw materials may be sent to the first mixing tank 55A, and a small amount of the other raw materials may be sent to the second mixing tank 55B and the third mixing tank 55C.

[0249] In the first mixing tank 55A, the second mixing tank 55B, and the third mixing tank 55C, non-heat-sterilized water, non-heat-sterilized target ingredients, and other ingredients that have been heat-sterilized are mixed to produce the contents.

[0250] The contents produced in the first mixing tank 55A, second mixing tank 55B, and third mixing tank 55C are supplied to one of the first filling device 21A, second filling device 21B, and third filling device 21C, and the contents are filled into empty bottles 100 from the first filling device 21A, second filling device 21B, and third filling device 21C. By installing multiple mixing tanks 55A-55C, once the first filling device 21A, second filling device 21B, and third filling device 21C have been cleaned and sterilized and are ready for production, the produced contents can be quickly sent to one of the first filling device 21A, second filling device 21B, and third filling device 21C that has been cleaned and sterilized. Furthermore, by installing two or more mixing tanks 55A-55C, a buffer for the produced contents can be created, allowing the contents to be filled without waiting for production. Furthermore, if the concentrations in the first mixing tank 55A, second mixing tank 55B, and third mixing tank 55C are not within the specified range, the concentrations can be adjusted by appropriately supplying water from the water tank 50a, the target raw material tank 50b, and other raw material tanks 71. Furthermore, in order to remix the first mixing tank 55A, second mixing tank 55B, and third mixing tank 55C, the first mixing tank 55A, second mixing tank 55B, and third mixing tank 55C have the function of aseptically blowing the tanks 55A, 55B, and 55C while maintaining their sterility. Specifically, steam-sterilized blow pipes for draining the liquid are installed below the first mixing tank 55A, second mixing tank 55B, and third mixing tank 55C. The inside of the pipes is sterilized with steam just before draining the liquid. After that, the liquid in the first mixing tank 55A, second mixing tank 55B, and third mixing tank 55C is blown out while maintaining positive tank pressure. After blowing, the pipes are re-sterilized with steam (not shown). In addition, it is advisable to use aseptic valves equipped with a steam barrier, a sterile water barrier, or a sterile air barrier for the piping through which each liquid flows to prevent the liquids from mixing with each other.

[0251] Alternatively, water sterilized without heating by the water sterilization line 50A may be sent to the first mixing tank 55A, stored in the first mixing tank 55A without being mixed with the target ingredient or other ingredients, and then sent directly to the first filling device 21A, which fills the bottles 100. Similarly, only the target ingredient sterilized without heating by the target ingredient sterilization line 50B may be sent to the second tank 55B, sent to the second filling device 21B without being mixed with other ingredients or water, and filled into the bottles 100 by the second filling device 21B. Similarly, only the other ingredients sterilized without heating by the other ingredient sterilization line 70 may be sent to the third mixing tank 55C, sent to the third filling device 21C without being mixed with the target ingredient or water, and filled into the bottles 100 by the third filling device 21C. 10 illustrates an embodiment in which the three liquids are mixed with each other. However, the three liquids may be mixed independently. Alternatively, the three liquids may be sterilized individually and then aseptically mixed in a single mixing tank, such as first mixing tank 55. Alternatively, the three liquids may be sterilized individually and then aseptically mixed in a single filling device, such as first filling device 21A, without passing through a mixing tank. The three liquids may be sterilized with or without heat without aseptic mixing, and then aseptically filled independently by first filling device 21A through third filling device 21C. Alternatively, only the other raw materials and target raw materials with high bacterial counts may be sterilized with or without heat, and the other raw materials and target raw materials may be mixed with water without sterilizing water with low bacterial counts or sterile water. It should be noted that the water, target raw material, or other raw materials may be sent directly to the first filling device 21A to the third filling device 21C and mixed therein, instead of the first mixing tank 55A to the third mixing tank 55B.

[0252] As explained in the first embodiment, the target raw materials among the raw materials of the contents are those that, when heated, will thermally decompose, cause metal corrosion, or precipitate, deteriorating the function of the detection device, etc. For this reason, in this embodiment, non-thermal sterilization is performed to sterilize the target raw materials.

[0253] On the other hand, the other raw materials refer to raw materials other than the target raw material among the raw materials of the contents, as explained in the first embodiment. Although it is possible to perform non-thermal sterilization on the other raw materials, in this embodiment, heat sterilization is performed on the other raw materials, taking into consideration that the non-thermal sterilization line has a filter and the processing volume decreases due to filter clogging.

[0254] In this embodiment, the water sterilization line 50A sterilizes water without heating, and the target raw material sterilization line 50B sterilizes target raw materials without heating, and both the water sterilization line 50A and the target raw material sterilization line 50B have the sterilizer 60 described in the first embodiment.

[0255] That is, the sterilizer 60 may have the configuration shown in FIGS. 2 to 6B described in the first embodiment.

[0256] The other raw material sterilization line 70 heats and sterilizes other raw materials, and the other raw material sterilization line 70 has the raw material sterilizer 80 described in the first embodiment.

[0257] That is, the raw material sterilizer 80 may have the configuration shown in FIG. 7, which was explained in the first embodiment.

[0258] As in the first embodiment shown in FIG. 7, a raw material tank 72 may be provided downstream of the raw material sterilizer 80, and an auxiliary filter 73 and a raw material tank 74 may be provided downstream of the raw material tank 72. An addition unit 75 may also be provided downstream of the raw material tank 72. In this case, solid materials such as sansho, nata de coco, tapioca, or aloe can be added to the other raw materials by the addition unit 75. The solid materials may also be pre-sterilized, sterile solid materials. In addition to the solid materials, sterile or non-sterile flavorings, acidulants, and coloring agents may be quantitatively added to the other raw materials by the addition unit 75.

[0259] In addition, the first filling device 21A, the second filling device 21B, and the third filling device 21C receive contents prepared by mixing water, the target raw material, and other raw materials in either the first mixing tank 55A, the second mixing tank 55B, or the third mixing tank 55C, and fill this content into the bottle 100 through the mouth of the bottle 100.

[0260] The first filling device 21A, second filling device 21B, and third filling device 21C are each composed of, for example, a rotary filler disposed in a sterile chamber, similar to the filling device 21 in the first embodiment. Linear fillers may be used as the first filling device 21A, second filling device 21B, and third filling device 21C. Furthermore, the bottles 100 filled by the first filling device 21A, second filling device 21B, and third filling device 21C may be plastic bottles or cups, or may be paper containers or pouches. A composite container of these may also be used.

[0261] As described above, according to this embodiment, among the ingredients of the contents, those that undergo thermal decomposition when heated, metal corrosion when heated, or precipitation that deteriorates the function of detection devices, etc., are treated as target ingredients and are distinguished from other ingredients and sterilized without heating. This prevents the target ingredients from thermal decomposition, deterioration, or loss, and also prevents metal corrosion or precipitation due to heating within the content filling system 10. This prevents the supply of more target ingredients than necessary, reduces material deterioration of the target ingredients, and extends the repair or replacement interval of the content filling system 10. Furthermore, functional deterioration of the content filling system 10 can be prevented.

[0262] Furthermore, according to this embodiment, the raw material to be mixed, which is made up of water and the target raw material, and the other raw materials as a whole are not subjected to non-heat sterilization, so that it is possible to prevent blockage of the filter of the non-heat sterilization line, which may occur when other raw materials are passed through the non-heat sterilization line.

[0263] 10, the water sterilized without heating by the water sterilization line 50A may be sent to the chambers 70a-70g that house the various devices of the content filling system 10, without being sent to the first mixing tank 55A, the second mixing tank 55B, or the third mixing tank 55C, and these chambers 70a-70g may be washed with the water sterilized without heating by the water sterilization line 50A. Also, the water sterilized without heating by the water sterilization line 50A may be supplied as rinsing water after CIP treatment, SIP treatment, or CSIP treatment, which simultaneously performs CIP and SIP, to other raw material sterilization lines 70, the target raw material sterilization line 50B, the first mixing tank 55A to the third mixing tank 55C, or the first filling device 21A to the third filling device 21C.

[0264] Furthermore, in the second embodiment shown in FIG. 10, a portion of the water (pure water) supplied from the pure water production system 50c and stored in the water tank 50a may be supplied to the target raw material tank 50b, and the target raw material in this target raw material tank 50b may be diluted with water.

[0265] Furthermore, a portion of the water (pure water) stored in the water tank 50a may be supplied to another raw material tank 71, and another raw material in this other raw material tank 71 may be diluted with water.

[0266] In this way, by supplying water from the water tank 50a to the target raw material tank 50b and diluting the target raw material in the target raw material tank 50b with water, the target raw material can be passed smoothly through the target raw material sterilization line 50B.

[0267] Furthermore, by supplying water from the water tank 50a to the other raw material tank 71 and diluting the other raw materials in the other raw material tank 71 with water, the other raw materials can be passed smoothly through the other raw material sterilization line 70.

[0268] Next, an application example of the second embodiment shown in FIG. 10 will be described with reference to FIGS.

[0269] 11 to 17 show an example in which, in the embodiment shown in Fig. 10, water that has been sterilized without heating by water sterilization line 50A is sent to first mixing tank 55A, and then sent from first mixing tank 55A to first filling device 21A without being mixed with the target ingredient or other ingredients, and first filling device 21A fills bottles 100 with water. Similarly, target ingredients that have been sterilized without heating by target ingredient sterilization line 50B are sent to second mixing tank 55B, and then sent from second mixing tank 55B to second filling device 21B without being mixed with other ingredients or water, and second filling device 21B fills bottles 100 with the target ingredient.

[0270] In the application examples shown in Figures 12 to 17, only the other raw materials that have been heat-sterilized in the other raw material sterilization line 70 are sent to the third mixing tank 55C, and without being mixed with the target raw material or water, they are sent from the third mixing tank 55C to the third filling device 21C, and the other raw materials are filled into the bottles 100 by the third filling device 21C.

[0271] 11, first filling device 21A is disposed in sterile chamber 70f. Water is delivered to first filling device 21A from first mixing tank 55A. A sterile chamber 70h is provided downstream of sterile chamber 70f in the conveying direction of bottles 100 via conveying wheel 12, and a second filling device 21B is disposed in this sterile chamber 70h. The target raw material is delivered to second filling device 21B from second mixing tank 55B.

[0272] Furthermore, a sterile chamber 70j is provided downstream of the sterile chamber 70h in the conveying direction of the bottles 100, and this sterile chamber 70j is provided with the capping device 16. Also, an outlet chamber 70g is provided downstream of the sterile chamber 70j. Both the first filling device 21A and the second filling device 21B are formed by rotary fillers having a plurality of rotatable filling nozzles 21a.

[0273] 11, bottles 100 that have been sterilized in advance upstream are transported to a first filling device 21A in an aseptic chamber 70f via a transport wheel 12. In the first filling device 21A, water sent from a first mixing tank 55A is filled into the empty bottles 100. In this first filling device 21A, the water is filled into the bottles 100 while the multiple bottles 100 are rotated and transported.

[0274] The bottles 100 are then transported via the transport wheel 12 to the second filling device 21B in the aseptic chamber 70h.

[0275] In the second filling device 21B, the target ingredient sent from the second mixing tank 55B is filled into the bottles 100 that have been filled with water in advance by the first filling device 21A. In this second filling device 21B, the target ingredient is filled into the bottles 100 while the plurality of bottles 100 are rotated and transported.

[0276] The bottles 100 are then transported via the transport wheel 12 to the capping device 16 within the aseptic chamber 70j.

[0277] The capping device 16 is a device that seals the bottles 100 by attaching caps 88 to the bottles 100. In the capping device 16, the bottles 100 filled with water and target ingredients (contents) are closed with the caps 88, sealing the bottles 100 to prevent outside air and microorganisms from entering. In the capping device 16, the caps 88 are attached to the mouths of multiple bottles 100 filled with contents while they are rotated (revolved). In this way, the caps 88 are attached to the bottles 100, resulting in product bottles 101 (see FIG. 1B).

[0278] The caps 88 are sterilized in advance by the cap sterilizer 18. The cap sterilizer 18 is disposed, for example, outside the aseptic chamber 70j and near the cap fitting device 16. In the cap sterilizer 18, a large number of caps 88 brought in from outside the content filling system 10 are collected in advance and transported in a line toward the cap fitting device 16. On the way to the cap fitting device 16, hydrogen peroxide gas or mist is sprayed onto the inner and outer surfaces of the caps 88, and then the caps are dried and sterilized with hot air (see FIG. 1B).

[0279] The product bottle carrying section 25 continuously carries out the product bottles 101 to which the caps 88 have been attached by the capping device 16 toward the outside of the content filling system 10.

[0280] 12, first filling device 21A is disposed in sterile chamber 70f. Water is delivered to first filling device 21A from first mixing tank 55A. A sterile chamber 70h is provided downstream of sterile chamber 70f in the conveying direction of bottles 100 via conveying wheel 12, and a second filling device 21B is disposed in this sterile chamber 70h. The target raw material is delivered to second filling device 21B from second mixing tank 55B.

[0281] Furthermore, sterile chamber 70i is provided adjacent to sterile chamber 70h, and third filling device 21C is disposed within sterile chamber 70i. Other raw materials are delivered to third filling device 21C from third mixing tank 55C. Sterile chamber 70i is disposed downstream of sterile chamber 70f in the transport direction of bottles 100. This means that sterile chambers 70h and 70i are disposed in parallel downstream of sterile chamber 70f in the transport direction of bottles 100.

[0282] Furthermore, a sterile chamber 70j is provided downstream of the sterile chambers 70h and 70i in the conveying direction of the bottles 100, and this sterile chamber 70j is provided with a capping device 16. Furthermore, an outlet chamber 70g is provided downstream of the sterile chamber 70j.

[0283] The first filling device 21A, the second filling device 21B, and the third filling device 21C are all formed of rotary fillers having a plurality of rotatable filling nozzles 21a. In FIG. 12, bottles 100 that have been sterilized in advance on the upstream side are transported via the transport wheel 12 to the first filling device 21A in the aseptic chamber 70f.

[0284] In the first filling device 21A, water sent from the first mixing tank 55A is filled into the empty bottles 100. In this first filling device 21A, the water is filled into the inside of the bottles 100 while the plurality of bottles 100 are rotated and transported.

[0285] Next, the bottles 100 in the sterile chamber 70f are transported to the second filling device 21B in the sterile chamber 70h via the transport wheel 12. In the second filling device 21B, the target raw material sent from the second mixing tank 55B is filled into the bottles 100 that have been previously filled with water by the first filling device 21A. In this second filling device 21B, the target raw material is filled into the bottles 100 while the multiple bottles 100 are rotated and transported.

[0286] On the other hand, the bottles 100 in the sterile chamber 70f may be transported to the third filling device 21C in the sterile chamber 70i via the transport wheel 12. In this case, the bottles 100 in the sterile chamber 70f are not sent to the second filling device 21B in the sterile chamber 70h. When the bottles 100 are transported to the third filling device 21C, the other ingredients sent from the third mixing tank 55C are filled into the bottles 100 that have already been filled with water by the first filling device 21A. In this third filling device 21C, the other ingredients are filled into the bottles 100 while the multiple bottles 100 are being rotated and transported.

[0287] Thereafter, the bottles 100 in the aseptic chamber 70h and the bottles 100 in the aseptic chamber 70i are both transported via the conveyor wheel 12 to the capping device 16 in the aseptic chamber 70j. The capping device 16 is a device that seals the bottles 100 by attaching caps 88 to the bottles 100. In the capping device 16, the bottles 100 filled with water, the target raw material, or other raw materials (contents) are closed with the caps 88, sealing the bottles 100 to prevent the intrusion of outside air and microorganisms. In the capping device 16, the multiple bottles 100 filled with the contents are rotated (revolved) while the caps 88 are attached to the mouths of the bottles. In this manner, the caps 88 are attached to the bottles 100, resulting in product bottles 101 (see FIG. 1B).

[0288] The caps 88 are sterilized in advance by the cap sterilizer 18. The cap sterilizer 18 is disposed, for example, outside the aseptic chamber 70j and near the cap fitting device 16. In the cap sterilizer 18, a large number of caps 88 brought in from outside the content filling system 10 are collected in advance and transported in a line toward the cap fitting device 16. On the way to the cap fitting device 16, hydrogen peroxide gas or mist is sprayed onto the inner and outer surfaces of the caps 88, and then the caps are dried and sterilized with hot air (see FIG. 1B).

[0289] The product bottle carrying section 25 continuously carries out the product bottles 101 to which the caps 88 have been attached by the capping device 16 toward the outside of the content filling system 10. 13, first filling device 21A is disposed in sterile chamber 70f. Water is delivered to first filling device 21A from first mixing tank 55A. A sterile chamber 70h is provided downstream of sterile chamber 70f in the conveyance direction of bottles 100, and a second filling device 21B is disposed in this sterile chamber 70h. The target raw material is delivered to second filling device 21B from second mixing tank 55B.

[0290] Furthermore, sterile chamber 70i is provided downstream of sterile chamber 70h in the direction of bottle 100 transport, and third filling device 21C is disposed within sterile chamber 70i. Other raw materials are delivered to third filling device 21C from third mixing tank 55C. Further, sterile chamber 70j is provided downstream of sterile chamber 70i in the direction of bottle 100 transport, and capping device 16 is disposed within sterile chamber 70j.

[0291] 13, sterile chambers 70f, 70h, 70i, and 70j are arranged side by side on the outer periphery of circular conveyor 110, which rotates and conveys bottles 100. Also, sterile chamber 70k, which houses conveyor wheel 12, is arranged upstream of sterile chamber 70f on the outer periphery of circular conveyor 110. Furthermore, outlet chamber 70g is provided downstream of sterile chamber 70j in the conveying direction of bottles 100.

[0292] The first filling device 21A, the second filling device 21B, and the third filling device 21C are all formed of rotary fillers having a plurality of rotatable filling nozzles 21a. In Figure 13, a bottle 100 that has been sterilized in advance upstream is transported to the sterile chamber 70f via a conveying wheel 12 and a circular conveying body 110 arranged in the sterile chamber 70k, and then further transported to the first filling device 21A via the conveying wheel 12 within the sterile chamber 70f.

[0293] In the first filling device 21A, water sent from the first mixing tank 55A is filled into the empty bottles 100. In this first filling device 21A, the water is filled into the inside of the bottles 100 while the plurality of bottles 100 are rotated and transported.

[0294] Next, the bottles 100 in the sterile chamber 70f are transported to the second filling device 21B via the transport wheel 12 and circular transport body 110 in the sterile chamber 70f, and the transport wheel 12 in the sterile chamber 70h. In the second filling device 21B, the target ingredient sent from the second mixing tank 55B is filled into the bottles 100 that have been previously filled with water by the first filling device 21A. In this second filling device 21B, the target ingredient is filled into the bottles 100 while the multiple bottles 100 are rotated and transported.

[0295] The bottles 100 in the sterile chamber 70h are then transported to the third filling device 21C via the transport wheel 12 in the sterile chamber 70h, the circular transport body 110, and the transport wheel 12 in the sterile chamber 70i. Once the bottles 100 have been transported to the third filling device 21C, the bottles 100, which have already been filled with water and the target ingredient, are filled with the other ingredient sent from the third mixing tank 55C in the third filling device 21C. In this third filling device 21C, the bottles 100 are filled with the other ingredient while the multiple bottles 100 are being rotated and transported.

[0296] The bottles 100 in the aseptic chamber 70i are then transported to the capping device 16 via the conveyor wheel 12 and circular conveyor 110 in the aseptic chamber 70i, and the conveyor wheel 12 in the aseptic chamber 70j. The capping device 16 is a device that seals the bottles 100 by attaching caps 88 to the bottles 100. In the capping device 16, the bottles 100 filled with water, the target raw material, and other raw materials (contents) are closed with the caps 88, sealing the bottles 100 to prevent the intrusion of outside air and microorganisms. In the capping device 16, the multiple bottles 100 filled with the contents are rotated (revolved) and the caps 88 are attached to the mouths of the bottles 100. In this manner, the caps 88 are attached to the bottles 100, resulting in product bottles 101 (see FIG. 1B).

[0297] The caps 88 are sterilized in advance by the cap sterilizer 18. The cap sterilizer 18 is disposed, for example, outside the aseptic chamber 70j and near the cap fitting device 16. In the cap sterilizer 18, a large number of caps 88 brought in from outside the content filling system 10 are collected in advance and transported in a line along the cap conveying path 18A toward the cap fitting device 16. As the caps 88 travel along the cap conveying path 18A toward the cap fitting device 16, hydrogen peroxide gas or mist is sprayed onto the inner and outer surfaces of the caps 88, and the caps are then dried and sterilized with hot air.

[0298] The product bottle carrying section 25 continuously carries out the product bottles 101 to which the caps 88 have been attached by the capping device 16 toward the outside of the content filling system 10.

[0299] 14, first filling device 21A is disposed in sterile chamber 70f. Water is delivered to first filling device 21A from first mixing tank 55A. A sterile chamber 70h is provided downstream of sterile chamber 70f in the conveyance direction of bottles 100, and a second filling device 21B is disposed in this sterile chamber 70h. The target raw material is delivered to second filling device 21B from second mixing tank 55B.

[0300] Furthermore, sterile chamber 70i is provided adjacent to sterile chamber 70h, and third filling device 21C is disposed within sterile chamber 70i. Other raw materials are delivered to third filling device 21C from third mixing tank 55C. In Figure 14, sterile chambers 70h and 70i are disposed in parallel downstream of sterile chamber 70f in the direction of bottle 100 transport.

[0301] Furthermore, a sterile chamber 70j is provided downstream of the sterile chambers 70h and 70i in the direction of conveyance of the bottles 100, and this sterile chamber 70j is provided with a capping device 16. Furthermore, an outlet chamber 70g is provided downstream of the sterile chamber 70j in the direction of conveyance of the bottles 100.

[0302] First filling device 21A, second filling device 21B, and third filling device 21C are all rotary fillers with multiple rotatable filling nozzles 21a. Of sterile chamber 70h housing second filling device 21B, a region on the side of sterile chamber 70i housing third filling device 21C is partitioned to form sterile chamber 70l, and conveying wheel 12 is disposed within this sterile chamber 70l.

[0303] 14, bottles 100 that have been sterilized in advance upstream are transported to a first filling device 21A in an aseptic chamber 70f via a transport wheel 12. In the first filling device 21A, water sent from a first mixing tank 55A is filled into the empty bottles 100. In this first filling device 21A, the water is filled into the bottles 100 while the multiple bottles 100 are rotated and transported.

[0304] Next, the bottles 100 in the sterile chamber 70f are transported to the second filling device 21B in the sterile chamber 70h via the transport wheel 12. In the second filling device 21B, the target raw material sent from the second mixing tank 55B is filled into the bottles 100 that have been previously filled with water by the first filling device 21A. In this second filling device 21B, the target raw material is filled into the bottles 100 while the multiple bottles 100 are rotated and transported.

[0305] On the other hand, the bottle 100 in the sterile chamber 70f may be transported to the third filling device 21C in the sterile chamber 70i via the transport wheel 12 in the sterile chamber 70h and the transport wheel 12 in the sterile chamber 70i. In this case, the bottle in the sterile chamber 70f is not sent to the second filling device 21B side in the sterile chamber 70h.

[0306] When the bottles 100 are transported to the third filling device 21C, the other ingredients sent from the third mixing tank 55C are filled into the bottles 100 that have already been filled with water by the first filling device 21A. In this third filling device 21C, the other ingredients are filled into the bottles 100 while the multiple bottles 100 are being rotated and transported.

[0307] The bottles 100 in the aseptic chambers 70h and 70i are then transported via the conveyor wheels 12 in the aseptic chambers 70h and 70i, respectively, to the capping device 16 via the conveyor wheels 12 in the aseptic chambers 70h and 70i, and then to the capping device 16 via the conveyor wheels 12 in the aseptic chambers 70j. The capping device 16 seals the bottles 100 by attaching caps 88 to the bottles 100. In the capping device 16, the bottles 100 filled with water, the target raw material, or other raw materials (contents) are closed with the caps 88, sealing the bottles 100 to prevent the intrusion of outside air and microorganisms. In the capping device 16, the bottles 100 filled with the contents are rotated (revolved) and the caps 88 are attached to the mouths of the bottles. In this manner, the caps 88 are attached to the bottles 100, resulting in the product bottles 101 (see FIG. 1B).

[0308] The caps 88 are sterilized in advance by the cap sterilizer 18. The cap sterilizer 18 is disposed, for example, outside the aseptic chamber 70j and near the cap fitting device 16. In the cap sterilizer 18, a large number of caps 88 brought in from outside the content filling system 10 are collected in advance and transported in a line along the cap conveying path 18A toward the cap fitting device 16. As the caps 88 travel along the cap conveying path 18A toward the cap fitting device 16, hydrogen peroxide gas or mist is sprayed onto the inner and outer surfaces of the caps 88, and the caps are then dried and sterilized with hot air.

[0309] The product bottle carrying section 25 continuously carries out the product bottles 101 to which the caps 88 have been attached by the capping device 16 toward the outside of the content filling system 10.

[0310] 14, the bottles 100 filled with water by the first filling device 21A in the sterile chamber 70f may be sent directly to the sterile chamber 70j via the conveyor wheel 12 in the sterile chamber 70l, without being sent to the second filling device 21B in the sterile chamber 70h or the third filling device 21C in the sterile chamber 70i. In this case, the caps 88 are attached to the bottles 100 filled with only water, and the finished bottles 101 are obtained.

[0311] 15, first filling device 21A is disposed in sterile chamber 70f. Water is delivered to first filling device 21A from first mixing tank 55A. A sterile chamber 70i is provided downstream of sterile chamber 70f in the conveying direction of bottles 100 via conveying wheel 12, and a third filling device 21C is disposed in this sterile chamber 70i. Other raw materials are delivered to third filling device 21C from third mixing tank 55C.

[0312] Furthermore, sterile chamber 70h is provided adjacent to sterile chamber 70f and sterile chamber 70i, and second filling device 21B is disposed within sterile chamber 70h. The target raw material is delivered to second filling device 21B from second mixing tank 55B. In FIG. 15, sterile chambers 70h and 70i are disposed in parallel downstream of sterile chamber 70f in the direction of bottle 100 transport. Furthermore, sterile chamber 70j is provided downstream of sterile chambers 70h and 70i in the direction of bottle 100 transport, and capping device 16 is disposed within sterile chamber 70j. Furthermore, outlet chamber 70g is provided downstream of sterile chamber 70j in the direction of bottle 100 transport.

[0313] First filling device 21A, second filling device 21B, and third filling device 21C are all rotary fillers with multiple rotatable filling nozzles 21a. Of aseptic chamber 70i housing third filling device 21C, the area on the side of aseptic chamber 70h housing second filling device 21B is partitioned to form aseptic chamber 70l, and conveying wheel 12 is disposed within aseptic chamber 70l.

[0314] 15, bottles 100 that have been sterilized in advance upstream are transported to a first filling device 21A in an aseptic chamber 70f via a transport wheel 12. In the first filling device 21A, water sent from a first mixing tank 55A is filled into the empty bottles 100. In this first filling device 21A, the water is filled into the bottles 100 while the multiple bottles 100 are rotated and transported.

[0315] Next, the bottles 100 in the sterile chamber 70f are transported to the second filling device 21B via the transport wheel 12 in the sterile chamber 70f and the transport wheel 12 in the sterile chamber 70h. In the second filling device 21B, the target raw material sent from the second mixing tank 55B is filled into the bottles 100 that have been previously filled with water by the first filling device 21A. In this second filling device 21B, the target raw material is filled into the bottles 100 while the multiple bottles 100 are rotated and transported.

[0316] On the other hand, the bottle 100 in the sterile chamber 70f may be transported to the third filling device 21C in the sterile chamber 70i via the transport wheel 12 in the sterile chamber 70f and the transport wheel 12 in the sterile chamber 70l.

[0317] When the bottles 100 are transported to the third filling device 21C, the other ingredients sent from the third mixing tank 55C are filled into the bottles 100 that have already been filled with water by the first filling device 21A. In this third filling device 21C, the other ingredients are filled into the bottles 100 while the multiple bottles 100 are being rotated and transported.

[0318] Thereafter, the bottles 100 in the aseptic chambers 70h and 70i are both transported via the conveyor wheel 12 in the aseptic chamber 70l and the conveyor wheel 12 in the aseptic chamber 70j to the capping device 16. The capping device 16 seals the bottles 100 by attaching caps 88 to the bottles 100. In the capping device 16, the bottles 100 filled with water, the target raw material, or other raw materials (contents) are closed with the caps 88, sealing the bottles 100 to prevent the intrusion of outside air and microorganisms. In the capping device 16, the multiple bottles 100 filled with the contents are rotated (revolved) and the caps 88 are attached to the mouths of the bottles. In this manner, the caps 88 are attached to the bottles 100, resulting in the product bottles 101 (see FIG. 1B).

[0319] The caps 88 are sterilized in advance by the cap sterilizer 18. The cap sterilizer 18 is disposed, for example, outside the aseptic chamber 70j and near the cap fitting device 16. In the cap sterilizer 18, a large number of caps 88 brought in from outside the content filling system 10 are collected in advance and transported in a line along the cap conveying path 18A toward the cap fitting device 16. As the caps 88 travel along the cap conveying path 18A toward the cap fitting device 16, hydrogen peroxide gas or mist is sprayed onto the inner and outer surfaces of the caps 88, and the caps are then dried and sterilized with hot air.

[0320] The product bottle carrying section 25 continuously carries out the product bottles 101 to which the caps 88 have been attached by the capping device 16 toward the outside of the content filling system 10.

[0321] 16, first filling device 21A is disposed in sterile chamber 70f. Water is delivered to first filling device 21A from first mixing tank 55A. A sterile chamber 70h is provided downstream of sterile chamber 70f in the conveyance direction of bottles 100, and a second filling device 21B is disposed in this sterile chamber 70h. The target raw material is delivered to second filling device 21B from second mixing tank 55B.

[0322] Furthermore, sterile chamber 70i is provided downstream of sterile chamber 70h in the direction of transport of bottles 100, and third filling device 21C is disposed within sterile chamber 70i. Other raw materials are delivered to third filling device 21C from third mixing tank 55C. Furthermore, sterile chamber 70j is provided downstream of sterile chamber 70i in the direction of transport of bottles 100, and capping device 16 is disposed within sterile chamber 70j. Furthermore, outlet chamber 70g is provided downstream of sterile chamber 70j in the direction of transport of bottles 100.

[0323] The first filling device 21A, the second filling device 21B, and the third filling device 21C are all rotary fillers having a plurality of rotatable filling nozzles 21a. Also, a sterile chamber 70m is provided adjacent to the sterile chambers 70f, 70h, and 70i, and a conveying wheel 12 is disposed within this sterile chamber 70m.

[0324] 16, bottles 100 that have been sterilized in advance upstream are transported to a first filling device 21A in an aseptic chamber 70f via a transport wheel 12. In the first filling device 21A, water sent from a first mixing tank 55A is filled into the empty bottles 100. In this first filling device 21A, the water is filled into the bottles 100 while the multiple bottles 100 are rotated and transported.

[0325] Next, the bottles 100 in the sterile chamber 70f are sent to the sterile chamber 70h via the conveying wheel 12 in the sterile chamber 70f and the conveying wheel 12 in the sterile chamber 70m, and are then conveyed to the second filling device 21B via the conveying wheel 12 in the sterile chamber 70h. In the second filling device 21B, the target raw material sent from the second mixing tank 55B is filled into the bottles 100 that have been filled with water in advance by the first filling device 21A. In this second filling device 21B, the target raw material is filled into the bottles 100 while the multiple bottles 100 are rotated and conveyed.

[0326] Next, the bottles 100 in the sterile chamber 70h are transported into the sterile chamber 70i via the transport wheels 12 in the sterile chamber 70h and 70m, and then transported to the third filling device 21C. Once the bottles 100 have been transported to the third filling device 21C, the other ingredients sent from the third mixing tank 55C are filled into the bottles 100 that have already been filled with water and the target ingredients. In the third filling device 21C, the other ingredients are filled into the bottles 100 while the multiple bottles 100 are being rotated and transported.

[0327] The bottles 100 in the aseptic chamber 70i are then transported to the capping device 16 in the aseptic chamber 70j via the conveyor wheel 12 in the aseptic chamber 70i and the conveyor wheel 12 in the aseptic chamber 70m. The capping device 16 is a device that seals the bottles 100 by attaching caps 88 to the bottles 100. In the capping device 16, the bottles 100 filled with water, the target raw material, and other raw materials (contents) are closed with the caps 88, sealing the bottles 100 to prevent the intrusion of outside air and microorganisms. In the capping device 16, the multiple bottles 100 filled with the contents are rotated (revolved) and the caps 88 are attached to the mouths of the bottles 100. In this manner, the caps 88 are attached to the bottles 100, resulting in product bottles 101 (see FIG. 1B).

[0328] The caps 88 are sterilized in advance by the cap sterilizer 18. The cap sterilizer 18 is disposed, for example, outside the aseptic chamber 70j and near the cap fitting device 16. In the cap sterilizer 18, a large number of caps 88 brought in from outside the content filling system 10 are collected in advance and transported in a line along the cap conveying path 18A toward the cap fitting device 16. As the caps 88 travel along the cap conveying path 18A toward the cap fitting device 16, hydrogen peroxide gas or mist is sprayed onto the inner and outer surfaces of the caps 88, and the caps are then dried and sterilized with hot air.

[0329] The product bottle carrying section 25 continuously carries out the product bottles 101 to which the caps 88 have been attached by the capping device 16 toward the outside of the content filling system 10.

[0330] 17, first filling device 21A is placed in sterile chamber 70f. Water is delivered to first filling device 21A from first mixing tank 55A. A small sterile chamber 70h is provided downstream of sterile chamber 70f in the conveyance direction of bottles 100, and second filling device 21B is placed in this sterile chamber 70h. The target raw material is delivered to second filling device 21B from second mixing tank 55B.

[0331] Furthermore, a sterile chamber 70n that houses a conveying wheel 12 is provided downstream of sterile chamber 70h in the conveying direction of the bottles 100. A small sterile chamber 70i is provided downstream of sterile chamber 70n in the conveying direction of the bottles 100, and a third filling device 21C is disposed within this sterile chamber 70i. Other raw materials are delivered to this third filling device 21C from a third mixing tank 55C. Further, a sterile chamber 70j is provided downstream of sterile chamber 70i in the conveying direction of the bottles 100, and a capping device 16 is disposed within this sterile chamber 70j. Further, an outlet chamber 70g is provided downstream of sterile chamber 70j in the conveying direction of the bottles 100.

[0332] The first filling device 21A is a rotary filler having multiple rotatable filling nozzles 21a. The second filling device 21B and the third filling device 21C are filling devices for filling small amounts of contents, and include fixed-amount filling nozzles 21b and 21c that are fixed onto the mouths of bottles 100.

[0333] When bottle 100 reaches filling nozzle 21b, bottle 100 is detected by near-infrared light, and the contents are intermittently filled into each bottle 100 from filling nozzle 21b only while the mouth of bottle 100 passes under filling nozzle 21b. Second filling device 21B and third filling device 21C may have filling nozzles 21b and 21c that fill continuously rather than intermittently. Filling nozzle 21a and filling nozzle 21b may be installed upstream of filling nozzle 21a, which is a rotary filler, or one or more nozzles may be installed upstream and downstream. Second filling device 21B and third filling device 21C may fill the same liquid.

[0334] 17, bottles 100 that have been sterilized in advance upstream are transported to first filling device 21A in aseptic chamber 70f via transport wheel 12. In first filling device 21A, water sent from first mixing tank 55A is filled into empty bottles 100. In first filling device 21A, multiple bottles 100 are rotated and transported while water is filled into the bottles 100.

[0335] Next, the bottles 100 in the sterile chamber 70f are transported to the second filling device 21B in the sterile chamber 70h via the transport wheel 12. In the second filling device 21B, the target raw material sent from the second mixing tank 55B is filled into the bottles 100, which have already been filled with water by the first filling device 21A. In this second filling device 21B, the target raw material is intermittently filled into the bottles 100.

[0336] Next, the bottles 100 in the sterile chamber 70h are transported to the third filling device 21C in the sterile chamber 70i via the transport wheel 12 in the sterile chamber 70n. Once the bottles 100 have been transported to the third filling device 21C, the other ingredients sent from the third mixing tank 55C are filled into the bottles 100, which have already been filled with water and the target ingredients. In this third filling device 21C, the other ingredients are intermittently filled into the bottles 100. Thereafter, the bottles 100 in the sterilization chamber 70i are transferred into the sterilization chamber 70j and then transferred via the conveyor wheel 12 to the capping device 16.

[0337] The capping device 16 is a device that seals the bottles 100 by attaching caps 88 to the bottles 100. In the capping device 16, the bottles 100 filled with water, the target raw material, and other raw materials (contents) are closed with the caps 88, sealing the bottles 100 to prevent outside air and microorganisms from entering. In the capping device 16, the caps 88 are attached to the mouths of multiple bottles 100 filled with the contents while they are rotated (revolved). In this way, by attaching the caps 88 to the bottles 100, product bottles 101 are obtained (see FIG. 1B).

[0338] The caps 88 are sterilized in advance by the cap sterilizer 18. The cap sterilizer 18 is disposed, for example, outside the aseptic chamber 70j and near the cap fitting device 16. In the cap sterilizer 18, a large number of caps 88 brought in from outside the content filling system 10 are collected in advance and transported in a line toward the cap fitting device 16. On the way to the cap fitting device 16, hydrogen peroxide gas or mist is sprayed onto the inner and outer surfaces of the caps 88, and then the caps are dried and sterilized with hot air (see FIG. 1B).

[0339] The product bottle carrying section 25 continuously carries out the product bottles 101 to which the caps 88 have been attached by the capping device 16 toward the outside of the content filling system 10.

[0340] 11 to 17, the first mixing tank 55A contains water, and the second mixing tank 55B and the third mixing tank 55C contain the target raw material or other raw materials, but this is not limited to this. The order may be changed appropriately, taking into consideration the ease of mixing of the contents, overflow of the liquid, etc.

[0341] 1A to 9B and the second embodiment shown in FIG. 10, examples have been shown in which the other raw materials in the other raw material tank 71 are heat-sterilized using the other raw material sterilization line 70. However, this is not limiting and the other raw materials stored in the other raw material tank 71 may be sterilized in advance by a desired method. In this case, it is not necessary to heat-sterilize the other raw materials stored in the other raw material tank 71 again using the other raw material sterilization line 70. Alternatively, the sterilized other raw materials may be aseptically connected to 75 in FIG. 1B using a bag-in-box, sterile container, sterile tank, etc., and aseptically supplied to the product liquid line.

[0342] (Other variations) In the above-described embodiment, an example has been described in which the circulation system (second circulation system) 95A is configured with the pre-stage sterilizer 62A, the third bypass line 95a, the first sterilizer 62, the second sterilizer 64, and the circulation line 95 (see FIG. 2A3, etc.). In this case, the bacteria trapped on the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be periodically sterilized by circulating water through the circulation system 95A while the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., is turned on. The bacteria trapped on the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be sterilized, for example, while production of the product bottles 101 is stopped. In this case, for example, as shown in FIG. 18A, one end of the circulation line 95 may be connected between the second sterilizer 64 and the first sterilizing filter 63, and the other end of the circulation line 95 may be connected to the mixing tank 51. The pressure difference between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be changed by changing the frequency of the pump P1. The bacteria trapped on the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be actively pushed downstream of the foreign matter removal filter 61 by changing the pressure difference (differential pressure) between the pressure on the upstream side and the pressure on the downstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61. Specifically, when bacteria are killed by circulating water in the circulation system 95A, the pressure on the upstream side of the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be set to be 0.05 MPa or more higher, preferably 0.1 MPa or more higher, than the pressure used during the manufacture of the product bottle 101. Furthermore, as shown in FIG. 18B , if there are no structural issues with the filter, the bacteria trapped on the foreign matter removal filter 61 may be circulated in the circulation system 95A by causing the contents to flow backward. Note that, in this case, the difference between the pressure on the primary side and the pressure on the secondary side of the foreign matter removal filter 61 must not exceed the maximum allowable pressure for both the positive pressure and the reverse pressure of the foreign matter removal filter 61. In this way, by periodically sterilizing the bacteria captured by the foreign matter removal filter 61, the sterility of the contents sterilized by the mixing target raw material sterilization line 50 can be guaranteed even if the contents are sterilized continuously for a long period of time by the mixing target raw material sterilization line 50.

[0343] (Yet another variation) 18C, the mixing-target raw material sterilization line 50 may have multiple (e.g., two) sterilizers 60. This allows the sterilization of the contents to be ensured by the other sterilizer 60 even if one sterilizer 60 stops or if the amount of ultraviolet light irradiation in one sterilizer 60 decreases. Furthermore, while one sterilizer 60 is being cleaned (CIP) or sterilized (SIP), the other sterilizer 60 can be used to sterilize the contents. This allows for continuous production of product bottles 101. In the example shown in FIG. 18C, the configuration of the sterilizer 60 is the same as the configuration of the sterilizer 60 shown in FIG. 2A1, but this is not limiting. Although not shown, the sterilizer 60 may be, for example, the sterilizer 60 shown in FIGS. 2A2 to 2J. Furthermore, when the mixing-target raw material sterilization line 50 has multiple sterilizers 60, the sterilizers 60 included in the mixing-target raw material sterilization line 50 may be different from each other. As an example, the mixing target raw material sterilization line 50 may include the sterilizer 60 shown in FIG. 2A1 and the sterilizer 60 shown in FIG. 2A3.

[0344] (Yet another variation) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the content filling system 10 has been described as a system for filling the bottle 100 with the content, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, the content filling system 10 may be a filling system (so-called Blow-Fill-Seal (BFS)) that fills the preform 100a with the content to mold the bottle 100 from the preform 100a.

[0345] 18D, the filling device 21 may be incorporated into the bottle molding section 30. Although not shown, for example, when a bottle 100 is molded from a preform 100a by filling the preform 100a with contents, the filling device 21 may be incorporated into the bottle molding section 30.

[0346] 18D, in the preform conveying section 31 of the bottle molding section 30, the preform sterilizer 34a may be provided downstream of the heating section 35. The preform sterilizer 34a may be configured to sterilize the preforms 100a heated by the heating section 35. The preform sterilizer 34a may be disposed in the chamber 70s.

[0347] In this modification, pressurized contents can be filled into the sterilized preforms 100a in the filling device 21. This allows the molding of the bottles 100 and the filling of the contents into the bottles 100 to be carried out simultaneously.

[0348] (Other variations) Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the sterilizer 60 sterilizes contents having an electrical conductivity of 0.1 μS / cm or more and 20 μS / cm or less, but this is not limiting. For example, the contents sterilized by the sterilizer 60 may be water having an electrical conductivity of more than 20 μS / cm. In this case, the water may be tap water or well water.

[0349] In this case, as shown in FIG. 18E, the mixing target raw material sterilization line 50 may be provided upstream of the mixing tank 51 with a pre-stage water tank 50d for storing water (tap water, well water, etc.) and a pre-stage sterilizer 62A having the same configuration as the first sterilizer 62. When the sterilizer 60 sterilizes tap water, etc., inorganic matter (oxides such as calcium) may adhere to the surfaces of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. (for example, surfaces made of quartz glass). If inorganic matter adheres to the surfaces of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc., the ultraviolet radiation intensity of the sterilizer 60 may decrease. Therefore, if the ultraviolet radiation intensity of the sterilizer 60 decreases, it is preferable to remove inorganic matter adhered to the surfaces of the first ultraviolet lamp 67a, etc. by cleaning (CIP) and sterilizing (SIP) the sterilizer 60. In this case, as described with reference to FIG. 18C, the mixing target raw material sterilization line 50 may have multiple (for example, two) sterilizers 60. As a result, while one sterilizer 60 is being cleaned (CIP) or sterilized (SIP), the other sterilizer 60 can be used to sterilize water. This allows the production of product bottles 101 to be carried out continuously.

[0350] In the above embodiment, an example has been described in which bacteria are inactivated or reduced using the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64, but it is also possible to inactivate or reduce not only bacteria but also endotoxins by irradiating the raw materials to be mixed with ultraviolet light of 500 mJ / cm2 or more using the first sterilizer 62 and the second sterilizer 64. In this way, this embodiment can inactivate or reduce not only bacteria but also endotoxins in the raw materials to be mixed, making it possible to provide a content filling system suitable for pharmaceutical production. [Explanation of symbols]

[0351] 10 Content filling system 11 Sterilizer 18 Cap sterilizer 21 Filling equipment 21A 1st filling device 21B 2nd filling device 21C 3rd filling device 21a Filling nozzle 32 Blow molding section 34a Preform sterilizer 50 Mixed raw material sterilization line 50A Water Sterilization Line 50B Target raw material sterilization line 50a water tank 50b Target raw material tank 50c pure water production equipment 51 Mixing Tank 51A Mixed Line 52 Tank 53 Auxiliary Filter 54 Tank 55 Mixing Tank 55A First Mixing Tank 55B Second mixing tank 55C 3rd Mixing Tank 60 Sterilizer 70 Other raw material sterilization line 71 Other raw material tanks 72 Raw material tank 73 Auxiliary Filter 74 Raw material tank 75 Addition Unit 80 Raw material sterilizer 88 Cap 100 bottles 100a preform

Claims

1. a first sterilization line for non-thermal sterilization of a first liquid content containing water; A second sterilization line that sterilizes a second liquid content containing the target raw material without heating; a first filling device connected to the first sterilization line and configured to fill the first content liquid into a bottle being transported; a second filling device connected to the second sterilization line and configured to fill the second content liquid into the transported bottle; a first mixing tank disposed between the first sterilization line and the first filling device; a second mixing tank disposed between the second sterilization line and the second filling device; Equipped with the first sterilization line is connected to the second mixing tank, the first content liquid is mixed with the second content liquid in the second mixing tank, and the mixed liquid is sent to the second filling device; the second sterilization line is connected to the first mixing tank, and the second content liquid is mixed with the first content liquid in the first mixing tank and sent to the first filling device; Content filling system.

2. 2. The content filling system according to claim 1, wherein the first mixing tank is further connected to the second filling device, and the second mixing tank is further connected to the first filling device.

3. a third sterilization line for sterilizing the third content liquid; 2. The content filling system according to claim 1, further comprising a third filling device connected to the third sterilization line and filling the third content liquid into a bottle being transported.

4. 4. The content filling system according to claim 3, wherein the second filling device and the third filling device are arranged in series downstream of the first filling device in the bottle conveying direction.

5. 4. The content filling system according to claim 3, wherein the second filling device and the third filling device are arranged in parallel downstream of the first filling device in the bottle conveying direction.

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